As consumers, we like options when buying things. We like choosing between the red and the blue package, the more expensive and the less expensive, the brand that’s on TV and the one that’s new. The same is true for services. Don’t you like being able to choose between multiple doctors or hairdressers based on your needs, schedule, and budget?
New options for Missouri consumers appeared to be under threat based on a bill currently in the Missouri House—but a recent change could fix serious problems with this proposal. House Bill 2138 seeks to establish Missouri as part of the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. Joining the compact would allow for mutual license recognition between Missouri and other states in the compact for audiologists and speech-language pathologists. However, the original language of the bill seemed to allow this compact to nullify licensing reciprocity for this field, which was already established (for all occupational licenses) in 2020.
Licensing reciprocity vastly increased options for consumers by allowing licensed professionals from all other states to operate in Missouri without requiring an extensive relicensing process. If licensing reciprocity for audiologists and speech pathologists were nullified and replaced with an interstate compact, Missouri would only recognize licenses from states within the compact, not all states. This could result in significantly decreased options and higher prices for consumers. If you were looking for a speech-language pathologist to help with your child’s stutter, does it matter if their license originated in Colorado (a compact state) or Texas (a non-compact state)?
Fortunately, a positive change was made to the bill text. There is now language that appears to establish the compact while keeping reciprocity in place. This changes this bill from a step backward for consumers to a step forward for workers. If the legislature passes this bill (and that’s a big if) Missouri consumers will still have access to audiologists and speech-language pathologists in 50 states and Missouri licensees in these fields will now have access to customers in all the states within the compact. Increasing access creates more options for consumers and encourages competition, which lowers prices. Lawmakers made a good change to this bill; hopefully they can follow through and deliver on this legislation.
