Arizona Telepractice Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

The information below is collected from state licensure boards or regulatory agencies responsible for regulating the professions of audiology and/or speech-language pathology. The information is reviewed on an annual basis. Please be advised that laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.

Telepractice State Licensure Board Requirements

Arizona allows telepractice. The provider must hold a state license and adhere to the same requirements as in-person practice. The state also requires the following:

• The treating health care provider shall obtain verbal or written informed consent, including by electronic means, from the patient or the patient's health care decision maker. If the informed consent is obtained verbally, the health care provider shall document the consent on the patient's medical record.
• The provider shall make a good faith effort in determining whether a health care service should be provided through telehealth instead of in person.
• The provider shall make a good faith effort in determining the communication medium of telehealth and, whenever reasonably practicable, the telehealth communication medium that allows the health care provider to most effectively assess, diagnose and treat the patient.

Reference: Section 36-3604, Arizona Revised Statutes as amended by House Bill 2454 (2021)

Practice for Out-of-State Providers

Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) §§ 36-3606 and 36-3608, as added by Laws 2021, Ch. 320, requires the Arizona Department of Health Services (Department) to allow a health care provider who is not licensed in Arizona to provide telehealth services to a client located in Arizona if the health care provider registers with the Department and pays a registration fee. The Department plans to adopt rules to implement Laws 2021, Ch. 320 in Arizona Administrative Code, Title 9, Chapter 16, which contains requirements for individuals in occupations regulated by the Department. The rulemaking is necessary to allow for the expansion of telemedicine in Arizona and provide greater opportunities for accessible medical services while protecting public health. Telehealth expands access to medical services for low-income families and those living in rural areas, protects vulnerable populations, and allows snowbirds visiting our state to receive telemedicine from their home state.

Reference: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 28 A.A.R. 3931 [PDF]

See also: ADHS - Rulemakings in Progress – Out-of-State Telehealth Providers

Telesupervision State Licensure Board Laws and Regulations

Telesupervision is permitted for support personnel (SLPAs).

Support Personnel

Allowed

Clinical Fellow

Allowed

Student Intern

No regulations.

Reference: Section 36-1901, Arizona Revised Statutes (2021)

ASHA Guidance

Telepractice State Licensure

• Obtain a license from the state in which you reside and verify the requirements from the state in which the patient/client resides, which may include in-state licensure. If a state has not established regulations on telepractice, then contact the licensure board for further guidance, and ask for written verification.
• It is the responsibility of the clinician to review the rules and regulations on the state licensure board website in their entirety and regularly for updates or changes.

Telesupervision

If a state has not established regulations on supervision or telesupervision, then contact the licensure board for further guidance and ask for written verification.

Reimbursement for Telepractice Services

• Audiologists and speech-language pathologists should keep in mind that while a state may have passed telepractice reimbursement laws and/or regulations, this does not guarantee that payers will reimburse for these services. Learn more about considerations for audiologists and speech-language pathologists.

Resources

For further information on telepractice requirements for audiologists and speech-language pathologists, please visit these websites:

• ASHA Practice Portal: Telepractice
• Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Special Licensing
• State Telepractice Requirements and Telesupervision Regulations Maps [PDF]

Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Affairs Team.