Washington 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

Washington allows telepractice. The provider must hold a state license and adhere to the same requirements as in-person practice.

Reference: Washington Department of Health Office of Health Professions and Facilities The Board of Hearing and Speech (2018). Telepractice Guideline [PDF]

Temporary Practice for Out-of-State Providers

No permanent rules. Check with the state or ASHA to learn about emergency provisions.

Telesupervision State Licensure Board Laws and Regulations

This state has no laws or regulations for telesupervision of support personnel, clinical fellows or student interns. The regulations indicate the possibility for telesupervision. Check with the state or ASHA to learn about emergency or temporary provisions.

Reference: Wash. Admin. Code §246-828-075 (2019)

Support Personnel

Not clearly defined.

Clinical Fellow

Not clearly defined.

Student Intern

Not clearly defined.

Telepractice Reimbursement Laws and Regulations

Telepractice Private Insurance

Washington mandates coverage for telehealth in state-regulated private health plans. However, the law is not clearly defined indicating that any healthcare provider and service may be covered. It is left up to interpretation and/or will be determined by the payers. Clinicians will have to contact payer sources to determine if and how telepractice is covered.

Reference: Wash. Rev. Code § 48.43.735

Telepractice Medicaid

The law includes speech-language pathology services in school-based settings. Check with the state or ASHA to learn about emergency or temporary provisions.

Reference: Wash. Rev. Code § 74.09.325

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 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 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.