Telehealth Registration

The Board has adopted Rules allowing Telehealth Registration instead of licensure, for out-of-state residents, whose out-of-state Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology license does not require supervision, and is an unrestricted and unencumbered license in good standing, and the license is equivalent to the licensure standards in Louisiana.  Telehealth registration is limited to telepractice services only in Louisiana.

Telehealth registrants must apply using the paper application. A completed application includes:

Individuals will not be allowed to practice Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology in Louisiana via telepractice until the registration number is granted.

All telehealth registrants will be queried through the National Practitioner DataBank (NPDB).

 

Continuing Education

Out-of-state audiologists and speech-language pathologists who hold telehealth registration shall complete the continuing education requirements consistent with the license the individual possesses for the state in which the provider is located. Telehealth registrants residing in states which do not require continuing education for audiologists and/or speech-language pathologists shall complete the annual continuing education requirements specified in this Section and may be audited.

Fees

The telehealth registration application fee is $50, which is payable via cashier's check, money, order or credit card.  No personal checks accepted.

Identification Cards

Identification cards will be issued via pdf document only.  Proof of telehealth registration can be obtained by calling the Board office.

Renewals

Renewals will be required annually between April 15 - July 31.  Telehealth registrants will need to complete the printable renewal form and mail in with a copy of current licensure ID card for the home state/state of original reciprocity.

 

Designations

Telehealth registrants must list their field of practice, audiology or speech-language pathology, and indicate "limited to telepractice only". (Rule 105)

 

Telehealth Service Delivery, Methodology, and Standard of Care

Rules and Regulations 135.

A. Telehealth, regardless of where the service is rendered or delivered, constitutes the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology and shall require Louisiana licensure for in-state practitioners and telehealth registration for out-of-state licensed practitioners.

B. A provider of telehealth services shall be competent in both the type of services provided and the methodology and equipment used to provide the services.

C. A provider of telehealth services must use methods for protecting client information that include authentication and encryption technology.

D. The standard of care shall be the same as if the audiology or speech-language pathology services were delivered face-to-face. It is the responsibility of the provider to determine candidacy and to ensure that the client is comfortable with the technology being utilized.

E. The client shall be notified of telehealth services including but not limited to the right to refuse telehealth services, options for service delivery, and instructions on filing and resolving complaints, in all applicable jurisdictions.

 

 

Application for Practice via Telehealth

 

Frequently Asked Questions?

1.  I hold a Louisiana license, am I required to obtain a telehealth registration to be able to provide telehealth services in Louisiana?

No. If you hold a Louisiana license to practice in the field of Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology, you are not required, nor eligible, to obtain telehealth registration in Louisiana.

2.  Who is eligible to obtain telehealth registration in Louisiana?

Out-of-state licensed practitioners whose out-of-state audiology or SLP license is current, unrestricted, and unencumbered license is in good standing to perform audiology or SLP in the state in which the provider is located, and the license is comparable to the license in LA.

 

Rule 135.A. states “telehealth, regardless of where the service is rendered or delivered, constitutes the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology and shall require Louisiana licensure for in-state practitioners and telehealth registration for out-of-state licensed practitioners.”


3.  What do I need to know about providing telehealth services in Louisiana?

Providers of telehealth services must: 

  1. be competent in both the type of services provided and the methodology and equipment used to provide the services. 
  2. use methods for protecting client information that include authentication and encryption technology. 
  3. provide the same standard of care as if the audiology or speech-language pathology services were delivered face-to-face.
  4. determine candidacy to ensure that the client is comfortable with the technology being utilized.
  5. notify clients of telehealth services including but not limited to the right to refuse telehealth services, options for service delivery, and instructions on filing and resolving complaints in all applicable jurisdictions.

 Refer to Rules 111 and 135 of the Board’s Rules and Regulations for specific details.

4.  How do I apply for telehealth registration in Louisiana?

Mail in a notarized Application for Telehealth Registration, registration fee, completed criminal background check from Louisiana State Police Headquarters, along with official verification of licensure and/or registration in each state, including any formal disciplinary action resulting in sanction and/or disciplinary proceedings which are pending.

5.  Will a grace period be issued to provide telehealth services in Louisiana?

No grace period will be issued.  Until an application has been approved by the Board, the Audiology and/or Speech-Language Pathologist shall not engage in delivery of telepractice services to Louisiana residents.

6.  How do I maintain my telehealth registration in Louisiana?

You must maintain an unrestricted, unencumbered current license in another state, whose standards are at least equivalent to those in Louisiana.

Additionally, your telehealth registration must be renewed annually by June 30th.

7.  What are the continuing education requirements for telehealth registration in Louisiana?

You must complete the continuing education requirements consistent with the license you possess for the state in which you are located.  Telehealth registrants residing in states which do not require continuing education for Audiologists and/or Speech-Language Pathologists shall complete the annual continuing education requirements specified in Rule 127.