SCS/SB 978 - This act modifies provisions relating to audiology and speech-language pathology. In order to be eligible for licensure by the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts by examination under this act, each applicant shall present written evidence of completion of a clinical fellowship. Any person in a clinical fellowship shall hold a provisional license to practice speech-language pathology or audiology and shall be issued a license if the person meets requirements set forth in the act. This act modifies provisions relating to license reciprocity. Currently, those applicants who are licensed in another country or hold a certificate of competence issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association may receive a license without an examination. This act repeals this provision and implements a provision permitting any person who, for at least one year, has held a valid, current license issued by another state, a branch or unit of the military, a U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia, to apply for an equivalent Missouri license through the Board, subject to procedures and limitations as provided in the act. This act also adopts the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. The purpose of the compact is to increase access to audiology and speech-language pathology services by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses. The compact sets forth requirements that must be met in order for a state to join the compact. Each member state shall require an applicant to obtain or retain a license in the home state and meet the home state's qualifications for licensure or renewal of licensure as well as all other applicable state laws. The compact creates a joint public agency known as the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission. The Commission has powers and duties as listed in the compact and shall enforce the provisions and rules of the compact. The Commission shall provide for the development, maintenance, and utilization of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, adverse action, and investigative information on all licensed individuals in member states. The compact shall come into effect on the date on which the compact is enacted into law in the 10th member state. Any member state may withdraw from the compact by enacting a statute repealing the same. The compact shall be binding upon member states and shall supersede any conflict with state law. This act is identical to provisions in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS#2/SS/HB 2149 (2022) and SCS/SB 1153 (2022) and substantially similar to HCS/HB 2138 (2022). SARAH HASKINS