Protects the clinical autonomy of audiologists in Washington by ensuring telehealth and in-person care standards are modality-agnostic.

The bill aims to safeguard the clinical autonomy of audiologists in Washington by ensuring that regulatory frameworks support their judgment in determining the best care modality for patients. It mandates that standards of care for audiologists, including those for dispensing hearing instruments, remain consistent whether care is provided via telehealth or in-person. The bill emphasizes that regulation should not create different standards for telehealth and in-person services, thereby respecting the clinical decision-making process of licensed practitioners.

Protects the clinical autonomy of audiologists in Washington by ensuring telehealth and in-person care standards are modality-agnostic.

The bill aims to safeguard the clinical autonomy of audiologists in Washington by ensuring that regulatory frameworks support their judgment in determining the best care modality for patients. It mandates that standards of care for audiologists, including those for dispensing hearing instruments, remain consistent whether care is provided via telehealth or in-person. The bill emphasizes that regulation should not create different standards for telehealth and in-person services, thereby respecting the clinical decision-making process of licensed practitioners.