New Jersey 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
The state has licensure laws or regulations allowing telepractice. In order to use telepractice, providers must provide the same quality of care as in-person services and adhere to the following restrictions:
- Prior to providing services through telepractice to a client, determine whether providing those services would be consistent with the standard of care applicable for those services when provided in-person. If services cannot be delivered with the same standard of care applicable to in-person delivery, then the provider must cease telepractice and refer the client to in-person services.
- Prior to initiating services, establish a provider-patient relationship by using proper identification to identify the patient Identify and disclose the providers credentials and certifications.
- Prior to an initial contact with a patient, the provider shall review the patient's history and any available records.
- Prior to initiating contact with a patient, provide the patient the opportunity to sign a consent form that authorizes the provider to release records of the encounter to the patient's primary care provider or other health care provider identified by the patient.
- Adhere to other restrictions detailed in N.J.A.C. 13:44C-11 (see citation below)
Reference: New Jersey Administrative Code 13:44c-11, Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (page 31– Telemedicine) [PDF]
Telehealth Registration
New Jersey requires a telemedicine or telehealth organization to register with the Department of Health prior to providing services in New Jersey. Find out more information about this requirement at Telemedicine and Telehealth Organization Registry.
Telepractice in Education Settings
In August 2019, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) rescinded the guidance on telepractice in the schools, therefore telepractice may not be used as a service delivery model at this time.
Reference: New Jersey Department of Education (2019). Memorandum: Delivery of Related Services to Students with Disabilities Through Telepractice [PDF], June 4, 2019.
Telesupervision State Licensure Board Laws and Regulations
No permanent laws or regulations identified that include audiology or speech-language pathology. However, check with the state or ASHA to learn about emergency or temporary provisions.
Support Personnel
No regulations.
Clinical Fellow
Not permitted.
Requirements for Clinical Internship
f) Clinical internship shall be under the direct supervision of a person licensed to practice audiology or speech-language pathology, as appropriate, by this State or another state which has standards substantially equivalent to those of this State.
Citation: N.J. Admin. Code § 13:44C [PDF]
Student Intern
Not permitted.
Exemptions
5) Students and trainees in audiology or speech-language pathology enrolled in an accredited college or university, provided that their services constitute part of their course of study and on-site supervision by a licensee is provided in the appropriate professional field.
Citation: N.J. Admin. Code § 13:44C [PDF]
Telepractice Reimbursement Laws and Regulations
Telepractice Private Insurance Reimbursement Laws and Regulations
New Jersey mandates coverage of telehealth in state-regulated health plans, and includes audiology and speech-language pathology services. Services must be covered on the same basis as in-person services. Certain coverage limitations apply.
Reference: N.J. Rev. Stat. § 26:2S - 29 (2021)
Telepractice Medicaid Reimbursement Laws and Regulations
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 for audiology and speech-language pathology services.
State Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare programs to provide coverage, payment
1.The State Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs shall provide coverage and payment for health care services delivered to a benefits recipient through telemedicine or telehealth, on the same basis as, and at a provider reimbursement rate that does not exceed the provider reimbursement rate that is applicable, when the services are delivered through in-person contact and consultation in New Jersey. Reimbursement payments under this section may be provided either to the individual practitioner who delivered the reimbursable services, or to the agency, facility, or organization that employs the individual practitioner who delivered the reimbursable services, as appropriate.
b. The State Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs may limit coverage to services that are delivered by participating health care providers, but may not charge any deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for a health care service, delivered through telemedicine or telehealth, in an amount that exceeds the deductible, copayment, or coinsurance amount that is applicable to an in-person consultation.
Citation: N.J. Rev. Stat. § 30:4D–6k (2017)
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.
Resources
For further information on telepractice requirements for audiologists and speech-language pathologists, please visit these websites:
- ASHA Practice Portal: Telepractice
- New Jersey Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Committee
- State Telepractice Requirements and Reimbursement Maps [PDF]
- State Telesupervision Regulations Maps [PDF]
Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Affairs Team.
