ST. THOMAS – The 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, led by Senator Ray Fonseca, met at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. All items on today’s agenda were approved and will be sent to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration and action.
Lawmakers considered Bill No. 35-0254, An Act amending title 27 Virgin Islands Code by adding a chapter 21A establishing the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. The measure was proposed by Senator Diane T. Capehart.
Rueben Molloy, Assistant Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Health delivered testimony. The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact is a formal agreements among states that facilitates the interstate practice of audiology and speech language pathology. Under this agreement, audiologists and speech-language pathologists who are in good standing will be eligible to practice in other compact member states via a “compact privilege,” which is equivalent to a license. The ASLP-IC is not yet issuing compact privileges to practice. The necessary information is currently being compiled, and it is expected that compact privileges will start to be issued late summer 2025. Thirty-four states have enacted legislation to be a part of the compact. Molloy stated that the purpose of the compact is to facilitate the interstate practice of audiology and speech language pathology with the goal of improving public access to audiology and speech-language services. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborn hearing screenings in the event that a baby may have any type of hearing disorder. If a child fails this test, they would be referred to an audiologist for further testing, which should happen before three months of age. If hearing loss is identified, proper treatments are given and referred for enrollment in early intervention program before six months of age. Currently, the territory has two known audiologists in the St. Thomas district and one in the St. Croix District.
Horace Graham, Assistant Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs delivered testimony on behalf of its Commissioner H. Natalie Hodge. Graham’s testimony stated that the DLCA should retain the authority to issue and regulate business licenses for individuals and entities operating in the US Virgin Islands. Graham stated that the compact does not explicitly wave the requirement for a local business license. The compact would establish uniform standards for licensure, ensuring that all member states adhere to a consistent level of regulation and oversight, streamline the process and reduce the administrative costs associated with obtaining multiple licenses for practitioners in the field. Provisions are also included for disciplinary information, to ensure that practitioners who are subject disciplinary action would not be able to evade consequences by moving to another state or territory. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists who hold compact privileges under the agreement are required to hold a business license. They may register with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and then obtain a business license from DLCA. Currently, audiologists and speech language pathologists are vetted by the Office of Processional Licensure and Health Planning of the Department of Health, as a prerequisite to being issued an Audiologist or Office of Health Practitioner business license. The US Virgin Islands currently does not have an audiology or speech language pathology licensing board. Under the compact, each member state is required to appoint two delegates to the Compact Commission, one audiologist and one speech language pathologist, both selected from the state’s licensing board. Graham however voiced concern with this requirement in the compact, asking how the Virgin Islands would comply without having the existing board. She stated that it would be necessary to establish a dedicated board to ensure full compliance with the compact.
Senators also considered Bill No. 35-0295, An Act amending title 19 Virgin Islands Code, part III, chapter 29 requiring the Virgin Islands Department of Health to establish and administer the “Virgin Islands Prescription Drug Monitoring Program” to provide prescription drug monitoring, and for other related purposes. The measure was proposed by Senator Donna Frett-Gregory.
Troy de Chabert-Shuster, State Director of AARP in the Virgin Islands delivered testimony. Chabert-Shuster stated that the proposed legislation was critical, stating that prescription drug use, particularly involving opioids is a health crisis. According to the Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, more than sixteen million Americans abused prescription drugs, with a large population of that being adults aged fifty and older. It is expected to worsen as the population of older adults is expected to rise by 47% by 2050. Without any intervention, it is expected that the health care system would be strained. Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs from other territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam have resulted in measurable reduction in prescription misuse, better prescribing and preventative programs. Such a program in the Virgin Islands would track prescriptions, connect patients, prescribers and pharmacists, and provide for the collection of critical data. de Chabert-Shuster urged for the passage of the bill, but also championed additional measures, calling for adequate funding, a clear implementation timeline of the measure, a public awareness campaign, and stakeholder collaboration. Reuben Molloy, Assistant Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Health also called for the passage of the measure, stating that it would have benefits in the US Virgin Islands, such as improved patient safety, opioid crisis management, interstate data sharing, and enhanced clinical decision making. Molloy stated the Department of Health supported the proposed measure.
Finally, lawmakers considered Bill No. 35-0408, An Act requiring the Department of Health and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources to develop and administer a Territorial Regulated Medical Waste Management Plan including the requisite regulations. The measure was proposed by Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory.
Testimony was read into the record from the Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Jean-Pierre Oriol. Oriol agreed with the proposed measure, stating that it was necessary to update the Virgin Islands’ solid waste regulations via the necessary sections of Virgin Islands Code to include medical waste. However, he recommended that the management plan be removed, as DPNR does not manage medical waste.
Chair Fonseca voiced concern about the Government’s ability to implement the measures, criticizing the Department of Health for not applying for available funding, Additionally, Fonseca voiced disapproval at the fact that DPNR did not send a representative to speak on behalf of Bill No. 35-0408 in the Commissioner’s absence.
Senators present at today’s Committee hearing included Ray Fonseca, Marvin A. Blyden, Diane T. Capehart, Samuel Carriόn, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, and Marise C. James.
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