SB 502 — SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST LICENSURE

Bill Text

• Introduced introduced version Current pdf

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill creates a new license for speech-language pathology assistants and repeals the existing apprentice license.

• 61-14B-2

  A. "apprentice" means a person working toward full licensure in speech-language pathology who meets the requirements for licensure as an apprentice in speech and language pursuant to the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Act; → V. "speech-language pathology assistant" means a person who assists in the practice of speech-language pathology and meets the qualifications set forth in the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Act;

  This change removes the definition of 'apprentice' and introduces a definition for 'speech-language pathology assistant'.

• 61-14B-3.3. [NEW MATERIAL] SCOPE OF PRACTICE--SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT.--

  This establishes a new section detailing the scope of practice for speech-language pathology assistants.

• A speech-language pathology assistant shall not represent the speech-language pathology assistant's self as a speech-language pathologist;

  This prohibits speech-language pathology assistants from misrepresenting their qualifications.

• The appropriate supervisor of a speech-language pathology assistant retains full legal and ethical responsibility for every patient to whom the speech-language pathology assistant provides services.

  This clarifies that the supervisor is legally responsible for the actions of the assistant.

• The appropriate supervisor of a speech-language pathology assistant may delegate to a speech-language pathology assistant certain repetitive, mechanical or routine tasks that fall within the scope of the practice of speech-language pathology.

  This allows supervisors to delegate specific tasks to speech-language pathology assistants.

• (1) providing clerical, administrative, prevention, advocacy and clinically related support to a supervising speech-language pathologist;

  This outlines specific tasks that a speech-language pathology assistant can perform.

• (2) at the discretion of the supervising speech-language pathologist, assisting with or conducting speech, language and hearing screenings without providing clinical interpretation;

  This allows assistants to perform screenings under supervision.

• (3) documenting a patient's performance and reporting the information to the supervising speech-language pathologist;

  This permits assistants to assist in patient documentation.

• (4) assisting a supervising speech-language pathologist in the provision of services to a patient who speaks a language other than English, if the speech-language pathology assistant has demonstrated competency in the language the patient speaks;

  This allows assistants to help non-English speaking patients if qualified.

• (5) programming and providing instruction in the use of augmentative and alternative communication devices;

  This enables assistants to assist with communication devices.

• (6) providing guidance and treatment via telepractice to students who are selected by an appropriate supervisor;

  This allows remote support capabilities for assistants.

• (7) assisting and supporting an appropriate supervisor during feeding and swallowing evaluations and treatments.

  This clarifies that assistants can support their supervisors in specific evaluations.

Action History

1. June 03, 2025

   action postponed indefinitely

2. March 15, 2025

   DO PASS committee report adopted

3. February 20, 2025

   Sent to Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee & Senate Judiciary Committee

Sponsors

• Larry R. Scott · Primary

Subjects