SB 177 — AN ACT relating to speech-language pathologists.

UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BRSB 939177/GA AN ACT relating to speech-language pathologists.

Page 1 of 7 SB017710.100 - 939 - XXXX 2/10/20263/5/2026 12:353:00 PM JacketedGA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BRSB 939177/GA (7) "Practice of audiology" means the application of principles, methods, and procedures of measurement, testing, appraisal, prediction, consultation, counseling, and instruction related to hearing and disorders of hearing for the purpose of modifying communicative disorders involving speech, language, auditory behavior, or other aberrant behavior related to hearing loss;

A speech-language pathologist may describe himself or herself to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the words "speech- language pathologist," "speech-language pathology," "speech-language therapy," Page 2 of 7 SB017710.100 - 939 - XXXX 2/10/20263/5/2026 12:353:00 PM JacketedGA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BRSB 939177/GA "speech-language correction," "speech-language correctionist," "speech-language therapist," "speech clinic," "speech clinician," "speech pathologist," "language pathologist," "language pathology," "language therapist," "logopedics," "logopedist," "communicology," "communicologist," "aphasiologist," "voice therapy," "voice therapist," "voice pathology," "voice pathologist," "phoniatrist," "communication disorders," or "verbal therapist";

(1) (a) A person who has a Master's degree in the area of speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or is currently enrolled in a doctoral degree program with emphasis in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or has substantive equivalent course work as defined by the board's administrative regulations and who has completed supervised direct clinical practicum with individuals presenting a variety of disorders of communication Page 3 of 7 SB017710.100 - 939 - XXXX 2/10/20263/5/2026 12:353:00 PM JacketedGA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BRSB 939177/GA and swallowing, the experience being obtained with a training institution or in one (1) of its cooperating programs, may[shall] apply for an interim license during the time that person is completing postgraduate professional experience deemed necessary by the board.[board[. The postgraduate professional experience shall be completed under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist who holds a Kentucky license or certification by other accrediting bodies, at the discretion of the board.

]The (b)postgraduate Aprofessional personexperience withshall interimbe licensurecompleted shallunder makethe everysupervision effortof toa takespeech-language andpathologist passwho holds a nationalKentucky examinationlicense inor speech-languagecertification pathology approved by theother boardaccrediting bodies, at the timediscretion of the applicationboard]. for licensure.

(b) A person with interim licensure shall make every effort to take and pass a national examination in speech-language pathology approved by the board at the time of the application for licensure.

(2) (a) A person who has a baccalaureate degree in the area of speech-language pathology or communication disorders as defined by administrative regulation shall apply for an interim license as a speech-language pathology assistant during the time that person is completing his or her professional experience as Page 4 of 7 SB017710.100 - 939 - XXXX 2/10/20263/5/2026 12:353:00 PM JacketedGA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BRSB 939177/GA established by the board by administrative regulation.

Page 5 of 7 SB017710.100 - 939 - XXXX 2/10/20263/5/2026 12:353:00 PM JacketedGA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BRSB 939177/GA (2) Show evidence of meeting the following professionally accepted academic and practicum standards:

and (b) Completion of supervised direct clinical practicum with individuals presenting a variety of disorders of communication, the experience being obtained with the training institution or in one (1) of its cooperating programs[;programs;

and (c) CompletionFor applicants seeking to practice in accordance with KRS 334A.188, completion of three (3) months of postgraduate professional experience as deemed necessary by the board];board;

The experience shall be Page 6 of 7 SB017710.100 - 939 - XXXX 3/5/2026 3:00 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 177/GA obtained with a training institution or in one (1) of its cooperating programs.

Page 6 of 7 XXXX 2/10/2026 12:35 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 939 (2) To be eligible for initial licensure by the board as a speech-language pathologist, the applicant shall:

and (b) [Provide documentation of completion of a postgraduate professional experience approved by the board pursuant to administrative regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter;

and (c) ]Pass a national examination approved by the board at the time of the application for licensure or provide documentation of national certification.certification;

Pageand 7(c) If seeking to practice in accordance with KRS 334A.188, provide documentation of 7completion XXXXof 2/10/2026three 12:35(3) PMmonths Jacketedof postgraduate professional experience as set forth in an administrative regulation promulgated by the board in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A.

Page 7 of 7 SB017710.100 - 939 - XXXX 3/5/2026 3:00 PM GA