HF1825

This bill, H.F. No. 1825, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, aims to clarify requirements for speech-language pathology assistants, amend licensing fees, and allocate funding for implementation.

Key Provisions:

1. Definition Update:

   • Clarifies the definition of a speech-language pathology assistant as a person meeting specific qualifications and working under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist.

2. Supervision Requirements:

   • Requires supervising speech-language pathologists to take full responsibility for assistants' activities.
     
   • Establishes a minimum of one hour of supervisory consultation every 30 days.
     
   • Requires direct supervision through in-person or real-time interactive communication every 60 days for each client.
     
   • Supervisors must have a clinical competence certification and at least ten hours of supervision-related continuing education.
     
   • Supervisors must document assistants' activities and co-sign treatment notes.
     
   • Limits each full-time speech-language pathologist to supervising no more than two full-time assistants or their part-time equivalents.

3. Licensing Fees:

   • Sets the initial licensure fee for speech-language pathologists at $210.50 and the renewal or temporary license fee at $200.
     
   • Establishes the initial and renewal licensure fee for speech-language pathology assistants at $49.

4. Appropriation:

   • Allocates funds from the state government special revenue fund in fiscal year 2026 to implement the related statutes for speech-language pathologists and assistants.

This bill aims to enhance regulatory oversight, improve training and supervision requirements, and streamline licensing costs for professionals in the speech-language pathology field.