SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2589

As of February 19, 2002

Title:  An act relating to licensure of audiologists and speech‑language pathologists.

Brief Description:  Providing for licensure of audiologists and speech‑language pathologists.

Sponsors:  Representatives Linville, Mulliken, Cody, Skinner, Veloria and Kenney.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care: 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Staff:  Tanya Karwaki (786‑7447)

Background: Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are certified by the Department of Health.  No person may use the titles ?certified speech-language pathologist@ or ?certified audiologist@ without being certified by the department as meeting educational and professional standards and passing an examination.

Speech-language pathology includes treatment of speech and language disorders. Audiology relates to hearing disorders and includes the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments. 

Summary of Bill: This bill requires speech-language pathologists and audiologists to be licensed by the Department of Health in order to practice.  Persons certified as education staff associates by the State Board of Education are exempted  from regulation under this chapter unless they elect to become licensed.  Under grandfather clauses, the board shall grant an audiology license or speech-language pathology license to persons who, on January 1, 2003, are currently certified by the department, and to persons who are not certified as of April 1, 2002, but who are eligible for certification and apply for a license before January 1, 2003.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.