California Senate Bill SB1368

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/26
• Refer: 3/4/26
• Refer: 4/15/26
• Report Pass: 4/20/26
• Refer: 4/20/26
• Report Pass: 5/14/26
• Engrossed: 5/22/26
• Refer: 6/1/26

Caption

An act to amend Sections 2530.2, 2530.3, 2530.5, 2530.6, 2531, 2531.5, 2531.75, 2532, 2532.2, 2532.25, 2532.4, 2532.6, 2532.8, 2533, 2533.1, 2533.4, 2533.6, 2534.2, 2535, 2535.2, 2535.4, 2538.1, 2538.3, 2538.5, 2538.7, 2538.10, 2538.11, 2538.13, 2538.14, 2538.18, 2538.23, 2538.26, 2538.28, 2538.33, 2538.34, 2538.37, 2538.38, 2538.48, 2538.49, 2538.50, 2538.51, 2538.53, 2538.57, 2539.1, 2539.2, 2539.6, 2539.12, and 2539.14 of, to add Sections 2530.8, 2530.9, 2532.9, 2538.8, 2539.15, 2539.16, 2539.17, 2539.18, and 2539.19 to, and to repeal Sections 2531.3, 2531.4, 2532.5, and 2539.8 of, the Business and Professions Code, relating to professions and vocations.

Impact

If enacted, SB1368 would reformulate various provisions in the Business and Professions Code related to speech-language pathology and audiology practice. It would impact the licensing process, requiring potential licensees to take and pass appropriate examinations and maintain ongoing professional development through approved educational entities. This shift may streamline the application process for new practitioners while also tightening oversight on professional standards.

Summary

SB1368 focuses on the regulation and licensing of speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and hearing aid dispensers in the state. It aims to refine the existing framework governing the qualifications, registrations, and practice standards for these professionals, enhancing the requirements for continuing education and supervision of aides working under licensed professionals. Notably, the bill seeks to expand acceptable degrees for licensure and outlines how applicants must pass examinations approved by the relevant board.

Sentiment

The reception of SB1368 appears to be positive among those advocating for higher standards in healthcare-related professions. Proponents argue that the bill will lead to better healthcare services for patients by ensuring that practitioners are properly qualified and educated. However, there may be concerns from some stakeholders about the potential increased burden of compliance and costs associated with new fees for licenses and exams.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding SB1368 involve the balance between protecting the public and imposing potentially excessive regulations on practitioners. Some critics argue that the additional requirements could discourage new professionals from entering the field, thereby exacerbating existing shortages in speech-language pathology and audiology services. The opposition also questions the necessity of certain degree requirements and the fees associated with maintaining registrations and licenses.