SB177 revises Kentucky’s speech-language pathology and audiology licensing statutes. The bill updates definitions in KRS Chapter 334A, including the scope of practice for audiology and speech-language pathology, and clarifies terminology for speech-language pathology assistants, supervisors, interim licenses, and temporary licenses. It also expressly recognizes the sale and fitting of both prescription hearing aids and over-the-counter hearing aids within the practice of audiology.
The bill changes the licensure pathway for speech-language pathologists and speech-language pathology assistants by making interim licensure available during completion of postgraduate professional experience, rather than treating that experience as a mandatory prerequisite to initial licensure in all cases. It also requires interim licensees to pursue the national examination, sets documentation requirements if the exam is not passed, and limits interim licenses to 24 months absent board approval. For school-based personnel, the bill preserves the exemption for speech-language pathologists employed solely in public schools in certified positions with the appropriate teacher certification, while requiring licensure for those in classified positions without that certification.
Impact
SB177 would amend KRS 334A.020, 334A.035, 334A.050, and 334A.183, changing how Kentucky regulates speech-language pathologists, speech-language pathology assistants, and audiologists. The bill appears to streamline entry into practice by allowing interim licensure earlier in the training and supervision process and by removing the explicit requirement that postgraduate professional experience be completed before initial licensure in the main licensure statute. It also updates the statutory framework for hearing-related services, including hearing aid fitting and over-the-counter hearing aids, and leaves the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology with authority to define coursework and documentation through regulation.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill was generally well received, passing the Senate 35-1 on third reading. No committee transcript is available, so there is no recorded floor or committee debate in the provided materials. The strong vote indicates broad support for the bill’s licensing and administrative updates, with only minimal opposition.
Contention
The main policy issue in SB177 is the balance between easing licensure pathways and maintaining professional standards. Supporters would likely view the bill as reducing unnecessary barriers for new practitioners and aligning Kentucky law with current training and practice realities, while critics may be concerned that removing or softening the postgraduate experience requirement could affect oversight or quality control. Another possible point of discussion is the expanded audiology language covering over-the-counter hearing aids, which could affect how hearing services are delivered and regulated. The bill also preserves a distinction between school-based speech-language pathologists who are exempt from board licensure and those in classified positions who must be licensed, which may matter to school districts and education professionals.