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Bill would extend grandfathering deadline for school speech-language-pathology assistants
Summary
Proponents told the committee that previous session changes and rule delays left many assistants unable to get licensed; HB 384 would extend the deadline so people who have already completed required practical hours can be licensed as speech-language pathology assistants.
Representative Jennifer Lynch presented House Bill 384 to extend the deadline and grandfather in speech-language pathology assistants who have completed the requisite supervised practice hours but could not complete licensure because the examination and examination process were not made available.
Background from proponents: Jennifer Hensley of the speech-language organization and Shelby Midboe (online), public-policy chair for the Montana Speech Language Hearing Association and Related Disorders, described a multi-year implementation problem. They said the 2021 law established assistant licensure but left the board to set an examination. The national exam that met psychometric standards was unavailable to Montana, and an RFP to develop a state-specific examination drew no responses. Subsequent legislative and rule changes sought to address the problem, but department rules and the licensing process lagged.
Proponents' position: Supporters said HB 384 would set a July 2025 date that allows school-year schedules to finish and makes persons who have already completed supervised hours eligible for assistant licensure, enabling schools to fill heavy caseloads and reduce long wait lists for services.
Department: Department counsel said the department would answer questions and explained the department had treated the situation as title protection in the period when licensure was impossible to obtain. The department reported approximately 993 total licensees under the board of speech-language pathology and audiology and estimated about 55 licensed speech-language pathology assistants and eight audiology assistants to date.
Discussion: Committee members asked about training hours required for full SLP licensure (400 clinical hours plus graduate training and a 9‑ to 12‑month supervised fellowship, as described by proponents) and whether assistants commonly advance to full licensure. Proponents said retroactive grandfathering would help schools and students and that the assistant license includes continuing-education requirements.
Ending: Supporters urged a do-pass recommendation; the committee recorded no vote during the hearing.
