Committee hears bill to widen eligibility for speech‑language pathology assistants, add temporary licensure and subpoena power

The Workforce Development Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1049 on measures to change licensure requirements for speech‑language pathology assistants, create a temporary license to speed reciprocity, expand audiology scope language and (by proposed amendment) restore subpoena authority to the state licensing board.

The bill’s supporters told the committee the measures are intended to ease workforce shortages in schools and health settings while maintaining professional standards. Courtney Olson, licensing secretary and a licensed speech‑language pathologist with the North Dakota State Board of Examiners on Audiology and Speech‑Language Pathology, testified the bill would reduce barriers to entry by allowing graduates of a two‑year speech‑language pathology assistant program or applicants with a bachelor’s degree in another field who hold the specified coursework to qualify for licensure. "I am here today to testify on behalf of the board in favor of House Bill 1049," Olson said.

Why it matters: committee members and agency witnesses said North Dakota faces a documented shortage of speech‑language pathologists and assistants, especially in school settings.…