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Advocates press for licensing of speech‑language pathology assistants, citing a 2014 OPR recommendation
Summary
Representatives of VISHA told the Senate committee that the Office of Professional Regulation’s 2014 sunrise review recommended licensing SLPAs and urged the legislature to adopt mandatory licensure now to expand access to speech services, especially in schools and rural communities facing workforce shortages.
Supporters of licensing speech‑language pathology assistants (SLPAs) urged the Senate Committee on Government Operations on March 31 to move forward with mandatory licensure as part of House Bill 588 and not delay action with a second sunrise review.
Nicole Lord, appearing on behalf of the Vermont Speech Language Hearing Association (VISHA), said OPR completed a sunrise review in 2014 that recommended licensing SLPAs and that licensing would establish training, supervision and scope‑of‑practice rules needed to protect the public and expand access. “The OPR completed the sunrise review on SLPAs in 2014…The OPR’s recommendation of that report was to recommend licensure of SLPAs,” Lord told the committee.
Witnesses described a documented nationwide shortage of speech‑language professionals and cited Department of Labor projections that Vermont will see increased demand in the coming decade. Lord and Mia Wilson (VISHA board member and practitioner) said licensing SLPAs would allow licensed SLPs to delegate appropriate tasks, help schools manage larger caseloads, and improve timely access to services for children in rural communities.
The witnesses described multiple education pathways qualifying someone to be an SLPA—including an associate degree in communication sciences and disorders, a bachelor’s in the field, or a bachelor’s in another subject plus 18 credits in relevant coursework—and recommended that licensing include minimum education standards and continuing professional development.
When asked why the 2014 sunrise recommendation was not implemented, witnesses said they could not trace a clear reason for the delay and urged the committee to incorporate the 2014 analysis into current work to avoid duplication and unnecessary delay.
Why it matters: Schools and families seeking timely speech therapy were cited as primary beneficiaries; witnesses said licensing is a practical way to expand access while ensuring minimally competent training and supervision. The committee recessed for a short break and did not take immediate action on the provision.
