House Resolution No. by Representative Chassion urges the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Health, the Louisiana Department of Education, and the Louisiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association, to conduct a comprehensive study on the licensure and regulatory requirements for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) in the state. The resolution highlights the critical role SLPAs play in expanding access to speech and language services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and notes the existing requirements for SLPAs, including educational prerequisites and clinical training. It emphasizes the need to evaluate whether current regulations create unnecessary barriers to workforce entry while maintaining high standards of care.

The study will include a detailed review of state requirements, a comparative analysis of regulations in other states, and an evaluation of workforce outcomes and regulatory burdens. The resolution calls for specific, actionable recommendations aimed at incentivizing workforce growth, reducing regulatory burdens, and maintaining professional quality and patient outcomes. The findings and recommendations are to be reported to the House and Senate committees on health and welfare by February 1, 2027, ensuring that any proposed reforms uphold the rigor and professionalism of the field while reflecting stakeholder consensus.