This bill establishes new licensure requirements for speech-language pathology assistants in Minnesota, including educational qualifications, licensure fees, and criminal history background checks. It introduces key provisions such as the requirement for applicants to undergo a criminal history records check and to hold an associate's degree from an accredited program or a bachelor's degree in communication sciences or disorders. The bill also outlines the licensure renewal process, which mandates continuing education and specifies that individuals continuously employed in the field prior to a certain date may practice without a license until a specified deadline. All new provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology, introducing penalties for unauthorized practice and establishing a continuing education penalty fee structure for licensed speech-language pathology assistants. It expands the grounds for disciplinary action by the commissioner to include violations related to speech-language pathology assistants and modifies the Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Advisory Council by increasing its membership to include a speech-language pathology assistant. These changes aim to enhance the regulation and quality of care provided by speech-language pathology assistants, with all amendments effective from July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.0572, 148.511, 148.512, 148.513, 148.514, 148.515, 148.518, 148.519, 148.5191, 148.5192, 148.5193, 148.5194, 148.5195, 148.5196, 245C.031
1st Engrossment: 144.0572, 148.511, 148.512, 148.513, 148.514, 148.515, 148.518, 148.519, 148.5191, 148.5192, 148.5193, 148.5194, 148.5195, 148.5196