This bill amends Section 37-15-303 of the Montana Code Annotated to revise the application deadlines for obtaining a license as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Specifically, the deadline for applicants to provide evidence of prior unlicensed experience as a speech-language pathology assistant or audiology assistant has been extended from January 1, 2024, to July 15, 2025. Additionally, the bill stipulates that licensure for those qualifying under the new deadline must be retroactive to the date when the board's rules establishing equivalency were satisfied.

The bill also maintains that applicants must meet the current academic and clinical requirements as defined by board rule and pass an approved examination. The standards set by the board for licensure must be equal to or exceed the national norms. This legislation is effective immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 37-15-303
HB0384_1(1): 37-15-303
HB0384_1(2): 37-15-303
HB0384_1(3): 37-15-303
HB0384_1(4): 37-15-303
HB0384_1(5): 37-15-303
HB0384_1: 37-15-303
HB0384_X(1): 37-15-303
HB0384_X(2): 37-15-303
HB0384_X(3): 37-15-303
HB0384_X(4): 37-15-303
HB0384_X(5): 37-15-303
HB0384_X(6): 37-15-303
HB0384_X(7): 37-15-303
HB0384_X: 37-15-303