The bill amends Chapter 5-48.2 of the General Laws, which governs the professional licensing and regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists in Rhode Island. It establishes new licensing requirements, including a two-year validity period for licenses that can be renewed biennially. The bill introduces provisions for support personnel, specifically speech-language pathology assistants, detailing their educational qualifications, including a two-year program degree or a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders, and outlining their scope of practice under the supervision of licensed speech-language pathologists.

The bill specifies the supervision requirements for licensed professionals overseeing support personnel, including the maximum number of assistants that can be supervised simultaneously and the necessary direct and indirect supervision percentages. It mandates that observations of support personnel be documented and establishes guidelines for the frequency and type of supervision required during their employment.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for continuing education requirements for licensed professionals and speech-language pathology assistants, requiring a minimum of twenty clock hours of education every two years, with specific hours dedicated to cultural competency and ethics. The board is authorized to promulgate regulations regarding continuing education for speech-language pathology assistant license renewal or reinstatement and may grant exceptions or exemptions from these requirements. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework for speech-language pathology and audiology services in Rhode Island, ensuring high standards of care and adequate training for support personnel.