The bill amends Chapter 5-48.2 of the General Laws, which governs the 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, clinical experience, and scope of practice. It specifies that these assistants must possess a minimum of a two-year degree in a speech-language pathology assistant program or a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders, among other qualifications.

The bill outlines the responsibilities of supervising licensed professionals, mandating that only licensed speech-language pathologists or audiologists can supervise support personnel. It sets limits on the number of assistants that can be supervised at once and requires documentation of supervision, including direct and indirect observation of the assistants' work.

Continuing education requirements are emphasized, with licensed professionals required to complete a minimum of twenty clock hours every two years, while those licensed in both fields must complete thirty hours. The bill removes previous mandates for certain continuing education topics and introduces new requirements for speech-language pathology assistants. The board is empowered to create regulations for these continuing education requirements. The act takes effect upon passage.