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 certain degrees and complete a defined number of observation and clinical hours under the supervision of licensed speech-language pathologists.

The bill outlines the responsibilities of supervising licensed professionals, including limits on the number of assistants that can be supervised simultaneously and requirements for supervision documentation. It mandates that observations of support personnel be documented, including the frequency and type of supervision provided. Additionally, the bill emphasizes continuing education, requiring licensed professionals to complete a minimum of twenty clock hours every two years, with specific provisions for those licensed in both fields. The board is empowered to create regulations for continuing education requirements for speech-language pathology assistants, and the act takes effect upon passage.