House Bill 1950 amends the licensure requirements for speech language pathologists in Tennessee by removing the necessity for applicants to be members of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Specifically, the bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 63-17-110(c)(1), to allow individuals who have completed the educational requirements and obtained a master's degree from an approved institution to apply for a provisional license without needing an ASHA certificate of clinical competence. The board is also prohibited from requiring this certificate as an eligibility criterion for provisional licensure.

Additionally, the bill revises Section 63-17-111(g) to permit individuals who have applied for licensure as speech language pathologists or audiologists to perform relevant activities while their application is pending, provided they meet certain conditions. These conditions include having passed the required examination or being licensed in another state, and for speech language pathologist applicants, holding an ASHA certificate or an equivalent certification. The changes aim to streamline the licensure process and expand opportunities for prospective speech language pathologists and audiologists in Tennessee. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 63-17-110(c)(1), 63-17-110, 63-17-111(g), 63-17-111