Senate Bill 2065, also known as House Bill 1950, proposes amendments to the licensure requirements for speech language pathologists and audiologists in Tennessee. The bill removes the requirement for applicants seeking licensure as speech language pathologists to be members of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Specifically, it amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 63-17-110(c)(1) by deleting the necessity of holding an ASHA certificate of clinical competence for provisional licensure, allowing individuals who have completed the educational requirements and hold a master's degree to apply for a provisional license without this certification.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 63-17-111(g) to allow individuals who have applied for licensure to perform speech language pathology or audiological services while their application is pending, provided they meet certain criteria. This includes passing the required examination or being licensed in another state, and for speech language pathologists, holding an ASHA certificate or an equivalent certification. The changes aim to streamline the licensure process and expand opportunities for practitioners in the field. 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