The proposed bill introduces significant changes to the certification and regulation of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) in Colorado, effective January 1, 2026. These changes aim to enhance the quality and accessibility of speech-language pathology services.
Key Provisions:
Certification Requirements:
Educational Qualifications: Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree in speech communication, speech-language pathology, or a related field.
Program Completion: Completion of an accredited SLPA program and a clinical practicum is mandatory.
Certification Authority: The Director of the Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA) in the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is authorized to certify qualified individuals.
Scope of Practice:
Supervision: SLPAs are required to practice under the direction and supervision of a certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
Prohibited Activities: SLPAs are prohibited from diagnosing patients and preparing treatment plans.
Continuing Education and Discipline:
Education Requirement: SLPAs must complete 10 hours of continuing education annually.
Disciplinary Actions: SLPAs are subject to disciplinary actions by the Director for violations of statutes governing their practice.
Sunset Provision:
Certification Duration: SLPA certification is set to expire on September 1, 2033, subject to a sunset review by DORA.
Conforming Amendments:
School SLPAs: Individuals authorized by the Department of Education to practice as school SLPAs are not automatically certified by DORA and must apply for certification.
Implications:
These changes are designed to professionalize the role of SLPAs, ensuring they meet established educational and practice standards. The requirement for annual continuing education aims to maintain high-quality service delivery. The sunset provision allows for a future evaluation of the certification program's effectiveness.
Summary
Beginning January 1, 2026, the bill authorizes the certification of
an individual as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA). The director of the division of professions and occupations (director) in the department of regulatory agencies (DORA) may certify an applicant if the applicant demonstrates that the applicant has a bachelor's degree in speech communication, speech-language pathology, or a related field and has completed an SLPA program and a clinical practicum.
An SLPA shall practice speech-language pathology only in
collaboration with and under the direction and supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP). The bill establishes requirements and guidelines for an SLP supervising an SLPA.
The bill prohibits an SLPA from engaging in certain
speech-language pathology tasks, such as the diagnosis of patients and preparation of a treatment plan.
An SLPA is required to complete 10 hours of continuing education
each year and is subject to discipline by the director for violations of statutes governing the practice of speech-language pathology by an SLPA.
The bill repeals SLPA certification on September 1, 2033, subject
to sunset review by DORA.
The bill makes conforming amendments, including clarifying that
a school SLPA authorized by the department of education to practice in schools is not automatically a DORA-certified SLPA and must apply for DORA certification.
