70.12 ARTICLE 12
70.13 SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT LICENSURE
70.14 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 144.0572, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
70.15 Subdivision 1. Criminal history background check requirements. (a) Beginning
70.16 January 1, 2018, an applicant for initial licensure, temporary licensure, or relicensure after
70.17 a lapse in licensure as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist, a speech-language
70.18 pathology assistant, or an applicant for initial certification as a hearing instrument dispenser,
70.19 must submit to a criminal history records check of state data completed by the Bureau of
70.20 Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and a national criminal history records check, including a
70.21 search of the records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
70.22 (b) Beginning January 1, 2020, an applicant for a renewal license or certificate as an
70.23 audiologist, speech-language pathologist, or hearing instrument dispenser who was licensed
70.24 or obtained a certificate before January 1, 2018, must submit to a criminal history records
70.25 check of state data completed by the BCA and a national criminal history records check,
70.26 including a search of the records of the FBI.
70.27 (c) An applicant must submit to a background study under chapter 245C.
70.28 (d) The criminal history records check must be structured so that any new crimes that
70.29 an applicant or licensee or certificate holder commits after the initial background check are
70.30 flagged in the BCA's or FBI's database and reported back to the commissioner of human
70.31 services.
71.1 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
71.2 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.511, is amended to read:
71.3 148.511 SCOPE.
71.4 Sections 148.511 to 148.5198 apply to persons who are applicants for licensure, who
71.5 use protected titles, who represent that they are licensed, or who engage in the practice of
71.6 speech-language pathology or audiology or practice as a speech-language pathology assistant.
71.7 Sections 148.511 to 148.5198 do not apply to school personnel licensed by the Professional
71.8 Educator Licensing and Standards Board and practicing within the scope of their school
71.9 license under Minnesota Rules, part 8710.6000, or the paraprofessionals who assist these
71.10 individuals.
71.11 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
71.12 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.512, subdivision 17a, is amended to read:
71.13 Subd. 17a. Speech-language pathology assistant. "Speech-language pathology assistant"
71.14 means a person who meets the qualifications under section 148.5181 and provides
71.15 speech-language pathology services under the supervision of a licensed speech-language
71.16 pathologist in accordance with section 148.5192.
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71.17 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
71.18 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.513, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
71.19 Subdivision 1. Unlicensed practice prohibited. A person must not engage in the practice
71.20 of speech-language pathology or audiology or practice as a speech-language pathology
71.21 assistant unless the person is licensed as a speech-language pathologist or, an audiologist,
71.22 or a speech-language pathology assistant under sections 148.511 to 148.5198 or is practicing
71.23 as a speech-language pathology assistant in accordance with section 148.5192. For purposes
71.24 of this subdivision, a speech-language pathology assistant's duties are limited to the duties
71.25 described in accordance with section 148.5192, subdivision 2.
71.26 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
71.27 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.513, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
71.28 Subd. 2. Protected titles and restrictions on use; speech-language pathologists and
71.29 audiologists. (a) Notwithstanding paragraph (b) (c), the use of the following terms or initials
71.30 which represent the following terms, alone or in combination with any word or words, by
72.1 any person to form an occupational title is prohibited unless that person is licensed as a
72.2 speech-language pathologist or audiologist under sections 148.511 to 148.5198:
72.3 (1) speech-language;
72.4 (2) speech-language pathologist, S, SP, or SLP;
72.5 (3) speech pathologist;
72.6 (4) language pathologist;
72.7 (5) audiologist, A, or AUD;
72.8 (6) speech therapist;
72.9 (7) speech clinician;
72.10 (8) speech correctionist;
72.11 (9) language therapist;
72.12 (10) voice therapist;
72.13 (11) voice pathologist;
72.14 (12) logopedist;
72.15 (13) communicologist;
72.16 (14) aphasiologist;
72.17 (15) phoniatrist;
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72.18 (16) audiometrist;
72.19 (17) audioprosthologist;
72.20 (18) hearing therapist;
72.21 (19) hearing clinician; or
72.22 (20) hearing aid audiologist.
72.23 (b) Use of the term "Minnesota licensed" in conjunction with the titles protected under
72.24 this paragraph (a) by any person is prohibited unless that person is licensed as a
72.25 speech-language pathologist or audiologist under sections 148.511 to 148.5198.
72.26 (b) (c) A speech-language pathology assistant practicing under section 148.5192 sections
72.27 148.511 to 148.5198 must not represent, indicate, or imply to the public that the assistant
72.28 is a licensed speech-language pathologist and shall only utilize one of the following titles:
73.1 "speech-language pathology assistant," "SLP assistant," or "SLP asst." the titles provided
73.2 in subdivision 2b.
73.3 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
73.4 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.513, is amended by adding a subdivision to
73.5 read:
73.6 Subd. 2b. Protected titles and restrictions on use; speech-language pathology
73.7 assistant. (a) The use of the following terms or initials which represent the following terms,
73.8 alone or in combination with any word or words, by any person to form an occupational
73.9 title is prohibited unless that person is licensed under section 148.5181:
73.10 (1) speech-language pathology assistant;
73.11 (2) SLP assistant; or
73.12 (3) SLP asst.
73.13 (b) Use of the term "Minnesota licensed" in conjunction with the titles protected under
73.14 this subdivision by any person is prohibited unless that person is licensed under section
73.15 148.5181.
73.16 (c) A speech-language pathology assistant practicing under section 148.5192 must not
73.17 represent, indicate, or imply to the public that the assistant is a licensed speech-language
73.18 pathologist and must only utilize the title provided in paragraph (a).
73.19 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
73.20 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.513, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
73.21 Subd. 3. Exemption. (a) Nothing in sections 148.511 to 148.5198 prohibits the practice
73.22 of any profession or occupation licensed, certified, or registered by the state by any person
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73.23 duly licensed, certified, or registered to practice the profession or occupation or to perform
73.24 any act that falls within the scope of practice of the profession or occupation.
73.25 (b) Subdivision 1 does not apply to a student participating in supervised field work or
73.26 supervised course work that is necessary to meet the requirements of section sections
73.27 148.515, subdivision 2 or 3, or 148.5181, subdivision 2, if the person is designated by a
73.28 title which clearly indicates the person's status as a student trainee.
73.29 (c) Subdivisions 1 and, 2, and 2a do not apply to a person visiting and then leaving the
73.30 state and using titles restricted under this section while in the state, if the titles are used no
73.31 more than 30 days in a calendar year as part of a professional activity that is limited in scope
74.1 and duration and is in association with an audiologist or speech-language pathologist licensed
74.2 under sections 148.511 to 148.5198.
74.3 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
74.4 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.514, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
74.5 Subd. 2. General licensure qualifications. An applicant for licensure must possess the
74.6 qualifications required in one of the following clauses:
74.7 (1) a person who applies for licensure and does not meet the requirements in clause (2)
74.8 or (3), must meet the requirements in section 148.515 or 148.5181, subdivision 2;
74.9 (2) a person who applies for licensure and who has a current certificate of clinical
74.10 competence issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, or board
74.11 certification by the American Board of Audiology, must meet the requirements of section
74.12 148.516; or
74.13 (3) a person who applies for licensure by reciprocity must meet the requirements under
74.14 section 148.517 or 148.5181, subdivision 3.
74.15 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
74.16 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.515, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
74.17 Subdivision 1. Applicability. Except as provided in section 148.516 or 148.517, an
74.18 applicant for speech-language pathology or audiology must meet the requirements in this
74.19 section.
74.20 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
74.21 Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.518, is amended to read:
74.22 148.518 LICENSURE FOLLOWING LAPSE OF LICENSURE STATUS.
74.23 Subdivision 1. Speech-language pathology or audiology lapse. For An applicant whose
74.24 licensure status has lapsed, the applicant and who is applying for a speech-language pathology
74.25 or audiology license must:
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74.26 (1) apply for licensure renewal according to section 148.5191 and document compliance
74.27 with the continuing education requirements of section 148.5193 since the applicant's license
74.28 lapsed;
74.29 (2) fulfill the requirements of section 148.517;
75.1 (3) apply for renewal according to section 148.5191, provide evidence to the
75.2 commissioner that the applicant holds a current and unrestricted credential for the practice
75.3 of speech-language pathology from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards
75.4 Board or for the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology in another jurisdiction
75.5 that has requirements equivalent to or higher than those in effect for Minnesota, and provide
75.6 evidence of compliance with Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board or that
75.7 jurisdiction's continuing education requirements;
75.8 (4) apply for renewal according to section 148.5191 and submit verified documentation
75.9 of successful completion of 160 hours of supervised practice approved by the commissioner.
75.10 To participate in a supervised practice, the applicant shall first apply and obtain temporary
75.11 licensing according to section 148.5161; or
75.12 (5) apply for renewal according to section 148.5191 and provide documentation of
75.13 obtaining a qualifying score on the examination described in section 148.515, subdivision
75.14 4, within one year of the application date for license renewal.
75.15 Subd. 2. Speech-language pathology assistant licensure lapse. An applicant applying
75.16 for speech-language pathology assistant licensure and whose licensure status has lapsed
75.17 must:
75.18 (1) apply for renewal according to section 148.5191, and provide evidence to the
75.19 commissioner that the applicant has an associate's degree from a speech-language pathology
75.20 assistant program that is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central
75.21 Association of Colleges;
75.22 (2) apply for renewal according to section 148.5191 and provide evidence to the
75.23 commissioner that the applicant has a bachelor's degree in the discipline of communication
75.24 sciences or disorders and a speech-language pathology assistant certificate program, including
75.25 relevant coursework and supervised field experience according to section 148.5181; or
75.26 (3) apply for licensure renewal according to section 148.5191 and document compliance
75.27 with the continuing education requirements of section 148.5193 since the applicant's license
75.28 lapsed.
75.29 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
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76.1 Sec. 11. [148.5181] LICENSURE; SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
76.2 ASSISTANTS.
76.3 Subdivision 1. Applicability. Except as provided in subdivisions 3 and 4, an applicant
76.4 for licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant must meet the requirements of this
76.5 section.
76.6 Subd. 2. Educational requirements. (a) To be eligible for speech-language pathology
76.7 assistant licensure, an applicant must submit to the commissioner a transcript from an
76.8 educational institution documenting satisfactory completion of either:
76.9 (1) an associate's degree from a speech-language pathology assistant program that is
76.10 accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges
76.11 or its equivalent as approved by the commissioner and that includes at least 100 hours of
76.12 supervised field work experience in speech-language pathology assisting; or
76.13 (2) a bachelor's degree in the discipline of communication sciences or disorders and a
76.14 speech-language pathology assistant certificate program that includes:
76.15 (i) coursework in an introduction to speech-language pathology assisting, adult
76.16 communication disorders and treatment, speech sound disorders, and language disorders at
76.17 a speech-language pathology assistant level; and
76.18 (ii) at least 100 hours of supervised field work experience in speech-language pathology
76.19 assisting.
76.20 (b) Within one month following expiration of a license, an applicant for licensure renewal
76.21 as a speech-language pathology assistant must provide, on a form provided by the
76.22 commissioner, evidence to the commissioner of a minimum of 20 contact hours of continuing
76.23 education obtained within the two years immediately preceding licensure expiration. A
76.24 minimum of 13 contact hours of continuing education must be directly related to the licensee's
76.25 area of licensure. Seven contact hours of continuing education may be in areas generally
76.26 related to the licensee's area of licensure. Licensees who are issued licenses for a period of
76.27 less than two years must prorate the number of contact hours required for licensure renewal
76.28 based on the number of months licensed during the biennial licensure period. Licensees
76.29 must receive contact hours for continuing education activities only for the biennial licensure
76.30 period in which the continuing education activity was performed.
76.31 Subd. 3. Licensure by reciprocity. The commissioner shall issue a speech-language
76.32 pathology assistant license to a person who holds a current speech-language pathology
76.33 assistant license in another state if the following conditions are met:
77.1 (1) payment of the commissioner's current fee for licensure; and
77.2 (2) submission of evidence of licensure in good standing from another state that maintains
77.3 a system and standard of examinations for speech-language pathology assistants which
77.4 meets or exceeds the current requirements for licensure in Minnesota.
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77.5 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
77.6 Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.519, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
77.7 Subdivision 1. Applications for licensure; speech-language pathologists and
77.8 audiologists. (a) An applicant for licensure as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist
77.9 must:
77.10 (1) submit a completed application for licensure on forms provided by the commissioner.
77.11 The application must include the applicant's name, certification number under chapter 153A,
77.12 if applicable, business address and telephone number, or home address and telephone number
77.13 if the applicant practices speech-language pathology or audiology out of the home, and a
77.14 description of the applicant's education, training, and experience, including previous work
77.15 history for the five years immediately preceding the date of application. The commissioner
77.16 may ask the applicant to provide additional information necessary to clarify information
77.17 submitted in the application; and
77.18 (2) submit documentation of the certificate of clinical competence issued by the American
77.19 Speech-Language-Hearing Association, board certification by the American Board of
77.20 Audiology, or satisfy the following requirements:
77.21 (i) submit a transcript showing the completion of a master's or doctoral degree or its
77.22 equivalent meeting the requirements of section 148.515, subdivision 2;
77.23 (ii) submit documentation of the required hours of supervised clinical training;
77.24 (iii) submit documentation of the postgraduate clinical or doctoral clinical experience
77.25 meeting the requirements of section 148.515, subdivision 4; and
77.26 (iv) submit documentation of receiving a qualifying score on an examination meeting
77.27 the requirements of section 148.515, subdivision 6.
77.28 (b) In addition, an applicant must:
77.29 (1) sign a statement that the information in the application is true and correct to the best
77.30 of the applicant's knowledge and belief;
77.31 (2) submit with the application all fees required by section 148.5194;
78.1 (3) sign a waiver authorizing the commissioner to obtain access to the applicant's records
78.2 in this or any other state in which the applicant has engaged in the practice of speech-language
78.3 pathology or audiology; and
78.4 (4) consent to a fingerprint-based criminal history background check as required under
78.5 section 144.0572, pay all required fees, and cooperate with all requests for information. An
78.6 applicant must complete a new criminal history background check if more than one year
78.7 has elapsed since the applicant last applied for a license.
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78.8 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
78.9 Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.519, is amended by adding a subdivision
78.10 to read:
78.11 Subd. 1a. Applications for licensure; speech-language pathology assistants. An
78.12 applicant for licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant must:
78.13 (1) submit a completed application on forms provided by the commissioner. The
78.14 application must include the applicant's name, business address and telephone number,
78.15 home address and telephone number, and a description of the applicant's education, training,
78.16 and experience, including previous work history for the five years immediately preceding
78.17 the application date. The commissioner may ask the applicant to provide additional
78.18 information needed to clarify information submitted in the application;
78.19 (2) submit a transcript showing the completion of the requirements set forth in section
78.20 148.5181;
78.21 (3) submit a signed statement that the information in the application is true and correct
78.22 to the best of the applicant's knowledge and belief;
78.23 (4) submit all fees required under section 148.5194;
78.24 (5) submit a signed waiver authorizing the commissioner to obtain access to the applicant's
78.25 records in this or any other state in which the applicant has worked as a speech-language
78.26 pathology assistant; and
78.27 (6) consent to a fingerprint-based criminal history background check as required under
78.28 section 144.0572, pay all required fees, and cooperate with all requests for information. An
78.29 applicant must complete a new criminal history background check if more than one year
78.30 has lapsed since the applicant last applied for a license.
78.31 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
79.1 Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.5191, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
79.2 Subdivision 1. Renewal requirements. To renew licensure, an applicant for license
79.3 renewal as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist must:
79.4 (1) biennially complete a renewal application on a form provided by the commissioner
79.5 and submit the biennial renewal fee;
79.6 (2) meet the continuing education requirements of section 148.5193 and submit evidence
79.7 of attending continuing education courses, as required in section 148.5193, subdivision 6;
79.8 and
79.9 (3) submit additional information if requested by the commissioner to clarify information
79.10 presented in the renewal application. The information must be submitted within 30 days
79.11 after the commissioner's request.
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79.12 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
79.13 Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.5191, is amended by adding a subdivision
79.14 to read:
79.15 Subd. 1a. Renewal requirements; speech-language pathology assistant. To renew
79.16 licensure, an applicant for license renewal as a speech-language pathology assistant must:
79.17 (1) biennially complete a renewal application on a form provided by the commissioner
79.18 and submit the biennial renewal fee;
79.19 (2) meet the continuing education requirements of section 148.5193, subdivision 1a,
79.20 and submit evidence of attending continuing education courses, as required in section
79.21 148.5193, subdivision 1a; and
79.22 (3) submit additional information if requested by the commissioner to clarify information
79.23 presented in the renewal application. The information must be submitted within 30 days
79.24 after the commissioner's request.
79.25 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
79.26 Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.5192, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
79.27 Subdivision 1. Delegation requirements. A licensed speech-language pathologist may
79.28 delegate duties to a licensed speech-language pathology assistant in accordance with this
79.29 section following an initial introduction to a client with the speech-language pathologist
79.30 and speech-language pathology assistant present. Duties may only be delegated to an
80.1 individual who has documented with a transcript from an educational institution satisfactory
80.2 completion of either:
80.3 (1) an associate degree from a speech-language pathology assistant program that is
80.4 accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges
80.5 or its equivalent as approved by the commissioner; or
80.6 (2) a bachelor's degree in the discipline of communication sciences or disorders with
80.7 additional transcript credit in the area of instruction in assistant-level service delivery
80.8 practices and completion of at least 100 hours of supervised field work experience as a
80.9 speech-language pathology assistant student.
80.10 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
80.11 Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.5192, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
80.12 Subd. 2. Delegated duties; prohibitions. (a) A speech-language pathology assistant
80.13 may perform only those duties delegated by a licensed speech-language pathologist and
80.14 must be limited to duties within the training and experience of the speech-language pathology
80.15 assistant.
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80.16 (b) Duties may include the following as delegated by the supervising speech-language
80.17 pathologist:
80.18 (1) assist with speech language and hearing screenings;
80.19 (2) implement documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising
80.20 speech-language pathologist;
80.21 (3) document client performance, including writing progress notes;
80.22 (4) assist with assessments of clients;
80.23 (5) assist with preparing materials and scheduling activities as directed;
80.24 (6) perform checks and maintenance of equipment;
80.25 (7) support the supervising speech-language pathologist in research projects, in-service
80.26 training, and public relations programs; and
80.27 (8) collect data for quality improvement.
80.28 (c) A speech-language pathology assistant may not:
80.29 (1) perform standardized or nonstandardized diagnostic tests, perform formal or informal
80.30 evaluations, or interpret test results;
81.1 (2) screen or diagnose clients for feeding or swallowing disorders, including using a
81.2 checklist or tabulating results of feeding or swallowing evaluations, or demonstrate
81.3 swallowing strategies or precautions to clients or the clients' families demonstrate strategies
81.4 included in the feeding and swallowing plan developed by the speech-language pathologist
81.5 or share such information with students, patients, clients, families, staff, and caregivers;
81.6 (3) participate in parent conferences, case conferences, or any interdisciplinary team
81.7 without the presence of the supervising speech-language pathologist or other licensed
81.8 speech-language pathologist as authorized by the supervising speech-language pathologist
81.9 meetings without approval from the speech-language pathologist or misrepresent themselves
81.10 as a speech-language pathologist at such a conference or meeting. The speech-language
81.11 pathologist and speech-language pathology assistant are required to meet prior to the parent
81.12 conferences, case conferences, or interdisciplinary team meetings to determine the
81.13 information to be shared;
81.14 (4) provide client or family counseling or consult with the client or the family regarding
81.15 the client status or service;
81.16 (5) write, develop, or modify a client's individualized treatment plan or individualized
81.17 education program;
81.18 (6) select clients for service;
81.19 (7) discharge clients from service;
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81.20 (8) disclose clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone
81.21 other than the supervising speech-language pathologist information to other team members
81.22 without permission from the supervising speech-language pathologist; or
81.23 (9) make referrals for additional services.
81.24 (d) A speech-language pathology assistant must not only sign any formal documents,
81.25 including treatment plans, education plans, reimbursement forms, or reports, when cosigned
81.26 by the supervising speech-language pathologist. The speech-language pathology assistant
81.27 must sign or initial all treatment notes written by the assistant, which must then also be
81.28 cosigned by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
81.29 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
81.30 Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.5192, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
81.31 Subd. 3. Supervision requirements. (a) A supervising speech-language pathologist
81.32 shall authorize and accept full responsibility for the performance, practice, and activity of
82.1 a speech-language pathology assistant. The amount and type of supervision required must
82.2 be based on the skills and experience of the speech-language pathology assistant. A minimum
82.3 of one hour every 30 days of consultative supervision time must be documented for each
82.4 speech-language pathology assistant.
82.5 (b) A supervising speech-language pathologist must:
82.6 (1) be licensed under sections 148.511 to 148.5198;
82.7 (2) hold a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing
82.8 Association or its equivalent as approved by the commissioner; and
82.9 (3) have completed at least one ten hours of continuing education unit in supervision.
82.10 (c) The supervision of a speech-language pathology assistant shall be maintained on the
82.11 following schedule:
82.12 (1) for the first 90 workdays, within a 40-hour work week, 30 percent of the work
82.13 performed by the speech-language pathology assistant must be supervised and at least 20
82.14 percent of the work performed must be under direct supervision; and
82.15 (2) for the work period after the initial 90-day period, within a 40-hour work week, 20
82.16 percent of the work performed must be supervised and at least ten percent of the work
82.17 performed must be under direct supervision Once every 60 days, the supervising
82.18 speech-language pathologist must treat or cotreat with the speech-language pathology
82.19 assistant each client on the speech-language pathology assistant's caseload.
82.20 (d) For purposes of this section, "direct supervision" means on-site, in-view observation
82.21 and guidance by the supervising speech-language pathologist during the performance of a
82.22 delegated duty that occurs either on-site and in-view or through the use of real-time, two-way
82.23 interactive audio and visual communication. The supervision requirements described in this
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82.24 section are minimum requirements. Additional supervision requirements may be imposed
82.25 at the discretion of the supervising speech-language pathologist.
82.26 (e) A supervising speech-language pathologist must be available to communicate with
82.27 a speech-language pathology assistant at any time the assistant is in direct contact with a
82.28 client.
82.29 (f) A supervising speech-language pathologist must document activities performed by
82.30 the assistant that are directly supervised by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
82.31 At a minimum, the documentation must include:
83.1 (1) information regarding the quality of the speech-language pathology assistant's
83.2 performance of the delegated duties; and
83.3 (2) verification that any delegated clinical activity was limited to duties authorized to
83.4 be performed by the speech-language pathology assistant under this section.
83.5 (g) A supervising speech-language pathologist must review and cosign all informal
83.6 treatment notes signed or initialed by the speech-language pathology assistant.
83.7 (h) A full-time, speech-language pathologist may supervise no more than one two
83.8 full-time, speech-language pathology assistant assistants or the equivalent of one two
83.9 full-time assistant assistants.
83.10 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
83.11 Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.5193, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
83.12 Subdivision 1. Number of contact hours required; speech-language pathologists
83.13 and audiologists. (a) An applicant for licensure renewal as a speech-language pathologist
83.14 or audiologist must meet the requirements for continuing education stipulated by the
83.15 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or the American Board of Audiology, or
83.16 satisfy the requirements described in paragraphs (b) to (e).
83.17 (b) Within one month following expiration of a license, an applicant for licensure renewal
83.18 as either a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist must provide evidence to the
83.19 commissioner of a minimum of 30 contact hours of continuing education obtained within
83.20 the two years immediately preceding licensure expiration. A minimum of 20 contact hours
83.21 of continuing education must be directly related to the licensee's area of licensure. Ten
83.22 contact hours of continuing education may be in areas generally related to the licensee's
83.23 area of licensure. Licensees who are issued licenses for a period of less than two years shall
83.24 prorate the number of contact hours required for licensure renewal based on the number of
83.25 months licensed during the biennial licensure period. Licensees shall receive contact hours
83.26 for continuing education activities only for the biennial licensure period in which the
83.27 continuing education activity was performed.
83.28 (c) An applicant for licensure renewal as both a speech-language pathologist and an
83.29 audiologist must attest to and document completion of a minimum of 36 contact hours of
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83.30 continuing education offered by a continuing education sponsor within the two years
83.31 immediately preceding licensure renewal. A minimum of 15 contact hours must be received
83.32 in the area of speech-language pathology and a minimum of 15 contact hours must be
83.33 received in the area of audiology. Six contact hours of continuing education may be in areas
84.1 generally related to the licensee's areas of licensure. Licensees who are issued licenses for
84.2 a period of less than two years shall prorate the number of contact hours required for licensure
84.3 renewal based on the number of months licensed during the biennial licensure period.
84.4 Licensees shall receive contact hours for continuing education activities only for the biennial
84.5 licensure period in which the continuing education activity was performed.
84.6 (d) If the licensee is licensed by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards
84.7 Board:
84.8 (1) activities that are approved in the categories of Minnesota Rules, part 8710.7200,
84.9 subpart 3, items A and B, and that relate to speech-language pathology, shall be considered:
84.10 (i) offered by a sponsor of continuing education; and
84.11 (ii) directly related to speech-language pathology;
84.12 (2) activities that are approved in the categories of Minnesota Rules, part 8710.7200,
84.13 subpart 3, shall be considered:
84.14 (i) offered by a sponsor of continuing education; and
84.15 (ii) generally related to speech-language pathology; and
84.16 (3) one clock hour as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 8710.7200, subpart 1, is equivalent
84.17 to 1.0 contact hours of continuing education.
84.18 (e) Contact hours may not be accumulated in advance and transferred to a future
84.19 continuing education period.
84.20 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
84.21 Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.5193, is amended by adding a subdivision
84.22 to read:
84.23 Subd. 1a. Continuing education; speech-language pathology assistants. An applicant
84.24 for licensure renewal as a speech-language pathology assistant must meet the requirements
84.25 for continuing education established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
84.26 and submit evidence of attending continuing education courses. A licensee must receive
84.27 contact hours for continuing education activities only for the biennial licensure period in
84.28 which the continuing education activity was completed. Continuing education contact hours
84.29 obtained in one licensure period must not be transferred to a future licensure period.
84.30 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
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85.1 Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.5194, is amended by adding a subdivision
85.2 to read:
85.3 Subd. 3b. Speech-language pathology assistant licensure fees. The fee for initial
85.4 licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant is $493. The fee for licensure renewal
85.5 for a speech-language pathology assistant is $493.
85.6 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
85.7 Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.5194, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
85.8 Subd. 8. Penalty fees. (a) The penalty fee for practicing speech-language pathology or
85.9 audiology, practicing as a speech-language pathology assistant, or using protected titles
85.10 without a current license after the credential has expired and before it is renewed is the
85.11 amount of the license renewal fee for any part of the first month, plus the license renewal
85.12 fee for any part of any subsequent month up to 36 months.
85.13 (b) The penalty fee for applicants who engage in the unauthorized practice of
85.14 speech-language pathology or audiology, practice as a speech-language pathology assistant,
85.15 or using use of protected titles before being issued a license is the amount of the license
85.16 application fee for any part of the first month, plus the license application fee for any part
85.17 of any subsequent month up to 36 months. This paragraph does not apply to applicants not
85.18 qualifying for a license who engage in the unauthorized practice of speech language
85.19 pathology or audiology or in the unauthorized practice as a speech-language pathology
85.20 assistant.
85.21 (c) The penalty fee for practicing speech-language pathology or audiology and failing
85.22 to submit a continuing education report by the due date with the correct number or type of
85.23 hours in the correct time period is $100 plus $20 for each missing clock hour. The penalty
85.24 fee for a licensed speech-language pathology assistant who fails to submit a continuing
85.25 education report by the due date with the correct number or type of hours in the correct time
85.26 period is $100 plus $20 for each missing clock hour. "Missing" means not obtained between
85.27 the effective and expiration dates of the certificate, the one-month period following the
85.28 certificate expiration date, or the 30 days following notice of a penalty fee for failing to
85.29 report all continuing education hours. The licensee must obtain the missing number of
85.30 continuing education hours by the next reporting due date.
85.31 (d) Civil penalties and discipline incurred by licensees prior to August 1, 2005, for
85.32 conduct described in paragraph (a), (b), or (c) shall be recorded as nondisciplinary penalty
85.33 fees. For conduct described in paragraph (a) or (b) occurring after August 1, 2005, and
86.1 exceeding six months, payment of a penalty fee does not preclude any disciplinary action
86.2 reasonably justified by the individual case.
86.3 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
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86.4 Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 148.5195, subdivision 3, is amended
86.5 to read:
86.6 Subd. 3. Grounds for disciplinary action by commissioner. The commissioner may
86.7 take any of the disciplinary actions listed in subdivision 4 on proof that the individual has:
86.8 (1) intentionally submitted false or misleading information to the commissioner or the
86.9 advisory council;
86.10 (2) failed, within 30 days, to provide information in response to a written request by the
86.11 commissioner or advisory council;
86.12 (3) performed services of a speech-language pathologist or, audiologist, or
86.13 speech-language pathology assistant in an incompetent or negligent manner;
86.14 (4) violated sections 148.511 to 148.5198;
86.15 (5) failed to perform services with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety due to the use
86.16 of alcohol or drugs, or other physical or mental impairment;
86.17 (6) violated any state or federal law, rule, or regulation, and the violation is a felony or
86.18 misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or which relates directly or
86.19 indirectly to the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology or to the practice of a
86.20 speech-language pathology assistant. Conviction for violating any state or federal law which
86.21 relates to speech-language pathology or, audiology, or to the practice of a speech-language
86.22 pathology assistant is necessarily considered to constitute a violation, except as provided
86.23 in chapter 364;
86.24 (7) aided or abetted another person in violating any provision of sections 148.511 to
86.25 148.5198;
86.26 (8) been or is being disciplined by another jurisdiction, if any of the grounds for the
86.27 discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those under sections 148.511 to 148.5198;
86.28 (9) not cooperated with the commissioner or advisory council in an investigation
86.29 conducted according to subdivision 1;
86.30 (10) advertised in a manner that is false or misleading;
87.1 (11) engaged in conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public; or demonstrated
87.2 a willful or careless disregard for the health, welfare, or safety of a client;
87.3 (12) failed to disclose to the consumer any fee splitting or any promise to pay a portion
87.4 of a fee to any other professional other than a fee for services rendered by the other
87.5 professional to the client;
87.6 (13) engaged in abusive or fraudulent billing practices, including violations of federal
87.7 Medicare and Medicaid laws, Food and Drug Administration regulations, or state medical
87.8 assistance laws;
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87.9 (14) obtained money, property, or services from a consumer through the use of undue
87.10 influence, high pressure sales tactics, harassment, duress, deception, or fraud;
87.11 (15) performed services for a client who had no possibility of benefiting from the services;
87.12 (16) failed to refer a client for medical evaluation or to other health care professionals
87.13 when appropriate or when a client indicated symptoms associated with diseases that could
87.14 be medically or surgically treated;
87.15 (17) had the certification required by chapter 153A denied, suspended, or revoked
87.16 according to chapter 153A;
87.17 (18) used the term doctor of audiology, doctor of speech-language pathology, AuD, or
87.18 SLPD without having obtained the degree from an institution accredited by the North Central
87.19 Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, the Council on Academic Accreditation
87.20 in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, the United States Department of Education,
87.21 or an equivalent;
87.22 (19) failed to comply with the requirements of section 148.5192 regarding supervision
87.23 of speech-language pathology assistants; or
87.24 (20) if the individual is an audiologist or certified prescription hearing aid dispenser:
87.25 (i) prescribed to a consumer or potential consumer the use of a prescription hearing aid,
87.26 unless the prescription from a physician, an audiologist, or a certified dispenser is in writing,
87.27 is based on an audiogram that is delivered to the consumer or potential consumer when the
87.28 prescription is made, and bears the following information in all capital letters of 12-point
87.29 or larger boldface type: "THIS PRESCRIPTION MAY BE FILLED BY, AND
87.30 PRESCRIPTION HEARING AIDS MAY BE PURCHASED FROM, THE LICENSED
87.31 AUDIOLOGIST OR CERTIFIED DISPENSER OF YOUR CHOICE";
88.1 (ii) failed to give a copy of the audiogram, upon which the prescription is based, to the
88.2 consumer when the consumer requests a copy;
88.3 (iii) failed to provide the consumer rights brochure required by section 148.5197,
88.4 subdivision 3;
88.5 (iv) failed to comply with restrictions on sales of prescription hearing aids in sections
88.6 148.5197, subdivision 3, and 148.5198;
88.7 (v) failed to return a consumer's prescription hearing aid used as a trade-in or for a
88.8 discount in the price of a new prescription hearing aid when requested by the consumer
88.9 upon cancellation of the purchase agreement;
88.10 (vi) failed to follow Food and Drug Administration or Federal Trade Commission
88.11 regulations relating to dispensing prescription hearing aids;
88.12 (vii) failed to dispense a prescription hearing aid in a competent manner or without
88.13 appropriate training;
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88.14 (viii) delegated prescription hearing aid dispensing authority to a person not authorized
88.15 to dispense a prescription hearing aid under this chapter or chapter 153A;
88.16 (ix) failed to comply with the requirements of an employer or supervisor of a prescription
88.17 hearing aid dispenser trainee;
88.18 (x) violated a state or federal court order or judgment, including a conciliation court
88.19 judgment, relating to the activities of the individual's prescription hearing aid dispensing;
88.20 or
88.21 (xi) failed to include on the audiogram the practitioner's printed name, credential type,
88.22 credential number, signature, and date.
88.23 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
88.24 Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.5195, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
88.25 Subd. 5. Consequences of disciplinary actions. Upon the suspension or revocation of
88.26 licensure, the speech-language pathologist or audiologist, or speech-language pathology
88.27 assistant, shall cease to practice speech-language pathology or audiology, or practice as a
88.28 speech-language pathology assistant, to use titles protected under sections 148.511 to
88.29 148.5198, and to represent to the public that the speech-language pathologist or audiologist,
88.30 or speech-language pathology assistant, is licensed by the commissioner.
88.31 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
89.1 Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.5195, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
89.2 Subd. 6. Reinstatement requirements after disciplinary action. A speech-language
89.3 pathologist or audiologist, or speech-language pathology assistant, who has had licensure
89.4 suspended may petition on forms provided by the commissioner for reinstatement following
89.5 the period of suspension specified by the commissioner. The requirements of section
89.6 148.5191 for renewing licensure must be met before licensure may be reinstated.
89.7 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
89.8 Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 148.5196, subdivision 1, is amended
89.9 to read:
89.10 Subdivision 1. Membership. The commissioner shall appoint 12 13 persons to a
89.11 Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Advisory Council. The 12 13 persons must
89.12 include:
89.13 (1) three public members, as defined in section 214.02. Two of the public members shall
89.14 be either persons receiving services of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist, or
89.15 family members of or caregivers to such persons, and at least one of the public members
89.16 shall be either a hearing aid user or an advocate of one;
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89.17 (2) three speech-language pathologists licensed under sections 148.511 to 148.5198,
89.18 one of whom is currently and has been, for the five years immediately preceding the
89.19 appointment, engaged in the practice of speech-language pathology in Minnesota and each
89.20 of whom is employed in a different employment setting including, but not limited to, private
89.21 practice, hospitals, rehabilitation settings, educational settings, and government agencies;
89.22 (3) one speech-language pathologist licensed under sections 148.511 to 148.5198, who
89.23 is currently and has been, for the five years immediately preceding the appointment,
89.24 employed by a Minnesota public school district or a Minnesota public school district
89.25 consortium that is authorized by Minnesota Statutes and who is licensed in speech-language
89.26 pathology by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board;
89.27 (4) three audiologists licensed under sections 148.511 to 148.5198, two of whom are
89.28 currently and have been, for the five years immediately preceding the appointment, engaged
89.29 in the practice of audiology and the dispensing of prescription hearing aids in Minnesota
89.30 and each of whom is employed in a different employment setting including, but not limited
89.31 to, private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation settings, educational settings, industry, and
89.32 government agencies;
90.1 (5) one nonaudiologist prescription hearing aid dispenser recommended by a professional
90.2 association representing prescription hearing aid dispensers; and
90.3 (6) one physician licensed under chapter 147 and certified by the American Board of
90.4 Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery; and
90.5 (7) one speech-language pathology assistant licensed under sections 148.511 to 148.5198.
90.6 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
90.7 Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.5196, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
90.8 Subd. 3. Duties. The advisory council shall:
90.9 (1) advise the commissioner regarding speech-language pathologist and audiologist
90.10 licensure standards;
90.11 (2) advise the commissioner regarding the delegation of duties to, the licensure standards
90.12 for, and the training required for speech-language pathology assistants;
90.13 (3) advise the commissioner on enforcement of sections 148.511 to 148.5198;
90.14 (4) provide for distribution of information regarding speech-language pathologist and,
90.15 audiologist, and speech-language pathology assistant licensure standards;
90.16 (5) review applications and make recommendations to the commissioner on granting or
90.17 denying licensure or licensure renewal;
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90.18 (6) review reports of investigations relating to individuals and make recommendations
90.19 to the commissioner as to whether licensure should be denied or disciplinary action taken
90.20 against the individual;
90.21 (7) advise the commissioner regarding approval of continuing education activities
90.22 provided by sponsors using the criteria in section 148.5193, subdivision 2; and
90.23 (8) perform other duties authorized for advisory councils under chapter 214, or as directed
90.24 by the commissioner.
90.25 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
90.26 Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 245C.031, subdivision 4, is amended
90.27 to read:
90.28 Subd. 4. Applicants, licensees, and other occupations regulated by the commissioner
90.29 of health. The commissioner shall conduct an alternative background study, including a
90.30 check of state data, and a national criminal history records check of the following individuals.
91.1 For studies under this section, the following persons shall complete a consent form and
91.2 criminal history disclosure form:
91.3 (1) An applicant for initial licensure, temporary licensure, or relicensure after a lapse in
91.4 licensure as an audiologist or, speech-language pathologist, or speech-language pathologist
91.5 assistant, or an applicant for initial certification as a hearing instrument dispenser who must
91.6 submit to a background study under section 144.0572.
91.7 (2) An applicant for a renewal license or certificate as an audiologist, speech-language
91.8 pathologist, or hearing instrument dispenser who was licensed or obtained a certificate
91.9 before January 1, 2018.
91.10 EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2025.
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