CHAPTER 268
SB 252 – FINAL VERSION
02/02/06 0477s
19Apr2006… 1806h
05/24/06… 2321eba
2006 SESSION
08/09
SENATE BILL 252
AN ACT relative to certification of speech-language assistants for purposes of speech language pathology practice.
SPONSORS: Sen. Hassan, Dist 23; Sen. Flanders, Dist 7; Rep. P. McMahon, Merr 3; Rep. Bergin, Hills 6; Rep. Dexter, Ches 6; Rep. C. Robertson, Rock 13
COMMITTEE: Executive Departments and Administration
This bill defines “speech-language assistant” for purposes of speech language pathology practice and requires speech-language assistants to be certified by the speech language pathology governing board. This bill also requires the office of allied health professionals to establish fees for initial certification, renewal, and certification reinstatement of speech-language assistants.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
02/02/06 0477s
19Apr2006… 1806h
05/24/06… 2321eba
06-2570
08/09
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Six
AN ACT relative to certification of speech-language assistants for purposes of speech language pathology practice.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
268:1 New Paragraph; Definitions. Amend RSA 326-F:1 by inserting after paragraph II the following new paragraph:
II-a. “Speech-language assistant” means any person certified by the board who meets minimum qualifications established by the board which are less than those established by this chapter as necessary for licensing as a speech-language pathologist, and who does not act independently but works under the direction and supervision of a speech-language pathologist licensed under this chapter.
268:2 Rulemaking; Speech Language Assistants. Amend RSA 326-F:5, V to read as follows:
V. The [use of assistive personnel] minimum qualifications of, requirements for direction and supervision of, and scope of tasks that may be performed by speech-language assistants. Such qualifications shall include a minimum of a 2-year associate’s degree granted by a speech language pathology program accredited by an accrediting organization approved by the board.
VI. The application and qualification for initial certification, certification renewal, and certification reinstatement of speech-language assistants.
VII. The investigation and discipline of certified speech language assistants.
268:3 New Subparagraph; Office of Allied Health Professionals; Board of Directors. Amend RSA 328-F:15 by inserting after subparagraph I(g) the following new subparagraph:
(h) Initial certification, certification renewal, and certification reinstatement of speech-language assistants, as defined in RSA 326-F:1, II-a.
268:4 New Section; Renewal of Certification. Amend RSA 326-F by inserting after section 6 the following new section:
326-F:6-a Renewal of Certification. Certification shall be renewed biennially in accordance with rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A.
268:5 New Section; Reinstatement of Certification. Amend RSA 326-F by inserting after section 7 the following new section:
326-F:7-a Reinstatement of Certification. The board shall reinstate a certification which has lapsed as a result of failure of the applicant to qualify for renewal or to submit the renewal application on time if the applicant:
I. Meets eligibility requirements for renewal.
II. Meets any reinstatement requirements established by the board in rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A.
III. Complies with any reinstatement application procedures established by the board in rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A.
IV. Pays the reinstatement fee.
268:6 Exemptions. Amend RSA 326-F:2, I to read as follows:
I. This chapter and RSA 328-F shall not apply to:
(a) Speech-language specialists who are certified under rules adopted by the board of education pursuant to RSA 21-N:9, II(s), unless they are also licensed under this chapter.
(b) Speech-language assistants employed by all public schools and schools approved by the department of education.
268:7 Exemption. Notwithstanding section 2 of this act, persons currently employed and supervised as speech-language assistants on the effective date of this act shall not be required to hold or acquire a 2-year associate’s degree granted by a speech language pathology program accredited by a board-approved accrediting organization but shall be certified by the board upon application and payment of the established fee.
268:8 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2007.
Approved: June 9, 2006
Effective: January 1, 2007