HB 25-1075

House Bill 25-1075 regulates speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) in Colorado. It defines what qualifications an SLPA must have, such as a bachelor's degree with specific coursework, and sets rules for their practice, requiring them to work under the supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist. The bill also restricts SLPAs from performing certain tasks like diagnosing patients or creating treatment plans. This regulation will end in 2033 unless reviewed and extended by the state's regulatory agencies. Since the bill has been signed into law, these rules are now enforceable in Colorado.

Official Summary

A speech language pathology assistant (SLPA) is defined in the act as an individual who has a bachelor's degree or higher in speech-language pathology, communications disorders and speech sciences, or any other field that includes at least 24 semester hours in speech-language hearing sciences granted by an accredited institution of higher education. Only an individual who practices as an SLPA in accordance with statute or who is a school speech-language pathology assistant (school SLPA) authorized by the department of education may use the title "speech-language pathology assistant" or other terms that indicate that the individual is an SLPA or a school SLPA. 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 act establishes requirements and guidelines for an SLP supervising an SLPA. The act prohibits an SLPA from engaging in certain speech-language pathology tasks, such as the diagnosis of patients and preparation of a treatment plan. An SLP may be disciplined for failing to properly direct and supervise an SLPA. The act repeals the regulation of SLPAs on September 1, 2033, subject to sunset review by the department of regulatory agencies. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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