Rhode IslandH79222026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY .

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

10 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 6 mixed.

Stronger discipline and hearing rights

The board can deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for fraud, unsafe or impaired practice, violating rules, certain crimes, or not meeting CE. The board must mail at least 15 days’ notice before a hearing. You have the right to appear, have a lawyer, present evidence, and cross‑examine. The board may seek court orders and can later reinstate a license by majority vote.

License renewals and SLP provisional rules

Full licenses last two years and expire July 1 in even‑numbered years. If a license lapses, you must apply, pay renewal and late fees, and show CE hours from the past two years to reinstate. You may go inactive without fees for up to two licensing periods; after that, the license ends. A provisional SLP license lets you practice while finishing supervised postgraduate experience. It must be renewed yearly if the experience goes past one year, cannot last beyond 36 months from the start, and ends 90 days after the experience ends.

Who qualifies to be an audiologist

For applicants on or after January 1, 2008, the law requires a doctorate in audiology, a board‑approved national exam, and at least 12 months of full‑time supervised experience. It also requires good moral character, an application and fee, and license verification from other states when relevant. Some master’s‑degree holders licensed elsewhere must show national clinical certification. The law also deletes earlier statutory text that listed older prerequisites, which may change how standards are set or verified.

Licenses and limits for assistants

The law creates licenses for speech‑language pathology assistants and audiology aides. SLPAs must complete one of the listed education paths, plus 25 hours of observation and 100 supervised clinical hours. Audiology aides need a high school diploma and intensive on‑the‑job training. Assistants cannot act alone and must be supervised by a licensed clinician with at least 24 months of post‑fellow experience. These assistant licenses renew every two years.

How to become a licensed SLP

To get an SLP license, you must have good moral character and apply with the required fee. You must finish supervised clinical practicum that meets ASHA or board standards and pass a national exam. You must show a Certificate of Clinical Competence (or equivalent) and verify any out‑of‑state licenses. You must hold a master’s or doctoral degree from a program accredited by ASHA’s CAA or another board‑approved accreditor.

What SLPs and audiologists can do

The law lists the services these providers may offer. Audiologists can do prevention, screening, hearing aid services, vestibular tests, cerumen removal, and more. SLPs can do prevention, evaluation, rehab, aural rehab, and help choose and teach augmentative communication systems. Both may use short pass/fail screenings for first identification.

ASHA ethics no longer named in law

The law removes the section that adopted the 2016 ASHA Code of Ethics by name. This changes which written code the statute cites for ethics. Other board rules and standards still apply under this chapter.

Telepractice allowed, but RI license needed

The law allows speech and hearing care by telepractice. Remote care must match in‑person quality and follow ASHA ethics and scopes. Out‑of‑state providers who treat Rhode Islanders by telepractice must hold a Rhode Island license. Audiologists may practice in person or by telepractice.

License and title rules; hearing‑aid limits

You cannot practice or call yourself an SLP or audiologist without a license. People licensed under other state credentials may work only within that credential’s scope. Hearing‑aid sellers are allowed only if they do not charge a separate fee for hearing tests and do not claim to be audiologists. Any private practice work for pay requires this license.

New state board and rules in place

The law repeals the old speech and hearing chapter and puts a new system in place. It creates a five‑member board under the Health Department to oversee licensing and enforcement. Members include two SLPs, one audiologist, one ENT doctor, and one consumer. The board can investigate, hold hearings, and set rules with the director’s approval. Fees collected under this chapter go to the state’s general revenue.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Arthur Handy
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 64 • No: 0

House vote • 4/16/2026

LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY PASSAGE