TennesseeSB 2065114th General Assembly (2025-2026)Senate

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 17, relative to professions of the healing arts.

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Audiologists and Speech Pathologists

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Provisional licenses for speech-language pathologists in training

Beginning July 1, 2026, Tennessee allows speech-language pathologists to get provisional licenses during supervised training as clinical fellows. Applicants must complete the licensing education requirements and hold at least a master's degree from an approved school. An American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certificate of clinical competence is not required, and the board cannot require one. The board may set standards, application procedures, and a provisional license fee by rule.

Temporary practice for speech and hearing professionals

Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible speech-language pathologists and audiologists can practice without a valid Tennessee license while their applications are pending. Applicants must have passed the required licensing exam or hold a license in another state. Speech-language pathologists also need an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certificate of clinical competence or an equivalent certification accepted by the board. Audiologists also need a Doctor of Audiology degree from an accredited school.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Todd Gardenhire
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Adopt 3/23/2026

Yes: 29 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/17/2026

SENATE HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Effective date(s) 07/01/2026
5/1/2026
Pub. Ch. 796
5/1/2026
Signed by Governor.
4/23/2026Senate
Transmitted to Governor for action.
4/15/2026Senate
Signed by H. Speaker
4/14/2026House
Signed by Senate Speaker
4/9/2026Senate
Enrolled and ready for signatures
4/8/2026Senate
Passed H., Ayes 90, Nays 0, PNV 2
4/6/2026House
Subst. for comp. HB.
4/6/2026House
Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
3/26/2026House
Engrossed; ready for transmission to House
3/23/2026Senate
Sponsor(s) Added.
3/23/2026Senate
Passed Senate, Ayes 29, Nays 0
3/23/2026Senate
Placed on Senate Consent Calendar 2 for 3/23/2026
3/20/2026Senate
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
3/17/2026Senate
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/17/2026
3/11/2026Senate
Action deferred in Senate Health and Welfare Committee to 3/18/2026
3/11/2026Senate
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/11/2026
3/4/2026Senate
Action deferred in Senate Health and Welfare Committee to 3/11/2026
3/4/2026Senate
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/4/2026
2/25/2026Senate
Action deferred in Senate Health and Welfare Committee to 3/4/2026
2/25/2026Senate
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 2/25/2026
2/18/2026Senate
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Health and Welfare Committee
2/5/2026Senate
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
2/2/2026Senate
Filed for introduction
1/22/2026Senate

Bill Text

Enrolled / Public Chapter
PDF
Fiscal Note
PDF
Introduced
PDF

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