Speech-language pathology assistants; licensure, qualifications, scope of practice.

The bill was transferred from the House Committee on Health and Human Services to the Senate Committee on Education and Health, changing the committee responsible for reviewing the legislation.

The Senate version adds new subsection G requiring the Board to establish regulations limiting the number of speech-language pathology assistants that may practice under one licensed speech-language pathologist to a maximum of three.

The Senate version adds new definitions for 'direct supervision' (in-view observation and guidance) and 'indirect supervision' (monitoring or reviewing activities) to clarify supervision requirements.

The Senate version removes the requirement for applicants to achieve a passing score on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Assistants Certification Exam from the initial application requirements.

The effective date for existing practitioners remains July 1, 2027, while the general effective date is July 1, 2026, with the Senate version maintaining these dates.

Added a requirement that applicants must achieve a passing score on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Assistants Certification Exam

Removed detailed breakdown of clinical field work hours into direct and indirect supervision categories, consolidating into a single 100-hour requirement

Changed references from 'licensed speech-language pathologist' to 'certified speech-language pathologist' in supervision requirements

Reformatted bill text from reenrolled legislative format to House substitute format with different line numbering and spacing

Formatting and spacing adjustments were made to the bill text during the reenrollment process, including changes to line breaks and spacing around section headers.

Added new subsection G requiring the Board to establish maximum supervision ratios (not exceeding three assistants per licensed pathologist) and define direct and indirect supervision.

Modified prerequisite course requirements to allow completion through approved professional development providers, academic clinical practicum programs, or employee training rather than specifying only three one-hour courses.

Modified eligibility requirements by removing the requirement to achieve a passing score on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Assistants Certification Exam from the application process.

Modified eligibility pathways by combining the three separate pathways into a single list with 'or' connectors, changing how applicants must demonstrate qualification.

Changed references from 'certified speech-language pathologist' to 'licensed speech-language pathologist' throughout the text for consistency with Virginia terminology.

Added bill number [H 2040], approval stamps, and enrolled formatting consistent with final legislative enactment.