Speech-language pathologists and audiologists; create board to license and regulate.
The bill introduces significant changes in the licensing landscape for professionals in Mississippi. By creating a distinct board for audiology and speech-language pathology, the state can tailor regulations and guidelines to better fit the specific requirements of these fields. The move is also set to create the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Licensing Fund, which will provide necessary resources for administering the licensure process, potentially ensuring better oversight and support for continuing education and professional development within the profession.
House Bill 395 aims to amend various sections of the Mississippi Code to shift the licensing authority for speech-language pathologists and audiologists from the State Board of Health to a newly established State Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. This transition is expected to streamline the regulatory process and enhance the professional standards governing these fields. The establishment of a dedicated board reflects a growing recognition of the unique needs and challenges within audiology and speech-language pathology professions.
Notably, the bill requires all individuals working in schools as audiologists, assistants or speech-language pathologists to possess a professional license granted by the newly formed board. Critics may argue that this could limit entry into the profession, as these new licensing requirements may be more stringent than previous standards enforced by the State Board of Health. Additionally, the change raises concerns over the potential impact on local control and the diverse hiring practices of school districts, which must now align with the new state mandates.