BILL NUMBER: SB 50 CHAPTERED 08/13/01 CHAPTER 173 FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE AUGUST 13, 2001 APPROVED BY GOVERNOR AUGUST 12, 2001 PASSED THE SENATE JULY 12, 2001 PASSED THE ASSEMBLY JULY 2, 2001 AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY JUNE 13, 2001 AMENDED IN SENATE FEBRUARY 22, 2001 INTRODUCED BY Senator Machado DECEMBER 18, 2000 An act to amend Sections 2538.1 and 2538.3 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to speech-language pathology, making an appropriation therefor, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SB 50, Machado. Speech-language pathology assistants. Existing law requires the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board to adopt regulations that include standards for approval of Associate Degree Speech-Language Pathology Assistant training programs. Existing law requires a person applying for approval as a speech-language pathology assistant to have graduated from a speech-language pathology assistant associate of arts degree program, or equivalent course of study, approved by the board, except that on or before January 1, 2001, a speech-language pathology aide who has worked in that capacity for at least 12 months may apply for registration as a speech-language pathology assistant. This bill would require the board to adopt regulations establishing standards for accreditation of a training program's institution. The bill would also authorize until June 1, 2003, a person who has performed the functions of a speech-language pathology aide for a specified amount of time within the last 5 years to apply for registration as a speech-language pathology assistant. Existing law continuously appropriates the money in the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board Fund. Because this bill would increase the amount of money deposited in the fund by way of application fees from speech-language pathology assistants, the bill would make an appropriation. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute. Appropriation: yes. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Section 2538.1 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read: 2538.1. (a) The board shall adopt regulations, in collaboration with the State Department of Education, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and the Advisory Commission on Special Education, that set forth standards and requirements for the adequate supervision of speech-language pathology assistants. (b) The board shall adopt regulations as reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of this article, that shall include, but need not be limited to, the following: (1) Procedures and requirements for application, registration, renewal, suspension, and revocation. (2) Standards for approval of Associate Degree Speech-Language Pathology Assistant training programs based upon standards and curriculum guidelines established by the National Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, or the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, or equivalent formal training programs consisting of two years of technical education, including supervised field placements. (3) Standards for accreditation of a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant training program's institution by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or the Senior College Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, or equivalent accreditation. (4) The scope of responsibility, duties, and functions of speech-language pathology assistants, that shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following: (A) Conducting speech-language screening, without interpretation, and using screening protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist. (B) Providing direct treatment assistance to patients or clients under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist. (C) Following and implementing documented treatment plans or protocols developed by a supervising speech-language pathologist. (D) Documenting patient or client progress toward meeting established objectives, and reporting the information to a supervising speech-language pathologist. (E) Assisting a speech-language pathologist during assessments, including, but not limited to, assisting with formal documentation, preparing materials, and performing clerical duties for a supervising speech-language pathologist. (F) When competent to do so, as determined by the supervising speech-language pathologist, acting as an interpreter for non-English-speaking patients or clients and their family members. (G) Scheduling activities and preparing charts, records, graphs, and data. (H) Performing checks and maintenance of equipment, including, but not limited to, augmentative communication devices. (I) Assisting with speech-language pathology research projects, in-service training, and family or community education. The regulations shall provide that speech-language pathology assistants are not authorized to conduct evaluations, interpret data, alter treatment plans, or perform any task without the express knowledge and approval of a supervising speech-language pathologist. (5) The requirements for the wearing of distinguishing name badges with the title of speech-language pathology assistant. (6) Minimum continuing professional development requirements for the speech-language pathology assistant, not to exceed 12 hours in a two-year period. The speech-language pathology assistant's supervisor shall act as a professional development advisor. The speech-language pathology assistant's professional growth may be satisfied with successful completion of state or regional conferences, workshops, formal in-service presentations, independent study programs, or any combination of these concerning communication and related disorders. (7) Minimum continuing professional development requirements for the supervisor of a speech-language pathology assistant. (8) The type and amount of direct and indirect supervision required for speech-language pathology assistants. (9) The maximum number of assistants permitted per supervisor. (10) A requirement that the supervising speech-language pathologist shall remain responsible and accountable for clinical judgments and decisions and the maintenance of the highest quality and standards of practice when a speech-language pathology assistant is utilized. SEC. 2. Section 2538.3 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read: 2538.3. (a) A person applying for approval as a speech-language pathology assistant shall have graduated from a speech-language pathology assistant associate of arts degree program, or equivalent course of study, approved by the board. A person who has successfully graduated from a board-approved bachelor's degree program in speech-language pathology or communication disorders shall be deemed to have satisfied an equivalent course of study. (b) On or before June 1, 2003, a person who has in the last five years performed the functions of a speech-language pathology aide on a full-time basis for a minimum of one year, or on a part-time basis equivalent to a minimum of one year of full-time work, may make application for registration as a speech-language pathology assistant based upon the board's recognition of that aide's job training and experience and the performance of functions and tasks similar to the speech-language pathology assistant category. For purposes of this subdivision, "full time" means a minimum of 30 hours per week. SEC. 3. This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are: In order to allow the provisions of this act relating to speech-language pathology assistants to take effect as soon as possible, it is necessary that this act take effect immediately as an urgency statute.