Subchapter B. LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION
Sec.
45.11. Licenses and certifications.
45.12. Licensure application procedures.
45.13. Renewal of license; inactive status of license; required continuing education.
45.14. Reactivation of licensure status.
45.15. Duplicate licenses.
45.16. Display of license.
45.17. Education requirements.
45.18. [Reserved].
45.19. [Reserved].
45.20. Supervised professional experience required for licensure as a speech-language pathologist.
45.21. Waivers.
45.22. Foreign-trained applicants.
45.23. Provisional licenses.
45.24. Certification to utilize neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring.
Authority The provisions of this Subchapter B issued under section 5(1), (2) and (6) of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (63 P. S. § 1705(1), (2) and (6)), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Subchapter B adopted May 29, 1992, effective May 30, 1992, 22 Pa.B. 2833, unless otherwise noted.
§ 45.11. Licenses and certifications.
The Board issues the following licenses and certifications:
(1) Speech-language pathologist license.
(2) Audiologist license.
(3) Provisional license as a speech-language pathologist.
(4) Provisional license as an audiologist.
(5) Certification for an audiologist to utilize neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring.
Authority The provisions of this § 45.11 amended under sections 5(2) and (7), 7(d)(1), 8(a) and 8.1 of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (63 P.S. § § 1705(2) and (7), 1707(d)(1), 1708(a) and 1708.1); and section 810(a)(3) and (7) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 279.1(a)(3) and (7)).
Source The provisions of this § 45.12 amended July 14, 2017, effective July 15, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 3814. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (375007).
Cross References This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.12 (relating to licensure application procedures).
§ 45.12. Licensure application procedures.
(a) The applicant for licensure shall submit to the Board, along with required fees as provided by § 45.1 (relating to fees), a completed, signed and dated application and applicable documentation.
(b) Excluding applicants who fall within the exclusions in section 6(b) of the act (63 P.S. § 1706(b)), the applicant for licensure shall file, or cause to be filed, with the Board evidence that the applicant has:
(1) Speech-language pathologists.
(i) Met the educational requirements of § 45.17(a) (relating to education requirements).
(ii) Completed 9 months of supervised professional experience requirements of § 45.20 (relating to supervised professional experience required for licensure as a speech-language pathologist).
(iii) Passed an examination approved by the Board.
(iv) Demonstrated that the applicant is of good moral character.
(v) Completed at least 3 hours of approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting in accordance with § 45.408(a) (relating to child abuse recognition and reporting—mandatory training requirement).
(2) Audiologists.
(i) Met the educational requirements of § 45.17(b).
(ii) Passed an examination approved by the Board.
(iii) Demonstrated that the applicant is of good moral character.
(iv) Completed at least 3 hours of approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting in accordance with § 45.408(a).
(c) An applicant who wishes to apply for more than one Board-issued license or provisional license specified in § 45.11 (relating to licenses and certifications) shall submit a separate application for each license or provisional license.
Authority The provisions of this § 45.12 amended under sections 5(2) and (7), 7(d)(1), 8(a) and 8.1 of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (63 P.S. § § 1705(2) and (7), 1707(d)(1), 1708(a) and 1708.1); section 810(a)(3) and (7) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 279.1(a)(3) and (7)); and 23 Pa.C.S. § 6383(b)(2).
Source The provisions of this § 45.12 amended July 14, 2017, effective July 15, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 3814; amended January 26, 2024, effective January 27, 2024, 54 Pa.B. 375. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (387733).
Cross References This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.23 (relating to provisional licenses).
§ 45.13. Renewal of license; inactive status of license; required continuing education.
(a) Unless renewed for the upcoming biennium, licenses issued under this subchapter expire at the end of the current biennium.
(b) Licenses, provisional licenses, certifications and documentation from the Board will be sent to the address provided to the Board by the licensee. Whenever the licensee changes an address of record, the licensee shall notify the Board in writing within 10 days after making the address change.
(c) The licensee shall renew his license in the manner prescribed by the Board and pay the required fee, as provided by § 45.1 (relating to fees). Unless a licensee requests that a license be placed on inactive status, at the end of a biennial period it will be marked expired until it is renewed or reactivated.
(d) When a license is renewed after the expiration date, a late fee, as provided for by section 225 of the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs Fee Act (63 P.S. § 1401-225), will be charged for each month or part of a month that the licensee has engaged in practice beyond the expiration date. A licensee who practices under an expired license may be subject to criminal prosecution under section 18 of the act (63 P.S. § 1718).
(e) A license that is not renewed at the end of a biennium will be marked expired unless a licensee who does not intend to practice in this Commonwealth requested that the license be placed on inactive status.
(f) A licensee who fails to renew a license or who requests to be placed on inactive status will not be sent Board notifications until the license is renewed or reactivated.
(g) An application for renewal of a license will not be granted unless the licensee has certified that the licensee has completed the required continuing education hours under § 45.501 (relating to credit hour requirements), including at least 2 hours of approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting in accordance with § 45.408(b) (relating to child abuse recognition and reporting—mandatory training requirement). If requested by the Board, an application for renewal shall also include the documentation required under § 45.504 (relating to reporting completion of continuing education).
(h) An application for reactivation of an inactive or lapsed license shall also include the documentation required under § 45.504 for the preceding biennial period.
Authority The provisions of this § 45.13 amended under sections 5(2) and (7), 7(d)(1), 8(a) and 8.1 of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (63 P.S. § § 1705(2) and (7), 1707(d)(1), 1708(a) and 1708.1); section 810(a)(3) and (7) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 279.1(a)(3) and (7)); and 23 Pa.C.S. § 6383(b)(2).
Source The provisions of this § 45.13 amended April 7, 2006, effective April 8, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 1648; amended July 14, 2017, effective July 15, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 3814; amended January 26, 2024, effective January 27, 2024, 54 Pa.B. 375. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (387733) to (387734).
§ 45.14. Reactivation of licensure status.
(a) A licensee who wishes to reactivate an expired or inactive license shall apply for reactivation, pay the current registration fee and verify that the licensee has not practiced in this Commonwealth while the license was expired or inactive.
(b) A licensee shall pay a late renewal fee for the preceding biennial registration periods in which the licensee engaged in practice in this Commonwealth while the license was expired or inactive.
(c) With the exception of individuals exempt from licensure under section 6(b)(2) of the act (63 P.S. § 1706(b)(2)), licensees who practice in this Common- wealth during a period in which the licensees’ registration is not renewed shall pay a late fee of $5 for each month or part of a month beyond the date specified for renewal, as provided in section 225 of the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs Fee Act (63 P.S. § 1401-225), in addition to the prescribed biennial renewal fee. The payment of a late fee does not preclude the Board from taking disciplinary action against a licensee for practicing in this Commonwealth without a current license.
(d) A licensee whose license has lapsed, been suspended or placed on inactive status for more than 5 years shall demonstrate continued competency to reactivate the license by doing one of the following:
(1) Successfully complete the initial licensing examination approved by the Board.
(2) Successfully complete the required continuing education in § 45.501(a) (relating to credit hour requirements) for the biennial periods during which the license was lapsed, suspended or inactive.
(3) Provide evidence to the Board that the applicant has a license in good standing to practice speech-language pathology or audiology in another jurisdiction that has substantially similar requirements for licensure and has engaged in practice in the other jurisdiction at some period within the last 5 years.
Authority The provisions of this § 45.14 amended under sections 5(2) and (7), 7(d)(1), 8(a) and 8.1 of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (63 P.S. § § 1705(2) and (7), 1707(d)(1), 1708(a) and 1708.1); and section 810(a)(3) and (7) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 279.1(a)(3) and (7)).
Source The provisions of this § 45.14 amended July 14, 2017, effective July 15, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 3814. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (375009).
§ 45.15. Duplicate licenses.
A duplicate license will be issued only upon payment of the fee as prescribed by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs Fee Act (63 P.S. § § 1401-101—1401-501).
Authority The provisions of this § 45.15 amended under sections 5(2) and (7), 7(d)(1), 8(a) and 8.1 of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (63 P.S. § § 1705(2) and (7), 1707(d)(1), 1708(a) and 1708.1); and section 810(a)(3) and (7) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 279.1(a)(3) and (7)).
Source The provisions of this § 45.15 amended July 14, 2017, effective July 15, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 3814. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (375009).
§ 45.16. Display of license.
The licensee shall post the license and, if applicable, certification in a conspicuous place in the office or place of business of the licensee.
Authority The provisons of this § 45.16 amended under sections 5(2) and (7), 7(d)(1), 8(a) and 8.1 of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (63 P.S. § § 1705(2) and (7), 1707(d)(1), 1708(a) and 1708.1); and section 810(a)(3) and (7) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 279.1(a)(3) and (7)).
Source The provisions of this § 45.16 amended July 14, 2017, effective July 15, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 3814. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (375010).
§ 45.17. Education requirements.
(a) Speech-language pathologist. An applicant for licensure as a speech-language pathologist shall provide evidence of holding a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an academic program accredited by an accrediting agency approved by the Board. The Board will make available a list of approved accrediting agencies on its web site.
(b) Audiologist. An applicant for licensure as an audiologist shall provide evidence of holding a doctoral degree in audiology from an academic program approved by an accrediting agency approved by the Board and the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The Board will make available a list of approved accrediting agencies on its web site.
Authority The provisions of this § 45.17 amended under sections 5(2) and (7), 7(d)(1), 8(a) and 8.1 of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (63 P.S. § § 1705(2) and (7), 1707(d)(1), 1708(a) and 1708.1); and section 810(a)(3) and (7) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 279.1(a)(3) and (7)).
Source The provisions of this § 45.17 amended July 14, 2017, effective July 15, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 3814. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (375010).
Cross References This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.12 (relating to licensure application procedures); and 49 Pa. Code § 45.22 (relating to foreign-trained applicants).
§ 45.18. [Reserved].
Authority The provisions of this § 45.18 reserved under sections 5(2) and (7), 7(d)(1), 8(a) and 8.1 of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (63 P.S. § § 1705(2) and (7), 1707(d)(1), 1708(a) and 1708.1); and section 810(a)(3) and (7) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 279.1(a)(3) and (7)).
Source The provisions of this § 45.18 reserved July 14, 2017, effective July 15, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 3814. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (375010) to (375011).
§ 45.19. [Reserved].
Authority The provisions of this § 45.19 reserved under sections 5(2) and (7), 7(d)(1), 8(a) and 8.1 of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (63 P.S. § § 1705(2) and (7), 1707(d)(1), 1708(a) and 1708.1); and section 810(a)(3) and (7) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 279.1(a)(3) and (7)).
Source The provisions of this § 45.19 reserved July 14, 2017, effective July 15, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 3814. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (375011) to (375013).
§ 45.20. Supervised professional experience required for licensure as a speech-language pathologist.
(a) The applicant shall begin the supervised professional experience within 4 years of conferral of the degree, and shall complete no less than 1,260 hours in no less than 9 months, but no more than 2 years.
(b) The Board may waive the requirements in subsection (a) in the case of demonstrated undue hardship, military service or other good cause shown by the applicant.
(c) The applicant shall complete the supervised professional experience under the supervision of a currently licensed speech-language pathologist in the state or jurisdiction where the supervised professional experience is being obtained.
(1) The supervisor may not supervise more than three applicants completing their supervised professional experience at any one time.
(2) Applicants may not work under the direction of more than two supervisors at one time.
(d) The applicant shall inform individuals under his care that he is completing the supervised professional experience and is working under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist.
(e) An applicant shall spend at least 80% of each week in direct client contact related to assessment, nonmedical diagnosis, evaluation, screening, habilitation, rehabilitation, consulting, recordkeeping or other duties appropriate to a bona fide program of clinical work. No more than 50% of the applicant’s time may be spent conducting screenings. Clinical residents who teach, conduct research, perform administrative tasks or engage in other activities not related to direct client contact may not apply the time devoted to these activities toward meeting the supervised professional experience requirement.
(f) During the supervised professional experience, the applicant shall routinely consult with the supervisor for evaluation of the applicant’s performance in professional employment. These consultations shall occur at least once a month and shall include review of the applicant’s performance in regard to one or more of the following:
(1) Clinical treatment or evaluation.
(2) Changes in the communication behaviors of persons served by the applicant.
(3) Clinical records, diagnostic reports, treatment records, correspondence, plans of treatment and summaries of clinical conferences.
(4) Staff conferences and interaction with allied professionals, colleagues and clients and their representatives.
(5) Contributions to professional meetings and publications, and participation in other professional growth opportunities.
(6) Other matters related to the applicant’s knowledge, skills and abilities to practice.
(g) During the supervised professional experience, the applicant shall complete at least 36 supervised activities as follows:
(1) A minimum of one supervised activity shall be completed per month.
(2) Each of a minimum of 18 activities shall meet the following criteria. The activities shall:
(i) Be directly supervised and involve the assessment, nonmedical diagnosis, evaluation, screening, habilitation and rehabilitation of clients.
(ii) Be at least 1 hour in duration.
(3) No more than 6 hours of direct supervision activities may be completed in 1 day.
(4) At least six direct supervision activities shall be completed during each third of the supervised professional experience.
(5) Applicants fulfilling the supervised professional experience at more than one site shall complete at least one direct supervision activity at each site during each of the three segments of the supervised professional experience.
(h) The supervisor shall attest that the applicant has fulfilled the criteria of the supervised professional experience.
(i) The final decision as to whether the applicant has satisfactorily met the conditions of the supervised professional experience is within the discretion of the Board.
Authority The provisions of this § 45.20 amended under sections 5(2) and (7), 7(d)(1), 8(a) and 8.1 of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (63 P.S. § § 1705(2) and (7), 1707(d)(1), 1708(a) and 1708.1); and section 810(a)(3) and (7) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 279.1(a)(3) and (7)).
Source The provisions of this § 45.20 amended July 14, 2017, effective July 15, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 3814. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (375013) to (375015).
Cross References This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.12 (relating to licensure application procedures); and 49 Pa. Code § 45.22 (relating to foreign-trained applicants).
§ 45.21. Waivers.
The Board will waive the education, experience and examination requirements of this subchapter for an applicant who:
(1) Holds a currently valid license to practice speech-language pathology or audiology in a state which has standards determined by the Board to be at least equal to those for licensure in this Commonwealth. The applicant shall file an application with the Board, and shall cause the appropriate agency in the state of licensure to submit to the Board a letter attesting to the applicant’s good standing.
(2) Holds a current certificate of clinical competence from the Council for Clinical Certification of the ASHA. The applicant shall file an application with the Board, and shall cause the ASHA to submit to the Board certification of the applicant’s status.
(3) Is a current practitioner who falls within the exemption in section 7(c) of the act (63 P.S. § 1707(c)), earned a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or a master’s degree in audiology from an accredited college or university as of February 19, 1982, and was employed as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist for at least 9 consecutive months during the period February 19, 1982—February 19, 1985. The applicant shall file an application with the Board, and shall provide documentation evidencing completion of the degree and employment as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist.
Authority The provisions of this § 45.21 amended under sections 5(2) and (7), 7(d)(1), 8(a) and 8.1 of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (63 P.S. § § 1705(2) and (7), 1707(d)(1), 1708(a) and 1708.1); and section 810(a)(3) and (7) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 279.1(a)(3) and (7)).
Source The provisions of this § 45.21 amended July 14, 2017, effective July 15, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 3814. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (375015) to (375016).
§ 45.22. Foreign-trained applicants.
(a) To apply for licensure the foreign-trained applicant shall, before examination, submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant meets the following requirements:
(1) For speech-language pathologists:
(i) Is of good moral character.
(ii) Has completed educational requirements substantially equivalent to § 45.17(a) (relating to education requirements). The Board will accept a credential evaluation done by a recognized and accredited credential evaluation agency approved by the Board as proof that the foreign-trained applicant has completed these requirements.
(iii) Has completed at least 9 months of supervised professional experience as provided by § 45.20 (relating to supervised professional experience required for licensure as a speech-language pathologist).
(2) For audiologists:
(i) Is of good moral character.
(ii) Has completed educational requirements substantially equivalent to § 45.17(b). The Board will accept a credential evaluation done by a recognized and accredited credential evaluation agency approved by the Board as proof that the foreign-trained applicant has completed these requirements.
(b) The foreign-trained applicant may be licensed by the Board, if the applicant has complied with subsection (a) and has passed the licensure examination.
Authority The provisions of this § 45.22 amended under sections 5(2) and (7), 7(d)(1), 8(a) and 8.1 of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (63 P.S. § § 1705(2) and (7), 1707(d)(1), 1708(a) and 1708.1); and section 810(a)(3) and (7) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 279.1(a)(3) and (7)).
Source The provisions of this § 45.22 amended July 14, 2017, effective July 15, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 3814. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (375016).
§ 45.23. Provisional licenses.
(a) The following applicants may be issued a provisional license:
(1) Speech-language pathologist.
(i) Applicants for licensure who have completed the requirements in § 45.12(b)(1) (relating to licensure application procedures). A provisional license granted under this subparagraph will be valid for 6 months from the date the application for licensure is submitted to the Board.
(ii) Applicants who are completing the supervised professional experience necessary to receive an ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence. A provisional license granted under this subparagraph will be valid for 18 months and may be renewed one time under section 7(d) of the act (63 P.S. § 1707(d)).
(2) Audiologists.
(i) Applicants for licensure who have completed the requirements in § 45.12(b)(2). A provisional license granted under this subparagraph will be valid for 6 months from the date the application for licensure is submitted to the Board.
(ii) Post-doctoral graduates completing additional post-graduate professional experience. A provisional license granted under this subparagraph will be valid for 18 months and may be renewed one time under section 7(d) of the act.
(3) Licensees from other states. Individuals who hold a valid license in another state to practice speech-language pathology or audiology who apply for licensure in this Commonwealth may also apply for a provisional license. A provisional license granted under this paragraph will be valid for 90 days.
(b) An applicant seeking a provisional license shall submit all of the following:
(1) An application for a provisional license and the fee in § 45.1(4) (relating to fees).
(2) In addition to meeting the requirements of subsection (b)(1), an applicant for a provisional license under subsection (a)(1)(ii) or (2)(ii) shall also submit:
(i) A letter describing the applicant’s plans for completing the professional experience.
(ii) A transcript.
(A) Speech-language pathologist applicants’ transcripts must evidence completion of the applicants’ didactic education.
(B) Audiologist applicants’ transcripts must evidence completion of didactic and clinical education.
(3) In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph (1), an applicant for a provisional license under subsection (a)(1)(i), (2)(i) or (3) shall also submit an application for licensure and the accompanying fee in § 45.1(1).
(c) Except for provisional licenses granted under subsection (a)(1)(i) and (2)(i), provisional licensees shall practice only under supervision of a supervisor who holds the same type of license as the provisional licensee and, if the provisional licensee does not hold a graduate degree, who is physically present in the area or unit where the provisional licensee is practicing.
(d) An applicant who was issued a provisional license under subsection (a)(1)(ii) or (2)(ii) seeking an extension of the provisional license shall provide a detailed written explanation of the reason the extension is requested and the status of the applicant’s supervised professional experience.
Authority The provisions of this § 45.23 issued under sections 5(2) and (7), 7(d)(1), 8(a) and 8.1 of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (63 P.S. § § 1705(2) and (7), 1707(d)(1), 1708(a) and 1708.1); and section 810(a)(3) and (7) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 279.1(a)(3) and (7)).
Source The provisions of this § 45.23 adopted July 14, 2017, effective July 15, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 3814.
§ 45.24. Certification to utilize neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring.
(a) Prior to utilizing neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring, an audiologist shall obtain certification from the Board.
(b) Applicants shall be granted certification by the Board upon submission of documentation evidencing one of the following:
(1) Current certification from the American Board of Neurophysiologic Monitoring, the American Audiology Board of Intraoperative Monitoring or another National certifying organization approved by the Board.
(2) Completion of the doctoral level coursework, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and other neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring, from an accredited doctoral audiology program and clinical instruction in neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring that meets the requirements of section 8.1(2) of the act (63 P.S. § 1708.1(2)). The applicant has the affirmative burden of proving that these requirements are met.
(c) The Board will make available a list of approved certifying organizations on its web site.
Authority The provisions of this § 45.24 issued under sections 5(2) and (7), 7(d)(1), 8(a) and 8.1 of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Licensure Act (63 P.S. § § 1705(2) and (7), 1707(d)(1), 1708(a) and 1708.1); and section 810(a)(3) and (7) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 279.1(a)(3) and (7)).
Source The provisions of this § 45.24 adopted July 14, 2017, effective July 15, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 3814.
Cross References This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.2 (relating to definitions).
No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit.
This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Code full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.
