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SB 2857

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY

2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Burke and 4 co-sponsors

Rhode Island SB 2857 creates a unified, modern licensure and regulation framework for speech-language pathology and audiology, ensuring qualified practitioners and clear discipline

06/10/2026 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · SB 2857

Purpose and intent

  • SB 2857 proposes a comprehensive overhaul of Rhode Island’s regulation of speech-language pathology and audiology.
  • The bill repeals the existing Chapter 5-48 in its entirety and consolidates/regulates licensure, practice, standards, and discipline under a unified framework within new Chapter 5-48 (and related amendments to 5-48.2).
  • The overarching goal is to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that only qualified individuals practice and by clarifying licensure, scope of practice, credentials, and enforcement.

Key provisions and changes

  • Repeal and modernization:

    • Replaces the old Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology chapter (5-48) with updated, consolidated provisions.
    • Amends and consolidates definitions and requirements across related licensing sections (notably 5-48.2).

  • Definitions and scope (new/updated definitions):

    • Clear definitions for audiologist, speech-language pathologist, audiology, speech-language pathology, clinical fellow, telepractice, and related terms.
    • Establishes what constitutes the practice of audiology and the practice of speech-language pathology, including services, screenings, evaluations, habilitation/rehabilitation, assistive technology, and related fields.

  • Board composition and authority:

    • Maintains a five-member Rhode Island board of examiners for speech-language pathology and audiology.
    • Board composition includes: two SLPs, one audiologist, one otolaryngologist, and one consumer public representative.
    • Terms are three years; annual reorganization and chair selection; quorum established; prohibitions on more than two consecutive terms.
    • Board authority to issue licenses, regulate conduct, adopt rules, and discipline licensees; allows subpoenas and hearings; records management; and compliance oversight.

  • Licensure, registration, and practice requirements:

    • Licensure can be granted in either field independently or in both.
    • Provisional licenses for clinical fellows (SLP) and other provisional pathways retained to oversee postgraduate experience.
    • Detailed qualification requirements for SLPs and audiologists, including: good moral character, degree(s) from regionally accredited programs, coursework aligned with ASHA/CAA standards, supervised practicum/clinical hours, national exams, and evidence of clinical competence.
    • Telepractice provisions align in-person and remote service delivery with ethics and standards.
    • Provisions for licensure in alternate jurisdictions and compatibility with prior state requirements.

  • Education, credentialing, and certifications:

    • Emphasizes ASHA (and other national accrediting bodies) certificates of clinical competence as part of licensure, with provisions for cross-state licensure verification.
    • Defines required CEUs for license renewal (20 hours for SLP or audiology; 30 hours for dual-licensed individuals) with no carryover between renewal periods.

  • Licensure duration, renewal, and inactive status:

    • Licenses issued for two-year terms, expiring July 1 of even years; biennial renewal required.
    • Provisions for reinstatement after lapse, including late fees and CEU requirements if applicable.
    • Inactive status allowed for up to two licensing periods; reinstatement without penalty upon meeting renewal requirements.

  • Fees and receipts:

    • Revenue from license/renewal fees deposited to general revenues; specific fee schedules to be set in DOH regulations.

  • Discipline and grounds for denial or revocation:

    • Lists grounds for suspension, revocation, or denial of licenses (including fraud, unlicensed practice, misrepresentation, professional misconduct, substance abuse, criminal conviction, unethical advertising, etc.).
    • Aligns discipline procedures with established hearing processes and whistleblower protections; allows injunctive relief to enforce orders.

  • Support personnel and supervision:

    • Introduces and defines SLPA and audiology support personnel roles (audiometric aides, audiology assistants).
    • Sets minimum education, observation hours, clinical hours, and supervision requirements; defines scope of practice and prohibitions (e.g., cannot diagnose or independently interpret results; must operate under direct supervision).
    • Requires licensure/registration of SLPAs and audiology support personnel, with renewals every two years.
    • Outlines supervision requirements, practice models, and remote service delivery via telepractice where appropriate.

  • Rules and ethics incorporation:

    • Incorporates ASHA Code of Ethics as a reference point (without incorporating future editions automatically), to be aligned with state regulations.
    • Governs practices, hearings, and procedural rules under the Department of Health.

Who would be affected

  • Prospective and current licensees:
    • Speech-language pathologists and audiologists seeking initial licensure, renewal, or reinstatement.
    • Provisional/clinical fellows (SLP) and audiology trainees.
    • SLPAs and audiology assistants, including audiometric aides and newborn/school screeners, with defined supervisory structures.
  • Employers, institutions, and training programs:
    • Universities, clinics, hospitals, school systems, and private practices administering clinical fellowships, practicum experiences, and supervision.
  • Consumers/public:
    • Individuals receiving speech-language pathology and audiology services will benefit from clarified practice standards, credentialing, and board oversight.
  • Department of Health and Board:
    • Responsible for licensure administration, rulemaking, disciplinary actions, and enforcement.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.
  • Renewal timeline: Licenses expire July 1 of even-numbered years; renewal required by that date.
  • Provisional licenses: Time-limited, tied to the duration of postgraduate experience (up to 36 months past initiation; expires 90 days after completion).
  • CEU cycles: Two-year CEU window preceding each renewal period; no carryover of CEUs.
  • Governance: Annual board reorganization in January; oversight and enforcement tied to the Department of Health; penalties include fines and possible license suspension/revocation following due process.

Note: The bill also includes structural housekeeping to merge and harmonize two existing regulatory regimes into a single, modern framework, with detailed cross-references to ASHA/AAA standards and telepractice guidance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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