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HB 1049

AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 2 of section 43-37-02 and sections 43-37-04 and 43-37-13 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to licensure requirements of a speech-language pathology licensed assistant, temporary licensure, and investigation of an alleged violation.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26)

HB 1049 expands SLPA licensure options, clarifies temporary licenses, and strengthens the board's investigative powers to protect patients and the public.

Filed with Secretary Of State 04/28
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Bill Summary · HB 1049

HB 1049 — North Dakota (Sixty-ninth Legislative Assembly)

Summary: amendments to licensure and investigative authority for audiology and speech‑language pathology

Purpose

To revise statutory requirements for licensure as a speech‑language pathology licensed assistant (SLPA), to clarify temporary‑licensure criteria, and to broaden the Board of Examiners on Audiology and Speech‑Language Pathology’s investigative powers relating to alleged violations of chapter 43‑37 of the North Dakota Century Code.

Key provisions

  • Statutory changes (amends subsection 2 of § 43‑37‑02 and §§ 43‑37‑04 and 43‑37‑13).
  • Definition update:
    • Subsection 2 (§ 43‑37‑02) restates “audiology,” explicitly including vestibular testing in the scope of practice.
  • SLPA education/experience pathways (§ 43‑37‑04):
    • An SLPA applicant must have at least 100 hours of supervised clinical experience or fieldwork and one of the following:
    • A certificate of completion for speech‑language pathology paraprofessionals issued by the superintendent of public instruction prior to August 1, 2026; or
    • A bachelor’s degree in speech‑language pathology or communication disorders; or
    • A two‑year SLPA degree program OR a bachelor’s degree in another field plus coursework in:
      • Introduction to communication disorders; phonetics; speech sound disorders; language development; language disorders; anatomy & physiology of speech/hearing mechanisms.
  • Temporary licensure (§ 43‑37‑04(d)):
    • Applicant for a temporary license must show proof of active licensure within the past five years in North Dakota or another jurisdiction.
    • The board will adopt rules to set limits on temporary license length and on qualifications required to convert to full licensure.
  • Examination and fees:
    • Applicants must pass any board‑prescribed examination within one year of application and pay applicable fees.
  • Board investigative and disciplinary authority (§ 43‑37‑13):
    • The board may refuse/renew, suspend/revoke licenses for unprofessional conduct (fraud, ethics/code violations, convictions bearing on ability to practice, board rule violations, etc.).
    • To investigate alleged violations the board may subpoena and examine witnesses and records — including client/patient records — and may copy, photograph, or take samples of records.
    • The board may require sworn statements and may require a licensee to submit to physical or psychological examinations if reasonably necessary to protect the public.
    • Client and patient records obtained by the board through investigation are not public records.
    • Reinstatement: a person whose license was revoked may apply for reinstatement one year after revocation; board may require examination for reinstatement.

Who is affected

  • Primary: speech‑language pathology licensed assistants, speech‑language pathologists, and audiologists (applicants and licensees).
  • Secondary: supervising clinicians, educational/training programs, employers (schools, clinics, long‑term care), and patients whose records may be accessed in investigations.
  • The licensing board (rulemaking and enforcement responsibilities).

Procedural / timeline details

  • The bill text includes a specific date for paraprofessional certificates: completion must have been issued prior to August 1, 2026, to qualify under that pathway.
  • Temporary‑licensure reciprocity requires proof of active licensure within the last five years; the board will set rule‑based limits on duration and conversion.
  • The bill proceeded through committee amendments and conference committee stages (see legislative history); user‑provided status indicates it was filed with the Secretary of State on 04/28.

Potential impact

  • Workforce: Expands and clarifies multiple educational/experience routes to SLPA licensure, which may improve recruitment and flexibility in staffing (especially in schools and rural areas).
  • Public protection: Strengthens the board’s investigatory tools (subpoena, records sampling, ability to require exams) and preserves confidentiality of client records obtained in investigations.
  • Regulatory: Gives the board rulemaking authority to define temporary licensure details (length/conditions), affecting out‑of‑state practitioners seeking temporary practice.

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

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