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Bill Summary · HB 441

Summary of House Bill 441 (HB 441)

Title: Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Minimum Educational Qualifications for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Provided

Status: Enacted

Introduced: March 18, 2025

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 441 aims to establish minimum educational qualifications for individuals seeking to register as speech-language pathology assistants in Alabama. The bill modifies existing regulations to allow for an associate's degree as an acceptable qualification, thereby broadening access to this profession.

Key Provisions

  • Minimum Educational Requirements:

    • Applicants must hold either:
    • A bachelor's degree in speech and hearing sciences or communication disorders, or
    • An associate degree in speech-language pathology assisting, which includes:
      • At least 30 semester credit hours in relevant coursework (including three hours in language disorders and three hours in speech disorders).
      • A minimum of 100 clinical practicum hours under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist.

  • Supervision Requirements:

    • Speech-language pathology assistants must practice under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist who has held an unrestricted license for at least two years.
    • A supervising pathologist may not oversee more than three full-time equivalent assistants in any one setting.

  • Scope of Practice:

    • The scope of practice for assistants is defined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
    • Assistants without a bachelor's degree are restricted to providing services in non-hospital settings, such as educational institutions and private practices.

  • Registration and Renewal:

    • Registration as a speech-language pathology assistant is required and can be renewed annually without limitation on the number of renewals.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • This legislation primarily affects individuals seeking to become speech-language pathology assistants in Alabama, as well as licensed speech-language pathologists who will supervise them.

  • Educational Institutions:

    • Community colleges and universities offering relevant programs will need to align their curricula with the new requirements.

  • Healthcare Settings:

    • The bill may increase the availability of speech-language pathology services in educational and private practice settings, potentially improving access to care for individuals needing these services.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on March 18, 2025, and went through several readings and amendments before being passed by the House on April 22, 2025.
  • It was subsequently passed by the Senate and signed into law, becoming effective on January 1, 2026.
  • Fiscal notes indicate that the bill does not directly affect state or local funding.

This summary provides an overview of HB 441, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on the field of speech-language pathology in Alabama.

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

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