HB441 Alabama 2025 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: David StandridgeRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2025 Regular Session
Title: Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, minimum educational qualifications for speech-language pathology assistant provided
Summary: HB441 creates an associate-degree pathway to licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) in Alabama, with supervised practice and specific limits, effective January 1, 2026.
What This Bill Does
The bill allows a person who cannot become a licensed speech-language pathologist to apply for SLPA licensure. It offers two education routes: a bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing sciences or communication disorders, or an associate degree in SLPA assisting that includes at least 30 credits with dedicated language and speech coursework and at least 100 hours of clinical practicum under supervision. SLPAs educated via the associate-degree route may provide services only in certain settings (such as educational, private practice, nonresidential health care, early intervention, and other nonhospital settings) and must work under the supervision of a licensed SLP.

Who It Affects
Prospective SLPA candidates who meet the defined education and practicum requirements and wish to work under supervision rather than pursue a full SLP license.
Licensed speech-language pathologists who supervise SLPAs and the employers and settings where SLPAs would work, including limits on supervision and credential requirements.

Key Provisions
Adds a new licensure pathway for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPA) under Section 34-28A-21.1.
Education options: (a) bachelor's degree or equivalent in speech and hearing sciences or communication disorders; or (b) associate degree in SLPA assisting with at least 30 semester credits, including 3 hours language disorders and 3 hours speech disorders, and at least 100 clinical practicum hours.
SLPAs with the associate-degree route may provide services only in specified settings (educational, private practice, nonresidential health care, early intervention, and other nonhospital settings).
Supervision requirements: a supervising SLP must hold a full, unrestricted license for at least two years and may supervise no more than three full-time equivalent SLPAs in one setting.
Licensure as an SLPA is eligible for annual renewal with no limit on the number of renewals.
The Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology will adopt rules to implement the new provisions.
Effective date is January 1, 2026.
Scope of practice for SLPAs will align with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) definitions.
For purposes of this section, community college and university definitions are specified (including Wallace State Community College-Hanceville and four-year institutions within Alabama).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Occupational Licensing Boards