House Bill 25-1075 Introduced

A Bill for an Act

• Page 1, Line 101Concerning regulation of speech-language pathology

• Page 1, Line 102assistants.

Bill Summary

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at http://leg.colorado.gov.)

Beginning January 1, 2026, the bill authorizes the certification of an individual as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA). The director of the division of professions and occupations (director) in the department of regulatory agencies (DORA) may certify an applicant if the applicant demonstrates that the applicant has a bachelor's degree in speech communication, speech-language pathology, or a related field and has completed an SLPA program and a clinical practicum.

An SLPA shall practice speech-language pathology only in collaboration with and under the direction and supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP). The bill establishes requirements and guidelines for an SLP supervising an SLPA.

The bill prohibits an SLPA from engaging in certain speech-language pathology tasks, such as the diagnosis of patients and preparation of a treatment plan.

An SLPA is required to complete 10 hours of continuing education each year and is subject to discipline by the director for violations of statutes governing the practice of speech-language pathology by an SLPA.

The bill repeals SLPA certification on September 1, 2033, subject to sunset review by DORA.

The bill makes conforming amendments, including clarifying that a school SLPA authorized by the department of education to practice in schools is not automatically a DORA-certified SLPA and must apply for DORA certification.

• Page 2, Line 1Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:

• Page 2, Line 2SECTION 1.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-20-404, amend

• Page 2, Line 3(1)(d)(II)(L) and (3)(a)(II)(N) as follows:

• Page 2, Line 412-20-404.  Disciplinary actions - regulator powers -

• Page 2, Line 5disposition of fines - mistreatment of at-risk adult - exceptions -

• Page 2, Line 6definitions. (1)  General disciplinary authority. If a regulator

• Page 2, Line 7determines that an applicant, licensee, certificate holder, or registrant has

• Page 2, Line 8committed an act or engaged in conduct that constitutes grounds for

• Page 2, Line 9discipline or unprofessional conduct under a part or article of this title 12

• Page 2, Line 10governing the particular profession or occupation, the regulator may:

• Page 2, Line 11(d) (II)  A regulator is not authorized under this subsection (1)(d)

• Page 2, Line 12to refuse to renew the license, certification, or registration of a licensee,

• Page 2, Line 13certificate holder, or registrant regulated under the following:

• Page 2, Line 14(L)  Article 305 of this title 12 concerning speech-language

• Page 2, Line 15pathologists and speech-language pathology assistants; or

• Page 3, Line 1(3)  Waiting period after revocation or surrender. (a) (II)  In

• Page 3, Line 2addition, the waiting period specified in subsection (3)(a)(I) of this

• Page 3, Line 3section applies when a person regulated under any of the following

• Page 3, Line 4articles surrenders a license, certification, or registration to avoid

• Page 3, Line 5discipline:

• Page 3, Line 6(N)  Article 305 of this title 12 concerning speech-language

• Page 3, Line 7pathologists and speech-language pathology assistants; and

• Page 3, Line 8SECTION 2.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-20-407, amend

• Page 3, Line 9(1)(b)(V) as follows:

• Page 3, Line 1012-20-407.  Unauthorized practice of profession or occupation

• Page 3, Line 11- penalties - exclusions. (1) (b)  A person commits a class 2 misdemeanor

• Page 3, Line 12and shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-501 if the person

• Page 3, Line 13engages in any of the following activities:

• Page 3, Line 14(V)  Practices or offers or attempts to practice speech-language

• Page 3, Line 15pathology without an active certification issued under article 305 of this

• Page 3, Line 16title 12 for speech-language pathologists or speech-language

• Page 3, Line 17pathology assistants, as defined in section 12-305-104;

• Page 3, Line 18SECTION 3.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-30-102, amend

• Page 3, Line 19(3)(a)(XX) as follows:

• Page 3, Line 2012-30-102.  Medical transparency act of 2010 - disclosure of

• Page 3, Line 21information about health-care providers - fines - rules - short title -

• Page 3, Line 22legislative declaration - review of functions - definition - repeal.

• Page 3, Line 23(3) (a)  As used in this section, "applicant" means a person applying for

• Page 3, Line 24a new, active license, certification, or registration or to renew, reinstate,

• Page 3, Line 25or reactivate an active license, certification, or registration to practice:

• Page 3, Line 26(XX)  As a speech-language pathologist or a

• Page 3, Line 27speech-language pathology assistant pursuant to article 305 of this

• Page 4, Line 1title 12;

• Page 4, Line 2SECTION 4.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-305-102, amend

• Page 4, Line 3(1) introductory portion and (2); and add (1)(c.5) and (1)(c.6) as follows:

• Page 4, Line 412-305-102.  Legislative declaration. (1)  The general assembly

• Page 4, Line 5hereby finds, determines, and declares that:

• Page 4, Line 6(c.5)  Speech-language pathology assistants enhance the

• Page 4, Line 7efficiency and extent of speech-language pathology services by

• Page 4, Line 8providing speech-language pathology services in collaboration

• Page 4, Line 9with and under the direction and supervision of speech-language

• Page 4, Line 10pathologists, and will help address the critical shortage of

• Page 4, Line 11speech-language pathology services in the state;

• Page 4, Line 12(c.6)  A school speech-language pathology assistant who

• Page 4, Line 13is authorized by the department of education to assist licensed

• Page 4, Line 14school speech-language pathologists in schools may apply for

• Page 4, Line 15certification under this article 305 to become a certified

• Page 4, Line 16speech-language pathology assistant who is eligible to assist

• Page 4, Line 17certified speech-language pathologists who practice outside of

• Page 4, Line 18the school setting; and

• Page 4, Line 19(2)  The general assembly further determines that it is the purpose

• Page 4, Line 20of this article 305 to:

• Page 4, Line 21(a) (I)  Regulate persons individuals who are representing or

• Page 4, Line 22holding themselves out as speech-language pathologists or who are

• Page 4, Line 23performing services that constitute speech-language pathology; and

• Page 4, Line 24(II)  Regulate individuals who are representing or holding

• Page 4, Line 25themselves out as speech-language pathology assistants or who

• Page 4, Line 26are performing services that constitute speech-language

• Page 4, Line 27pathology; and

• Page 5, Line 1(b)  Exclude from regulation under this article 305 those school

• Page 5, Line 2speech-language pathologists, including school speech-language

• Page 5, Line 3pathology assistants, who are paid solely by an administrative unit or

• Page 5, Line 4state-operated program.

• Page 5, Line 5SECTION 5.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-305-104, amend

• Page 5, Line 6(2) and (3); and add (1.3), (1.4), (1.5), (2.5), (4.5), and (6) as follows:

• Page 5, Line 712-305-104.  Definitions. As used in this article 305, unless the

• Page 5, Line 8context otherwise requires:

• Page 5, Line 9(1.3)  "Certificate holder" means a speech-language

• Page 5, Line 10pathologist or a speech-language pathology assistant, certified

• Page 5, Line 11pursuant to section 12-305-107.

• Page 5, Line 12(1.4)  "Certified" means certified by the director pursuant

• Page 5, Line 13to this article 305.

• Page 5, Line 14(1.5)  "Direction and supervision" means, with respect to a

• Page 5, Line 15speech-language pathology assistant, direction and supervision

• Page 5, Line 16by a supervising speech language pathologist in accordance with

• Page 5, Line 17the requirements set forth in section 12-305-111.5.

• Page 5, Line 18(2)  "School speech-language pathologist" means a person an

• Page 5, Line 19individual licensed by the department of education to provide

• Page 5, Line 20speech-language pathology services that are paid for by an administrative

• Page 5, Line 21unit or a state-operated program. "School speech-language pathologist"

• Page 5, Line 22includes a school speech-language pathology assistant authorized by the

• Page 5, Line 23department of education pursuant to section 22-60.5-111 (10) to provide

• Page 5, Line 24speech-language pathology services that are paid for by an administrative

• Page 5, Line 25unit or a state-operated program.

• Page 5, Line 26(2.5)  "School speech-language pathology assistant"

• Page 5, Line 27means an individual authorized by the department of education

• Page 6, Line 1pursuant to section 22-60.5-111 (10) to assist a school

• Page 6, Line 2speech-language pathologist in providing speech-language

• Page 6, Line 3pathology services that are paid for by an administrative unit

• Page 6, Line 4or a state-operated program.

• Page 6, Line 5(3)  "Speech-language pathologist" or "certificate holder" means

• Page 6, Line 6a person a speech-language pathologist certified to practice

• Page 6, Line 7speech-language pathology under this article 305.

• Page 6, Line 8(4.5)  "Speech-language pathology assistant" means an

• Page 6, Line 9individual who is certified pursuant to this article 305 and who

• Page 6, Line 10assists in the practice of speech-language pathology in

• Page 6, Line 11collaboration with and under the direction and supervision of

• Page 6, Line 12a certified speech-language pathologist pursuant to section

• Page 6, Line 1312-305-111.5.

• Page 6, Line 14(6)  "Supervising speech-language pathologist" or

• Page 6, Line 15"supervisor" means a certified speech-language pathologist who

• Page 6, Line 16is responsible for the direction and supervision of a certified

• Page 6, Line 17speech-language pathology assistant pursuant to section

• Page 6, Line 1812-305-111.5.

• Page 6, Line 19SECTION 6.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-305-105, amend

• Page 6, Line 20(1); and add (3) as follows:

• Page 6, Line 2112-305-105.  Use of titles restricted. (1)  Only a person an

• Page 6, Line 22individual who is required to be and who is certified pursuant to this

• Page 6, Line 23article 305 as a speech-language pathologist under this article 305 or is

• Page 6, Line 24licensed by the Colorado department of education to provide

• Page 6, Line 25speech-language pathology services may advertise as or use the title

• Page 6, Line 26"speech-language pathologist", "speech pathologist", "speech therapist",

• Page 6, Line 27"speech correctionist", "speech clinician", "language pathologist", "voice

• Page 7, Line 1therapist", "voice pathologist", "aphasiologist", or any other generally

• Page 7, Line 2accepted terms, letters, or figures that indicate that the person individual

• Page 7, Line 3is a certified speech-language pathologist or a licensed

• Page 7, Line 4speech-language pathologist.

• Page 7, Line 5(3)  Only an individual who is required to be and is

• Page 7, Line 6certified pursuant to this article 305 as a speech-language

• Page 7, Line 7pathology assistant or is authorized by the department of

• Page 7, Line 8education as a school speech-language pathology assistant may

• Page 7, Line 9advertise as or use the title "speech-language pathology

• Page 7, Line 10assistant" or any other generally accepted terms, letters, or

• Page 7, Line 11figures that indicate that the individual is a certified

• Page 7, Line 12speech-language pathology assistant or an authorized school

• Page 7, Line 13speech-language pathology assistant.

• Page 7, Line 14SECTION 7.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-305-106, amend

• Page 7, Line 15(1) as follows:

• Page 7, Line 1612-305-106.  Certification required - exception. (1)  Except as

• Page 7, Line 17otherwise provided in this article 305, on and after July 1, 2013, a person

• Page 7, Line 18shall not practice an individual who practices speech-language

• Page 7, Line 19pathology or represent or hold himself or herself out represents or

• Page 7, Line 20holds themself out as being able to practice speech-language

• Page 7, Line 21pathology in this state without possessing must:

• Page 7, Line 22(a)  Possess a valid certification as a speech-language

• Page 7, Line 23pathologist issued by the director in accordance with this article 305

• Page 7, Line 24and any rules adopted under this article 305 or a special services license

• Page 7, Line 25issued by the department of education pursuant to section 22-60.5-210;

• Page 7, Line 26or

• Page 7, Line 27(b)  On and after January 1, 2026, possess a valid

• Page 8, Line 1certification as a speech-language pathology assistant issued

• Page 8, Line 2by the director in accordance with this article 305 and any

• Page 8, Line 3rules adopted under this article 305 or be authorized by the

• Page 8, Line 4department of education as a school speech-language

• Page 8, Line 5pathology assistant.

• Page 8, Line 6SECTION 8.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-305-107, amend

• Page 8, Line 7(1), (2), and (4)(b) as follows:

• Page 8, Line 812-305-107.  Certification - speech-language pathologist -

• Page 8, Line 9speech-language pathology assistant - application - qualifications -

• Page 8, Line 10certification by endorsement - renewal - fees - rules.

• Page 8, Line 11(1) (a)  Educational and experiential requirements. Every applicant for

• Page 8, Line 12a certification as a speech-language pathologist must have:

• Page 8, Line 13(a)  (I)  Successfully completed a master's or higher degree in

• Page 8, Line 14communication sciences and disorders granted by an accredited

• Page 8, Line 15institution of higher education recognized by the United States

• Page 8, Line 16department of education;

• Page 8, Line 17(b)  (II)  Successfully completed a speech-language pathology

• Page 8, Line 18clinical fellowship approved by the director, as documented by the

• Page 8, Line 19supervising clinician or a national certifying body approved by the

• Page 8, Line 20director; and

• Page 8, Line 21(c)  (III)  Passed the appropriate examination and clinical

• Page 8, Line 22fellowships adopted by the director.

• Page 8, Line 23(b)  Every applicant for certification as a speech-language

• Page 8, Line 24pathology assistant must have:

• Page 8, Line 25(I)  Successfully completed a bachelor's or higher degree

• Page 8, Line 26in speech communication, speech-language pathology, or

• Page 8, Line 27communication disorders and speech sciences or a bachelor's

• Page 9, Line 1degree in any other field, with twenty-four semester hours in

• Page 9, Line 2speech-language hearing sciences, granted by an accredited

• Page 9, Line 3institution of higher education;

• Page 9, Line 4(II)  Successfully completed a speech-language pathology

• Page 9, Line 5assistant program or its equivalent, as determined by the

• Page 9, Line 6director by rule; and

• Page 9, Line 7(III)  Successfully completed a supervised clinical

• Page 9, Line 8practicum totaling at least one hundred direct hours under the

• Page 9, Line 9supervision of a speech-language pathologist.

• Page 9, Line 10(2)  Application. When an applicant has fulfilled the requirements

• Page 9, Line 11of subsection (1) of this section, the applicant may apply for certification

• Page 9, Line 12in the manner required by the director. The applicant shall submit an

• Page 9, Line 13application fee with the application in an amount determined by the

• Page 9, Line 14director. Additionally, if the an applicant for speech-language

• Page 9, Line 15pathologist certification will provide speech-language pathology

• Page 9, Line 16services to patients, the applicant shall submit to the director proof that

• Page 9, Line 17the applicant has purchased and is maintaining or is covered by

• Page 9, Line 18professional liability insurance in an amount determined by the director

• Page 9, Line 19by rule.

• Page 9, Line 20(4)  Certification by endorsement. (b)  If the a

• Page 9, Line 21speech-language pathology applicant will provide speech-language

• Page 9, Line 22pathology services to patients, the applicant shall submit to the director

• Page 9, Line 23proof that the applicant has purchased and is maintaining or is covered by

• Page 9, Line 24professional liability insurance in an amount determined by the director

• Page 9, Line 25by rule.

• Page 9, Line 26SECTION 9.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-305-109, amend

• Page 9, Line 27(1)(a), (1)(b) introductory portion, (1)(b)(I), (3), (4), and (5); and add

• Page 10, Line 1(2.5) as follows:

• Page 10, Line 212-305-109.  Continuing professional competency - rules -

• Page 10, Line 3definition. (1) (a)  A speech-language pathologist and a

• Page 10, Line 4speech-language pathology assistant shall each maintain

• Page 10, Line 5continuing professional competency to practice.

• Page 10, Line 6(b)  The director shall establish a continuing professional

• Page 10, Line 7competency program for speech-language pathologists and for

• Page 10, Line 8speech-language pathology assistants that includes, at a minimum,

• Page 10, Line 9the following elements:

• Page 10, Line 10(I)  A self-assessment of the knowledge and skills of a

• Page 10, Line 11speech-language pathologist or a speech-language pathology

• Page 10, Line 12assistant seeking to renew or reinstate a certification;

• Page 10, Line 13(2.5)  The director shall establish that a speech-language

• Page 10, Line 14pathology assistant satisfies the continuing competency

• Page 10, Line 15requirements of this section if the speech-language pathology

• Page 10, Line 16assistant completes ten clock hours of continuing education

• Page 10, Line 17activities, annually, that are approved by the director.

• Page 10, Line 18(3) (a)  After the program is established, A speech-language

• Page 10, Line 19pathologist and a speech-language pathology assistant shall each

• Page 10, Line 20satisfy the requirements of the continuing professional competency

• Page 10, Line 21program in order to renew or reinstate a certification to practice

• Page 10, Line 22speech-language pathology.

• Page 10, Line 23(b)  The requirements of this section apply to individual

• Page 10, Line 24speech-language pathologists and speech-language pathology

• Page 10, Line 25assistants, and nothing in this section requires a person who that

• Page 10, Line 26employs or contracts with a speech-language pathologist or a

• Page 10, Line 27speech-language pathology assistant to comply with this section.

• Page 11, Line 1(4)  Records of assessments or other documentation developed or

• Page 11, Line 2submitted in connection with the continuing professional competency

• Page 11, Line 3program are confidential and not subject to inspection by the public or

• Page 11, Line 4discovery in connection with a civil action against a speech-language

• Page 11, Line 5pathologist, a speech-language pathology assistant, or other

• Page 11, Line 6professional regulated under this title 12. A person or the director shall

• Page 11, Line 7not use the records or documents unless used by the director to determine

• Page 11, Line 8whether a speech-language pathologist or a speech-language

• Page 11, Line 9pathology assistant is maintaining continuing professional

• Page 11, Line 10competency to engage in the profession.

• Page 11, Line 11(5)  As used in this section, "continuing professional competency"

• Page 11, Line 12means the ongoing ability of a speech-language pathologist or a

• Page 11, Line 13speech-language pathology assistant to learn, integrate, and apply

• Page 11, Line 14the knowledge, skill, and judgment to practice as a speech-language

• Page 11, Line 15pathologist or a speech-language pathology assistant according to

• Page 11, Line 16generally accepted standards and professional ethical standards for the

• Page 11, Line 17respective certifications.

• Page 11, Line 18SECTION 10.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-305-110, amend

• Page 11, Line 19(1)(a), (1)(d), and (2)(a); and add (1)(c.5) and (4) as follows:

• Page 11, Line 2012-305-110.  Scope of article - exclusions - rules. (1)  This article

• Page 11, Line 21305 does not prevent or restrict the practice, services, or activities of:

• Page 11, Line 22(a)  A school speech-language pathologist or an authorized

• Page 11, Line 23school speech-language pathology assistant whose compensation

• Page 11, Line 24for speech-language pathology services is paid solely by an administrative

• Page 11, Line 25unit or state-operated program;

• Page 11, Line 26(c.5)  An individual participating in a speech-language

• Page 11, Line 27pathology assistant program or its equivalent, as determined by

• Page 12, Line 1the director by rule, if the individual is designated by a title

• Page 12, Line 2that clearly indicates the individual's status as a student and

• Page 12, Line 3if the individual acts under appropriate instruction and

• Page 12, Line 4supervision;

• Page 12, Line 5(d)  A person An individual participating in good faith in a

• Page 12, Line 6clinical fellowship if the experience constitutes a part of the experience

• Page 12, Line 7necessary to meet the requirement of section 12-305-107 (1) 12-305-107

• Page 12, Line 8(1)(a)(II) and the person individual acts under appropriate supervision;

• Page 12, Line 9(2)  Nothing in this article 305 requires or allows the department

• Page 12, Line 10of education, the department of health care policy and financing, or any

• Page 12, Line 11other state department to adopt or apply the standards contained in this

• Page 12, Line 12article 305:

• Page 12, Line 13(a)  As the standards for endorsing or otherwise authorizing school

• Page 12, Line 14speech-language pathologists or school speech-language pathology

• Page 12, Line 15assistants to provide speech-language pathology services that are paid

• Page 12, Line 16for by an administrative unit or state-operated program; or

• Page 12, Line 17(4)  Nothing in this article 305 automatically confers

• Page 12, Line 18certification under this article 305 on a school speech-language

• Page 12, Line 19pathologist or a school speech-language pathology assistant

• Page 12, Line 20due to licensure or authorization by the department of

• Page 12, Line 21education. Each school speech-language pathologist and each

• Page 12, Line 22school speech-language pathology assistant must apply for

• Page 12, Line 23certification under this article 305 in order to be certified as a

• Page 12, Line 24speech-language pathologist or a speech-language pathology

• Page 12, Line 25assistant under this article 305.

• Page 12, Line 26SECTION 11.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 12-305-111

• Page 12, Line 27as follows:

• Page 13, Line 112-305-111.  Limitations on authority - limitations specific to

• Page 13, Line 2speech-language pathology assistants. (1)  Nothing in this article 305

• Page 13, Line 3authorizes a speech-language pathologist or a speech-language

• Page 13, Line 4pathology assistant to engage in the practice of medicine, as defined

• Page 13, Line 5in section 12-240-107; dentistry, as defined in sections 12-220-104 (6)

• Page 13, Line 6and 12-220-305; or any other profession for which licensure, certification,

• Page 13, Line 7or registration is required, except as authorized by this article 305.

• Page 13, Line 8(2)  Nothing in this article 305 authorizes a

• Page 13, Line 9speech-language pathology assistant to practice

• Page 13, Line 10speech-language pathology unless the speech-language

• Page 13, Line 11pathology assistant practices under the direction and

• Page 13, Line 12supervision of a supervising speech-language pathologist.

• Page 13, Line 13(3)  A speech-language pathology assistant shall not:

• Page 13, Line 14(a)  Represent themself as a speech-language pathologist;

• Page 13, Line 15(b)  Interpret assessment tools for the purpose of

• Page 13, Line 16diagnosing disability or determining eligibility or qualification

• Page 13, Line 17for services;

• Page 13, Line 18(c)  Administer or interpret feeding or swallowing

• Page 13, Line 19screenings, checklists, or assessments;

• Page 13, Line 20(d)  Diagnose communication and feeding or swallowing

• Page 13, Line 21disorders;

• Page 13, Line 22(e)  Develop or determine the feeding and swallowing

• Page 13, Line 23strategies or precautions for patients;

• Page 13, Line 24(f)  Disclose clinical or confidential information,

• Page 13, Line 25including diagnoses, services provided, or response to

• Page 13, Line 26treatment, either orally or in writing, to individuals who have

• Page 13, Line 27not been approved by the supervising speech-language

• Page 14, Line 1pathologist to receive information, unless mandated by law;

• Page 14, Line 2(g)  Write, develop, or modify a patient's plan of care in

• Page 14, Line 3any way;

• Page 14, Line 4(h)  Make referrals for additional services;

• Page 14, Line 5(i)  Select augmentative and alternative communication

• Page 14, Line 6systems or devices;

• Page 14, Line 7(j)  Treat medically fragile patients without continuous,

• Page 14, Line 8direct supervision by a supervising speech-language pathologist,

• Page 14, Line 9which may include synchronous or live telesupervision;

• Page 14, Line 10(k)  Perform procedures that require specialized

• Page 14, Line 11knowledge and training, including vocal tract prosthesis

• Page 14, Line 12shaping or fitting or vocal tract imaging;

• Page 14, Line 13(l)  Provide input in care conferences, case conferences, or

• Page 14, Line 14interdisciplinary team meetings without the presence or prior

• Page 14, Line 15approval of the supervising speech-language pathologist or

• Page 14, Line 16other designated speech-language pathologist;

• Page 14, Line 17(m)  Provide interpretative information to a patient or

• Page 14, Line 18others regarding the patient's status or service; or

• Page 14, Line 19(n)  Sign or initial any formal documents, including plans

• Page 14, Line 20of care, reimbursement forms, or reports, that are not also

• Page 14, Line 21signed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.

• Page 14, Line 22SECTION 12.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 12-305-111.5

• Page 14, Line 23as follows:

• Page 14, Line 2412-305-111.5.  Direction and supervision of speech-language

• Page 14, Line 25pathology assistants by speech-language pathologists - definitions.

• Page 14, Line 26(1)  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise

• Page 14, Line 27requires:

• Page 15, Line 1(a)  "Direct supervision" means in-view observation and

• Page 15, Line 2guidance by a supervising speech-language pathologist while the

• Page 15, Line 3speech-language pathology assistant is performing a clinical

• Page 15, Line 4activity. "Direct supervision" may include the supervising

• Page 15, Line 5speech-language pathologist communicating with the

• Page 15, Line 6speech-language pathology assistant via telecommunication

• Page 15, Line 7technology during the speech-language pathology assistant's

• Page 15, Line 8provision of clinical services.

• Page 15, Line 9(b)  "Indirect supervision" means supervision during which

• Page 15, Line 10a speech-language pathologist is not required to be physically

• Page 15, Line 11present or available via telecommunication technology while

• Page 15, Line 12the speech-language pathology assistant is providing services.

• Page 15, Line 13"Indirect supervision" may include:

• Page 15, Line 14(I)  Reviewing demonstration videos;

• Page 15, Line 15(II)  Reviewing patient files;

• Page 15, Line 16(III)  Reviewing and evaluating audio or video recorded

• Page 15, Line 17sessions; or

• Page 15, Line 18(IV)  Conducting supervisory conferences either in person

• Page 15, Line 19or via telephone or in live, secure virtual meetings.

• Page 15, Line 20(2)  A speech-language pathology assistant shall practice

• Page 15, Line 21speech-language pathology only in collaboration with and

• Page 15, Line 22under the direction and supervision of a speech-language

• Page 15, Line 23pathologist.

• Page 15, Line 24(3)  A supervising speech-language pathologist is

• Page 15, Line 25responsible for the direction and supervision of a

• Page 15, Line 26speech-language pathology assistant's practice of

• Page 15, Line 27speech-language pathology. The level of supervision must be

• Page 16, Line 1based on the needs, competencies, skills, expectations,

• Page 16, Line 2philosophies, and experience of the speech-language pathology

• Page 16, Line 3assistant and the supervisor; the needs of the patient served; the

• Page 16, Line 4service setting; the tasks assigned; and any other relevant

• Page 16, Line 5factors. The supervising speech-language pathologist is

• Page 16, Line 6responsible for designing and implementing a written

• Page 16, Line 7supervisory plan to outline the practices of the supervising

• Page 16, Line 8speech-language pathologist and to document progress. A

• Page 16, Line 9supervisor shall not assign tasks to a speech-language

• Page 16, Line 10pathology assistant that are beyond the level of competence of

• Page 16, Line 11the speech-language pathology assistant or that are beyond

• Page 16, Line 12the scope of a speech-language pathology assistant's practice.

• Page 16, Line 13The care of the patient remains the supervising speech-language

• Page 16, Line 14pathologist's responsibility.

• Page 16, Line 15(4)  A supervising speech-language pathologist shall

• Page 16, Line 16determine the appropriate number of speech-language pathology

• Page 16, Line 17assistants whose practice may be supervised, with a

• Page 16, Line 18recommended number for supervision of no more than three

• Page 16, Line 19full-time equivalent speech-language pathology assistants per

• Page 16, Line 20speech-language pathologist. The factors to consider in

• Page 16, Line 21determining supervision ratios include caseload

• Page 16, Line 22characteristics, the speech-language pathology assistant's

• Page 16, Line 23experience, and the speech-language pathologist's experience

• Page 16, Line 24and workload.

• Page 16, Line 25(5)  Before a speech-language pathology assistant begins

• Page 16, Line 26to provide independent support to a patient, the supervising

• Page 16, Line 27speech-language pathologist shall initiate first contact with

• Page 17, Line 1the patient and prepare a plan of care for the patient. After the

• Page 17, Line 2establishment of the supervisory relationship, minimum ongoing

• Page 17, Line 3supervision must include documentation of direct supervision

• Page 17, Line 4provided by the supervisor for each patient at least every thirty

• Page 17, Line 5to sixty days, depending on the frequency of the sessions and

• Page 17, Line 6setting, and the supervisor shall review patient data. The

• Page 17, Line 7supervisor shall adjust the amount of supervision based on the

• Page 17, Line 8speech-language pathology assistant's competencies and skill

• Page 17, Line 9level in treating patients who have a variety of communication

• Page 17, Line 10disorders. The supervising speech-language pathologist shall

• Page 17, Line 11accurately document and regularly record all supervisory

• Page 17, Line 12activities, for both direct and indirect supervision. For

• Page 17, Line 13medically fragile patients, the supervisor shall provide one

• Page 17, Line 14hundred percent direct supervision of the speech-language

• Page 17, Line 15pathology assistant, which may be through synchronous or live

• Page 17, Line 16telesupervision.

• Page 17, Line 17(6)  A supervisor shall provide feedback regarding the

• Page 17, Line 18quality of a speech-language pathology assistant's performance

• Page 17, Line 19of assigned tasks. Information obtained during direct

• Page 17, Line 20supervision may include data relative to the reliability between

• Page 17, Line 21the speech-language pathology assistant and the supervisor on

• Page 17, Line 22correct or incorrect recording of target behavior, accuracy in

• Page 17, Line 23implementing assigned treatment procedures and in recording

• Page 17, Line 24data, and the ability to interact effectively with the patient

• Page 17, Line 25during the presentation and implementation of assigned

• Page 17, Line 26procedures and activities.

• Page 17, Line 27(7)  A speech-language pathology assistant shall not

• Page 18, Line 1perform tasks when a supervisor cannot be reached by personal

• Page 18, Line 2contact, via phone, or by other immediate electronic means. If

• Page 18, Line 3for some reason a supervisor becomes unable to continue

• Page 18, Line 4supervision, the speech-language pathology assistant shall not

• Page 18, Line 5perform speech-language pathology tasks until another

• Page 18, Line 6qualified supervisor is available to supervise.

• Page 18, Line 7SECTION 13.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-305-112, amend

• Page 18, Line 8(1), (2)(c), (2)(d)(I), (2)(h), (2)(i), (2)(l), (2)(o), (2)(p), and (2)(r); and add

• Page 18, Line 9(2)(t), (2)(u), and (2)(v) as follows:

• Page 18, Line 1012-305-112.  Grounds for discipline - definitions. (1)  The

• Page 18, Line 11director may take disciplinary action against a certificate holder pursuant

• Page 18, Line 12to sections 12-20-404 and 12-305-113 if the director finds that the

• Page 18, Line 13certificate holder has represented or held himself or herself out or held

• Page 18, Line 14themself out as a certified speech-language pathologist or a certified

• Page 18, Line 15speech-language pathology assistant after the expiration,

• Page 18, Line 16suspension, or revocation of his or her their certification.

• Page 18, Line 17(2)  The director may take disciplinary or other action specified in

• Page 18, Line 18section 12-20-404 or 12-305-113 or issue a cease-and-desist order to a

• Page 18, Line 19certificate holder in accordance with sections 12-20-405 and 12-305-113

• Page 18, Line 20(8) upon proof that the certificate holder:

• Page 18, Line 21(c)  Has a substance use disorder, as defined in section 27-81-102,

• Page 18, Line 22Excessively or habitually uses or abuses or has engaged in excessive

• Page 18, Line 23or habitual use of alcohol, or a habit-forming drugs drug,or a

• Page 18, Line 24controlled substance, as defined in section 18-8-102 (5), or

• Page 18, Line 25habitually uses a controlled substance, as defined in section 18-18-102

• Page 18, Line 26(5), or other drugs having similar effects; except that the director has the

• Page 18, Line 27discretion not to discipline the certificate holder if the certificate holder

• Page 19, Line 1is participating in good faith in an alcohol or substance use disorder

• Page 19, Line 2treatment a program approved by the director designed to end the

• Page 19, Line 3excessive or habitual use or abuse;

• Page 19, Line 4(d) (I)  Failed to notify the director, as required by section

• Page 19, Line 512-30-108 (1), of a physical illness, physical condition, or behavioral,

• Page 19, Line 6mental health, or substance use disorder that impacts the speech-language

• Page 19, Line 7pathologist's or speech-language pathology assistant's ability to

• Page 19, Line 8perform speech-language pathology with reasonable skill and safety to

• Page 19, Line 9patients;

• Page 19, Line 10(h)  Has fraudulently obtained, furnished, or sold any a

• Page 19, Line 11speech-language pathology diploma or a speech-language

• Page 19, Line 12pathologist or a speech-language pathology assistant certificate,

• Page 19, Line 13certification, renewal of certification, or record, or aided or abetted the

• Page 19, Line 14act;

• Page 19, Line 15(i)  Has failed to notify the director of the suspension or revocation

• Page 19, Line 16of the person's individual's past or currently held license, certificate, or

• Page 19, Line 17certification registration required to practice speech-language

• Page 19, Line 18pathology as a speech-language pathologist or a speech-language

• Page 19, Line 19pathology assistant in this or any other jurisdiction;

• Page 19, Line 20(l)  Has failed to refer a patient, when required, to the

• Page 19, Line 21appropriate licensed, certified, or registered health-care professional when

• Page 19, Line 22the services required by the patient are beyond the level of competence of

• Page 19, Line 23the speech-language pathologist or speech-language pathology

• Page 19, Line 24assistant, as applicable, or beyond the scope of speech-language

• Page 19, Line 25pathology practice;

• Page 19, Line 26(o)  Has willfully or negligently acted in a manner inconsistent

• Page 19, Line 27with the health or safety of persons individuals under his or her the

• Page 20, Line 1certificate holder's care;

• Page 20, Line 2(p)  Has negligently or willfully practiced speech-language

• Page 20, Line 3pathology in a manner that fails to meet generally accepted standards for

• Page 20, Line 4the certificate holder for speech-language pathology practice;

• Page 20, Line 5(r)  Has otherwise violated any provision of this article 305 or

• Page 20, Line 6lawful order or rule of the director; or

• Page 20, Line 7(t)  As a speech-language pathologist, has failed to

• Page 20, Line 8properly direct and supervise a speech-language pathology

• Page 20, Line 9assistant pursuant to section 12-305-111.5 who is under the

• Page 20, Line 10speech-language pathologist's direction and supervision;

• Page 20, Line 11(u)  As a speech-language pathology assistant, has failed

• Page 20, Line 12to practice within the speech-language pathology assistant's

• Page 20, Line 13scope of practice, knowledge, and ability; or

• Page 20, Line 14(v)  As a speech-language pathology assistant, has failed

• Page 20, Line 15to follow the direction of a supervising speech-language

• Page 20, Line 16pathologist.

• Page 20, Line 17SECTION 14.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-305-118, amend

• Page 20, Line 18(1) introductory portion, (1)(b), (2), (3), and (4); and add (3.5) as follows:

• Page 20, Line 1912-305-118.  Protection of medical records - speech-language

• Page 20, Line 20pathologist's obligations - verification of compliance - noncompliance

• Page 20, Line 21grounds for discipline - rules. (1)  Each A speech-language pathologist

• Page 20, Line 22responsible for patient medical records shall develop a written plan to

• Page 20, Line 23ensure the security of patient medical records. The plan must address at

• Page 20, Line 24least the following:

• Page 20, Line 25(b)  The disposition of patient medical records in the event the

• Page 20, Line 26certificate holder speech-language pathologist dies, retires, or

• Page 20, Line 27otherwise ceases to practice or provide speech-language pathology

• Page 21, Line 1services to patients; and

• Page 21, Line 2(2)  Upon initial certification under this article 305 and upon

• Page 21, Line 3renewal or reinstatement of a certification, the speech-language

• Page 21, Line 4pathologist applicant or certificate holder shall attest to the director that

• Page 21, Line 5he or she has they have developed a plan in compliance with this

• Page 21, Line 6section.

• Page 21, Line 7(3)  A certificate holder speech-language pathologist shall

• Page 21, Line 8inform each patient in writing of the method by which the patient may

• Page 21, Line 9access or obtain his or her the patient's medical records if an event

• Page 21, Line 10described in subsection (1)(b) of this section occurs.

• Page 21, Line 11(3.5)  A speech-language pathology assistant shall comply

• Page 21, Line 12with the written plan developed by the speech-language

• Page 21, Line 13pathologist pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.

• Page 21, Line 14(4)  A speech-language pathologist or a speech-language

• Page 21, Line 15pathology assistant who fails to comply with this section is subject to

• Page 21, Line 16discipline in accordance with section 12-305-113.

• Page 21, Line 17SECTION 15.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-34-104, amend

• Page 21, Line 18(34)(a)(III) as follows:

• Page 21, Line 1924-34-104.  General assembly review of regulatory agencies

• Page 21, Line 20and functions for repeal, continuation, or reestablishment - legislative

• Page 21, Line 21declaration - repeal. (34) (a)  The following agencies, functions, or both,

• Page 21, Line 22are scheduled for repeal on September 1, 2033:

• Page 21, Line 23(III)  The regulation of speech-language pathologists and

• Page 21, Line 24speech-language pathology assistants by the director of the

• Page 21, Line 25division of professions and occupations in accordance with article 305 of

• Page 21, Line 26title 12;

• Page 21, Line 27SECTION 16.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-60-4203, amend

• Page 22, Line 1(1) introductory portion and (1)(b)(II) as follows:

• Page 22, Line 224-60-4203.  Construction of terms. (1)  As used in this part 41

• Page 22, Line 3part 42, unless the context otherwise requires:

• Page 22, Line 4(b)  "License" means:

• Page 22, Line 5(II)  With respect to a speech-language pathologist, a certification

• Page 22, Line 6issued pursuant to section 12-305-106 12-305-106 (1)(a).

• Page 22, Line 7SECTION 17.  Act subject to petition - effective date. This act

• Page 22, Line 8takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the

• Page 22, Line 9ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly; except

• Page 22, Line 10that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V

• Page 22, Line 11of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this

• Page 22, Line 12act within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take

• Page 22, Line 13effect unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in

• Page 22, Line 14November 2026 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the

• Page 22, Line 15official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.