Alaska § 08.11.043 - Qualifications for speech-language pathologist assistant registration.

§ 08.11.043. Qualifications for speech-language pathologist assistant registration.

 (a) The department shall register an individual as a speech-language pathologist assistant if the individual submits an application on a form approved by the department, pays the required fee, and        (1) submits proof satisfactory to the department that the individual has successfully completed             (A) an associate of applied science degree in disabilities with a speech-language support emphasis either from the University of Alaska Anchorage in affiliation with Prince William Sound Community College or from another approved program; or

 (B) a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited institution; and

 (2) submits proof satisfactory to the department that the individual has successfully completed 100 hours of field work supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist.

 (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of (a) of this section, the department shall register an individual as a speech-language pathologist assistant if the individual provides proof satisfactory to the department that the individual has been employed in a position for at least one year preceding July 1, 2004, that includes the practice of speech-language pathologist assistant as set out in AS 08.11.042 and if the individual        (1) submits an application on a form approved by the department;

 (2) pays the required fee;

 (3) submits proof satisfactory to the department that the individual has passed a competency-based checklist examination adopted by the department; and

 (4) submits a written recommendation from a licensed speech-language pathologist in support of the application.

 (c) The department shall maintain a registry of individuals registered under this section and shall notify an applicant in writing of a decision to approve or deny an application under this section. An approval is valid for two years, except as provided under AS 08.11.083 .

 (d) The department shall renew a valid registration issued under this chapter if the speech-language pathologist assistant submits a timely application on a form approved by the department accompanied by a sworn statement that the applicant has available documentation of approved continuing education consisting of 15 clock hours for the preceding two years. The department shall approve continuing education if the education is provided at state or regional conferences, workshops, formal in-service training, independent study programs, or a combination of these, and pertains to communication disorders.