Louisiana § RS 37:2659 - Qualifications for license

§ RS 37:2659. Qualifications for license

            A. No individual shall be eligible for licensure or provisional licensure by the board as an audiologist, speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant, or any manner of dual licensure thereof, as applicable, unless the individual:

            (1) Displays good moral character. For purposes of this Section, "good moral character" includes but is not limited to the qualities of honesty, fairness, candor, trustworthiness, observance of fiduciary or other legal obligations, and a respect for the rights of other persons and the laws of this state, such as if the applicant has been convicted of a felony. Any determination and review of criminal history records information shall be conducted in accordance with applicable state laws.

            (2) Holds a doctoral degree, or equivalent, in audiology from an accredited educational program, as evidenced by the submission of an official transcript, which consists of course work approved by the board.

            (3) Has completed supervised clinical practicum through an accredited educational program, as evidenced by official documentation from the institution, the content of which shall be approved by the board.

            (4) Has passed an examination approved by the board pertinent to the license sought.

            B.(1) No individual shall be eligible for licensure by the board as a speech-language pathologist unless the individual:

            (a) Is of good moral character.

            (b) Holds a master's degree, or equivalent, in speech-language pathology from an accredited educational program, as evidenced by the submission of an official transcript which consists of course work approved by the board.

            (c) Has completed supervised clinical practicum through an accredited educational program, as evidenced by official documentation from the institution, the content of which shall be approved by the board.

            (d) Has passed an examination approved by the board pertinent to the area of practice.

            (e) Presents written evidence from an employer or supervisor of at least thirty-six weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment, or its part-time equivalent. This experience must follow the completion of the requirements set forth in Subparagraphs (1)(b) and (c) of this Subsection.

            (2) Individuals holding a baccalaureate degree in speech pathology and a speech pathology license issued pursuant to the law in effect prior to August 15, 1995, may continue to renew such license as specified in the rules and regulations as established by the board.

            C. Individuals who apply for dual licensure in audiology and speech-language pathology must meet the qualifications set forth in Subsections A and B of this Section.

            D. The board may issue a provisional speech-language pathology license to an individual who:

            (1) Except for the supervised postgraduate professional experience, meets the requirements for licensure as a speech-language pathologist as provided by Subsection B of this Section. An individual may not hold such license for more than three years from the date of original issuance.

            (2) Except for the supervised postgraduate professional experience and the examination requirement, meets the requirements for licensure as a speech-language pathologist as provided by Subsection B of this Section. An individual shall fulfill the examination requirement within one year from the date of original issuance. An individual who has passed the examination may have two additional years to complete the postgraduate professional experience.

            E. The board may issue a restricted license to an individual who previously held a restricted license, on or prior to August 15, 1995, and submits proof of such licensure. Such individual may maintain a restricted license in accordance with the requirements for renewal established in R.S. 37:2661.1.

            F. No individual shall be eligible for licensure by the board as a speech-language pathology assistant unless the individual:

            (1) Is of good moral character.

            (2) Holds at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution, as evidenced by the submission of an official transcript and has completed the course work specified by the board.

            (3) Has completed required supervised clinical practicum from an accredited educational institution or its cooperating programs, as evidenced by official documentation from the institution, the content of which shall be approved by the board, or has completed a combination of supervised clinical practicum from an accredited educational institution or its cooperating program as evidenced by official documentation from the institution, the content of which shall be approved by the board, as well as supervised on-the-job training, the content of which shall be approved by the board.

             G. The board may issue a provisional speech-language pathology assistant license to an individual who, except for the supervised on-the-job training, the content of which shall be approved by the board, meets the requirements for licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant as provided by Subsection F of this Section. An individual may not hold such provisional license for more than three years from the date of original issuance.

            Added by Acts 1972, No. 260, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1973. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 384, §1, eff. July 1, 1979; Acts 1995, No. 892, §2; Acts 2016, No. 478, §1; Acts 2025, No. 363, §1.