"An Act relating to the regulation of speech-language pathologist assistants; and providing for an effective date."

SB 365 establishes registration of speech-language pathology assistants through the department of occupational licensing regardless of employment setting. Currently, speech-language pathology assistants (SLPA), in Alaska, are not licensed or regulated like the similar professions of physical and occupational therapy assistants. SB 365 outlines the qualifications and training required to be an SLPA, their scope of practice, supervision and continuing education requirements.

Due to shortages in the number of qualified speech-language pathologists, many Alaskans are not receiving the consistency and appropriate amount of services they require. An SLPA will be able to assist the speech-language pathologists in clerical duties, charting progress, developing materials and assisting in other therapy services within their scope of practice. SLPAs will not be allowed to work independently of a speech-language pathologist or be given the sole responsibility of their own case/workload. SLPAs will be under the direction and supervision of a qualified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.

It is not the intent of SB 365 to hire an SLPA in lieu of a qualified speech-language pathologist. SLPAs are to enhance the services provided.

All regions of Alaska will benefit from the use SLPAs. SLPAs will be able to enhance services in schools, private clinics, the underserved rural/remote areas, and in hospital settings. Having an assistant will allow the speech-language pathologist additional time to assess an individual's progress, write treatment plans, confer with medical and other professionals, attend meetings and complete other administrative duties as required. The recipients of speech-language pathology services will benefit the most, as they will have consistent services from appropriately trained individuals, which will decrease the length of treatment and thereby decreasing costs. Since many recipients of speech-language services receive assistance through Medicaid/Medicare, that cost savings is then passed on to the citizens of Alaska.

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