CO HB1373

Creates a provisional certification for speech-language pathologists in Colorado, effective September 1, 2015, allowing individuals to practice while completing clinical fellowship requirements.

Requires applicants to hold a master's degree or higher in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution and pass either the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association national examination or another director-approved exam.

Provisional certificate holders must submit an application fee, proof of professional liability insurance, and a plan for completing a clinical fellowship; the director may deny certification if the applicant has committed acts warranting disciplinary action.

Provisional certifications expire after 24 months or upon issuance of full certification under existing law (section 12-43.7-106), whichever occurs first, and cannot be renewed.

Provisional certificate holders may only practice speech-language pathology under general supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist holding the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Certificate of Clinical Competence.