FL S1544

Full-time speech-language pathologists employed by school districts must not provide services to more than 40 students in prekindergarten, 55 students in kindergarten through grade 5, and 60 students in grades 6 through 12.

Caseloads must be calculated using a weighted methodology that assigns different weight values (0.2 to 3.0) based on student exceptionality type, service intensity, and educational setting.

School districts must determine caseload numbers using February FTE counts of students enrolled in speech-language therapy from the previous school year.

Each school district must develop and implement a district-wide workload plan for speech-language pathologists that includes individualized instruction, consultation services, IEP meetings, documentation, diagnostics, Medicaid billing activities, and response to intervention services.

The act takes effect July 1, 2018.