IL SB3467

Expands eligibility for speech-language pathology assistant licensure to include graduates with bachelor's degrees in speech-language pathology, communication sciences and disorders, or related fields who complete certification requirements or equivalent programs approved by the Department.

Maintains existing requirement that speech-language pathology assistants and candidates perform duties only under supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist, with authorized duties specified in Section 8.7 and supervision requirements in Section 8.8.

Requires all speech-language pathology assistant programs to include 60 semester credit hours minimum: 24 hours general education and 36 hours technical content covering communication disorders, phonetics, speech and language disorders, and anatomy/physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms.

Mandates completion of at least 100 hours of supervised field work experiences with a licensed speech-language pathologist providing direct supervision at least 50% of contact time with patients or clients.

Exempts applicants who applied before this Act's effective date or hold existing licenses from meeting new minimum program requirements.