MS HB85

Transfers licensing and regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists from the State Board of Health to a new State Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

Creates a seven-member board comprised of three speech-language pathologists, two audiologists, one public member, and one physician with experience treating speech and hearing disorders.

Establishes the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Licensing Fund to receive all fees and license revenues collected by the board for administering licensure requirements.

Changes terminology from "aides" to "assistants" for speech-language pathology and audiology support personnel who work under licensed professional supervision.

Requires public school employees working as audiologists, audiology assistants, speech-language pathologists, or speech-language pathology assistants to hold professional licenses from the new state board in addition to teacher licenses.