§ 37:2659 — Qualifications for license

Louisiana § 37:2659

• Jurisdiction: Louisiana
• Title 37: Professions and Occupations

Text

§2659. Qualifications for license
A. No individual shall be eligible for licensure or provisional licensure by the board
as an audiologist, speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant, or any
manner of dual licensure thereof, as applicable, unless the individual:
(1) Displays good moral character. For purposes of this Section, "good moral
character" includes but is not limited to the qualities of honesty, fairness, candor,
trustworthiness, observance of fiduciary or other legal obligations, and a respect for the rights
of other persons and the laws of this state, such as if the applicant has been convicted of a
felony. Any determination and review of criminal history records information shall be
conducted in accordance with applicable state laws.
(2) Holds a doctoral degree, or equivalent, in audiology from an accredited
educational program, as evidenced by the submission of an official transcript, which consists
of course work approved by the board.
(3) Has completed supervised clinical practicum through an accredited educational
program, as evidenced by official documentation from the institution, the content of which
shall be approved by the board.
(4) Has passed an examination approved by the board pertinent to the license sought.
B.(1) No individual shall be eligible for licensure by the board as a speech-language
pathologist unless the individual:
(a) Is of good moral character.
(b) Holds a master's degree, or equivalent, in speech-language pathology from an
accredited educational program, as evidenced by the submission of an official transcript
which consists of course work approved by the board.
(c) Has completed supervised clinical practicum through an accredited educational
program, as evidenced by official documentation from the institution, the content of which
shall be approved by the board.
(d) Has passed an examination approved by the board pertinent to the area of
practice.
(e) Presents written evidence from an employer or supervisor of at least thirty-six
weeks of full-time supervised postgraduate professional employment, or its part-time
equivalent. This experience must follow the completion of the requirements set forth in
Subparagraphs (1)(b) and (c) of this Subsection.
(2) Individuals holding a baccalaureate degree in speech pathology and a speech
pathology license issued pursuant to the law in effect prior to August 15, 1995, may continue
to renew such license as specified in the rules and regulations as established by the board.
C. Individuals who apply for dual licensure in audiology and speech-language
pathology must meet the qualifications set forth in Subsections A and B of this Section.
D. The board may issue a provisional speech-language pathology license to an
individual who:
(1) Except for the supervised postgraduate professional experience, meets the
requirements for licensure as a speech-language pathologist as provided by Subsection B of
this Section. An individual may not hold such license for more than three years from the date
of original issuance.
(2) Except for the supervised postgraduate professional experience and the
examination requirement, meets the requirements for licensure as a speech-language
pathologist as provided by Subsection B of this Section. An individual shall fulfill the
examination requirement within one year from the date of original issuance. An individual
who has passed the examination may have two additional years to complete the postgraduate
professional experience.
E. The board may issue a restricted license to an individual who previously held a
restricted license, on or prior to August 15, 1995, and submits proof of such licensure. Such
individual may maintain a restricted license in accordance with the requirements for renewal
established in R.S. 37:2661.1.
F. No individual shall be eligible for licensure by the board as a speech-language
pathology assistant unless the individual:
(1) Is of good moral character.
(2) Holds at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution, as
evidenced by the submission of an official transcript and has completed the course work
specified by the board.
(3) Has completed required supervised clinical practicum from an accredited
educational institution or its cooperating programs, as evidenced by official documentation
from the institution, the content of which shall be approved by the board, or has completed
a combination of supervised clinical practicum from an accredited educational institution or
its cooperating program as evidenced by official documentation from the institution, the
content of which shall be approved by the board, as well as supervised on-the-job training,
the content of which shall be approved by the board.
G. The board may issue a provisional speech-language pathology assistant license
to an individual who, except for the supervised on-the-job training, the content of which shall
be approved by the board, meets the requirements for licensure as a speech-language
pathology assistant as provided by Subsection F of this Section. An individual may not hold
such provisional license for more than three years from the date of original issuance.

Legislative History

Added by Acts 1972, No. 260, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1973. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 384, §1, eff. July 1, 1979; Acts 1995, No. 892, §2; Acts 2016, No. 478, §1; Acts 2025, No. 363, §1.