Kentucky Revised Statutes Title XXVI. Occupations and Professions § 334A.035.Interim license requirement; exemption for public school speech-language pathologists with teacher certification in communication disorders

(1) (a) A person who has a Master's degree in the area of speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or is currently enrolled in a doctoral degree program with emphasis in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or has substantive equivalent course work as defined by the board's administrative regulations and who has completed supervised direct clinical practicum with individuals presenting a variety of disorders of communication and swallowing, the experience being obtained with a training institution or in one (1) of its cooperating programs, shall apply for an interim license during the time that person is completing postgraduate professional experience deemed necessary by the board. The postgraduate professional experience shall be completed under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist who holds a Kentucky license or certification by other accrediting bodies, at the discretion of the board.

(b) A person with interim licensure shall make every effort to take and pass a national examination in speech-language pathology approved by the board at the time of the application for licensure. If unsuccessful with the examination, the licensee shall submit documentation of the applicant's preparation to take the national examination and continue to practice under supervision in accordance with this section. The board shall promulgate an administrative regulation in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to establish the documentation required under this paragraph.

(c) Upon completion of postgraduate professional experience deemed necessary by the board, the speech-language pathologist shall make an application to the board within thirty (30) days for permanent licensure, if all requirements have been completed satisfactorily, or for renewal of the interim license at the discretion of the board. Failure to do so shall result in forfeiture of the interim license.

(d) An interim license shall not exceed a period of twenty-four (24) months without board approval.

(2) (a) A person who has a baccalaureate degree in the area of speech-language pathology or communication disorders as defined by administrative regulation shall apply for an interim license as a speech-language pathology assistant during the time that person is completing his or her professional experience as established by the board by administrative regulation. The postgraduate professional experience shall be completed under the supervision of an appropriately qualified supervisor.

(b) Upon completion of the postgraduate professional experience, the speech-language pathology assistant shall make immediate application to the board within thirty (30) days for permanent licensure if all requirements have been completed satisfactorily, or for renewal of the interim license at the discretion of the board. Failure to do so shall result in forfeiture of the interim license.

(c) An interim license shall not exceed a period of twenty-four (24) months without board approval.

(3) (a) A speech-language pathologist employed solely by the public schools in a certified position who holds a teacher certification in communication disorders issued by the Education Professional Standards Board shall be exempt from holding a license issued by the board.

(b) A speech-language pathologist in a classified position who does not hold a teacher certification in communication disorders issued by the Education Professional Standards Board shall apply for and maintain appropriate licensure.

(c) The public school speech-language pathologist shall determine from the local school board how his or her position is categorized.