Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Universal Licensure Makes Sense

Donna G. November 2, 2012 10:37 AM Universal Licensure makes sense. Speech-Language Pathologists are uniquely educated and best served by a Board who is oriented to our discipline, as far ethics, regulation, continuing education and oversight. Employers, who regularly audit their SLPs or need to verify licensing compliance of a prospective employee, understand the principles and practices of the Board of Examiners and how they license SLPs. They understand that the Board follows the guidelines ASHA has established for certifying SLPs, and this eases the burden in qualification verification. Our practice would not be able to accept a candidate with a TSPC license; they would be required to acquire a license with the Board of Examiners. Universal Licensure makes sense; it is more efficient and consistent with our profession as clinicians. Donna J. Graville, PhD, CCC-SLP Associate Professor Director, NW Clinic for Voice and Swallowing Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Oregon Health and Sciences University 503-494-3228