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

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One License Saves Money and Decreases Confusion

Our profession needs to have a single license so that anyone qualified can practice in any environment. This license should be governed by a single governmental regulating body that best represents the practice of speech-language pathology.

Just look at the requirements to renew the Initial License from Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). This must be renewed after three years. The requirements include completion of 9 quarter or 6 semester credits from an accredited college or university. Whereas the continuing requirment to renew the license in Speech-Language Pathology issued by the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (BOE) is 30 hours every three years. These hours can obtained through many continuing education providers. They can be gotten on line or by attending conferences. So if you look at the tuition to take two or three courses, and compare that to the cost of attending contiuing education offerings at conferences, you will be amazed.

There continues to be confusion around the differing requirements for the two licenses. Some school and education service districts allow employment with either a license from the TSPC or the BOE, while others will take only the one from TSPC. Also, TSPC has been requiring those graduating from ASHA accredited Master's programs in Speech-Language Pathology outside of Oregon to be licensed in the state through the education licensing body before an Initial Teaching License in Communication Disorders will be granted. That is really confusing, and expensive!