Title 201 | Chapter 017 | Regulation 005E
201 KAR 17:005REG
A proposed version of this document exists.
STATEMENT OF EMERGENCY
201 KAR 17:005E
Pursuant to KRS 13A.190(1)(a)2., KRS 334A.055, and KRS 334A.188. SECTION 3.B.1, this new emergency administrative regulation is being promulgated to comply with the adoption of 2026 HB 657 which requires the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (the "Board") to require a national and state criminal background investigation for every applicant seeking an initial license issued by the Board to engage in the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology, and applicants seeking to reinstate a license. The criminal background investigation shall be by means of a fingerprint check by the Department of Kentucky State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The effective date of KRS 334A.055 requires that this emergency amendment be promulgated to ensure there is no delay in processing applications upon the effective date of the Act. As a result, this new emergency administrative regulation—and the identical new ordinary regulation being concomitantly filed—are aligned with this statutory change to undergird the other emergency and ordinary regulations package being filed by the Board to offset the potential delay in processing licensure applications—whereby the Board would be unable to process applications and collect fees in accordance with the terms of the statute—and therefore "[p]revent an imminent loss of federal or state funds" pursuant to KRS 13A.190(1)(a)2. This new emergency administrative regulation is temporary and will be replaced by a new ordinary administrative regulation as provided by KRS 13A.190. The new ordinary regulation will be filed with this new emergency regulation and will be identical.
MARGARET ADKINS, Au.D., CCC-A, Board Chair
ANDY BESHEAR, Governor
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Board of Speech-Language Pathology And Audiology
(New Emergency Administrative Regulation)
201 KAR 17:005E.Definitions and abbreviations for 201 KAR Chapter 17.
Section 1.
Definitions. The following definitions and abbreviations used in these administrative regulations are defined as follows:(1)
"Academic courses offered by an accredited postsecondary institution" means:(a)
A speech-language pathology or audiology course, designated by a speech-language pathology or audiology title or content; or(b)
An academic course, relevant to speech-language pathology or audiology.(2)
"Approved" means recognized by the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.(3)
"AUD" means audiologist.(4)
"Board administrator" means the primary staff assigned to provide administrative services to the Board.(5)
"CEU" means continuing education unit of sixty (60) minutes of participation in continuing educational experiences, excluding breaks.(6)
"Chair" means the chair or vice-chair of the board.(7)
"Charge" means a specific allegation contained in a formal complaint, as established in subsection (5) of this section, issued by the board alleging a violation of a specified provision of KRS Chapter 334A, the administrative regulations promulgated thereunder, or any other state or federal statute or regulation relating to the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology over which the board as enforcement authority.(8)
"Complaint" means a written allegation of misconduct by a credentialed individual or other person which might constitute a violation of KRS Chapter 334A, the administrative regulations promulgated thereunder, or any other state or federal statute or regulation.(9)
"Complaint screening committee" means a committee consisting of three (3) persons appointed by the chair of the board to review complaints, investigative reports, and to participate in informal proceedings to resolve a formal complaint.(10)
"Formal complaint" means a formal administrative pleading authorized by the board which sets forth charges against a licensed individual or other person and commences a formal disciplinary proceeding pursuant to KRS Chapter 13B or requests the court to take criminal or civil action.(11)
"Informal proceedings" means the proceedings instituted at a stage of the disciplinary process with the intent of reaching a dispensation of any matter without further recourse to formal disciplinary procedures under KRS Chapter 13B.(12)
"Interim AUD" means interim audiologist.(13)
"Interim SLP" means interim speech-language pathologist.(14)
"Interim SLP-A" means interim speech-language pathology assistant.(15)
"Investigator" means an individual designated by the board to assist the board in the investigation of a complaint or an investigator employed by the Attorney General.(16)
"Program" means an organized learning experience:(a)
Planned and evaluated to meet stated behavioral objectives;(b)
Presented in one (1) session or a series; and(c)
Conducted and documented by an identified provider of discipline.(17)
"Provider" means an organization approved by the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology for providing a continuing education program.(18)
"Related" means having content that is not directly linked to the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology, but expands or augments clinical practice.(19)
"Relevant" means having content applicable to the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology.(20)
"SLP" means speech-language pathologist.(21)
"SLP-A" means speech-language pathology assistant.(22)
"Temporary AUD" means temporary audiologist.(23)
"Temporary SLP" means temporary speech-language pathologist.(24)
"Temporary SLP-A" means temporary speech-language pathology assistant.201 KAR 17:005E
MARGARET ADKINS, Au.D., CCC-A, Board Chair
APPROVED: July 15, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: July 16, 2026 at 3:30 pm.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on September 22, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time, at the Mayo-Underwood Building, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky in PPC Conference Room 127CW. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through September 30, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to https://ppc.ky.gov/reg_comment.aspx or the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Name: Sara Boswell Janes, Title: Staff Attorney III, Agency: Department of Professional Licensing, Office of Legal Services Address: 500 Mero Street Phone Number: (502) 782-2709 (office) Fax: (502) 564-4818 Email: sara.janes@ky.gov Link to public comment portal: https://ppc.ky.gov/reg_comment.aspx.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Sara Boswell Janes, Phone Number: (502) 782-2709 (office), Email: sara.janes@ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, Licensing, Occupations and Professions, Boards and Commissions
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation defines the terms and abbreviations used in the regulations in 201 KAR Chapter 17 relating to Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This regulation is necessary to define the terms used in 201 KAR Chapter 17.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The regulation is in conformity as the authorizing statute gives the board the ability to promulgate regulations regarding the terms used in 201 KAR Chapter 17.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This regulation will provide a definition for terms used in 201 KAR Chapter 17 which will streamline the effective administration of the regulations for applicants, licensees, and the board and its staff.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
N/A
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
N/A
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
N/A
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
N/A
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
No.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
This regulation will affect the 4179 active and 85 inactive licensees in some capacity, and will also affect new applicants for licensure.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
There will be no actions required to comply with this administrative regulation.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
There will be no costs to each of the regulated entities for compliance with this administrative regulation.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
As a result of compliance, the regulated entities will benefit from a glossary that defines terms in the regulations governing their profession.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
There will be no initial cost to implement this administrative regulation.
(b) On a continuing basis:
There will be no continuing cost to implement this administrative regulation.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
The board’s operations are funded by fees paid by credential holders and applicants.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
There will be no increase in fees or funding necessary to implement this administrative regulation.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
This administrative regulation does not establish fees or directly or indirectly increase any fees.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
(Explain why or why not) This regulation does not distinguish between similarly situated individuals on the basis of any factor.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
. KRS 334A.080(3).
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
Yes. 1996 Ky. Acts Ch. 318, sec. 307, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts Ch. 483, sec. 8, effective July 15, 1986. -- Created 1972 Ky. Acts Ch. 236, sec. 8.
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
(a) The Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is the promulgating agency and the only affected state unit, part or division.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
None anticipated.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
None anticipated.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
There is no fiscal impact as a result of this administrative regulation.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
Methodology and resources used are the fiscal department within the Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Professional Licensing.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
This administrative regulation will have no major economic impact.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
Methodology and resources used is a review by the fiscal department within the Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Professional Licensing.
STATEMENT OF EMERGENCY
201 KAR 17:005E
Pursuant to KRS 13A.190(1)(a)2., KRS 334A.055, and KRS 334A.188. SECTION 3.B.1, this new emergency administrative regulation is being promulgated to comply with the adoption of 2026 HB 657 which requires the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (the "Board") to require a national and state criminal background investigation for every applicant seeking an initial license issued by the Board to engage in the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology, and applicants seeking to reinstate a license. The criminal background investigation shall be by means of a fingerprint check by the Department of Kentucky State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The effective date of KRS 334A.055 requires that this emergency amendment be promulgated to ensure there is no delay in processing applications upon the effective date of the Act. As a result, this new emergency administrative regulation—and the identical new ordinary regulation being concomitantly filed—are aligned with this statutory change to undergird the other emergency and ordinary regulations package being filed by the Board to offset the potential delay in processing licensure applications—whereby the Board would be unable to process applications and collect fees in accordance with the terms of the statute—and therefore "[p]revent an imminent loss of federal or state funds" pursuant to KRS 13A.190(1)(a)2. This new emergency administrative regulation is temporary and will be replaced by a new ordinary administrative regulation as provided by KRS 13A.190. The new ordinary regulation will be filed with this new emergency regulation and will be identical.
MARGARET ADKINS, Au.D., CCC-A, Board Chair
ANDY BESHEAR, Governor
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Board of Speech-Language Pathology And Audiology
(New Emergency Administrative Regulation)
201 KAR 17:005E.Definitions and abbreviations for 201 KAR Chapter 17.
Section 1.
Definitions. The following definitions and abbreviations used in these administrative regulations are defined as follows:(1)
"Academic courses offered by an accredited postsecondary institution" means:(a)
A speech-language pathology or audiology course, designated by a speech-language pathology or audiology title or content; or(b)
An academic course, relevant to speech-language pathology or audiology.(2)
"Approved" means recognized by the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.(3)
"AUD" means audiologist.(4)
"Board administrator" means the primary staff assigned to provide administrative services to the Board.(5)
"CEU" means continuing education unit of sixty (60) minutes of participation in continuing educational experiences, excluding breaks.(6)
"Chair" means the chair or vice-chair of the board.(7)
"Charge" means a specific allegation contained in a formal complaint, as established in subsection (5) of this section, issued by the board alleging a violation of a specified provision of KRS Chapter 334A, the administrative regulations promulgated thereunder, or any other state or federal statute or regulation relating to the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology over which the board as enforcement authority.(8)
"Complaint" means a written allegation of misconduct by a credentialed individual or other person which might constitute a violation of KRS Chapter 334A, the administrative regulations promulgated thereunder, or any other state or federal statute or regulation.(9)
"Complaint screening committee" means a committee consisting of three (3) persons appointed by the chair of the board to review complaints, investigative reports, and to participate in informal proceedings to resolve a formal complaint.(10)
"Formal complaint" means a formal administrative pleading authorized by the board which sets forth charges against a licensed individual or other person and commences a formal disciplinary proceeding pursuant to KRS Chapter 13B or requests the court to take criminal or civil action.(11)
"Informal proceedings" means the proceedings instituted at a stage of the disciplinary process with the intent of reaching a dispensation of any matter without further recourse to formal disciplinary procedures under KRS Chapter 13B.(12)
"Interim AUD" means interim audiologist.(13)
"Interim SLP" means interim speech-language pathologist.(14)
"Interim SLP-A" means interim speech-language pathology assistant.(15)
"Investigator" means an individual designated by the board to assist the board in the investigation of a complaint or an investigator employed by the Attorney General.(16)
"Program" means an organized learning experience:(a)
Planned and evaluated to meet stated behavioral objectives;(b)
Presented in one (1) session or a series; and(c)
Conducted and documented by an identified provider of discipline.(17)
"Provider" means an organization approved by the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology for providing a continuing education program.(18)
"Related" means having content that is not directly linked to the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology, but expands or augments clinical practice.(19)
"Relevant" means having content applicable to the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology.(20)
"SLP" means speech-language pathologist.(21)
"SLP-A" means speech-language pathology assistant.(22)
"Temporary AUD" means temporary audiologist.(23)
"Temporary SLP" means temporary speech-language pathologist.(24)
"Temporary SLP-A" means temporary speech-language pathology assistant.201 KAR 17:005E
MARGARET ADKINS, Au.D., CCC-A, Board Chair
APPROVED: July 15, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: July 16, 2026 at 3:30 pm.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on September 22, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time, at the Mayo-Underwood Building, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky in PPC Conference Room 127CW. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through September 30, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to https://ppc.ky.gov/reg_comment.aspx or the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Name: Sara Boswell Janes, Title: Staff Attorney III, Agency: Department of Professional Licensing, Office of Legal Services Address: 500 Mero Street Phone Number: (502) 782-2709 (office) Fax: (502) 564-4818 Email: sara.janes@ky.gov Link to public comment portal: https://ppc.ky.gov/reg_comment.aspx.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Sara Boswell Janes, Phone Number: (502) 782-2709 (office), Email: sara.janes@ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, Licensing, Occupations and Professions, Boards and Commissions
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation defines the terms and abbreviations used in the regulations in 201 KAR Chapter 17 relating to Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This regulation is necessary to define the terms used in 201 KAR Chapter 17.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The regulation is in conformity as the authorizing statute gives the board the ability to promulgate regulations regarding the terms used in 201 KAR Chapter 17.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This regulation will provide a definition for terms used in 201 KAR Chapter 17 which will streamline the effective administration of the regulations for applicants, licensees, and the board and its staff.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
N/A
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
N/A
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
N/A
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
N/A
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
No.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
This regulation will affect the 4179 active and 85 inactive licensees in some capacity, and will also affect new applicants for licensure.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
There will be no actions required to comply with this administrative regulation.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
There will be no costs to each of the regulated entities for compliance with this administrative regulation.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
As a result of compliance, the regulated entities will benefit from a glossary that defines terms in the regulations governing their profession.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
There will be no initial cost to implement this administrative regulation.
(b) On a continuing basis:
There will be no continuing cost to implement this administrative regulation.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
The board’s operations are funded by fees paid by credential holders and applicants.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
There will be no increase in fees or funding necessary to implement this administrative regulation.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
This administrative regulation does not establish fees or directly or indirectly increase any fees.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
(Explain why or why not) This regulation does not distinguish between similarly situated individuals on the basis of any factor.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
. KRS 334A.080(3).
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
Yes. 1996 Ky. Acts Ch. 318, sec. 307, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts Ch. 483, sec. 8, effective July 15, 1986. -- Created 1972 Ky. Acts Ch. 236, sec. 8.
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
(a) The Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is the promulgating agency and the only affected state unit, part or division.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
None anticipated.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
None anticipated.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
There is no fiscal impact as a result of this administrative regulation.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
Methodology and resources used are the fiscal department within the Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Professional Licensing.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
This administrative regulation will have no major economic impact.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
Methodology and resources used is a review by the fiscal department within the Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Professional Licensing.