Title 201 | Chapter 017 | Regulation 014E
201 KAR 17:014REG
A proposed version of this document exists.
PREVIOUS VERSION
The previous document that this document is based upon is available.
STATEMENT OF EMERGENCY
201 KAR 17:014E
Pursuant to KRS 13A.190(1)(a)2., KRS 334A.055, and KRS 334A.188 SECTION 3.B.1, this emergency amendment to the 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 emergency amendment to the administrative regulation—and the identical amendment to the ordinary regulation being concomitantly filed—have been amended to align with this statutory change 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 "prevent an imminent loss of federal or state funds" pursuant to KRS 13A.190(1)(a)2. This emergency amended administrative regulation is temporary and will be replaced by an ordinary amended administrative regulation as provided by KRS 13A.190. The ordinary amendment will be filed with this emergency amendment 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
(Emergency Amendment)
201 KAR 17:014E.Temporary licensure for speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant, and audiologist.
Section 1.
Application requirements(1)
Upon receipt of an "Application for Licensure", DPL-SLPA-04, incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 17:012; or, an Application for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, DPL-SLPA-09, incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 17:034, showing an applicant meets the requirements set forth in KRS 334A.033, 334A.050, 334A.055, 334A.183, 334A.185, and 201 KAR 17:012, the Board Administrator shall issue a temporary license to the applicant by sending a letter to the applicant on Board letterhead.(2)
The temporary license shall entitle the applicant to practice as a speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant, or audiologist until the application is reviewed by the Kentucky Board of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology.(3)
A temporary license shall not be effective for more than 180 days as provided by KRS 334A.181(3).Section 2.
Unprofessional Conduct. If the application shows evidence of unprofessional conduct per KRS 334A.180(1) or (4), the applicant shall not be granted temporary licensure, and the application shall be held pending review by the board.201 KAR 17:014E
MARGARET ADKINS, Au.D., CCC-A, Board Chair
APPROVED BY AGENCY: July 15, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: July 16, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
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 establishes a process for issuing temporary licenses per KRS 334A.181.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
The necessity of this regulation is to provide guidance to applicants who wish to request temporary licensure and to provide guidance to request temporary licensure, as well as to provide guidance to the Division of Occupations and Professions when processing applications.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The board is given the authority to promulgate regulations per KRS 13A.100 and 334A 010.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This administrative regulation allows the board to temporarily grant licensure between board meetings.
(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:
The amendment incorporates the requirement that all applicants for licensure by the board obtain a national and state criminal background investigation from the KSP and FBI pursuant to KRS 334A.055; and updates the material incorporated by reference.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
The amendment is necessary to require all applicants for licensure by the board obtain a national and state criminal background investigation from the KSP and FBI pursuant to KRS 334A.055; and updates the material incorporated by reference.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The amendment to this administrative regulation is in conformity with the authorizing statute that gives the board the ability to promulgate regulations generally regarding licensure requirements.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
The amendment to this administrative regulation will assist the board in administering this program and the efficient collection of necessary information submitted by the applicant and update the material incorporated by reference accordingly.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
Yes, 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 6, Section 3.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
This regulation will not affect the 4179 active and 85 inactive licensees, but will affect new applicants who apply for temporary 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:
An applicant for initial licensure, which may include a temporary license, must have a criminal background investigation report by means of a fingerprint check by the KSP and FBI submitted directly to the Board and pay the required fee directly to the KSP and FBI.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
Applicants for interim licensure will have no increase in application fees to the board, but will have to pay additional fees for a criminal background investigation. The board understands the fees to be as follows: $20.00 for the KSP; $18.00 for the FBI, and fingerprinting services to complete the request of $10.00 for some local law enforcement agencies who provide the service, or $20.00 for a private vendor like IdentiGO. The total cost is anticipated to be between $48.00 and $58.00.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
Kentucky will be in compliance with the requirements of KRS 334A.188 and the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, thus allowing Kentucky to advance towards its participation in the Compact allowing certain Kentucky credential holders to obtain the privilege to practice in Member States and give Member State credential holders the ability to obtain the privilege to practice in Kentucky. This will provide Kentucky citizens in need of speech language pathology and audiology services with a larger pool of service providers, which increases accessibility to care in rural areas, and thus promotes public safety. Additionally, the amendments will clarify licensure requirements and identify the necessary forms.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
No new costs are anticipated to implement this administrative regulation.
(b) On a continuing basis:
No new costs are anticipated on a continuing basis.
(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 applicant.
(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:
No increase in fees or funding will be required to implement this administrative regulation.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
The amendment to this administrative regulation does not establish fees paid to the board directly. Indirectly, this administrative regulation increases fees paid by applicants, however, payment will be to the Kentucky State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation for criminal background investigation reports submitted directly to the board.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering is not applied to this regulation as it applies to all applicant license types.
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.055 and 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, 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 6, Section 3.
(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 Department of Kentucky State Police are the only affected state units, parts or divisions.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
No new expenditures anticipated initially for the Board. Expenditures for the Kentucky State Police are unknown, if any.
For subsequent years:
No new expenditures are anticipated on a continuing basis for the Board. Expenditures for subsequent years for the Kentucky State Police are unknown, if any.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
No new revenues are anticipated initially for the Board. This administrative regulation will generate revenue for the Kentucky State Police in the first year, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $20, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in the first year.
For subsequent years:
No new revenues are anticipated during subsequent years for the Board. This administrative regulation will generate revenue for the Kentucky State Police in subsequent years, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $20, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in subsequent years.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
Local law enforcement
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
The Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation may generate revenue for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the first year, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $18, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation may generate revenue for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in subsequent years, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $18, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in the first year.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
(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:
The anticipated revenue for the first year and subsequent years, based on the average number of anticipated applicants with that fee, would be less than $10,000.
(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):
It is not anticipated that this administrative regulation will have an overall negative or adverse major economic impact to the entities identified.
(b) The 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.
STATEMENT OF EMERGENCY
201 KAR 17:014E
Pursuant to KRS 13A.190(1)(a)2., KRS 334A.055, and KRS 334A.188 SECTION 3.B.1, this emergency amendment to the 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 emergency amendment to the administrative regulation—and the identical amendment to the ordinary regulation being concomitantly filed—have been amended to align with this statutory change 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 "prevent an imminent loss of federal or state funds" pursuant to KRS 13A.190(1)(a)2. This emergency amended administrative regulation is temporary and will be replaced by an ordinary amended administrative regulation as provided by KRS 13A.190. The ordinary amendment will be filed with this emergency amendment 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
(Emergency Amendment)
201 KAR 17:014E.Temporary licensure for speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant, and audiologist.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Application requirements(1)
Upon receipt of an "Application for Licensure", DPL-SLPA-04, incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 17:012; or, an Application for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, DPL-SLPA-09, incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 17:034,(2)
The temporary license shall entitle the applicant to practice as a speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant, or audiologist until the application(3)
A temporary license shall not be effective for more than 180 days as provided by KRS 334A.181(3).Section 2.Section 3.
Unprofessional Conduct. If the application shows evidence of unprofessional conduct per KRS 334A.180(1) or (4), the applicant shall not be granted temporary licensure, and the application shall be held pending review by the board.201 KAR 17:014E
MARGARET ADKINS, Au.D., CCC-A, Board Chair
APPROVED BY AGENCY: July 15, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: July 16, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
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 establishes a process for issuing temporary licenses per KRS 334A.181.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
The necessity of this regulation is to provide guidance to applicants who wish to request temporary licensure and to provide guidance to request temporary licensure, as well as to provide guidance to the Division of Occupations and Professions when processing applications.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The board is given the authority to promulgate regulations per KRS 13A.100 and 334A 010.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This administrative regulation allows the board to temporarily grant licensure between board meetings.
(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:
The amendment incorporates the requirement that all applicants for licensure by the board obtain a national and state criminal background investigation from the KSP and FBI pursuant to KRS 334A.055; and updates the material incorporated by reference.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
The amendment is necessary to require all applicants for licensure by the board obtain a national and state criminal background investigation from the KSP and FBI pursuant to KRS 334A.055; and updates the material incorporated by reference.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The amendment to this administrative regulation is in conformity with the authorizing statute that gives the board the ability to promulgate regulations generally regarding licensure requirements.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
The amendment to this administrative regulation will assist the board in administering this program and the efficient collection of necessary information submitted by the applicant and update the material incorporated by reference accordingly.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
Yes, 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 6, Section 3.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
This regulation will not affect the 4179 active and 85 inactive licensees, but will affect new applicants who apply for temporary 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:
An applicant for initial licensure, which may include a temporary license, must have a criminal background investigation report by means of a fingerprint check by the KSP and FBI submitted directly to the Board and pay the required fee directly to the KSP and FBI.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
Applicants for interim licensure will have no increase in application fees to the board, but will have to pay additional fees for a criminal background investigation. The board understands the fees to be as follows: $20.00 for the KSP; $18.00 for the FBI, and fingerprinting services to complete the request of $10.00 for some local law enforcement agencies who provide the service, or $20.00 for a private vendor like IdentiGO. The total cost is anticipated to be between $48.00 and $58.00.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
Kentucky will be in compliance with the requirements of KRS 334A.188 and the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, thus allowing Kentucky to advance towards its participation in the Compact allowing certain Kentucky credential holders to obtain the privilege to practice in Member States and give Member State credential holders the ability to obtain the privilege to practice in Kentucky. This will provide Kentucky citizens in need of speech language pathology and audiology services with a larger pool of service providers, which increases accessibility to care in rural areas, and thus promotes public safety. Additionally, the amendments will clarify licensure requirements and identify the necessary forms.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
No new costs are anticipated to implement this administrative regulation.
(b) On a continuing basis:
No new costs are anticipated on a continuing basis.
(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 applicant.
(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:
No increase in fees or funding will be required to implement this administrative regulation.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
The amendment to this administrative regulation does not establish fees paid to the board directly. Indirectly, this administrative regulation increases fees paid by applicants, however, payment will be to the Kentucky State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation for criminal background investigation reports submitted directly to the board.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering is not applied to this regulation as it applies to all applicant license types.
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.055 and 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, 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 6, Section 3.
(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 Department of Kentucky State Police are the only affected state units, parts or divisions.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
No new expenditures anticipated initially for the Board. Expenditures for the Kentucky State Police are unknown, if any.
For subsequent years:
No new expenditures are anticipated on a continuing basis for the Board. Expenditures for subsequent years for the Kentucky State Police are unknown, if any.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
No new revenues are anticipated initially for the Board. This administrative regulation will generate revenue for the Kentucky State Police in the first year, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $20, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in the first year.
For subsequent years:
No new revenues are anticipated during subsequent years for the Board. This administrative regulation will generate revenue for the Kentucky State Police in subsequent years, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $20, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in subsequent years.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
Local law enforcement
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
The Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation may generate revenue for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the first year, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $18, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation may generate revenue for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in subsequent years, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $18, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in the first year.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
(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:
The anticipated revenue for the first year and subsequent years, based on the average number of anticipated applicants with that fee, would be less than $10,000.
(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):
It is not anticipated that this administrative regulation will have an overall negative or adverse major economic impact to the entities identified.
(b) The 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.