Title 201 | Chapter 017 | Regulation 034E
201 KAR 17:034REG
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 17:034E
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 “[p]revent 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 17:034E.Requirements for licensure as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.
Section 1.
Application for Licensure. Each applicant for licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant shall:(1)
Submit an "Application for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant", form DPL-SLPA-10, to the board;(2)
Pay the fee as established in 201 KAR 17:030;(3)
Submit an official academic transcript sent directly by the academic institution to the board; and(4)
Have the results of a national and state criminal background investigation performed within the last ninety (90) days by the Department of Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) submitted directly to the board. The applicant shall pay any required fee to the KSP and FBI. Any cases officially expunged shall not have to be disclosed by the applicant and shall not be considered by the board as a conviction.Section 2.
Education and Experience. Each applicant for licensure as an SLP-A in Kentucky shall meet the requirements established by this section.(1)
In order to receive a license to become an SLP-A, the applicant shall possess a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or possess equivalent education, as described in subsection (2) of this section, from a regionally accredited institution, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.(2)
An applicant shall have equivalent education if the applicant has obtained a bachelor's degree and a minimum of twenty-seven (27) hours in the core areas of communication sciences or disorders including the following:(a)
Anatomy and physiology;(b)
Phonetics and speech science;(c)
Speech and language development;(d)
Communication disorders in children;(e)
Audiology;(f)
Aural rehabilitation; and(g)
Intervention for children with communication disorders.Section 3.
Supervision requirements.(1)
The SLP-A shall function under the supervision of an appropriate supervisor during the period of licensure.(2)
The supervisor shall design and provide a supervision system that protects pupil welfare and maintains the highest possible standards of quality speech-language pathology services.(3)
The supervisor may require additional supervision based on the experience of the SLP-A, the pupils served, and the physical or geographic proximity to the supervisor.(4)
As the supervisory responsibility of the supervisor increases, the direct service responsibilities of the supervisor shall decrease.(5)
Treatment for the pupils served shall remain the responsibility of the supervisor. The level of supervision required shall be the minimum level necessary for the supervisor to retain direct contact with the pupils.(6)
Each SLP-A shall be required to receive direct supervision as stated in KRS 334A.033. Supervision shall be adjusted proportionally for less than full-time employment. The supervisor shall have direct contact time with the speech-language pathology assistant as well as with the pupil.(7)
(a)
Direct supervision shall consist of on-site, in-view observation and guidance as a clinical activity is performed.(b)
An SLP-A shall be supervised by either:1.
A speech-language pathologist who holds a Kentucky license; or2.
A speech-language pathologist who holds Education Professional Standards Board Master's level certification as a teacher of exceptional children in the areas of speech and communication disorders.(8)
The supervisor shall provide information about the quality of the SLP-A's performance with assigned tasks and verify that clinical activity is limited to tasks specified in the SLP-A's scope of responsibilities.(9)
Information obtained during direct supervision may include data relative to:(a)
Accuracy in implementation of screening, diagnostic, and treatment procedures;(b)
Agreement between the assistant and the supervisor on correct or incorrect judgment of target behavior;(c)
Accuracy in recording data; and(d)
Ability to interact effectively with the pupil.(10)
Indirect supervision shall be required as stated in KRS 334A.033. Supervision shall be adjusted proportionally for less than full-time employment. Indirect supervision may include:(a)
Demonstration;(b)
Record review;(c)
Review and evaluation of audio or videotaped sessions; or(d)
Supervisory conferences that may be conducted by telephone.(11)
The minimum total of direct and indirect supervision as stated in KRS 334A.033 shall be required for each SLP-A and shall be documented. Additional direct and indirect supervision may be necessary depending on the experience of the assistant and the needs of the pupil.(12)
An SLP-A shall not provide direct services if a supervising speech-language pathologist cannot be reached by personal contact, phone, pager, or some other immediate means.(13)
If, for any reason (including maternity leave, illness, or a change of jobs), the supervisor is no longer available to provide the level of supervision stipulated, the speech-language pathology assistant shall not provide service until a fully qualified speech-language pathologist has been designated as the SLP-A's supervisor.(14)
Although more than one (1) supervisor may provide supervision of an SLP-A, a supervisor shall not be listed as the supervisor of record for more than two (2) SLP-As. If multiple supervisors are used, each supervisor shall be responsible for that portion of the caseload that is theirs and each shall sign the "Application for Licensure Speech-Language Pathology Assistant", form DPL-SLPA-10 and "Postgraduate Professional Experience Report and Evaluation for Interim Speech-Language Pathology Assistant", form DPL-SLPA-06, incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 17:025.Section 4.
Within thirty (30) days after completion of postgraduate professional experience, the applicant shall submit a complete "Application for Licensure Speech-Language Pathology Assistant", form DPL-SLPA-10. The applicant's supervisor shall verify the successful completion of postgraduate professional experience by signing the application and by submitting the "Postgraduate Professional Experience Report and Evaluation for Interim Speech-Language Pathology Assistant", form DPL-SLPA-06, incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 17:025.Section 5.
Incorporation by Reference.(1)
The following material is incorporated by reference: "Application for Licensure Speech-Language Pathology Assistant", form DPL-SLPA-10, July 2026(2)
This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Department of Professional Licensing, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.201 KAR 17:034E
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
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 regulation establishes requirements for licensure are a speech-language pathology assistant.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This regulation is necessary to implement the provisions KRS 334A.030 and KRS 334A.033.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This regulation is in conformity as the authorizing statute gives the board the ability to promulgate regulations generally.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This regulation will assist the board in administering this program by delineating application procedures and requirements for those seeking to become licensed as a speech-language pathology assistant.
(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 adds the statutory authority and language relating to the requirement that applicants seeking an initial license obtain a national and state criminal background investigation by the KSP and FBI; clarifies the application process requirements; incorporate required material that has not been previously incorporated by reference; uses abbreviations to breakdown lengthy sentences to reduce confusion and clarify meaning; clarifies requirements relating to licensee and supervisor duties regarding the evaluation of PPE and supervision; and, updates and incorporates required material.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
The amendment is necessary due to the enactment of KRS 334A.055 for background checks for licensure, and to clarify and streamline the process, as well as to update or incorporate required material not previously incorporated.
(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 or add 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 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:
An applicant for initial licensure 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 and use the proper forms.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
Applicants for 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 17:034E
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 “[p]revent 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 17:034E.Requirements for licensure as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.
Section 1.
Application for Licensure. Each applicant for licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant shall:(1)
Submit an "Application for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant", form DPL-SLPA-10, to the board;(2)
Pay the fee as established in 201 KAR 17:030;(3)
Submit an official academic transcript sent directly by the academic institution to the board; and(4)
Have the results of a national and state criminal background investigation performed within the last ninety (90) days by the Department of Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) submitted directly to the board. The applicant shall pay any required fee to the KSP and FBI. Any cases officially expunged shall not have to be disclosed by the applicant and shall not be considered by the board as a conviction.Section 2.Section 1.
Education and Experience. Each applicant for licensure as an SLP-A(1)
In order to receive a license to become an SLP-A(2)
An applicant shall have equivalent education if the applicant has obtained a bachelor's degree and a minimum of twenty-seven (27) hours in the core areas of communication sciences or disorders including the following:(a)
Anatomy and physiology;(b)
Phonetics and speech science;(c)
Speech and language development;(d)
Communication disorders in children;(e)
Audiology;(f)
Aural rehabilitation; and(g)
Intervention for children with communication disorders.Section 3.Section 2.
Supervision requirements.(1)
The SLP-A(2)
The supervisor shall design and provide a supervision system that protects pupil welfare and maintains the highest possible standards of quality speech-language pathology services.(3)
The supervisor may require additional supervision based on the experience of the SLP-A(4)
As the supervisory responsibility of the supervisor increases, the direct service responsibilities of the supervisor shall decrease.(5)
Treatment for the pupils served shall remain the responsibility of the supervisor. The level of supervision required shall be the minimum level necessary for the supervisor to retain direct contact with the pupils.(6)
Each SLP-A(7)
(a)
Direct supervision shall consist of on-site, in-view observation and guidance as a clinical activity is performed.(b)
An SLP-A1.
A speech-language pathologist who holds a Kentucky license; or2.
A speech-language pathologist who holds Education Professional Standards Board Master's level certification as a teacher of exceptional children in the areas of speech and communication disorders.(8)
The supervisor shall provide information about the quality of the SLP-A's(9)
Information obtained during direct supervision may include data relative to:(a)
Accuracy in implementation of screening, diagnostic, and treatment procedures;(b)
Agreement between the assistant and the supervisor on correct or incorrect judgment of target behavior;(c)
Accuracy in recording data; and(d)
Ability to interact effectively with the pupil.(10)
Indirect supervision shall be required as stated in KRS 334A.033. Supervision shall be adjusted proportionally for less than full-time employment. Indirect supervision may include:(a)
Demonstration;(b)
Record review;(c)
Review and evaluation of audio or videotaped sessions; or(d)
Supervisory conferences that may be conducted by telephone.(11)
The minimum total of direct and indirect supervision as stated in KRS 334A.033 shall be required for each SLP-A(12)
An SLP-A(13)
If, for any reason (including maternity leave, illness, or a change of jobs), the supervisor is no longer available to provide the level of supervision stipulated, the speech-language pathology assistant shall not provide service until a fully qualified speech-language pathologist has been designated as the SLP-A's(14)
Although more than one (1) supervisor may provide supervision of an SLP-ASection 4.Section 3.
Within thirty (30) days after completion of postgraduate professional experience, the applicant shall submit a complete "Application for Licensure Speech-Language Pathology Assistant", form DPL-SLPA-10.Section 5.Section 4.
Incorporation by Reference.(1)
The following material is incorporated by reference: "Application for Licensure Speech-Language Pathology Assistant", form DPL-SLPA-10, July 2026(2)
This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Department of Professional Licensing, 500 Mero Street,201 KAR 17:034E
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
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 regulation establishes requirements for licensure are a speech-language pathology assistant.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This regulation is necessary to implement the provisions KRS 334A.030 and KRS 334A.033.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This regulation is in conformity as the authorizing statute gives the board the ability to promulgate regulations generally.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This regulation will assist the board in administering this program by delineating application procedures and requirements for those seeking to become licensed as a speech-language pathology assistant.
(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 adds the statutory authority and language relating to the requirement that applicants seeking an initial license obtain a national and state criminal background investigation by the KSP and FBI; clarifies the application process requirements; incorporate required material that has not been previously incorporated by reference; uses abbreviations to breakdown lengthy sentences to reduce confusion and clarify meaning; clarifies requirements relating to licensee and supervisor duties regarding the evaluation of PPE and supervision; and, updates and incorporates required material.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
The amendment is necessary due to the enactment of KRS 334A.055 for background checks for licensure, and to clarify and streamline the process, as well as to update or incorporate required material not previously incorporated.
(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 or add 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 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:
An applicant for initial licensure 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 and use the proper forms.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
Applicants for 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.