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RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS

Introduced By: Representatives Cambio, Scott, Garvey, Corvese and Pisaturo

Date Introduced : February 2, 1999

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 16-25.3-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-25.3 entitled "School Speech and Language Pathologists" is hereby amended to read as follows:

{ADD 16-25.3-2. Employment of speech language pathologists. -- ADD} (a) Each school district is encouraged by the general assembly to employ one full time certified speech language pathologist for every forty (40) students who receive speech language services within the age range of three (3) to twenty-one (21). In cases where the number of students receiving speech language services is above forty (40), the school district is encouraged to employ a speech language pathologist on a part time pro-rata basis.

(b) When a speech and language evaluation or the provision of speech language services are being considered or are part of the student's program the speech language pathologist shall be a member of the multidisciplinary team.

{ADD (c) In the event an individual seeks emergency certification from the Department of Education in the area of speech/language pathology the individual must meet the following minimum requirements before the granting of emergency certification by the department of elementary and secondary education: ADD}

{ADD (1) Hold a bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders from an accredited ADD} {ADD college or university ADD}

{ADD (2) Have successfully completed no less than eighteen (18) hours of graduate credit ADD} {ADD in the area of speech/language pathology ADD}

{ADD (d) Individuals under emergency certification to conduct the business of a Speech/Language Pathologist shall be under the direct supervision of a ADD} {DEL licensed and/or DEL} {ADDcertified Speech/Language Pathologist. At no time shall a ADD} {DELlicensed and/or DEL} {ADD certified Speech/Language Pathologist supervise more than one (1) emergency certified Speech/Language Pathologist. ADD}

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on passage.