HB 1016 (2022)

Makes changes to licensure as a speech language pathologist to permit those with bachelor's degrees in speech language pathology, speech and hearing science, or communication sciences and disorders to qualify for licensure, if they have a master's degree in a related field, such as special education. At the time of this bill's introduction, licensed speech language pathologists must possess a master's degree in speech-language pathology, communications sciences and disorders, or communications disorders.

The House completely rewrote the bill. According to Rep. William Marsh (writing on behalf of the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee), "This amended bill discontinues the double licensing and collection of fees from Speech Language Pathologists in New Hampshire by eliminating the redundant licensing of Speech Language Pathologists by the Department of Education; preserves the integrity of the Speech Language Pathologist credential and New Hampshire's participation in the Audiology and Speech Language Hearing Interstate Compact; and permits the 20 or so remaining Speech Language Specialists working in NH schools to continue working until their retirement."