SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

Amends the Illinois Speech-language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act. In a provision concerning the minimum requirements for speech-language pathology assistant programs, provides that the curriculum must include 24 semester credit hours in general education (now, 36 semester credit hours) and 36 semester credit hours in technical content areas designed to provide students with knowledge and skills required for speech-language pathology assistants (now, 24 semester credit hours). Provides that any applicant for licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant who applies to the Department prior to the effective date of the amendatory Act or any person who holds a valid license as a speech-language pathology assistant on the effective date of the amendatory Act shall not be required to meet the new minimum requirements for a speech language pathology assistant program established by the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.