1. (1) All speech-language pathologist and audiologist applicants for licensure must submit fingerprints to obtain a criminal background check per 37-15-402, MCA.
2. (2) Applicants for licensure through the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact with Montana as home state must meet licensure requirements per 37-15-401, MCA.

3. (3) Applicants for a Montana single-state speech-language pathologist license must:

   1. (a) have a minimum of a master's degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or its equivalent;
   2. (b) during the graduate degree program, have completed a supervised clinical practicum experience;
   3. (c) following graduation from the post-graduate degree program, have completed a 36-week speech-language pathology supervised professional experience; and
   4. (d) have passed the national Praxis examination in speech-language pathology or its equivalent.

4. (4) Applicants for a Montana single-state audiologist license must:

   1. (a) have a minimum of a Doctor of Audiology degree (Au.D.) or a Ph.D. in audiology from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE), or equivalent; and
   2. (b) have passed the national Praxis examination in audiology or its equivalent.
5. (5) An audiologist licensed prior to January 1, 2007, who maintains that license in good standing is not required to obtain a doctorate.

Authorizing statute(s): 37-1-131, 37-15-202, 37-15-303, MCA

Implementing statute(s): 37-1-131, 37-15-301, 37-15-303, 37-15-401, 37-15-402, MCA

History: NEW, 2023 MAR p. 1751, Eff. 12/9/23.