1. (a) The board shall issue an initial certification as a speech-language assistant to an individual who:

   1. (1) Holds a 2-year associate's degree or a higher degree in speech-language pathology, communication sciences and disorders or communication disorders, awarded by an educational program accredited by:

      1. a. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Speech-Language Pathology and its predecessor and successor organization(s); or

      2. b. One of the following regional accrediting bodies:

         1. 1. The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools;
         2. 2. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges;
         3. 3. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools;
         4. 4. The Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges;
         5. 5. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; or
         6. 6. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges;

   2. (2) Is of good professional character and reliability as evidenced by:

      1. a. The answers to the "yes-no" questions on part one of the board-provided initial-certification application form for license applications as described in Spe 303.02(g);
      2. b. The answers to the "yes-no" questions on part 2 of the board-provided initial-certification application form for license applications as described in Spe 303.02(j);
      3. c. Reports submitted pursuant to Spe 603.02(b)(2) or (b)(3), if any;
      4. d. The letters of reference required by Spe 603.02(b)(6); and
      5. e. Criminal offender record reports pursuant to Spe 603.02(b)(8);
   3. (3) Complies with the application procedures set forth in Spe 603.02; and
   4. (4) Pays the certification fee set forth in Ahp 301.02.
2. (b) “Based on the board’s determination pursuant to RSA 332-G:7 no military experience is applicable to the education of speech-language assistants. Military experience shall not be considered when determining whether an applicant meets the educational requirements for certification.

Source. #9711, eff 5-8-10; ss by #10684, eff 10-4-14; ss by #10878, eff 7-9-15