Unlicensed Assistant Deadline Extended

Previously, one pathway to assistant licensure was to have worked as an unlicensed assistant prior to January 1, 2024, for a certain number of hours (690 for speech-language pathology or 110 for audiology). House Bill 384 changes that deadline to July 15, 2025.

 Unlicensed Aides Authorized in Public Schools

House Bill 744 allows qualified people working in public schools under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist to perform certain unskilled tasks without a license. The qualifications and tasks allowed will be determined by the board in the near future.

 Substantial Equivalency Standardized

House Bill 246 defines education, examination, and experience as the factors determining whether another state's licensing standards are substantially equivalent to Montana's—with an option to address deficiencies using an applicant's actual qualifications and work experience.

 Contingent Litigation Fund Established

For boards with less than $200,000, House Bill 227 adds a fee (currently $5) to all renewals and new licenses for that board until the contingent litigation fund exceeds $300,000.

 New Board Established

House Bill 438 merges the four boards of Physical Therapy Examiners, Occupational Therapy Practice, Athletic Trainers, and Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists into the singular Board of Physical, Rehabilitative, and Developmental Health Care Professionals.

The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) plans to begin issuing compact privileges in fall 2025.

Licensees in Montana will be able to purchase privileges to practice in other member states, and other states' licensees will be able to purchase privileges to practice in Montana.

 Visit the compact's website here for more information and updates.