V
irginia
C
apitol
C
onnections
, S
ummer
2014
16
Universal Licensure:
A Great Change
for Virginia!
By Darlene Robke
The Speech Language Hearing
Association of Virginia (SHAV) has
now simplified the licensure process
for our membership! Previously, there
were two licensure agencies within the
Commonwealth: a Virginia Department
of Education (VDOE) endorsement which
allowed Speech Language Pathologists
(SLPs) to work in the schools and a full
license by the Virginia Board of Audiology
and Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) which permitted SLPs to
work in any other setting. As a result, SLPs and consumers within
our state and those new to VA often found themselves uncertain
about which license was needed to practice and who was qualified
to provide services in each setting. In addition, SHAV also heard
from many of the SLPs who had been sanctioned for practicing
without the appropriate license in Virginia. There were complaints
from our membership about the costs for those SLPs maintaining
both licenses as well as frustration about the differing continuing
education requirements between the systems.
Concerns for our membership, licensure fees, as well as
consumer protection motivated SHAV to seek a legislative change.
Legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly brought
about this change in the state licensing regulations. Collaboration
between SHAV, state agencies, and the regulatory board was a
crucial part of the process. SHAV attended many BASLP board
meetings, disseminated information to and from our members,
and shared their questions and concerns with the VDOE and the
BASLP. We wanted to be certain that our membership was well
represented! The continual communication and partnership
between all stake holders allowed SHAV to actively address and
clarify concerns regarding licensure changes.
SHAV’s lobbyist provided our organization with stellar
guidance about how to get the legislation introduced into the
General Assembly. SHAV then rallied our members and promoted
the need for universal licensure during our Advocacy Day at the
State Capitol in Richmond on January 20, 2014. Delegate Richard
Anderson understood our position, graciously supported our cause,
and became the Chief Patron of House Bill 373 on our behalf. The
bill passed in the House and the Senate and ultimately received the
signature of approval from Governor, Terry McAuliffe.
Effective July 1, 2014, there is only one licensing entity for
Speech-Language Pathologists in Virginia, the BASLP. Specific
information and updates regarding the checklists and initial
applications for a school SLP license and a full SLP license are
available at
/
. The VDOE shall
no longer issue or renew licenses with an endorsement in speech-
language pathology for school based speech-language pathologists.
The collaboration between the VDOE, the BASLP, and SHAV
continue as we all work to educate others throughout Virginia to
address questions and concerns regarding the universal licensure.
The VDOE has proactively spear-headed a state-wide educational
programs and training for the human resources departments of
school systems. They have also provided 2 superintendent memos,
created guidance information (including a video created with the
BASLP) outlining the specific enactment clauses, and also offer
funding assistance to those school-based SLPs transitioning to the
new license. This information is available on the VDOE website at
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Phone 804-644-1702
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