I am writing to strongly advocate for a change in the current licensure process for Speech-Language Pathologists in our state. Specifically, I urge the board to consider granting full, unrestricted licensure to SLPs immediately upon graduation and successful completion of the Praxis examination—consistent with the licensing practices for other allied health professionals such as physical therapists and occupational therapists.

The current requirement for Clinical Fellowship (CF) licensure, while well-intentioned, no longer accurately reflects the training, competence, or readiness of today’s SLP graduates. By the time a clinician enters the CF year, they have completed extensive supervised clinical hours, passed a nationally standardized exam, and demonstrated their ability to provide independent, evidence-based care.

Yet, outdated regulations continue to classify CFs as needing supervision to perform tasks they are already qualified to do. This creates confusion, billing complications, and barriers to employment—especially in underserved settings where access to fully licensed SLPs is already limited.

Granting full licensure upon graduation would:

• Ensure parity with PTs and OTs, who receive unrestricted licenses immediately upon passing their exams.

• Streamline billing and credentialing processes for employers and payers.

• Reflect the high level of clinical competence and readiness our graduate programs instill.

• Support new clinicians without stigmatizing them as “in training” professionals.

Mentorship and professional support can and should continue during the first year of practice, but these supports should not be tied to an unnecessarily restricted license.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I respectfully urge the board to modernize our licensure system and align it with the realities of contemporary SLP education and practice.

Sincerely,

Lindasy Hadel, M.S., CCC-SLP