SENATE BILL NO. 365 "An Act relating to the regulation of speech-language pathologist assistants; and providing for an effective date." This was the first hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance Committee. JANE ALBERTS, Staff to Senator Bunde, testified the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee sponsored this bill on behalf of Alaskan speech pathologists. She told about the current shortage of qualified speech language pathologists in Alaska. This bill, she stated would provide for credentials and authority to speech language pathologist assistants to administer specific services. She defined speech language pathologist assistants as having completed certain coursework and clinical training, and could perform tasks prescribed, directed and supervised by licensed certified speech language pathologists. She gave examples of the duties the assistants would undertake, including preparing materials and performing clerical duties associated with case management. She stressed the assistant is not intended to replace the pathologists but rather extend services. She reported on significant changes in recent years in the field of speech language pathology in the manner in which services are delivered, such as health care finance reform, public school workloads, technological advances and expanded scope of practices. She noted the pathologists are licensed though Department of Community and Economic Development. Ms. Alberts stated this bill would mandate that assistants be regulated and supervised to ensure the consumer is receiving appropriate speech language services. Ms. Alberts predicted this program would increase availability of services while maintaining quality. She pointed out this program may be the only way that services could be received in rural Alaska. Senator Bunde asked how one would become an assistant. Ms. Alberts told of the training program underway and the approximate 30 students enrolled. She expressed intent that these assistants would be utilized in rural communities. Senator Bunde clarified that the University operates the training program and supports this legislation. Ms. Alberts affirmed. Senator Olson asked the number of speech language pathologists in the State and the number of assistants that would be employed. Ms. Alberts deferred. Senator Bunde pointed out that assistants are not currently licensed and recognized. Senator Bunde disclosed he had worked as a speech language pathologist, although he has no intention to return to the profession. PATTY OLMSTEAD, certified speech language pathologist and Alaska resident, testified via teleconference from an offnet location from the American Speech Language Hearing Office in Washington DC in support of this bill. She informed that approximately 235 audiologist and speech language pathologists practice in Alaska, primarily in schools located in larger communities. She spoke to the benefits of providing education to Alaskans to perform this work. Senator Olson asked the prerequisites for the assistance-training program. Ms. Olmstead replied that the majority of students in the training program have at least a high school education, and that most are studying for an Associates of Arts degree. Senator Olson asked how this compares to the educational prerequisites for speech language pathologists. Ms. Olmstead answered that speech language pathologists are required to have a Bachelors degree, a Masters degree and one-year clinical fellowship. She furthered that a national examination is required to become certified. NANCY LOVERING, President, Alaska Speech and Hearing Association, and speech language pathologist in private practice, testified via teleconference from Anchorage that most of the students in the Associates of Arts degree speech language assistance program attend Prince William Sound Community College or the University of Alaska- Anchorage. While the assistance would not qualify as replacements for speech language pathologists, she noted the position would supplement the efforts of the pathologists. She surmised that clients would advance further with the aid of the assistants. LAURA YOUNG CAMPBELL, Alaska Speech and Hearing Association, and licensed speech language pathologist in the Mat-Su school system, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su about the largest need for speech therapy services in schools, especially given the shortage of teachers. She stated the assistant program would allow for more individualized treatment for students using programs she, as a pathologist develops. She furthered that use of assistance would provide her more time to complete paperwork, including that required for the federal No Child Left Behind program. She noted this bill outlines the supervision that assistants would receive. She spoke to the positive impacts on students able to complete their treatment plan in a shorter period of time, which would also cost less to implement. Senator B. Stevens offered a motion to report the bill from Committee. Senator B. Stevens removed his motion. Senator B. Stevens moved to adopt CS SB 365, 23-LS0540\Q as a working document. Without objection the committee substitute was ADOPTED. Senator B. Stevens offered a motion to report CS SB 365, 23- LS0540\Q from Committee with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal note. There was no objection and CS SB 365 (FIN) MOVED from Committee with fiscal note #1 for $800 from the Department of Community and Economic Development.