2022 Colorado Code
Title 12 - Professions and Occupations
Article 305 - Speech-Language Pathologists
§ 12-305-107. Certification - Application - Qualifications - Provisional Certification - Renewal - Fees - Rules

1. Educational and experiential requirements. Every applicant for a certification as a speech-language pathologist must have:
   1. Successfully completed a master's or higher degree in communication sciences and disorders granted by an accredited institution of higher education recognized by the United States department of education;
   2. Successfully completed a speech-language pathology clinical fellowship approved by the director, as documented by the supervising clinician or a national certifying body approved by the director; and
   3. Passed the appropriate examination and clinical fellowships adopted by the director.

2. Application. When an applicant has fulfilled the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, the applicant may apply for certification in the manner required by the director. The applicant shall submit an application fee with the application in an amount determined by the director. Additionally, if the applicant will provide speech-language pathology services to patients, the applicant shall submit to the director proof that the applicant has purchased and is maintaining or is covered by professional liability insurance in an amount determined by the director by rule.
3. Certification.
   1. Except as provided in subsection (3)(b) of this section, when an applicant has fulfilled the requirements of subsections (1) and (2) of this section, the director shall issue a certification to the applicant.
   2. The director may deny a certification if the applicant has committed any act that would be grounds for disciplinary action under section 12-305-112.

4. Certification by endorsement.
   1. An applicant may obtain certification by endorsement if the applicant satisfies the requirements of the occupational credential portability program.
   2. If the applicant will provide speech-language pathology services to patients, the applicant shall submit to the director proof that the applicant has purchased and is maintaining or is covered by professional liability insurance in an amount determined by the director by rule.

5. Certification renewal. Certifications issued pursuant to this article 305 are subject to the renewal, expiration, reinstatement, and delinquency fee provisions specified in section 12-20-202 (1) and (2). Any person whose certification has expired and who continues to practice speech-language pathology is subject to the penalties provided in this article 305 or section 12-20-202 (1) for reinstatement.

Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1594, § 1, effective October 1. L. 2020: (4) amended, (HB 20-1326), ch. 126, p. 547, § 45, effective June 25.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 12-43.7-106 as it existed prior to 2019.

Cross references: For the short title ("Red Tape Reduction Act") and the legislative declaration in HB 20-1326, see sections 1 and 2 of chapter 126, Session Laws of Colorado 2020.