SLP Assistants
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) are not currently licensed in the state of Kansas. In response to KSHA members' desire to have manageable caseloads and to better meet the needs of students across the state, a task force has been developed to investigate the possibility of licensure for SLPAs in Kansas.
Many school districts/cooperatives struggle to fill their SLP positions, often creating large caseloads for SLPs and/or budget deficits when faced with the need to hire contract/teletherapy services to meet student needs. This is true across the state, but especially in rural parts of our state.
The current SLPA task force (and several of its previous iterations) have surveyed KSHA members, SPED administrators, and those who currently work as speech assistants/paras to investigate the benefits (and potential downfalls) of having licensed SLPAs in the state. Discussions have taken place among a variety of stakeholders, including ASHA liaisons, SPED directors, the Director of Special Education at KSDE, faculty & staff at our four university CSD programs, and many more.
In 2021, a survey sent to ASHA members in Kansas revealed that more than half of school-based SLP respondents had caseloads higher than the national median of 47.
A survey completed by annual KSHA conference attendees in 2024 showed that 93% of respondents answered "yes" or "maybe" to the question, 'Do you think KSHA should work to get licensure for SLPAs in Kansas?'
With this member feedback, the task force set out to draft legislation to license SLPAs. As draft-writing was underway, several key questions remained about how SLPs in the state want to utilize the services of SLPAs.
Another survey was sent out in March 2025 to KSHA members and to SPED Directors statewide to better understand the needs of districts and the opinions of how SLPAs should function alongside licensed SLPs.
Two key questions were:
1) Should SLPAs be able to perform assessments/diagnostic testing?
2) Should the SLP supervising an SLPA be required to have their Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA?
Member feedback led the task force to write a draft that does NOT allow SLPAs to perform assessments and that does NOT require supervising SLPs to have their CCC's.
At this point, the task force would like to solicit feedback on our proposed legislation from ALL stakeholders, and especially from our members.
Please take some time to review the draft legislation and submit any feedback you have by July 5, 2025.
Comments and suggestions will be collected and shared with the task force and the KSHA Executive Board.
The goal is to have legislation ready to introduce in January 2026.
Submit Feedback
Attend a KSHA Town Hall Meeting to Learn More
Members of the Task Force on SLP Assistants will be ready to answer your questions and discuss the proposed legislation at the following Town Hall meetings. These are free to attend and you do not need to register. Just hop on!
Frequently Asked Questions about SLPAs in Kansas
*This document was created to help clarify what our task force at KSHA is intending to propose to the Kansas State Legislature to enact a bill that would create Licensure for SLPAs. This does not reflect current regulations.
What is an SLPA?
A Speech Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) works under a licensed Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and is actively involved in providing treatment for patients with various communication disorders. SLPAs play a support role and can be used to increase the availability, frequency, and efficiency of services.
What’s the difference between an SLPA, a speech para, and an aide?
SLPAs require formal training with minimal academic and clinical preparation as specified by the state’s licensing body. A speech para is a person without the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered an SLPA. Paras may have some training, usually provided by the supervising SLP. Paras assist with activity preparation, transporting students from class to the speech therapy room, assisting with teletherapy technology issues and providing direct services according to a plan developed by a licensed speech-language pathologist. A speech aide typically has no formal training and performs clerical or logistical support tasks only. â¯â¯
Will SLPAs be used to replace SLPs?
No. SLPAs are intended to support – not replace – SLPs. They help enhance service availability and efficiency but cannot perform tasks that require clinical judgment. For example, SLPAs cannot write intervention goals or interpret evaluation results.
What educational requirements will be necessary to become licensed in Kansas as an SLPA?
The KSHA SLPA task force is proposing:
A bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) from a regionally accredited institution; OR a bachelor’s degree in another field AND 24 hours of core coursework in CSD; OR completion of an SLPA program from a regionally accredited institution (e.g., an associate’s degree, a technical training program, a certificate program)
Evidence of a supervised clinical experience that consists of 100 clock hours of supervised clinical fieldwork with direct client contact/clinical practicum that meets the following requirement:â¯
Hours may be completed via an academic practicum or on the job with a currently licensed speech-language pathologist
What practicum hours will be needed to be licensed in Kansas as an SLPA?
The KSHA SLPA task force proposes that applicants must complete a minimum of 100 hours of clinical fieldwork under the supervision of a licensed SLP.
Will ASHA certification be required to be a licensed SLPA in KS?
No. The KSHA SLPA task force is proposing that ASHA certification will not be required for Kansas licensure; however, it may be required by some employers and specific insurance carriers.
Will SLPAs in Kansas have to take an examination?
No. The KSHA SLPA task force is not proposing that a state-specific exam be required for licensure in Kansas, but those pursuing ASHA certification must pass the ASHA Assistants Certification Exam.
Will there be continuing education requirements for SLPAs in Kansas?
Yes. The KSHA SLPA task force is proposing that continuing education hours be required for maintaining SLPA licensure. The number of required hours and the frequency will be set by the licensing body for Kansas.
How will I apply to become a licensed SLPA in Kansas?
Applicants will apply through the licensing body for Kansas, currently the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), and provide documentation of educational qualifications, completed clinical hours, and supervision.
What will the requirements be for the supervising SLP?
The KSHA SLPA task force is proposing that the supervising SLP must:
Hold a current Kansas license
Have at least 2 years of experience (after the CFY)
Complete at least two hours of professional development in the area of supervision - one time requirement
Complete at least one hour of professional development in the area of ethics every three years.
Meet all billing eligibility requirements for state/employer
Will remote supervision be allowed?
Yes, the KSHA SLPA task force is proposing that tele-supervision be permitted as long as it meets state guidelines for frequency and quality.
What will happen if supervision requirements are not met?
Failure to meet supervision requirements can result in disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation for both the SLPA and supervising SLP.
Can an SLPA supervise another SLPA?
No. Only licensed SLPs who meet the minimum standards to be supervising SLPs can supervise SLPAs.
How does billing look for the SLPA in Kansas?
SLPAs cannot bill independently. Services must be billed under the supervising SLP’s credentials, and Medicaid/insurance rules must be followed. Currently, Kansas Medicaid does not reimburse for services provided by an SLPA in the school setting.
Can an SLPA be supervised by more than one SLP?
Yes, but each supervising SLP must meet all supervision requirements and document their role.
Can the SLP have more than one SLPA under their license?
Yes, the KSHA SLPA task force is proposing that SLPs can supervise up to 2 full-time or 3- part time SLPAs.
Which populations fall within the scope of practice for SLPAs?
SLPAs can work with a variety of populations, including children and adults. Populations depend on the work setting. However, most SLPAs in Kansas work in schools, early intervention, or private practice.
What will be the scope of practice for the SLPA in Kansas?
The supervising SLP assumes full responsibility for all services provided or omitted by the SLPA. The KSHA SLPA task force is proposing that under the direction of their supervising SLP, SLPAs may:
Conduct speech-language or hearing screenings (without interpretation) using protocols developed by the SLP.
Provide direct treatment to clients identified by the SLP.
Follow and implement documented treatment plans.
Document client progress, collect data, and prepare therapy materials.
Assist during assessments and with clerical tasks (e.g., charts, records).
Maintain equipment and verify annual audiometric calibration.
Support research, in-service training, and public relations efforts.
Submit documentation/treatment notes for SLP review and co-signature.
Coach caregivers on communication strategies as directed.
Deliver teletherapy services under SLP guidance.
Collaborate with team members in compliance with HIPAA and FERPA.
Will SLPAs be allowed to provide telepractice services in Kansas?
Yes, the KSHA SLPA task force is proposing that SLPAs provide telepractice services under supervision and in accordance with state and ASHA guidelines.
Will the SLPA be able to perform screenings and evaluations?
The KSHA SLPA task force is proposing that SLPAs may assist with screenings, but cannot perform evaluations or interpret results.
What will an SLPA not be able to do in Kansas?
The KSHA SLPA task force is proposing that SLPA must not:
Perform or interpret diagnostic tests or evaluations.
Make decisions or represent the SLP in IEP, eligibility, or interdisciplinary meetings.
Independently share assessment results or interpretive information with clients or families.
Create, modify, or sign treatment plans or official documents without SLP co-signature.
Work with clients without a documented treatment plan or proper training.
Identify, recommend, refer, or discharge clients from services without SLP involvement.
Provide interpretive information from SLP reports.
Present themselves as a speech-language pathologist.
Advertise or promote services independently.
Conduct feeding or swallowing therapy.
Treat medically fragile individuals.
Will an SLPA be able to conduct feeding and swallowing treatment in Kansas?
No. The KSHA SLPA task force is proposing that feeding and swallowing treatment is outside the SLPA scope of practice and must be performed by a licensed SLP.
