Hi there! I'm thrilled to share some essential information about the requirements to hold licensure in Virginia to practice speech-language pathology. Whether you're a student, an intern, or an experienced professional, understanding these guidelines is crucial for a smooth and successful career. Let's dive right in!
General Licensure Requirements
Is a license required to practice speech-language pathology in Virginia?
Yes, it is! According to § 54.1-2603 of the Code of Virginia, you need a license issued by the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP) to practice speech-language pathology within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Is a license required to practice speech-language pathology via telepractice into Virginia?
Absolutely. If you're providing speech-language pathology services to a client within Virginia, no matter the delivery method, a BASLP-issued license is required. The type of license depends on the practice setting. If you're solely providing services in a public school division, a school speech-language pathology license is suitable. For other settings like homes, private schools, or medical facilities, a full speech-language pathology license is necessary.
What happens if the practice of speech-language pathology occurs without a license?
Practicing without a license can lead to public disciplinary action by BASLP if you're qualified but haven't obtained a license. If you're not qualified and practice without a license, the matter could be referred to the Commonwealth's Attorney for possible criminal prosecution.
Practice in Schools
Is there a licensure requirement for an SLP working in a public school division?
Yes, you need one of the following licenses to work in a public school division:
- School speech-language pathology license issued by BASLP
- Provisional speech-language pathology license issued by BASLP
- Full speech-language pathology license issued by BASLP
What constitutes practicing solely in a public school division?
If you have a school speech-language pathology license, you must practice solely in public school divisions and cannot provide private treatment. Here are some scenarios for clarity:
- Providing services in a preschool or homebound setting for a public school student requires a school, provisional, or full license.
- When a public school student is placed in a private school by the public school division and receives services paid for by the public school, a school, provisional, or full license is required.
- When a private school student receives services at a public school, a school, provisional, or full license is required.
- When a private school student receives services at a private school without public school funding, a provisional or full license is required.
What type of license is required for practice in another setting?
For settings outside of a public school division, a provisional or full speech-language pathology license is needed. Here are some examples:
- When a private school student receives services without public school funding, a provisional or full license is required.
- When any student receives services not paid for by a public school division, a provisional or full license is required.
What is the licensure requirement for an SLP working in a public school division but placed and compensated by a private contractor?
An SLP employed by a school or contractor can practice in a public school division with a school, provisional, or full speech-language pathology license issued by BASLP.
Practice as a Student, Intern, or Trainee
Who is considered a student, intern, or trainee in speech-language pathology?
This includes anyone pursuing a course of study in speech-language pathology at an accredited university or college or working in a recognized training center.
What is a recognized training center?
A training facility connected to an accredited university or college.
Is a clinical fellowship year required for licensure in Virginia?
Yes, as of January 15, 2015, a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is required to receive an initial license from BASLP. ASHA requires a clinical fellowship year to issue this certificate.
Is licensure required while completing a clinical fellowship year?
It depends:
- If the clinical fellowship year is part of your course of study or you're working in a recognized training center before graduation, you're considered a student/intern/trainee and are exempt from licensure.
- After graduation, you must hold a provisional license to complete your clinical fellowship year in Virginia.
Licensure Renewal and Practice
When must a license be renewed?
School and full speech-language pathology licenses expire each June 30th and must be renewed before this date. A provisional license expires 18 months from the date of issuance.
Who is responsible for licensure renewal?
The licensee is responsible for renewal, regardless of whether a renewal notice was received. It's recommended to have a personal reminder system for this important task. Ensure your address and email are current by accessing the online account system or contacting the board office.
What is practicing with a lapsed license?
Practicing without a current, valid license after its expiration date is considered practicing with a lapsed license, which can lead to public disciplinary action.
Is there a grace period to practice speech-language pathology without a license or with a lapsed license?
No, there are no grace periods. Practicing without a license at any time is not permitted.
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