Relating to speech language pathologist assistants and the medical assistance program, and including effective date provisions

The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. This bill directs the department of health and human services (HHS) to adopt rules that permit a speech language pathologist assistant practicing under a licensed speech pathologist to be reimbursed for speech language pathologist assistant services provided to recipients of the medical assistance program, subject to limitations and exclusions HHS finds necessary. The bill also directs HHS to submit any necessary federal waiver or amendment for the medical assistance program to include a speech language pathologist assistant practicing under a licensed speech pathologist to participate as a provider under the medical assistance program. HHS shall include speech language pathologist assistants as providers under the medical assistance program upon HHS’s receipt of federal approval.