Montana Support Personnel Laws and Regulations

The following information includes laws and regulations for speech-language pathology and audiology support personnel in educational and other practice settings. The information is reviewed on an annual basis. Please be advised that regulations and policy may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.

School Setting Requirements

Audiology

Audiology aides must have at least a high school diploma, be trained to perform the tasks they are asked to perform, and be supervised by a fully licensed audiologist. Audiology Aide 1 must complete 20 hours of continuing education annually. Audiology Aide 2 & 3 must complete 10 hours annually.

Statutory and Regulatory Requirements

1. Each speech-language pathologist or audiologist must annually, on or before October 31, register with the Board all speech-language pathology and audiology aides working directly under the supervision of the licensee; a midyear verification form must be completed by February 25 of each year.
2. An audiology aide means a person who meets the minimum requirements established by the board and who works directly under the supervision of a licensed audiologist.
3. An industrial audiology aide means an aide who conducts audiograms for industrial hearing tests in addition to other services.
4. Speech-Language Pathology Aide I is defined as a person who holds an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders or equivalent and is currently enrolled in an accredited graduate program for the purpose of completing licensure requirements.
5. Speech-Language Pathology Aide II is a person who holds an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders or equivalent but is not currently enrolled in a graduate program.
6. Speech-Language Pathology Aide III is a person who does not hold an undergraduate degree or its equivalent.
7. The supervisor is responsible for insuring that the aide is adequately trained for the tasks he/she will perform; the amount of supervision is based on level of aide classification.
8. Each licensee may supervise three aides, or more with Board approval.

Resources

For further information on laws and regulations for speech-language pathology and audiology support personnel in educational and other practice settings, please visit these websites:

Laws and Regulations for Speech-Language Pathology Aides and Assistants and Audiology Aides and Assistants

Rules for Speech Pathology and Audiology Aides

To see where your state stands on support personnel licensure trends, please view the trend chart which is updated at the end of each calendar year:

Support Personnel [PDF]

Questions regarding this information? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.