FAQs for Speech Language Pathology and Hearing Care Providers

Speech-Language Pathology is the practice of identifying, diagnosing and treating individuals who have communication disorders. These may include disorders of speech, articulation, fluency, voice, verbal and written language, comprehension, cognition, swallowing and alternative/augmentative communication.

A speech-language pathologist is a highly educated and skilled professional who is licensed to practice speech/language pathology in New Hampshire. A Speech-Language Pathologist screens, evaluates, diagnoses, treats and consults on disorders of communication.

Licensure qualifications are as follows:

• Successful completion of approved academic and clinical requirements.
• Passing a national certification exam.

The Practice Act (RSA 326-F) requires that every licensee participate in continuing education in the professional field, relating to development of the purpose of updating and developing skills in order to provide appropriate speech-language pathology services. It is the Board's responsibility to monitor compliance with the requirement of the law.

You should contact the Board:

• To determine whether the practitioner holds a current license.
• To report unprofessional conduct or practice.
• To register a complaint or express dissatisfaction with services received.
• To determine if any disciplinary action has been taken against a licensee.
• To request information about speech-language services.

Yes. One must apply for a Provisional License to work under supervision. Upon completion of the CFY, a Post Graduate Professional Experience (PGPE) report is submitted to the Governing Board for review. If the PGPE report is not completed in accordance with New Hampshire requirements, it will delay licensure. Upon approval of the PGPE, the file is complete. The application then is presented to the Governing Board for a final review for approval of a full-unrestricted initial New Hampshire license.