Understanding the Speech-Language Pathology License Renewal Process in Arkansas
As a Special Education Director, it is crucial to ensure that all speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working within your district maintain their licensure in compliance with state regulations. In Arkansas, the renewal process for SLP licenses is an annual requirement, with specific deadlines and conditions that must be met to avoid penalties. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the renewal process, focusing on key aspects such as deadlines, continuing professional education (CPE) requirements, and potential audits.
Renewal Deadlines and Procedures
Renewal notices for SLP licenses in Arkansas are sent electronically starting in mid-April. The renewal portal opens on May 1, and all licenses must be renewed by July 15 to avoid delinquent fees. It's important to note that licenses expire on June 30 each year. The renewal process can be completed online, via paper renewal, or through mailed renewals. If opting for mail, ensure that renewals are postmarked by July 15 to avoid delinquency. Using certified mail is recommended for confirmation of receipt.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Requirements
Continuing Professional Education is an integral part of the renewal process. Each licensee must complete at least ten clock hours of CPE activities annually, with at least five hours in Content Area I. Dual licensees have a higher requirement of fifteen hours, with a minimum of five hours in each discipline from Content Area I. CPEs should be planned learning experiences beyond the educational programs that qualified the licensee for initial licensure. Renewal is contingent upon fulfilling these CPE requirements and submitting an annual CPE report.
Provisional and full licensees are exempt from submitting a CPE report during their initial licensing year but must document a minimum of ten hours for the subsequent licensing period. Full instructions, including definitions of content areas and audit information, can be found in Section 9 of the rules and regulations.
Utilizing CE Broker for CPE Input
The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA) has transitioned to using CE Broker for continuing education input. Licensees can utilize the free, basic membership to input CPE hours before starting the renewal process. It is essential not to opt for the free trial, as the basic membership suffices for all necessary functions.
Audits and Inactive Status
Annually, the Board selects licensees for audit. Audits are randomly chosen, and licensees will be notified by mail. Those audited must provide verification of CPEs, including details of the course content, date, and number of hours.
Licensees wishing to apply for inactive status must hold an active license and submit a written request to the Board. Inactive status means the individual cannot practice speech-language pathology in a non-exempt facility in Arkansas. Reactivation requires written notification to the Board, submission of CPE documentation, and a reactivation fee.
Delinquent Renewals and Penalties
Renewals postmarked after July 15 are considered delinquent, incurring additional fees. A late fee of $100 applies for renewals between July 16 and December 31, increasing to $200 for renewals between January 1 and July 15. Delinquent renewals after one year incur a $300 penalty, with a maximum of $500.
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