Repeals the older of the two existing chapters related to speech-language pathologists and audiologists and makes several amendments to reconcile the two statutes into one.

Plain-English Summary

Rhode Island currently has two separate sets of laws on the books that both govern the licensing and regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists — professionals who help people with communication disorders, hearing loss, and related conditions. Over time, this created a situation where two overlapping chapters of state law existed side by side, which can cause confusion about which rules actually apply. This bill cleans up that problem by eliminating the older of the two chapters and updating the remaining, newer chapter to make sure it covers everything that needs to be addressed.

The bill doesn't create major new rules for these professions — its main purpose is housekeeping and legal clarification. It makes targeted changes to the surviving chapter so that nothing important is lost when the older chapter is removed, essentially combining the best and most current elements of both into a single, unified law. This makes it easier for regulators, practitioners, and the public to find and understand the rules that apply.

The people most directly affected are licensed speech-language pathologists and audiologists practicing in Rhode Island, as well as the state agency responsible for overseeing their licenses. For most practitioners, day-to-day work likely won't change significantly — the goal is simply to have one clear, consistent set of rules instead of two. Patients and clients of these professionals are indirectly affected, as clearer regulation generally helps ensure consistent professional standards are maintained.