Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association Empowering Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Through:
·Professional Development
·Advoc

The Mission of the Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association (KSHA) is to enhance the provision of quality services to persons with communication disorders and their families. KSHA accomplishes this by providing broad-based educational opportunities, public awareness and policy development inititives. KSHA supports all levels of professionals and students in speech-language pathology and audiology by promoting the highest standards for service providers.

📢 LICENSURE UPDATE: FBI BACKGROUND CHECK DELAYSKSHA continues to hear from recent graduates and other applicants who are...
09/01/2026

📢 LICENSURE UPDATE: FBI BACKGROUND CHECK DELAYS

KSHA continues to hear from recent graduates and other applicants who are unable to obtain their Kentucky licenses due to delays associated with the new FBI criminal background check requirement that took effect July 15, 2026.

KSHA is actively advocating for our members and those awaiting licensure. Today, we connected with ASHA’s Director of State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs and continued discussions with our lobbyist about potential solutions.

📰 A recent article by journalist Shay McAlister, “Stuck in Limbo: New Kentucky Law Leaves Hundreds of Licensed Professionals Unable to Work,” has also brought additional attention to the issue.

According to information provided by the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet, approximately 200 licenses across four professions are currently affected, including Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology.

💡 PPC is reviewing whether a provisional or temporary solution may be legally possible. While there is no confirmed timeline, we are encouraged that potential solutions are being explored.

KSHA will continue collaborating with affected professions, licensing boards, ASHA, and state partners to advocate for relief and keep our members informed.

If you are experiencing licensure delays, please share your story with KSHA. Your experiences help demonstrate the real-world impact of these delays across Kentucky.

09/01/2026

Happy September KSHA! Hear from KSHA President Heather Gattis with an update on the proposed licensure bill, background check concerns, and 92507 trainings.

08/20/2026

SETTING THE PACE FOR THE PROFESSION 🐎

KSHA is incredibly proud to celebrate Kellie C. Ellis, PhD., CCC-SLP, recipient of the 2026 ASHA-PAC Excellence in Advocacy Honor for State Advocacy!

This national honor recognizes ASHA members who have made significant contributions through political, professional, and grassroots advocacy to advance the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.

For years, Dr. Ellis has been setting the PACE for advocacy in Kentucky and beyond. Her impact includes:

🔹 Leading KSHA’s governmental relations and advocacy efforts, championing issues affecting SLPs, audiologists, and the individuals they serve

🔹 Successfully advocating for SLPs and audiologists to be included in Kentucky’s Healthcare Workforce Development Fund during the 2026 legislative session, including testimony before both the Kentucky House and Senate

🔹 Helping lead the passage of Kentucky Senate Bill 111 (2024) to expand insurance coverage and access to treatment for individuals who stutter

🔹 Playing an instrumental role in Kentucky’s 12-year effort to achieve salary equity and professional recognition for school-based SLPs and audiologists

🔹 Creating and leading the annual Tri-Alliance Legislative Day since 2016, giving hundreds of students and professionals hands-on experience advocating at the Kentucky Capitol

🔹 Representing our professions at the state and national levels, including service on ASHA’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Board and the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

Perhaps most importantly, Kellie has helped create the next generation of advocates. She has shown students and professionals across Kentucky that advocacy isn’t something that happens around our professions. It is something we do for our professions and the people we serve.

Congratulations, Kellie, on this incredibly well-deserved national recognition. Thank you for continuing to set the PACE for our professions! 👏

KSHA can’t wait to see what the semester holds for our future professionals!
08/17/2026

KSHA can’t wait to see what the semester holds for our future professionals!

08/11/2026

Licensure Background Check Update:

KSHA continues to hear concerns from members regarding delays in initial licensure associated with Kentucky’s new criminal background check requirement. We know these delays are creating very real challenges for new professionals, employers, school districts, and the individuals who depend on speech-language pathology and audiology services. We want our members to know that KSHA has been actively working to better understand the issue and determine whether there are options to help resolve these delays.

The background check requirement is connected to Kentucky’s participation in the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. The specific Kentucky law became effective July 16 and requires all new applicants to complete fingerprint-based criminal background checks through the Kentucky State Police and FBI, with the results provided directly to the licensure board. Because this process involves requirements and procedures outside the control of KSHA and the licensure board, there does not currently appear to be a mechanism to bypass or expedite these steps while the necessary processes are being established.

We recognize how frustrating that is particularly for new graduates and employers preparing for the start of the school year. KSHA will continue communicating the impact these delays are having on Kentucky’s workforce and access to services, remain in contact with the appropriate agencies, and share additional information with members as it becomes available.

We appreciate our members who have reached out and shared how these delays are affecting you, your workplaces, and the individuals you serve. Those experiences are important and help KSHA communicate the real-world impact of this issue.

📢 Licensure Update: New Criminal Background Check RequirementThe Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology...
08/06/2026

📢 Licensure Update: New Criminal Background Check Requirement

The Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology has announced that, effective July 15, 2026, all applicants for initial licensure and license reinstatement must complete both state and national criminal background checks through fingerprinting with the Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the FBI.

In addition, this requirement applies to licensed SLPs and audiologists applying for an interstate compact privilege to practice outside Kentucky.

Important: The Board is currently waiting for its ORI number from KSP. Once it is assigned, the Board will post the fingerprinting application, instructions, and required link on its website. Background check results must be sent directly to the Board—they cannot be submitted by the applicant.

Renewing your Kentucky license? Routine license renewals do not require a criminal background check unless otherwise required by law.

KSHA will continue to keep members informed as additional details become available.

📢 Coding changes are here—are you ready?Join KSHA for an important webinar that breaks down the transition beyond 92507,...
08/05/2026

📢 Coding changes are here—are you ready?

Join KSHA for an important webinar that breaks down the transition beyond 92507, what the coding changes mean for your practice, how reimbursement may be affected, and what to expect moving forward.

🎙️ Beyond 92507: Understanding Coding Changes, Reimbursement and What Comes Next
Presented by: Renee Kinder, MS, CCC-SLP & Heather Gaddis, MS, CCC-SLP, CDP

📅 Tuesday, August 25, 2026
🕖 7:00–8:00 PM ET

💲 Registration:
• KSHA Members: $15
• Student Members: FREE
• Non-Members: $25

Registration Info: https://ksha.info/index.php/webinars/

08/01/2026

🎉 Please join us in welcoming our new KSHA President, Heather Gaddis!

As she begins her term, Heather shares a special message with our members about her vision for the year ahead, the importance of staying connected, and the strength of our speech-language pathology and audiology community.

Take a moment to watch her welcome message, and help us give Heather a warm congratulations as she leads KSHA into an exciting new year!

💙 Welcome, Heather! We're looking forward to all that's ahead.

🔹 10% off Super Duper Publications🔹 Discount code available in the Member Center at KSHA.infoTake advantage of your KSHA...
07/22/2026

🔹 10% off Super Duper Publications
🔹 Discount code available in the Member Center at KSHA.info

Take advantage of your KSHA membership benefits and stock up on materials that support your clients and students!

KSHA is at work for you! We need your voices to be able to demonstrate the impact of Medicaid cuts on your clinics and...
07/18/2026

KSHA is at work for you! We need your voices to be able to demonstrate the impact of Medicaid cuts on your clinics and patients. Check your email for a link to a survey to share your comments.

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838 E High Street, Ste 263
Lexington, KY
40502

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