Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules  
Administrative Rules Division (ARD)  
MOAHR-Rules@michigan.gov  
REGULATORY IMPACT STATEMENT  
and COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS (RIS)  
Agency Information:  
Department name:  
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs  
Bureau name:  
Bureau of Professional Licensing  
Name of person filling out RIS:  
Weston MacIntosh  
Phone number of person filling out RIS:  
517-241-9269  
E-mail of person filling out RIS:  
MacIntoshW1@michigan.gov  
Rule Set Information:  
ARD assigned rule set number:  
2021-73 LR  
Title of proposed rule set:  
Speech-Language Pathology – General Rules  
Comparison of Rule(s) to Federal/State/Association Standard  
1. Compare the proposed rules to parallel federal rules or standards set by a state or national licensing agency or  
accreditation association, if any exist.  
There are no parallel federal rules or standards set by a state or national licensing agency or accreditation association.  
A. Are these rules required by state law or federal mandate?  
Under MCL 333.17610(2), subject to section 16204, the department shall by rule prescribe continuous professional  
development as a condition for license renewal.  
Under MCL 333.17610(3), the department, in consultation with the board, shall promulgate rules regarding the  
performance of speech-language pathology that includes, but is not limited to, the performance of procedures  
described in section 17601(1)(a)(ii).  
No federal mandate demands the rules.  
B. If these rules exceed a federal standard, please identify the federal standard or citation, describe why it is  
necessary that the proposed rules exceed the federal standard or law, and specify the costs and benefits arising out  
of the deviation.  
The rules do not exceed a federal standard or law.  
2. Compare the proposed rules to standards in similarly situated states, based on geographic location, topography,  
natural resources, commonalities, or economic similarities.  
MCL 24.245(3)  
RIS-Page 2  
Licensure of speech-language pathologists is necessary in Michigan under PA 368 of 1978. The rules supply the  
conditions and requirements for education, examinations, training, licenses, and professional development  
requirements for speech-language pathologists.  
When compared to other Great Lakes states (Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and  
Wisconsin), Michigan’s licensure requirements are similar. All seven of the other Great Lakes states have rules  
regulating the practice of speech-language pathology.  
Illinois licenses speech-language pathologists. Applicants for licensure must have graduated from an approved  
master’s or doctoral degree program, pass the speech-language pathologist Praxis examination, and complete 9  
months of supervised professional experience prior to obtaining full licensure. The board will accept proof of a  
Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) awarded by the American Speech-  
Language-Hearing Association's Clinical Certification Board (ASHA) as a substitute for proof of passing the  
examination and the supervised clinical experience.  
Indiana licenses speech-language pathologists. Applicants for licensure must have at least a master’s degree from a  
recognized educational institution, pass the Praxis examination, and complete at least a 9-month clinical fellowship  
prior to obtaining full licensure. The board will accept proof of a CCC-SLP as a substitute for proof of passing the  
examination and the supervised clinical experience.  
Minnesota licenses speech-language pathologists. Applicants for licensure must have a master’s or doctoral degree  
from an accredited program, pass the Praxis examination, and complete the clinical experience required by ASHA  
prior to obtaining full licensure. The board will accept proof of a CCC-SLP as a substitute for proof of passing the  
examination and the supervised clinical experience.  
New York licenses speech-language pathologists. Applicants for licensure must have a master’s degree from an  
accredited program, pass the Praxis examination, and complete 36 weeks of supervised clinical experience prior to  
obtaining full licensure.  
Ohio licenses speech-language pathologists. Applicants for licensure must have at least a master’s degree from an  
accredited program, pass a board approved examination, and complete 9 months of board approved supervised  
clinical experience prior to obtaining full licensure. The board will accept proof of a CCC-SLP as a substitute for  
proof of passing the examination and the supervised clinical experience.  
Pennsylvania licenses speech-language pathologists. Applicants for licensure must hold a master’s degree from an  
accredited program, pass an examination approved by the board, and complete 9 months of supervised professional  
experience prior to obtaining full licensure. The board will accept proof of a CCC-SLP as a substitute for proof of  
passing the examination and the supervised clinical experience.  
Wisconsin licenses speech-language pathologists. Applicants for licensure must have received a master’s degree from  
a program approved by the board, pass the Praxis examination, and complete a postgraduate clinical fellowship  
approved by the board prior to obtaining full licensure.  
The proposed rules are consistent with the rules of those states that also regulate the practice of speech-language  
pathology.  
A. If the rules exceed standards in those states, please explain why and specify the costs and benefits arising out of  
the deviation.  
Statute demands promulgation of rules related to licensure. The rules do not exceed the licensing requirements of  
other states.  
3. Identify any laws, rules, and other legal requirements that may duplicate, overlap, or conflict with the proposed  
rules.  
There are no federal regulations for licensing of speech-language pathologists. There are no laws, rules, or other legal  
requirements that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with the proposed rules.  
MCL 24.245(3)  
RIS-Page 3  
A. Explain how the rules have been coordinated, to the extent practicable, with other federal, state, and local laws  
applicable to the same activity or subject matter. This section should include a discussion of the efforts undertaken  
by the agency to avoid or minimize duplication.  
Review of applicable statutory law avoided unnecessary duplication in the rules. There are no other federal or local  
laws applicable to this activity.  
Purpose and Objectives of the Rule(s)  
4. Identify the behavior and frequency of behavior that the proposed rules are designed to alter.  
The specific topics that the proposed rules address, and the purpose of the proposed rules is set forth below:  
R 338.601. This rule sets forth an explanation of specific terms used throughout the rule set. The rule revision  
clarifies definitions and the meaning of terms used in the rule set.  
R 338.603. This rule sets forth the requirements for licensure. The rule revision includes grammatical or  
typographical edits to follow current drafting standards and reorganization to supply clarification for easier reading.  
R 338.604. This rule sets forth the requirements for training on identifying victims of human trafficking. The rule  
revision includes grammatical or typographical edits to follow current drafting standards and to supply clarification  
for easier reading.  
R 338.605. This rule sets forth the required examination. The rule revision includes grammatical or typographical  
edits to follow current drafting standards and to supply clarification for easier reading.  
R 338.611. This rule sets forth the requirements for licensure by endorsement. The rule revision adopts the Speech-  
Language and Audiology Canada’s (SAC) Canadian Entry-to-Practice Exam for Speech-Language Pathology (CETP  
Exam) as an approved licensure exam for licensure via endorsement.  
R 338.613. This rule sets forth the requirements for temporary license. The rule revision changes the temporary  
license requirements to bring them in line with the changes taking place on or after the effective date of 2024 PA 57.  
R 338.615. This rule sets forth the requirements for supervised postgraduate clinical experience. The rule revision  
includes grammatical or typographical edits to follow current drafting standards and to supply clarification for easier  
reading.  
R 338.617. This rule sets forth the requirements for graduates of non-accredited institutions. The rule revision  
includes grammatical or typographical edits to follow current drafting standards and reorganization to supply  
clarification for easier reading.  
R 338.619. This rule sets forth the standards for accreditation of speech-language pathology educational programs.  
The rule revision updates accreditation standards.  
R 338.621. This rule sets forth the requirements for relicensure. The rule revision includes grammatical or  
typographical edits to follow current drafting standards and to supply clarification for easier reading.  
R 338.623. This rule sets forth the requirements for relicensure of certified teachers. The rule revision includes  
grammatical or typographical edits to follow current drafting standards and to supply clarification for easier reading.  
R 338.627. This rule sets forth the requirements for renewal of a license. The rule revision includes a deadline for  
when an applicant may submit a request for a waiver of continuing professional development requirements.  
R 338.629. This rule sets forth the requirements to earn continuing professional development credits. The rule  
MCL 24.245(3)  
RIS-Page 4  
revision includes a provision that lets licensees know that they may use completion of implicit bias training under R  
338.7004 toward satisfaction of continuing professional development requirements.  
R 338.641. This rule sets forth the criteria for board review of proposed continuous professional development  
providers. The rule revision includes grammatical or typographical edits to follow current drafting standards and to  
supply clarification for easier reading.  
R 338.643. This rule sets forth the requirements for telehealth. The rule addition supplies conditions related to  
consent, scope of practice, and standard of care for telehealth services.  
R 338.649. This rule sets forth the requirements for supervision for physically invasive procedures. The rule revision  
includes updated procedure information that a speech-language pathologist may perform under the supervision of a  
physician.  
A. Estimate the change in the frequency of the targeted behavior expected from the proposed rules.  
Promulgation of rules related to licensure is necessary under statute. This supplies a regulatory framework for the  
practice of speech-language pathology. The proposed changes supply greater clarity to licensees and aid in  
understanding the requirements of the rules.  
B. Describe the difference between current behavior/practice and desired behavior/practice.  
Statute regulates the practice of speech-language pathology. This mandates licensure for provision of those services.  
Adding clarifications on points that may have been ambiguous under prior rules will make compliance easier for  
applicants and licensees.  
C. What is the desired outcome?  
Regulation is necessary for individuals who wish to practice as speech-language pathologists. By improving and  
clarifying the rules, applicants and licensees should find compliance easier. This should result in fewer questions,  
fewer regulatory problems, and greater safety and protection of the public.  
5. Identify the harm resulting from the behavior that the proposed rules are designed to alter and the likelihood  
that the harm will occur in the absence of the rule.  
MCL 24.245(3)  
RIS-Page 5  
Outdated rules create conflict and confusion for speech-language pathologists. The proposed rules update previously  
adopted rules. Changes made specifically address the following:  
R 338.601 pertains to definitions. Terms used in the rule set, without further clarification, can create confusion for  
applicants and licensees. The proposed changes supply clarification for the use of terms used throughout the set.  
R 338.611 pertains to applications for licensure by endorsement. The rule revision clarifies the conditions that an  
applicant must satisfy to qualify for licensure by endorsement, to align with recent corresponding legislative changes.  
R 338.613 pertains to license requirements for temporary licenses. Revision of the rule brings the requirements into  
conformity with the changes taking place on or after the effective date of 2024 PA 57.  
R 338.619 pertains to accreditation standards for speech-language pathology programs. Outdated standards supply  
little help or guidance about proper training of speech-language pathologists. The updated standards ensure future  
licensees are properly qualified.  
R 338.627 pertains to license renewal. Updating requirements helps to ensure that the applicant understands all  
license renewal requirements.  
R 338.629 pertains to acceptable continuing professional development activities. Updating requirements helps to  
ensure that the applicant understands all license renewal requirements.  
R 338.643 pertains to telehealth. Information about the conditions related to consent, scope of practice, and standard  
of care for supplying telehealth services helps to ensure patient safety.  
R 338.649 pertains to the requirements for supervision for physically invasive procedures. Updated procedure  
information that a speech-language pathologist may perform under the supervision of a physician helps to ensure  
patient safety.  
A. What is the rationale for changing the rules instead of leaving them as currently written?  
The proposed rule set provides clarity to all rules on licensure.  
6. Describe how the proposed rules protect the health, safety, and welfare of Michigan citizens while promoting a  
regulatory environment in Michigan that is the least burdensome alternative for those required to comply.  
The proposed rules supply a regulatory mechanism for the practice of speech-language pathology. To protect the  
health, safety, and welfare of Michigan’s citizens, it is important that members of the profession adhere to educational  
and professional standards. The rules ensure that applicants receive proper education and training prior to licensure  
and that licensees are competent to practice. There is no less burdensome way to ensure that applicants and licensees  
satisfy minimum requirements for practice.  
7. Describe any rules in the affected rule set that are obsolete or unnecessary and can be rescinded.  
The department will rescind R 338.645, which sets forth the requirements for patient records and collaboration. It is  
unnecessary because it is duplicative of current requirements already found in statute.  
Fiscal Impact on the Agency  
Fiscal impact is an increase or decrease in expenditures from the current level of expenditures, i.e. hiring additional staff,  
higher contract costs, programming costs, changes in reimbursements rates, etc. over and above what is currently  
expended for that function. It does not include more intangible costs for benefits, such as opportunity costs, the value of  
time saved or lost, etc., unless those issues result in a measurable impact on expenditures.  
8. Please provide the fiscal impact on the agency (an estimate of the cost of rule imposition or potential savings for  
the agency promulgating the rule).  
There is no expected fiscal impact on the agency for promulgating the proposed rules.  
9. Describe whether or not an agency appropriation has been made or a funding source provided for any  
expenditures associated with the proposed rules.  
MCL 24.245(3)  
RIS-Page 6  
There has been no agency appropriation for the proposed rules because there are no expected agency expenditures  
associated with the proposed rules.  
10. Describe how the proposed rules are necessary and suitable to accomplish their purpose, in relationship to the  
burden(s) the rules place on individuals. Burdens may include fiscal or administrative burdens, or duplicative  
acts.  
The proposed rules supply a mechanism for the licensing and regulation of individuals in this state, as mandated by  
statute. Applicants and licensees will continue to have a cost related burden associated with licensing, renewal, or  
relicensure. The cost of renewal for a Limited Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist is $165.40. The cost of  
relicensure for a Limited Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist is $207.40. The cost of licensure for a Licensed  
Speech-Language Pathologist by examination or endorsement is $187.40. The cost of renewal for a Licensed Speech  
-Language Pathologist is $165.40. The cost of relicensure for a Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist is $207.40.  
A. Despite the identified burden(s), identify how the requirements in the rules are still needed and reasonable  
compared to the burdens.  
The rules are necessary to supply a mechanism for licensing and regulation of the profession. The rules are not more  
restrictive than allowed by statute. Despite the cost related burden of licensing, the rules and regulations are  
necessary to supply a framework of standards for educational and licensure requirements.  
Impact on Other State or Local Governmental Units  
11. Estimate any increase or decrease in revenues to other state or local governmental units (i.e. cities, counties,  
school districts) as a result of the rule. Estimate the cost increases or reductions for other state or local  
governmental units (i.e. cities, counties, school districts) as a result of the rule. Include the cost of equipment,  
supplies, labor, and increased administrative costs in both the initial imposition of the rule and any ongoing  
monitoring.  
There is no expected increase or decrease in revenues to other state or local government units, nor are there cost  
increases or reductions on other state or local government units expected because of the proposed rules.  
12. Discuss any program, service, duty, or responsibility imposed upon any city, county, town, village, or school  
district by the rules.  
The proposed rules do not impose any program, service, duty, or responsibility upon any city, county, town, village,  
or school district.  
A. Describe any actions that governmental units must take to be in compliance with the rules. This section should  
include items such as record keeping and reporting requirements or changing operational practices.  
No action is necessary for governmental units to follow the rule(s).  
13. Describe whether or not an appropriation to state or local governmental units has been made or a funding  
source provided for any additional expenditures associated with the proposed rules.  
State and local government units will incur no added expenditures because of implementing the proposed rules.  
Therefore, no appropriation or funding source is necessary.  
Rural Impact  
14. In general, what impact will the rules have on rural areas?  
There is no expected disparate impact on rural areas because of the proposed rules.  
A. Describe the types of public or private interests in rural areas that will be affected by the rules.  
There is no expected disparate impact on public or private interests in rural areas because of the proposed rules.  
Environmental Impact  
15. Do the proposed rules have any impact on the environment? If yes, please explain.  
No, the proposed rules will have no impact on the environment.  
Small Business Impact Statement  
MCL 24.245(3)  
RIS-Page 7  
16. Describe whether and how the agency considered exempting small businesses from the proposed rules.  
The Michigan Public Health Code authorizes the board and the department to regulate individuals with speech-  
language pathology licenses, not small businesses. Even if a licensee’s practice qualified as a small business, the  
department could not exempt the licensee’s small business because it would create disparity in the regulation of the  
profession.  
17. If small businesses are not exempt, describe (a) the manner in which the agency reduced the economic impact  
of the proposed rules on small businesses, including a detailed recitation of the efforts of the agency to comply  
with the mandate to reduce the disproportionate impact of the rules upon small businesses as described below (in  
accordance with MCL 24.240(1)(a-d)), or (b) the reasons such a reduction was not lawful or feasible.  
There is no expected economic impact on small businesses because of the proposed rules. The proposed rules affect  
individual licensees rather than small businesses. Even if a licensee’s practice is considered a small business or if the  
licensee works at a practice that is considered a small business, the requirement in R 338.643 that a licensee keep  
proof of consent for telehealth treatment in a patient’s up-to-date medical record will likely not result in further costs  
to a small business.  
A. Identify and estimate the number of small businesses affected by the proposed rules and the probable effect on  
small businesses.  
The department does not collect or have access to information that would allow it to find and estimate the potentially  
affected number of small businesses. It is impossible to estimate the number of small businesses affected by the  
proposed rules. The only small businesses affected by these rules are health practitioners practicing in small business  
settings. The department does not track or have access to this type of information since it is not a data repository.  
The probable impact on small business is small.  
B. Describe how the agency established differing compliance or reporting requirements or timetables for small  
businesses under the rules after projecting the required reporting, record-keeping, and other administrative costs.  
Because the proposed rules pertain to individuals and not small businesses, they do not have differing compliance or  
reporting requirements or timetables for small businesses. They are unnecessary for the proposed rules.  
C. Describe how the agency consolidated or simplified the compliance and reporting requirements for small  
businesses and identify the skills necessary to comply with the reporting requirements.  
The proposed rules do not impose any compliance requirements or reporting requirements for small businesses.  
Even if a licensee’s practice is considered a small business or if the licensee works at a practice that is considered a  
small business, the requirement in R 338.643 that a licensee keep proof of consent for telehealth treatment in a  
patient’s up-to-date medical record only applies to license holders who perform telehealth treatment.  
D. Describe how the agency established performance standards to replace design or operation standards required  
by the proposed rules.  
The agency did not set up performance standards to replace design or operation standards.  
18. Identify any disproportionate impact the proposed rules may have on small businesses because of their size or  
geographic location.  
The proposed rules affect individual licensees rather than small businesses. Therefore, there is no expected  
disproportionate impact on small businesses based on size or geographic location because of the rules.  
19. Identify the nature of any report and the estimated cost of its preparation by small businesses required to  
comply with the proposed rules.  
The proposed rules do not require any reports. There are no reports that a small business would have to complete.  
20. Analyze the costs of compliance for all small businesses affected by the proposed rules, including costs of  
equipment, supplies, labor, and increased administrative costs.  
There is no expectation of an effect on small businesses because of the proposed rules, nor are there any added costs,  
because the proposed rules apply to individuals and not businesses. Even if a licensee’s practice is considered a  
small business or if the licensee works at a practice that is considered a small business, the requirement in R 338.643  
that a licensee keep proof of consent for telehealth treatment in a patient’s up-to-date medical record will likely not  
result in further costs to a small business.  
21. Identify the nature and estimated cost of any legal, consulting, or accounting services that small businesses  
would incur in complying with the proposed rules.  
The proposed rules, which apply to individuals and not businesses, should not create a need for any legal, consulting,  
or accounting services for small businesses to be able to follow the proposed rules.  
MCL 24.245(3)  
RIS-Page 8  
22. Estimate the ability of small businesses to absorb the costs without suffering economic harm and without  
adversely affecting competition in the marketplace.  
Since the rules affect individual licensees rather than small businesses, there is no expected cause of economic harm  
or for the rules to adversely affect competition in the marketplace. Even if a licensee’s practice is considered a small  
business or if the licensee works at a practice that is considered a small business, the requirement in R 338.643 that a  
licensee keep proof of consent for telehealth treatment in a patient’s up-to-date medical record will likely not result in  
further costs to a small business.  
23. Estimate the cost, if any, to the agency of administering or enforcing a rule that exempts or sets lesser  
standards for compliance by small businesses.  
The proposed rules impose requirements on individual licensees rather than small businesses. Even if a licensee’s  
practice qualifies as a small business, the department could not exempt the licensee’s small business because it would  
create disparity in regulation of the profession. Therefore, exempting or setting lesser standards of competence for  
small businesses is not in the best interest of the public. It would likely cost the agency more to devote staff time to  
determining which licensees work for small businesses and then enforce different requirements for those individuals.  
24. Identify the impact on the public interest of exempting or setting lesser standards of compliance for small  
businesses.  
The department is not able to exempt licensees that own a small business. If the department exempted small  
businesses, it would create a disparity in the regulation of a profession and have a negative impact on public safety.  
25. Describe whether and how the agency has involved small businesses in the development of the proposed rules.  
The department worked with the Michigan Board of Speech-Language Pathology in the development of the proposed  
rules. The board is composed of professional and public members. Some members of the board may work in a small  
business, but the members were not involved in the development of the rules as representatives of small businesses.  
A. If small businesses were involved in the development of the rules, please identify the business(es).  
No small businesses took part in the development of the rules.  
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Rules (independent of statutory impact)  
26. Estimate the actual statewide compliance costs of the rule amendments on businesses or groups.  
There are no estimated compliance costs with these rule amendments on businesses or groups.  
A. Identify the businesses or groups who will be directly affected by, bear the cost of, or directly benefit from the  
proposed rules.  
The proposed rules directly affect licensees. Licensees bear the cost of, and directly benefit from the proposed rules.  
Even if a licensee’s practice is considered a small business or if the licensee works at a practice that is considered a  
small business, the requirement in R 338.643 that a licensee keep proof of consent for telehealth treatment in a  
patient’s up-to-date medical record will likely not result in further costs to a small business.  
B. What additional costs will be imposed on businesses and other groups as a result of these proposed rules (i.e.  
new equipment, supplies, labor, accounting, or recordkeeping)? Please identify the types and number of businesses  
and groups. Be sure to quantify how each entity will be affected.  
There will be no expected added costs imposed upon licensees because of compliance with these proposed rules.  
Even if a licensee’s practice is considered a small business or if the licensee works at a practice that is considered a  
small business, the requirement in R 338.643 that a licensee keep proof of consent for telehealth treatment in a  
patient’s up-to-date medical record will likely not result in further costs to a small business.  
27. Estimate the actual statewide compliance costs of the proposed rules on individuals (regulated individuals or  
the public). Include the costs of education, training, application fees, examination fees, license fees, new  
equipment, supplies, labor, accounting, or recordkeeping.  
MCL 24.245(3)  
RIS-Page 9  
Applicants and licensees will continue to have a cost related burden associated with licensing, renewal, or  
relicensure. The cost of renewal for a Limited Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist is $165.40. The cost of  
relicensure for a Limited Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist is $207.40. The cost of licensure for a Licensed  
Speech-Language Pathologist by examination or endorsement is $187.40. The cost of renewal for a Licensed Speech  
-Language Pathologist is $165.40. The cost of relicensure for a Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist is $207.40.  
Even if a licensee’s practice is considered a small business or if the licensee works at a practice that is considered a  
small business, the requirement in R 338.643 that a licensee keep proof of consent for telehealth treatment in a  
patient’s up-to-date medical record will likely not result in further costs to a small business.  
Currently there are approximately 6,128 licensed Speech-Language Pathologists and 60 limited licensed Speech-  
Language Pathologists. If all 6,128 licensed Speech-Language Pathologists and 60 limited licensed Speech-  
Language Pathologists continue to renew their licenses the estimated actual statewide compliance cost would be  
(6,128 X $165.40) + (60 X $165.40) = $1,023,495.00.  
A. How many and what category of individuals will be affected by the rules?  
There are approximately 6,128 licensed Speech-Language Pathologists and 60 limited licensed Speech-Language  
Pathologists. The rules affect all individuals who seek licensure as speech-language pathologists.  
B. What qualitative and quantitative impact do the proposed changes in rules have on these individuals?  
The qualitative impact of the proposed rules on the citizens of Michigan will be that they will know a licensee who  
supplies services has achieved the level of education and training necessary to meet the minimum requirements for  
licensure. The quantitative impact of the proposed rules on the citizens of Michigan is that there will be no increase  
in the cost of services due to the rule amendments. The proposed rule amendments help to ensure the health, safety,  
and welfare of Michigan citizens without more costs.  
The qualitative impact on licensees and applicants by the proposed rules will be the knowledge that they and their  
peers have achieved the minimum requirements for licensure and can appropriately support the needs of the citizens  
of Michigan. The quantitative impact on licensees and applicants by the proposed rules is that they will have  
credentials that will meet the minimum requirements of licensure. These credentials will allow them to have access  
to job opportunities and compensation in line with their education and work experience.  
28. Quantify any cost reductions to businesses, individuals, groups of individuals, or governmental units as a result  
of the proposed rules.  
There are no expected reductions in costs to businesses, individuals, groups of individuals, or governmental units  
because of the proposed rules.  
29. Estimate the primary and direct benefits and any secondary or indirect benefits of the proposed rules. Please  
provide both quantitative and qualitative information, as well as your assumptions.  
The proposed rules use clear, concise language, and implement the statutory requirements for licensing. The clear,  
concise language allows the public, licensees, and schools to better understand the requirements for licensure.  
30. Explain how the proposed rules will impact business growth and job creation (or elimination) in Michigan.  
There is no expected significant impact on business growth, job growth, or job elimination because of the rules.  
31. Identify any individuals or businesses who will be disproportionately affected by the rules as a result of their  
industrial sector, segment of the public, business size, or geographic location.  
The department does not expect any disproportionate effect on any individuals or businesses by their industrial  
sector, segment of the public, business size, or geographical location.  
32. Identify the sources the agency relied upon in compiling the regulatory impact statement, including the  
methodology utilized in determining the existence and extent of the impact of the proposed rules and a cost-  
benefit analysis of the proposed rules.  
MCL 24.245(3)  
RIS-Page 10  
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA):  
https://www.asha.org/  
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA):  
https://www.chea.org/  
Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA):  
https://caa.asha.org/  
Educational Testing Service (ETS):  
https://praxis.ets.org/  
National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES):  
https://www.naces.org/  
United States Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education:  
https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/ope/office-of-postsecondary-education-home-page  
Illinois:  
https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/speechlangaudio.html  
Indiana:  
https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/speech-language-pathology-and-audiology-home/  
Minnesota:  
https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/slpa/index.html  
New York:  
https://www.op.nysed.gov/speech-language-pathology  
Ohio:  
https://shp.ohio.gov/home  
Pennsylvania:  
https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/speech-language-pathology-  
and-audiology.html  
Wisconsin:  
https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/SpeechLanguagePathologist/Default.aspx  
A. How were estimates made, and what were your assumptions? Include internal and external sources, published  
reports, information provided by associations or organizations, etc., that demonstrate a need for the proposed  
rules.  
Since statute mandates the rules, no estimate was necessary.  
Alternative to Regulation  
33. Identify any reasonable alternatives to the proposed rules that would achieve the same or similar goals.  
Since statute mandates the rules, there are no reasonable alternatives to the proposed rules.  
A. Please include any statutory amendments that may be necessary to achieve such alternatives.  
Since statute mandates the rules, there are no reasonable alternatives to the proposed rules.  
MCL 24.245(3)  
RIS-Page 11  
34. Discuss the feasibility of establishing a regulatory program similar to that proposed in the rules that would  
operate through private market-based mechanisms. Please include a discussion of private market-based systems  
utilized by other states.  
Since statute mandates the rules, private market-based systems cannot serve as an alternative. The licensing and  
regulation of speech-language pathologists are state functions, so a regulatory program independent of state  
intervention cannot be set up. One could consider speech-language pathology professional associations as regulatory  
mechanisms that are independent of state intervention; however, these professional organizations would provide the  
public with significantly less protection because membership in these organizations is voluntary. This means an  
individual who meets the membership requirements, but does not join, would still be able to practice and there would  
be no way to ensure the individual’s competency or hold the individual accountable for harm done to clients.  
No other states in the Great Lakes region use a private, market-based system to regulate licensed speech-language  
pathologists.  
35. Discuss all significant alternatives the agency considered during rule development and why they were not  
incorporated into the rules. This section should include ideas considered both during internal discussions and  
discussions with stakeholders, affected parties, or advisory groups.  
Since statute mandates the rules, there are no reasonable alternatives to the proposed rules. There were no  
alternatives that the department considered to achieve the intended changes. They are necessary for the  
administration and enforcement of the licensing process.  
Additional Information  
36. As required by MCL 24.245b(1)(c), please describe any instructions regarding the method of complying with  
the rules, if applicable.  
The rules include the instructions for compliance.  
MCL 24.245(3)  
;