Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Audiologists in Maine renew licenses biennially on February 28 (even years). Required continuing education must be reported by October 31, of odd years.
Continuing Professional Education Requirements for Licensure Renewal
Maine SLPs can earn up to 10 hours online!
License renewal requires twenty five (25) hours of CPE activities earned within the current two-year license period (35 hours if dual licensed), which may include up to ten (10) hours of ASHA-approved self-study. Activities are credited on an hour-to-hour basis, rounded off to the nearest whole hour.
Professional Development Resources is approved by the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to provide continuing education activities in speech-language pathology and audiology.
License Renewal Process
Six months prior to license expiration (August 31), the Board sends out a call for CPE packages.
Individuals holding current licenses in Speech-Language Pathology and/or Audiology submit CPE packages on a reporting form provided by the Board. CPE packages must be postmarked no later than October 31.
[NOTE: The Board encourages renewal applicants to submit CPE packages as early as possible to facilitate review by the Board. Upon written request, the Board may make an appointment to review the CPE with the licensee.]
The Board may approve the accumulation of CPE hours during the extension period upon written request submitted to the Board by the October 31 reporting deadline.
Any licensee who has satisfied the minimum CPE requirements prior to the reporting deadline may accumulate credit hours during the extension period to be applied toward satisfying the requirement in the next license period.
The Board reviews the CPE package of each licensee. (The Board performs a random audit of 10% of completed continuing education applications biennially. In the event of an audit, the Board may request official documents, such as transcripts, certificates, or affidavits signed by instructors.)
The Board notifies the licensee of the outcome of the review.
The Board sends license renewal application forms to current licensees at least two months prior to expiration of license.
The licensee completes the renewal application form and returns it to the Board accompanied by the applicable fee. To avoid a lapse in licensure, the completed application forms and biennial renewal fee must be returned to the Board prior to expiration of the existing license.
The Board reviews each renewal application form and issues the license renewal.
Continuing Professional Education – Approved Activities
It is the responsibility of the licensee to verify that an activity is acceptable for CPE hours. If there are questions, the licensee should contact the Board.
In order to be accepted for credit, CPE activities must be:
Clinically relevant or professionally relevant to the practice of Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. It is the responsibility of the licensee to demonstrate to the Board the relevancy and applicability of the activity, if and when such clarification is requested by the Board. No more than twelve (12) of the required twenty five (25) hours required in each two-year period may be earned in professionally relevant CPE activities.
Part of a planned program in which there are stated goals and objectives.
Approved by the Board and assigned a BESPA activity number. The Board may delegate the approval function to a Board member. If the licensee is dissatisfied with the individual member’s response, the licensee may request review by the full Board.
All applications for a BESPA activity number in a reporting period must be received by the Board on or before October 1 of odd-numbered calendar years, except for CPE units earned during an approved extension period.
NOTE: Failure to file a timely request for a BESPA activity number will result in your not receiving credit for the course in question!
Board of Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dealing and Fitting: http://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/speech_audiology_hearing_aid/index.htm