LANSING- Gilda Z. Jacobs (D-Huntington Woods) was joined recently by speech language pathologists and their clients to watch Governor Jennifer Granholm sign Senate Bill 493 requiring speech-language pathologists to be licensed by the Michigan Department of Community Health (DCH). Jacobs was the lead sponsor of the legislation.

“Speech language pathologists working in Michigan give excellent care, and this new law will give consumers the assurance that their providers meet certain educational qualifications and standards,” said Senator Jacobs. “Many people worked long and hard to see this bill become law. I am glad that we could all gather together to see the Governor sign Senate Bill 493 into law.”

The new law will help standardize educational qualifications and further protect the safety of speech pathology patients. It requires that anyone engaged in the practice of speech-language pathology have a master's degree or a PhD in speech-language pathology and have successfully completed the required licensure examination. The law also requires continuing education for speech pathologists; sets standards for a complaint process and review; and allows the creation of a Michigan Board of Speech-Language Pathology that will set minimum standards for the practice of speech pathology. Michigan now joins 47 other states that currently license speech-language pathologists.

Cut-line for attached photo: Senator Gilda Z. Jacobs and Governor Jennifer M. Granholm are joined in the Governor’s Capitol office by Michigan Speech Language Pathologists and citizens at the February 19th ceremonial bill signing for Senate Bill 493.

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Senator Gilda Jacobs represents the 14th Senate District, which includes Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak Township, Southfield and Southfield Township. She is the Minority Vice Chair of the Campaign & Election Oversight, Families & Human Services and Finance committees. She is a member of the Economic Development & Regulatory Reform and Health Policy committees. She can be reached toll-free in Lansing at 1-888-937-4453.