Members Area
TAA 2024 Conference Presentations
Oct. 19, 2024
TAA 2024:
Evidence-based, patient-oriented hearing aid verification and fine-tuning for adults and children:
TAA Talks- "Know Your Worth in 2024: Salary, Negotiations, & Expectations"
Feb. 20, 2024
Check out our latest TAA Talks 2/20/24,: "Know Your Worth in 2024: Salary, Negotiations, & Expectations."
Overview:
Do you ever feel like there is a disconnect between your paycheck and the work you put in every day? Do you find yourself wanting to ask more from your employer? Are you getting ready to interview for an externship or an audiology job and unsure how to get the best deal?
This wide-ranging presentation addresses how to find, interview for, and negotiate your dream audiology job (or externship!); how to calculate your "audiology worth" and use it as a tool to empower conversations with new/existing employers; and what to reasonably expect in the workplace in 2024. Being valued as an audiologist starts with knowing your worth.
TAA: Medicaid Comments at TX Gov's Committee for People with Disability Meeting
Oct. 25, 2023
On Wednesday October 25, 2023, the Texas Academy of Audiology was pleased to provide public commentary during the Q4 meeting of the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities. At the meeting, Alexander Morris represented TAA by providing committee members with an update on the Texas Medicaid audiology crisis. We requested their support in addressing the situation. Please see the attached comments or watch the recording.
How can you help?
Our elected officials need to understand the frequency and severity of the problem. While TAA is working on a multi-pronged approach to addressing this issue ahead of the 2025 Texas legislative session, it is important for every audiologist to communicate with their Texas state representative and state senator. If you see Medicaid patients (or would see Medicaid patients), please do the following:
Find out who represents you in Texas (state Rep. and Senator), and call or write their office to share your concerns. You are welcome to use the data in the attached TAA comment as a starting point. Please call/write to their office each time you experience an issue with Texas Medicaid.
e.g. "Good afternoon, my name is Alex Morris and I'm an audiologist in your district. Today I saw ____ patients who had Texas Medicaid. I will get paid approximately $____, compared to $____ for someone with traditional insurance. Additionally, I cannot fit these children with hearing aids because Medicaid will not pay; therefore, they have to drive ____ miles to another clinic who might. This is a problem"
Encourage the patients/parents of patients who are impacted by this to call/write their state representative or senator to share their experience.
Change takes time and starts at the ground level. Together, we can make a difference for the patients we serve while also standing our ground for the value of our audiology professional services.
Please reach out to Gov@TexasAudiology.org with any questions, comments, concerns, or volunteer interests on this topic.
Best,
Alexander Morris, AuD
VP of Government Issues | Texas Academy of Audiology
TAA 23rd Annual Conference Business Meeting Minutes 11.4.22
Oct. 13, 2023
Congratulations to Dr. Ross Roeser! 2023 Scott Haug Outstanding Texas Audiologist
Oct. 13, 2023
TAA 2023 Board of Directors Nominees
Aug. 18, 2023
The TAA Nominations Committee has reviewed and found the following nominees to meet the requirements for Board of Director positions for our annual elections to be held during the general business meeting on October 13, 2023, in San Marcos, Texas.

The election will fill the following vacancies: 1 member as president-elect, 1 member as secretary-treasurer, 3 members as member-at-large. A fourth member-at-large will be elected to fulfill an additional position if a vacancy is created through the election process.
NOMINATION FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT
Alex Morris, AuD
NOMINATION FOR SECRETARY/TREASURER
Sarah McAlexander, AuD
NOMINATION FOR MEMBER AT LARGE
Jill Davis, AuD
Annna M. Jilla, AuD, PhD
Sarah Williams, AuD
Holly Pavlicek, AuD
Hunter Gerhart, AuD
Details and statements of interest on each nominee will be presented to membership in the September 2023 newsletter
Pages 12-13
TAA Talks OTCs 10/13/22
Oct. 13, 2022
Check out our latest TAA Talks Forum from October 13th. Members of the TAA Taskforce discussed Over the Counter Devices in Texas and what our approach to 2023 and beyond looks like. Members only.

Click this link below to watch:
Looking for a few more Forward Thinkers - Think Zero
May. 4, 2022
We are looking for just a few more AuDs to join our small group event happening on June 10th.
This will be a one-day event and an ongoing collaboration with like-minded individuals who are excited to elevate the standard of care for our patients. The theme is Think Zero - there are no manufacturers involved as we will discuss ALL options in the patient’s best interest.
The website for more information: http://audforwardthinkers.com/program-overview.html
TAA Talks Audiology Assistants 4/21/22
Apr. 21, 2022
Docket No. FDA-2021-M-0555, RIN 0910-AI21, Medical Devices; Ear Nose, and Throat Devices; Establishing Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
Dec. 8, 2021
December 8, 2021
Janet Woodcock, MD
Acting Commissioner
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm 1061
Rockville, MD 20852
RE: Docket No. FDA-2021-M-0555, RIN 0910-AI21, Medical Devices; Ear Nose, and Throat Devices;
Establishing Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
Comments submitted electronically via www.regulations.gov
Dear Commissioner Woodcock:
The American Academy of Audiology (the Academy) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the
proposed rule, Medical Devices; Ear, Nose and Throat Devices; Establishing Over-the-Counter
Hearing Aids. The Academy is the largest organization in the nation of, by, and for audiologists. We are
dedicated to the provision of quality hearing and balance care services through professional
development, education, research, and increased public awareness of hearing and balance disorders.
2021 TAA Conference Presentations
Nov. 1, 2021
2021 TAA Conference - Presentations
Creating a Star-Studded Audiology Team
Shawna Jackson, AuD
Coordinator of Clinical/Dispensing Services
Stephanie Fowler, PhD, AuD
Director of Clinical Education
Andrea Gohmert, AuD
Director of Audiology Clinical Operations
(Click here for the presentation document)
From Ear to Brain: Changing Counseling
Conversations about Hearing Loss
(Click here for the presentation document)
Hearing Loss, Executive Functions, and Theory of Mind:
What Audiologists Need to Know
(Click here for the presentation document)
Carol Flexer, PhD; CCC-A; LSLS Cert. AVT
Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Audiology
Northeast Ohio Au.D. Consortium (NOAC), and
The University of Akron
www.carolflexer.com
Over-the-Counter Category Coming for Hearing Instruments
Oct. 28, 2021
Over-the-Counter Category Coming for Hearing Instruments10/28/2021Hearing instruments or hearing aids are regulated at the federal level as medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Changes are being made at the federal level regarding hearing instruments that will affect two of TDLR’s programs, the Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers program and the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists program. These two programs regulate the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments by Texas licensees.
In August 2017, the U.S. Congress passed the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 (FDARA) | FDA, which in part defined “over-the-counter hearing aid,” required the FDA to establish a category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, and specified certain requirements that must be included in the FDA regulations. On October 20, 2021, the FDA published proposed regulations for public comment. These proposed regulations establish the OTC category and realign other regulations for hearing aids. The FDA will eventually publish final regulations, taking public comments into account.
You will find the proposed regulations published in the Federal Register, 86 FR 58150. Electronic or written comments on the proposed regulations must be submitted to the FDA by January 18, 2022. The Federal Register notice includes all the details about submitting public comments.
The FDA has issued a letter clarifying that the over-the-counter category of hearing aids does not exist until the effective date of published final regulations. Licensed Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers and licensed Audiologists may wish to visit the FDA’s website on hearing aids for additional information.
TAA 21st Annual Conference Business Meeting Minutes 10.29.21
Oct. 27, 2021
Updated Newborn Hearing Screening Training Curriculum
Oct. 6, 2021
American Academy of Audiology Position Statement The Role of Audiologists with Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
Sep. 29, 2021
Click here to read the entire position statement
The Academy acknowledges consumer autonomy with respect to control over health-care decisions, including
access to effective and safe hearing care. It is the position of the American Academy of Audiology that a primary role
of audiologists is to optimize hearing health and communication, including the safe and effective use of OTC hearing
aids.
Audiologists should incorporate support of persons who pursue OTC hearing aid technologies, including offering
supportive counseling on appropriate care and use, and developing educational and clinical practices to assist
consumers in understanding the benefits and risks associated with use of OTC hearing aids. In light of consumers
choosing OTC hearing aids, audiologists are encouraged to develop strategies to ensure patient care and safety remain
paramount, including objective measurement of hearing aid benefit and functional outcomes.
It is also the position of the Academy that consumers are best served when they receive a comprehensive audiologic
assessment prior to the use of any hearing aid. Additionally, hearing loss and auditory system deficits are best mitigated
through the development of a safe and effective treatment plan that may or may not include OTC hearing aids or other
devices.
TDLR Proposed Rule Changes
Sep. 15, 2021
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation proposes amendments to existing rules at 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 111, Subchapter A, §111.2; Subchapter E, §111.41; Subchapter F, §111.50 and §111.51; Subchapter J, §111.91 and §111.92; and Subchapter V, §111.210 and §111.211; proposes a new rule at Subchapter V, §111.212; and proposes the repeal of existing rules at Subchapter V, §§111.212-111.216, and Subchapter X, §§111.230-111.232, regarding the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists program. The proposed rules implement the telehealth emergency rules on a permanent basis; implement SB 40, 87th Legislature, Regular Session (2021); and include changes as a result of the four-year rule review related to telehealth and remote supervision (tele-supervision). The proposed rules also reorganize the current provisions and eliminate duplicative provisions.
The proposed rules were published in the September 10, 2021, issue of the Texas Register (46 TexReg 5698). The Department will accept comments on the proposal until October 11, 2021.
The Department encourages anyone interested in the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Program to review the rule proposal online. Comments may be submitted electronically on the Department’s website at
texas.gov:1443/form/gcerules.
TAA 2021 Conference Update - Virtual Option
Sep. 15, 2021
First and foremost, we are excited and cannot wait for TAA 2021 Conference “Spotlight on Audiology” October 28th-30th in person in Houston! We have extended the early bird registration deadline until September 21st so register now and save.
We are saddened to hear some of our colleagues are not able to attend in person due to personal or work circumstances, but we want to help you still support TAA and get up to 10 CEUs. As such, TAA is responding with a virtual stream for limited courses for those that due to health concerns or work restrictions cannot attend “TAA 2021: Spotlight on Audiology” with us live in Houston. The best part, register now and get the early-bird registration rate and if your circumstances change, you can switch to in-person to enjoy the extra benefits of in-person attendance until October 15th without any additional fees (you keep the early-bird rate)!
To register as virtual, use the general conference registration link and in the dietary restrictions line comment “virtual”.
Texas Academy of Audiology - Meeting/Event Information (texasaudiology.org)
The virtual option will live-stream the following in-person sessions to registered attendees (sorry no recording is available or allowed):
Friday
8:00am – 8:20am “State of the State Address” - Welcome & Opening Remarks 2020-2021
TAA President: Shawna Jackson, AuD
8:20am – 8:30am Introduction of Scott Haug Keynote Speaker J. T. Beckman, AuD
8:30am – 9:30am Scott Haug Foundation Memorial Keynote Address “The Journey of an African American Audiologist” James Martin, AuD (pending)
9:30am-10:00am State of the Union AAA Past President, Angela Shoup, PhD
10:30am – 12:00pm “From Ear to Brain: Changing Counseling Conversations about Hearing Loss”
Carol Flexer, PhD (0.15 CEU)
1:00pm – 2:00pm I “Legislative Update: 2021 Vision and Beyond” Legislative Panel moderated by Dick Danielson, PhD (0.10 CEU)
2:00pm – 2:30pm TAA Business Meeting and election (members only voting)
3:00pm – 4:00pm “Hearing Loss, Executive Functions and Theory of Mind: What Audiologists Need to Know” TIER 1 Carol Flexer, PhD (0.15 CEU)
Saturday
8:00am – 9:30am “Microgravity and Vestibular System” TIER 1 Lilian Felipe, PhD (0.15)
10:00am – 11:30am “Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential” TIER 1 Lilian Felipe, PhD (0.15)
12:00pm – 1:00pm “Amplification Tech Talk Round Table” Lunch with Platinum Sponsors Moderator: Steve Madix, PhD (0.10)
1:00pm - 3:00pm I “Ethics as a Tool for Navigating the Changing Healthcare Environment” Angela Shoup, PhD (0.20 CEU ETHICS)

In-person attendees will be able to take advantage of the full-schedule option for additional courses in pediatrics, practice management, and diagnostics as well as all the events, pre-conference courses, food, networking, entertainment, and prizes our TAA conference has to offer. See our Fall 2021 newsletter for full details on safety protocols in place as well as the full TAA schedule including Scott Haug Golf Outing, Welcome Reception, Costume dinner dance, and Silent Auction. TAA Fall Newsletter
School Health and Related Services (SHARS) Policy Updates: Upcoming Webinars
Sep. 13, 2021
Due to the high volume of inquiries, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Medical Benefits Department (HHSC MB) in the Medicaid and CHIP Services, Office of Policy and Program is developing a series of webinars about the School Health and Related Services (SHARS) Handbook to be published in the Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual (TMPPM) on November 1, 2021.
Please register for attendance for the webinar series using the following link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/regi.../1777127867000102925
SHARS Policy Updates Topic One: Understanding SHARS as Medicaid Medical Policy
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT)
SHARS Policy Updates Topic Two: To Be Determined (TBD)
Friday, October 1, 2021
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. CDT
SHARS Policy Updates Topic Three: TBD
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. CDT
If you have additional questions in the meantime, please direct them to MedicaidBenefitRequest@hhsc.state.tx.us so that answers can be incorporated into the webinar series.
Notice from TDLR: IMPORTANT NOTICE: ONLINE RENEWALS
Aug. 20, 2021
IMPORTANT NOTICE: ONLINE RENEWALS

Online renewals for health-related programs will not be available on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation from 10 p.m. Saturday, August 21, until 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 22, while we perform scheduled maintenance.
Massage schools will not have access to the PALMS application to update rosters.
We regret any inconvenience.
Questions? Post them on the TDLR Medical and Health Professions Facebook page, tweet us or email us.
Emergency Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Advisory Board Meeting
Jul. 29, 2021
Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Advisory Board Meeting
August 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
Videoconference
AGENDA
This meeting will take place via videoconference and will be broadcast on TDLR’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/TexasLicensing. The meeting agenda and materials will be available on the department’s webpage at www.tdlr.texas.gov. If you need materials in an alternate format, contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at least five working days before the meeting date. Phone: (512) 463-6599, E-MAIL: open.meetings@tdlr.texas.gov, TDD/RELAY TEXAS: 1-800-relay-VV (for voice), 1-800-relay-TX (for TDD).
Call to Order
Roll Call, Certification of Quorum, and Introductions
Approval of Minutes – January 24, 2020 meeting
Public Comment
Any person wishing to address the Board must submit an Email by following the Public Comment Instructions found on the last page of this agenda or located at www.tdlr.texas.gov. Emails must be submitted to the Board liaison at board.comments@tdlr.texas.gov by 12:00 PM, on August 5, 2021. TDLR offices will not be open for public comment.
Discussion regarding the purpose of the waivers granted by the Governor during the COVID-19 pandemic and the proposed emergency rulemaking to ensure continuity of services to clients and supervision of certain licensees through telehealth.
Discussion and possible recommendation on the emergency proposed amendmentsto existing rules at 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 111, Subchapter A, §111.2; Subchapter E, §111.41; Subchapter F, §111.50 and §111.51; Subchapter J, §111.91 and §111.92; Subchapter V, §111.210-111.212 and §111.215; and Subchapter X, §§111.230-111.232; and the repeal of existing rules at Subchapter V, §111.213 and §111.216, regarding the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists program. This emergency rulemaking is necessary to ensure that services to clients and supervision of certain licensees may continue to be provided through telehealth as was allowed under the waivers that were granted by the Governor during the COVID-19 pandemic. This emergency rulemaking also reflects the change in the statutory authority regarding telehealth. This emergency rulemaking is necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
Discussion of next steps in adopting the emergency rules as permanent rules.
Discussion of date, time, and location of next Board meeting
Adjournment
The Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Advisory Board will accept public comment for the August 6, 2021, meeting.
Written comments must be submitted to Board.Comments@tdlr.texas.gov no later than 12:00 p.m. on August 5, 2021. Comments will be provided to the Board members for their review prior to the meeting but will not be read aloud during the public meeting.
If you wish to address the Board during the public meeting, please provide your contact information to Board.Comments@tdlr.texas.gov by 12:00 p.m. on August 5, 2021. Prior to the meeting, you will receive an email with a link and a phone number to join the meeting. You will be given no more than three (3) minutes to speak. The presiding officer may reduce the time provided for public comments based on the number of requests received. Ensure that you have a reliable connection and clear audio.
**Please email your public comment request to Board.Comments@tdlr.texas.gov. **
DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT REQUESTS IS 12:00 PM, ON AUGUST 5, 2021.
Email requests for Public Comment must include:
Agenda Item or Specific Topic
Name
Please indicate whom you are representing. Ex: attorney, yourself or other
Failure to provide the information requested directly above could result in your comment being delayed or taken out of order.
Direct Access
May. 21, 2021
It takes 2 minutes to fill out the letter to our President, congressional representatives, and senators for direct access to audiologists for Medicare beneficiaries.
There are options for letter templates from audiologists, concerned citizens, and medicare recipients.
One year on: an updated systematic review of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 and audio-vestibular symptoms
Mar. 22, 2021
Abstract
Objective
The aim was to systematically review the literature to December 2020, in order to provide a timely summary of evidence on SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 and audio-vestibular symptoms.
Design
The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. The methods were developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Institutes of Heath quality assessment tools.
Study sample
After rejecting 850 records, 28 case reports/series and 28 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria.
Results
There are multiple reports of hearing loss (e.g. sudden sensorineural), tinnitus and rotatory vertigo in adults having a wide range of COVID-19 symptom severity. The pooled estimate of prevalence based primarily on retrospective recall of symptoms, was 7.6% (CI: 2.5–15.1), 14.8% (CI: 6.3–26.1) and 7.2% (CI: 0.01–26.4), for hearing loss, tinnitus and rotatory vertigo, respectively. However, these could be an over-estimate because it was not always clear that studies report a change in symptom.
Conclusion
There are multiple reports of audio-vestibular symptoms associated with COVID-19. However, there is a dearth of high-quality studies comparing COVID-19 cases and controls.
TAA 2021 Membership, Support and Florida Proposed Legislation
Feb. 27, 2021
New Training Requirement for Health Care Practitioners Effective September 1
Aug. 21, 2020
08/20/2020REMINDER: New Training Requirement for Health Care Practitioners Effective September 1
Beginning September 1, 2020, certain health care practitioners are required to complete an approved human trafficking prevention training course in order to renew their license. To count toward the requirement, you must take a training course approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The training course is required for each license renewal submitted on or after the effective date.
The following TDLR license types must comply with the training requirement to renew their licenses:
- Athletic Trainer
- Audiologist
- Assistant in Audiology
- Intern in Audiology
- Behavior Analyst
- Behavior Analyst Assistant
- Dietitian
- Dyslexia Therapist
- Dyslexia Practitioner
- Hearing Instrument Fitter & Dispenser
- Massage Therapist
- Midwife
- Retired Midwife
- Orthotist
- Orthotist Assistant
- Podiatric Physician
- Podiatric Temporary Residency
- Podiatric Medical Radiological Technician
- Prosthetist
- Prosthetist Assistant
- Prosthetist Orthotist
- Prosthetist Orthotist Assistant
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Assistant in Speech-Language Pathology
- Intern in Speech-Language Pathology
TDLR has created a dedicated webpage, Human Trafficking Prevention Training for Health Care Practitioners, where you can find more information on the training requirement, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and instructions on how to register for TRAIN Texas so you can take the free course.
TDLR thanks our licensees for being part of our team in the fight against human trafficking in Texas.
Proposed Changes to Bylaws
Aug. 16, 2020
How To Register For The Soar Human Trafficking Prevention Course
Aug. 15, 2020
Health care practitioners are in a unique position to intervene in human trafficking, one of the most insidious and seemingly invisible public health challenges. This includes both labor and sex trafficking and may involve people of any age, gender, race/ethnicity, nationality, immigration status, or sexual orientation. Victims and survivors of human trafficking may be seen at local clinics, emergency departments, or other medical settings and the health care team’s actions at that moment can make a life-saving difference. This training is meant to provide you with a variety of resources to inform and support planning for that critical response. TDLR thanks our licensees for being part of our team in the fight against human trafficking in Texas.
Note: Please allow at least two hours to take the course because, in addition to the video, there are additional resources and assessments throughout the course.
Registering for TRAIN
***Use the Google Chrome browser when registering for and taking courses***
To take the SOAR to Health and Wellness “Human Trafficking Prevention” course, you must first register with “TRAIN Texas.” Most of the registration information is self-explanatory, but we’ll walk you through the process and supply hints where you might need them.
Be sure to enter your license number when you register. The system will allow you to bypass the license number but don’t skip this step – you might end up having to take the course again. Plus, you may be able to satisfy continuing education and other accreditation standards.
1. Navigate to: https://train.org/Texas
2. Click on the “Create an Account” button
3. Choose your Login Name
4. Create and confirm a password
5. Enter your email address
6. Fill in the remaining fields, check the box to agree to TRAIN policies, and click on the “Create Account” button to create your account
Update/set up TRAIN profile
1. Click on your name in the top right-hand corner and then click on “Your Profile.”
2. All tabs on the left-hand side with a red exclamation point must be updated.
Manage Groups
1. Under the Manage Groups tab, “Texas” should be pre-filled as a group with a warning that says, “Group refinement is required.”
2. Click on the blue “Join Another Group” button, and then the “Location” link.
3. Search for and select “Texas,” then select “Texas User Group” as a Job Role.
4. Select “UNKNOWN Region” and Confirm these selections with the green button.
5. This will redirect you to a “Group Selection” page, where you should click on the “Not an HHS enterprise state employee” option under Workplace.
6. Confirm these selections using the green button.
7. Select the homeland security discipline you are most closely associated with
(or select “Other” if none apply).
8. Confirm these selections using the green button.
9. Confirm Group Selections using the green button.
Contact
• Enter your work phone number, press “Accept” and click “Save.”
Address
• Finish entering any blank fields, including City and Street Address (of your workplace) and click “Save.”
Organization
• Fill in the empty fields with any information that is most closely related to your job function/title and click “Save.”
• Organization Name can also be the name of your company or place of work.
• Department/Division is the more specific area of your work (If your organization is not further
divided into departments or sections, use your Organization Name again for this field).
• Title is your specific job title.
Please note that these Organization fields are rarely referenced. If any fields do not apply to your specific
job function or title, enter the information that is closest to what you believe should be placed in each field.
Professional License Number
There’s a dropdown menu here of various license types. Not all TDLR license types/professions that
are required to take this training are specifically listed in this dropdown menu.
• Choose “Health Occupations” if your license type is not listed here.
Professional Role
• Select at least one professional role that best describes your job function/title and click “Save.” Choose the correct “Professional Role”
Not all TDLR license types/professions that are required to take this training are specifically listed under “Professional Role.”
• Choose “Other” if your Professional Role is not listed.
Work Settings
• Select at least one work setting that best describes your job function/title and click “Save.”
Taking the course
After successfully registering with TRAIN Texas, you will get an e-mail confirming that you’ve been added to the TRAIN Learning Network.
Time to get started on your training! You’ll need to choose the SOAR to Health and Wellness “Human Trafficking Prevention” course, ID# 1087568. [Note: the course name doesn’t say “Human Trafficking”]
• You must complete a brief pre-assessment before the course link will activate.
• Once you are done with the pre-assessment, you will get an email confirmation.
• After you receive the email confirmation, the course link will activate.
• At the end of the course, you must complete a 43-question evaluation before you can print your certificate; until then, the certificate link is disabled.
• Once you’ve completed the course evaluation, you will get an email confirmation and the certificate link activates. You can then print your course completion certificate.
Note: Keep a copy of your course completion certificate; you will submit it to the department only when requested to do so upon renewal of your license.
Human Trafficking Prevention Training for Health Care Practitioners
Jul. 30, 2020
- Training Required
- Who Must Complete The Training?
- When Does The Training Have To Be Completed?
- How Do I Take The Training?
- Why Is This Happening?
- Help And Support
Training Required
Beginning September 1, 2020, certain health care practitioners who provide direct patient care must complete an approved human trafficking prevention training course in order to renew their license. In order to satisfy the training requirement, the course must be approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Health care practitioners are in a unique position to intervene in human trafficking, one of the most insidious and seemingly invisible public health challenges. This includes both labor and sex trafficking, and may involve people of any age, gender, race/ethnicity, nationality, immigration status, or sexual orientation. Victims and survivors of human trafficking may be seen at local clinics, emergency departments, or other medical settings and the health care team’s actions at that moment can make a life-saving difference. This training is meant to provide you with a variety of resources to inform and support planning for that critical response.
TDLR thanks our licensees for being part of our team in the fight against human trafficking in Texas.
Who Must Complete the Training?
The following TDLR license types must complete training requirement to renew their licenses:
- Athletic Trainer
- Audiologist
- Assistant in Audiology
- Intern in Audiology
- Behavior Analyst
- Behavior Analyst Assistant
- Dietitian
- Dyslexia Therapist
- Dyslexia Practitioner
- Hearing Instrument Fitter & Dispenser
- Massage Therapist
- Midwife
- Retired Midwife
- Orthotist
- Orthotist Assistant
- Podiatric Physician
- Podiatric Temporary Residency
- Podiatric Medical Radiological Technician
- Prosthetist
- Prosthetist Assistant
- Prosthetist Orthotist
- Prosthetist Orthotist Assistant
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Intern in Speech-Language Pathology
- Assistant in Speech-Language Pathology
When Does the Training Have to be Completed?
The training requirement goes into effect on September 1, 2020 and is required for every renewal on or after that date.
Licensees must continue to complete an approved training course during each subsequent renewal cycle.
How Do I Take the Training?
Training courses must be approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). You can find more information on HHSC’s Health Care Practitioner Human Trafficking Training webpage.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTRATION REGISTER NOW FOR TRAINING
Why is this Happening?
This training requirement is a result of House Bill 2059 (86R), which passed during the 2019 legislative session. This bill updates Texas Occupations Code, Ch. 116, which affects all health care professions who provide direct client care listed under Texas Occupations Code Title 3.
Help and Support
For assistance and questions regarding the training registration process, payments for training, printing of certificates, or other training-related issues, please visit HHSC’s Health Care Practitioner Human Trafficking Training webpage for more information or contact HHSC by email.
For assistance and questions regarding your license renewal or acceptable training, please contact TDLR customer service by email, or call us at (512) 463-6599.
2020 Conference Plans
Jul. 2, 2020
Dear TAA Members and Supporters,
On behalf of the Texas Academy of Audiology Board of Directors, I wanted to reach out to our membership with changes that we will implement in regard to our annual conference. Unfortunately, the 2020 Annual Conference will not be held in person. We have a plan. With your participation, TAA will make the rest of 2020 an unique and rewarding experience.
After 20 years of annual conferences, this was not a quick decision. Multiple factors played into this decision to cancel in-person classes. I wanted to share a few that played heavily into our final decision:
- There is still a significant question of safety related to large indoor gatherings or events that our organization would be remiss to ignore. Even with proper precautions, safety for our members and the patients we serve is of great concern to TAA.
- Our May membership survey which was completed by nearly 200 members, indicated the numbers required to host conference would not be possible. The conference hotel has a minimum attendance guarantee and contract with TAA in order to allocate hotel staff for the event. If this is not met, TAA is financially responsible for any shortfall which is a significant amount that would be nearly impossible for our organization to absorb. Fortunately for our organization, the hotel would allow us to reschedule this contract for TAA 2023 in San Marcos.
- Our profession has been hurt in many ways financially due to the restrictions caused by COVID-19. Not only are many members furloughed or on restricted practice budgets, so are our industry sponsors. This financial support allows our annual conference to happen.
- Many state universities and large organization in Texas and across the nation have restricted travel for conferences through January 2021. This affects many of our outstanding speakers and attendees that are important for annual conference success.
Instead this year, TAA will host a series of online educational opportunities throughout the fall for membership to participate in at one low conference rate. Please plan to join us for these alternative online educational opportunities. Your registration fees will help TAA stay financially afloat for the next year which is very critical as we approach the 2021 Texas legislative session.
We have worked to find unique and special topics that will provide ample opportunity for professional growth, opportunity to gain needed CEUs, and appropriate accommodations for safety and financial restrictions this year has imposed. So far, we have confirmed speakers in the areas of:
- Ethics
- Pharmacology and Oto-protectants
- Diagnostic research
- Pediatrics and educational audiology
- Leadership and community
- And more!
Now, I think we can all agree that by Fall, we will need a break. With that in mind, the Scott Haug Foundation will still host the Golf Scramble on Friday, October 23rd at 1pm! Get away for the weekend or just the day with your TAA friends, family/friends, or industry friends and join us outdoors in Hill country at Kissing Tree Golf Club for networking and FUN! No experience is needed (trust me, I have personally confirmed this through my participation the last 2 years). To make this event work, we need at least 25 participants so please email Kurt Trede with your interest as soon as possible (like now) at hearingconnection@gvtc.com. Cost is $65 per person payable to the Scott Haug Foundation. We are still deciding final details for after the event so feel free to share your ideas with either a Scott Haug board member or TAA.
This letter is just the start with far more details to come. I can’t wait to see you all in person, October 28-30, 2021 in Houston! Please email me directly with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Shawna Jackson, AuD
President, Texas Academy of Audiology
OTC Update
Jun. 9, 2020
OTC Hearing Aid Update
As a result of the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was tasked by Congress to establish a category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids and publish proposed regulations for such products. At the time of this update to TAA members (June 2020), there are currently no products that can claim to be OTC hearing aids or to address hearing loss as clarified by a letter published to the FDA website. Bose applied for and were granted a De Novo classification for the “self-fitting” Bose Hearing Aid. While they have received approval to begin marketing this product, it has not yet been made available to consumers. An interesting summary of the de novo application and what is currently known about the product can be found on HearingTracker.
The FDA has announced they will publish proposed regulations for the OTC by August 18, 2020; however, due to COVID-19 there is some speculation this self-imposed deadline could be extended to the first quarter of 2021. Senator Warner and Senator Grassley sent a letter to the FDA on December 5, 2019, requesting an update but no official response to this letter has been published. The Texas Academy of Audiology will update this message as additional information becomes available.
TAA Webinar: Infection Control
May. 2, 2020
COVID-19 Resource Updates
Apr. 14, 2020
OSHA Guidance on Preparing the Workplace for COVID-19 (2020)
Information re: SBA Loans and Paycheck Protection Program
Apr. 2, 2020
*TIME SENSITIVE INFORMATION*
We strongly urge all members to apply for the SBA loans under the new Paycheck Protection Program.
Lenders can begin processing loans at 12:01am EDT on Friday, April 3, 2020. We strongly encourage members to give urgent attention to applying for these loans, as there are limited funds available.
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution or federally insured credit union that is participating.
Paycheck Protection Program Application Form
Paycheck Protection Information Sheet
TAA COVID-19 Resource Guide Updated 3.25.20
Mar. 25, 2020
Updated March 25, 2020
Dear TAA Members,
On behalf of the TAA Board of Directors, I am reaching out to our Audiology Members. As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Texas Academy of Audiology wants to share some resources and tools that may help you make informed decisions regardless of what situation you find yourself in. As we navigate this process together, please realize nobody has the exact answers right for the unique combination of you, your family, your practice, and your health. Our goal is to help provide resources in a common place for Audiologists in our state. This resource is intended for members only and although information may be relayed to patients, they do not have direct access to this site. If there are any additions or adjustments you are aware of to the items below, please contact Alex Morris, VP Professional Issues (professionalissues@texasaudiology.org), or myself.
Best wishes to all of you throughout this ordeal.
Sincerely,
Shawna Jackson, AuD
President
OTC Hearing Aid Proposed Regulations Likely Delayed Until Q1 2020
Published on November 12, 2019
The proposed regulations for a new class of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids—which had previously been slated for release by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this month—are now likely to be released sometime in the first quarter of 2020, according to industry sources and market analyst Niels Leth of Carnegie Research.
As previously reported in this blog, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for a “category of hearing aids to promote the availability of additional kinds of devices that address age-related hearing loss” was cited as having an action date of sometime in November (11/00/19) by the FDA. However, this Unified Agenda publishing date is widely regarded as a “target date.” According to industry sources, the document has not yet been sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)—which usually require at least 4-8 weeks for their review.
Given this, it’s likely the earliest the proposed regulations for OTC hearing devices will be available for public comment is January or February 2020. However, FDA has not yet made a public statement regarding the timeline.
The FDA’s deadline for the proposed OTC hearing aid rule is August 18, 2020. Because hearing aids usually take a backseat to other life-saving devices and more pressing issues within the FDA, it is not uncommon for the Agency’s timelines for hearing-related regulations to change. Srinivas “Nandu” Nandkumar, PhD, then the branch chief of the FDA’s Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Devices, warned about factors working against an accelerated timeline as long ago as the 2017 ADA Convention. More recently, Dr Nandkumar told Hearing Industries Association (HIA) members at the 2019 Membership Meeting that it was preferable to have a lot of time between the proposed regulations and final rule-making on the issue of OTC devices, suggesting that the proposed OTC rules might be coming sooner than anticipated. However, as noted, hearing devices traditionally have a lower priority in comparison to other life-saving medical devices, and the FDA continues to have a backlog of issues requiring attention. There also has been a reshuffling within FDA, with Dr Nandkumar becoming director of the FDA’s Dental Devices division—although it is reported he will continue to be involved in the OTC hearing device regulations.
The OTC Hearing Aid Act of 2017 was passed by Congress and signed by President Trump on August 18, 2017. It requires the FDA to create and regulate a category of OTC hearing aids for adults with “perceived” mild-to-moderate hearing loss and to ensure the devices meet the same high standards for safety, consumer labeling, and manufacturing protection that all other medical devices must meet. The legislation requires the FDA to establish an OTC hearing aid category within 3 years of passage of the legislation, and finalize a rule within 180 days after the close of the comment period—or an August 18, 2020 deadline for the proposed rule.
NPRMs explain what the FDA intends to require or do, as well as its scientific and/or policy reasons for the decision. An NPRM also solicits comments from the public, and these are generally submitted via the Federal Government’s electronic docket site, available at Regulations.gov. FDA can also issue Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM), announced in The Federal Register, for formulating its rules.
On October 28, FDA did publish in the Federal Registry its final order regarding the De Novo application for the Bose Hearing Aid—a user-fitted hearing aid intended for mild-to-moderate hearing loss that can be adjusted via a mobile app—preparing the way for other self-fitting hearing aids for similar special controls. However, this is not to be confused with the new OTC hearing aid classification mandated by Congress.
Disaster Response from Texas Governor's Office
From: Katie Brice <Katie.Brice@tdlr.texas.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2019 10:03 AM
To: Katie Brice <Katie.Brice@tdlr.texas.gov>
Subject: Disaster Response from Texas Governor's Office
Importance: High
I have been asked to distribute the following information from the Governor’s Office to all stakeholder groups. Please see below:
On September 19, in accordance with Sections 418.016 and 418.171 of the Texas Government Code, Governor Greg Abbott temporarily suspended all necessary statutes and rules to allow a healthcare professional licensed and in good standing in another state to practice in various facilities in Texas to assist with disaster response operations for Tropical Storm Imelda. Read more at https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-declares-state-of-disaster-as-severe-weather-hits-texas.
The suspension allows a healthcare provider who holds a license, certificate, or other permit issued by another state jurisdiction satisfying qualifications for professional, mechanical, or other skills to render aid in this state to meet an emergency or disaster.
This suspension is in effect until terminated by the Office of the Governor or until the disaster declaration is lifted or expires.
For the healthcare provider types listed below, a healthcare facility must submit to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) by email each out-of-state provider’s name, license type, state of licensure, and license identification number to: Recovery@tdlr.texas.gov.
TDLR licenses the following healthcare providers:
•Athletic Trainers
•Behavior Analysts
•Dietitians
•Dyslexia Therapists and Practitioners
•Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers
•Midwives
•Orthotists and Prosthetists
•Podiatrists
•Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
If you have questions or need assistance, please call (800) 803-9202 between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. CDT or email Recovery@tdlr.texas.gov.
Katie Brice
Senior Program Specialist
Medical and Health Professions
Regulatory Program Management
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
(512) 334-5526
Donations to the Frederick N. Martin Scholarship Fund
Nov. 20, 2018
For those wanting to donate to the Frederick N. Martin Scholarship Fund:
1) Click here which will take you to the UT Giving site.
2) Leave the first drop down as is with "Communication, Moody College of"
3) Go to the second drop down and type in Frederick N. Martin Scholarship Fund - it is in alphabetical order and will pre-fill as you start typing.
We have lost a special man, an audiology pioneer - Fred Martin - July 24 1931 to November 8 2018 Rest in Peace Dr. Martin - you will be missed
Nov. 9, 2018
Rest in Peace Dr. Martin.
Our father, Fred Martin, passed away on November 8, 2018 at 87. David and Leslie Anne were with him during his final days and he was at peace and free of pain. This is Fred’s note, written years in advance, though we are editing it slightly. He requested that no formal funeral service be carried out, mostly because he did not want to cause any more sadness about this than necessary. He did ask that we notify some of the people who were important to him.
Fred's first love was his family and his very special dogs that he adored, as everyone who knew him is aware. He also loved audiology. He was proud of his students and was always excited to hear news of their accomplishments. He felt that his former students being smart and up-to-date on the latest scientific developments was critical but not as important as being kind to patients.
One of his former students sent him a card on his 73rd birthday and attached the following, which Fred truly enjoyed. His friends and students may recognize some of this.
Everything I needed to know… I learned from Dr. Martin
v Take Vitamin C
v Proof read
v Write thank-you letters
v Pets save lives
v Keep away from Q-tips
v All you’ve got is your good name & your knowledge
v If you write “Welcome” on your back people will wipe their feet on you
v Macs are smarter
v Don’t take sleep for granted
v A yogurt a day keeps the doctor away
v Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny
v Witty responses: “I’m sorry you feel that way,” & “What would you like me to do about it?”
v Marry your best friend
Fred preferred that you all not send gifts or flowers at his passing. He would have much preferred that if you are moved to do something that you make a donation to your favorite charity. His included the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Hospital, the Scott Haug Foundation, or any of the dog rescue groups like the Austin Humane Society. There is also a Frederick N. Martin Endowed Scholarship in Communication Sciences and Disorders at The University of Texas at Austin.
As a brief addendum, we would like to add our own thanks to all of you for the warmth and concern that you have provided Fred and all of us over the years. The outpouring of love that we have witnessed over the past few months is testament to Fred’s love for and commitment to excellence in his work and in all his endeavors. We are very proud of him!
All the Best,
David and Leslie-Anne Martin
FDA OTC HA LETTER TO INDUSTRY
Jul. 24, 2018
Action Alert: Request to Oppose HR 1116
Feb. 5, 2016
We are asking Texas Academy of Audiology members to oppose the Medicare Audiology Services Enhancement Act (H.R. 1116). HR 1116 does not provide direct access to audiologic services currently covered by Medicare. Instead, the legislation adds an unnecessary and unacceptable level of physician oversight to an audiologist’sability to provide high quality hearing and balance care. HR 1116 requires audiologists to develop a physician approved plan of care when providing assessment or certain specified treatment services under Medicare. The plan of care must be submitted to and periodically reviewed by the referring physician. And, services must be provided while the patient is or was under the care of a physician.
The legislation extends Medicare coverage to a limited number of audiologic treatment services, which require both a physician referral and plan of care. Treatment services include auditory processing and rehabilitation, vestibular treatment, and intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring. HR 1116 excludes important treatments such as tinnitus and cerumen removal, and thus does not recognize an audiologist’s full scope practice.
HR 1116 creates another layer of physician involvement for audiologists performing services that are already within their scope of practice. This is a step in the wrong direction. Audiologists are already licensed in Texas to provide assessment and treatment services directly to patients, within their scope of practice, without physician oversight.
The American Academy of Audiology and your Texas Academy of Audiology oppose this legislation which seeks to push us further away from an autonomous Audiology.
Please click here to ask your representative to oppose this legislation.
TAA Board of Directors
TAA Letter to TDLR
January 13, 2016
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
RE: New rules to the Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists program (16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 111
On behalf of the Texas Academy of Audiology, and as practicing, licensed audiologists in the state of Texas we are writing to voice our support of the proposed rule change (with specific regard to audiology assistants) as published in the Texas Register on January 8, 2016.
We are encouraged and thankful to the Board for addressing this important professional issue for audiologists in the state of Texas. While a license for audiology assistants already exists, it is clear the requirements need updating and the system for the licensing of these individuals in Texas is broken.
We fully support the proposed rule changes for the educational requirements to include a high school diploma or equivalent. The proposed rule change for the requirement of a high school diploma is entirely consistent with the position statements offered by both the American Academy of Audiology and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association on this issue.
In addition, the proposed rule changes for what duties the audiology assistant can and cannot perform have been appropriately addressed by the Board. It is clear that the proposed rule changes do not create a second tier of audiologists, but rather allow them the ability to hire individuals who can provide both clerical, administrative, and supervised supportive roles to better assist patients.
Audiology assistants as proposed will also receive job-specific competency-based training and be subject to continuing education activities. We do foresee discussion about what specific training courses may be better used for this purpose in the future, but for now, the Council for Accreditation of Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) training course is appropriate given the lack of alternatives.
Thank you for considering our comments.
Sincerely,
Scott A. Marquardt, Au.D., President of the Texas Academy of Audiology
Chris F. Araj, Au.D., President elect of the Texas Academy of Audiology
Jeffrey S. Martin, Ph.D., Past president of the Texas Academy of Audiology
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS AND AUDIOLOGISTS Proposed Administrative Rules
Jan. 8, 2016
Chapter 111. Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists
Proposal Filed: December 28, 2015 – Published in the Texas Register: January 8, 2016
Deadline for Public Comment: February 8, 2016
Underlined text is new language.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Department) proposes new rules at 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 111, Subchapter A, §111.1 and §111.2; Subchapter B, §§111.10, 111.11, 111.12, 111.13, 111.14; Subchapter C, §§111.20, 111.21, 111.22 and 111.23; Subchapter D, §§111.30, 111.35, 111.36 and 111.37; Subchapter E, §§ 111.40, 111.45, 111.46 and 111.47; Subchapter F, §§111.50, 111.55, 111.56 and 111.57; Subchapter G, §§111.60, 111.65 and 111.66; Subchapter H, §§111.70, 111.75, 111.76 and 111.77; Subchapter I, §§111.80, 111.85, 111.86 and 111.87; Subchapter J, §§111.90, 111.95, 111.96 and 111.97; Subchapter K, §§111.100, 111.105 and 111.106; Subchapter L, §§111.110, 111.115, 111.116 and 111.117; Subchapter N, §§111.130, 111.131 and 111.132; Subchapter O, §111.140; Subchapter P, §§111.150, 111.151, 111.152, 111.153, 111.154 and 111.155; Subchapter Q, §111.160; Subchapter R, §111.170 and §111.171; Subchapter S, §§111.180, 111.181, 111.182 and 111.183; Subchapter T, §§111.190, 111.191 and 111.192; Subchapter U, §§111.200, 111.201 and 111.202; Subchapter V, §§111.210, 111.211, 111.212, 111.213, 111.214 and 111.215; Subchapter W, §111.220; Subchapter X, §§111.230, 111.231 and 111.232, regarding the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists program.
The Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 202 (S.B. 202), 84th Legislature, Regular Session (2015), which, in part, transferred 13 occupational licensing programs in two phases from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation (Commission) and the Department. Under Phase 1, the following seven programs are being transferred from DSHS to the Commission and the Department: (1) Midwives, Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 203; (2) Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, Chapter 401; (3) Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers, Chapter 402; (4) Licensed Dyslexia Practitioners and Licensed Dyslexia Therapists, Chapter 403; (5) Athletic Trainers, Chapter 451; (6) Orthotists and Prosthetists, Chapter 605; and (7) Dietitians, Chapter 701. The statutory amendments transferring regulation of these seven Phase 1 programs from DSHS to the Commission and the Department took effect on September 1, 2015.
The Texas Legislature also enacted Senate Bill 219 (S.B. 219), 84th Legislature, Regular Session (2015), which, in part, amended the enabling acts of the health-related programs regulated by DSHS before those programs were transferred by S.B. 202. S.B. 219 was effective April 2, 2015.
The new rules are proposed to enable the Commission and the Department to regulate the seven Phase 1 programs listed above. The proposed new rules provide for the Department to perform the various functions, including licensing, compliance, and enforcement, necessary to regulate these transferred programs. At the time of adoption, the Commission will designate the effective date of the new rules. The effective date will coincide with the completion of the transfer of the programs to the Commission and Department. The Commission will provide sufficient notice to the regulated community in order for it to comply with the new rules.
The proposed new rules under 16 TAC Chapter 111 are necessary to implement S.B. 202 and to regulate the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists program under the authority of the Commission and the Department. The rules also incorporate the changes made by S.B. 219 as applicable. These proposed new rules are separate from and are not to be confused with the DSHS rules located at 22 TAC Chapter 741, regarding Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, which are still in effect.
The Department’s Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Advisory Board (Advisory Board) met November 17, 2015, to consider a draft of these rules and recommended proposing them in the Texas Register for public comment.
As part of the discussions on November 17, 2015, the Advisory Board recommended changing references from “communicative sciences or disorders” to “communication sciences and disorders.” However, the proposed rules as published do not include that recommendation. The proposed rules as published retain the references to “communicative sciences or disorders” to reflect the statutory language under Texas Occupations Code §401.304(a)(1)(A), which requires an applicant for a speech-language pathology license to “possess at least a master’s degree with a major in at least one of the areas of communicative sciences or disorders.”
The Advisory Board also recommended updating the educational degree requirements for audiology licenses in several of the licensing provisions, but recommended retaining references in other audiology licensing provisions and in the supervision provisions to “a master’s degree with a major in at least one of the areas of communicative sciences or disorders.” With the exception of the out-of-state internship supervision provisions under proposed new §111.75 and §111.105, the proposed rules as published, as they relate to audiology licenses, either do not include the master’s degree references or include those references but with date restrictions. S.B. 613, 82nd Legislature, Regular Session (2011), changed the educational degree requirements for audiology licenses from “at least a master’s degree with a major in at least one of the areas of communicative sciences or disorders” to “at least a doctoral degree in audiology or a related hearing science.” This change was effective September 1, 2011, and it applied to applications filed on or after the effective date. The proposed rules as published reflect the statutory language under Texas Occupations Code §401.304(a)(1)(B) and reflect the changes in the degree and the subject area requirements that were effective September 1, 2011, for audiology licenses. The Department seeks public comments on the degree and subject area requirements necessary to obtain an audiology license in other states in order to address the out-of-state internship supervision requirements under proposed new §111.75 and §111.105.
In addition, the discussions regarding the audiology license application and eligibility requirements under proposed new §111.75 included a recommendation to draft a reciprocity provision that would recognize, on a case-by-case basis, an out-of-state audiology license holder who had a master’s degree, was licensed in good standing in the other state, and had held the out-of-state license continuously for at least five years. The provision would allow such a license holder to be eligible to obtain a Texas audiology license. The proposed rules as published do not include the recommended proposed reciprocity provision. Texas Occupations Code Chapter 401 does not include reciprocity authority except as provided under §401.308 related to provisional licenses. The Department will further research this issue for future discussions.
The Advisory Board also discussed changing the supervision ratios for licensed audiologists, licensed interns in audiology, and licensed assistants in audiology under proposed new rule §111.154. The current ratio under the current DSHS rules is that a licensed audiologist may supervise no more than a total of four interns and/or assistants. The DSHS proposed rules published September 25, 2015 (40 TexReg 6554 - 6572) and these Department proposed rules: (1) reduce the education requirements for an assistant in audiology license from a baccalaureate degree to a high school diploma or equivalent; and (2) eliminate the supervision ratio exception. Based in part on the reduction of the educational degree required for an assistant in audiology license, the Advisory Board recommended reducing the total number of audiology interns and/or assistants that can be supervised at one time by a licensed audiologist from a total of four interns and/or assistants to a total of two interns and/or assistants. The supervision ratio for licensed speech-language pathologists, interns, and assistants remains the same at no more than a total of four interns and/or assistants. The Department has included the recommendation in these proposed rules under §111.154 and seeks public comment on this issue.
Finally, the Department renumbered the sections in the proposed new rules for the specific license types under Subchapters D through L. This change from the draft discussed by the Advisory Board will allow room for future rulemakings to further clarify the rules and make the rules more user-friendly.
Proposed new Subchapter A provides the General Provisions for the proposed new rules.
Proposed new §111.1 provides the statutory authority for the Commission and Department to regulate speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
Proposed new §111.2 creates the definitions to be used in the speech-language pathologists and audiologists program.
Proposed new Subchapter B creates the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Advisory Board.
Proposed new §111.10 provides the composition and membership requirements of the advisory board.
Proposed new §111.11 details the duties of the advisory board.
Proposed new §111.12 sets the terms and vacancies process for advisory board members.
Proposed new §111.13 provides for a presiding officer of the advisory board.
Proposed new §111.14 provides details regarding advisory board meetings.
Proposed new Subchapter C establishes the examination requirements for the program.
Proposed new §111.20 provides general examination requirements.
Proposed new §111.21 explains the written examination requirement.
Proposed new §111.22 explains the waiver of the written examination requirement.
Proposed new §111.23 details the requirements for the Jurisprudence Examination.
Proposed new Subchapter D establishes the requirements to obtain a speech-language pathology license.
Proposed new §111.30 explains the licensing requirements for those seeking a speech-language pathology license.
Proposed new §111.35 details the application and eligibility requirements for the speech-language pathology license.
Proposed new §111.36 explains the process for issuing a speech-language pathology license.
Proposed new §111.37 details the license terms and renewal requirements for the speech-language pathology license.
Proposed new Subchapter E establishes the requirements to obtain an intern in speech-language pathology license.
Proposed new §111.40 explains the licensing and internship requirements for the intern in speech-language pathology license.
Proposed new §111.45 details the application and eligibility requirements for an intern in speech-language pathology license.
Proposed new §111.46 explains the process for issuing an intern in speech-language pathology license.
Proposed new §111.47 details the license terms and renewal requirements for the intern in speech-language pathology license.
Proposed new Subchapter F establishes the requirements to obtain an assistant in speech-language pathology license.
Proposed new §111.50 explains the licensing requirements for the assistant in speech-language pathology license.
Proposed new §111.55 details the application and eligibility requirements for an assistant in speech-language pathology license.
Proposed new §111.56 explains the process for issuing an assistant in speech-language pathology license.
Proposed new §111.57 details the license terms and renewal requirements for the assistant in speech-language pathology license.
Proposed new Subchapter G establishes the requirements to obtain a temporary certificate of registration in speech-language pathology.
Proposed new §111.60 explains the registration requirements for the temporary certificate of registration in speech-language pathology.
Proposed new §111.65 details the application and eligibility requirements for the temporary certificate of registration in speech-language pathology.
Proposed new §111.66 explains the process for issuing a temporary certificate of registration in speech-language pathology.
Proposed new Subchapter H establishes the requirements to obtain an audiology license.
Proposed new §111.70 explains the licensing requirements for the audiology license.
Proposed new §111.75 details the application and eligibility requirements for an audiology license.
Proposed new §111.76 explains the process for issuing an audiology license.
Proposed new §111.77 details the license terms and renewal requirements for the audiology license.
Proposed new Subchapter I establishes the requirements to obtain an intern in audiology license.
Proposed new §111.80 explains the licensing and internship requirements for the intern in audiology license.
Proposed new §111.85 details the application and eligibility requirements for an intern in audiology license.
Proposed new §111.86 explains the process for issuing an intern in audiology license.
Proposed new §111.87 details the license terms and renewal requirements for the intern in audiology license.
Proposed new Subchapter J establishes the requirements to obtain an assistant in audiology license.
Proposed new §111.90 explains the licensing requirements for the assistant in audiology license.
Proposed new §111.95 details the application and eligibility requirements for an assistant in audiology license.
Proposed new §111.96 explains the process for issuing an assistant in audiology license.
Proposed new §111.97 details the license terms and renewal requirements for the assistant in audiology license.
Proposed new Subchapter K establishes the requirements to obtain a temporary certificate of registration in audiology.
Proposed new §111.100 explains the registration requirements for the temporary certificate of registration in audiology.
Proposed new §111.105 details the application and eligibility requirements for the temporary certificate of registration in audiology.
Proposed new §111.106 explains the process for issuing a temporary certificate of registration in audiology.
Proposed new Subchapter L establishes the requirements to obtain a dual license in speech-language pathology and audiology.
Proposed new §111.110 explains the licensing requirements for those seeking a dual license in speech-language pathology and audiology.
Proposed new §111.115 details the application and eligibility requirements for the dual speech-language pathology and audiology license.
Proposed new §111.116 explains the process for issuing a dual speech-language pathology and audiology license.
Proposed new §111.117 details the license terms and renewal requirements for the dual speech-language pathology and audiology license.
Proposed new Subchapter N establishes the continuing professional education requirements for this program.
Proposed new §111.130 provides the continuing professional education requirements and hours for this program.
Proposed new §111.131 details continuing professional education courses and credits.
Proposed new §111.132 explains the continuing professional education audit process and the records that must be kept.
Proposed new Subchapter O establishes the responsibilities of the Commission and the Department.
Proposed new §111.140 requires the Commission to adopt rules necessary to implement the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program, including rules governing changes to the standards of practice rules.
Proposed new Subchapter P establishes the responsibilities of the licensee and creates
the code of ethics for this program.
Proposed new §111.150 requires a licensee to notify the Department of a change of name, address, or other pertinent information.
Proposed new §111.151 provides requirements for displaying a license and notifying consumers.
Proposed new §111.152 prohibits false, misleading or deceptive advertising.
Proposed new §111.153 establishes record keeping and billing requirements.
Proposed new §111.154 explains the requirements, duties and responsibilities of supervisors.
Proposed new §111.155 creates the standards of ethical practice (code of ethics) for all licensees in this program.
Proposed new Subchapter O establishes fees for the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists program.
Proposed new §111.160 details all fees associated with the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists program as regulated by the Commission and the Department.
Proposed new Subchapter R establishes a subchapter to address complaints.
Proposed new §111.170 requires the Department to provide a toll free number for complaints to be filed.
Proposed new §111.171 provides that the Commission will adopt rules regarding complaints involving standard of care.
Proposed new Subchapter S establishes enforcement provisions.
Proposed new §111.180 allows for administrative penalties and sanctions.
Proposed new §111.181 provides the authority to enforce Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 401 and this chapter.
Proposed new §111.182 provides the authority to order refunds for a hearing instrument.
Proposed new §111.183 requires a license holder or registration holder to surrender the license or registration to the Department on demand.
Proposed new Subchapter T establishes screening procedures.
Proposed new §111.190 provides communication screening requirements.
Proposed new §111.191 details the hearing screening process.
Proposed new §111.192 explains the authority for newborn hearing screening.
Proposed new Subchapter U establishes provisions for fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments.
Proposed new §111.200 explains registration of audiologists and interns in audiology to fit and dispense hearing instruments.
Proposed new §111.201 provides general practice requirements of audiologists and interns in audiology who fit and dispense hearing instruments.
Proposed new §111.202 creates requirements for audiologists and interns in audiology conducting audiometric testing for the purpose of fitting and dispensing hearing instruments.
Proposed new Subchapter V establishes provisions for telehealth.
Proposed new §111.210 establishes definitions relating to telehealth.
Proposed new §111.211 explains the service delivery models for speech-language pathologists.
Proposed new §111.212 creates requirements for the use of telehealth by speech-language pathologists.
Proposed new §111.213 details limitations on the use of telecommunications technology by speech-language pathologists.
Proposed new §111.214 establishes requirements for providing telehealth services in speech-language pathology.
Proposed new §111.215 establishes requirements for providing telepractice services in audiology.
Proposed new Subchapter W establishes joint rules regarding the sale of hearing instruments. Texas Occupations Code Chapters 401 and 402 require the Commission, with the assistance of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologist Advisory Board and the Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers Advisory Board, to adopt rules to establish requirements regarding the sale of hearing instruments.
Proposed new §111.220 details the requirements regarding the sale of hearing instruments.
Proposed new Subchapter X establishes joint rules for fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments by telepractice. Texas Occupations Code Chapters 401 and 402 require the Commission, with the assistance of the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologist Advisory Board and the Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers Advisory Board, to adopt rules to establish requirements regarding the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments by telepractice.
Proposed new §111.230 explains the purpose of the subchapter.
Proposed new §111.231 creates definitions to be used in this subchapter.
Proposed new §111.232 establishes requirements for providing telehealth services for the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments.
William H. Kuntz, Jr., Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed new rules are in effect there will be no direct cost to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed new rules. There is no estimated increase or decrease in revenue to the state as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed new rules. Historically, the funds used to administer the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program were appropriated to DSHS; now those same funds will be appropriated to the Department.
Mr. Kuntz also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the proposed new rules are in effect, the public benefit will include that the rules implement the statutory requirements under the authority of the Commission and the Department and provide details that are not found in the enabling acts. The rules also have been formatted and organized to assist the public, the regulated community, and the Department in easily finding specific rules. In addition, the new rules are streamlined so as not to duplicate provisions that are already located in the statutes and rules of the Commission and Department in the Texas Occupations Code and in 16 TAC Chapter 60, which apply to all programs regulated by the Commission and the Department.
There will be no anticipated economic effect on small and micro-businesses or to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed.
Since the agency has determined that the proposed new rules will have no adverse economic effect on small or micro-businesses, preparation of an Economic Impact Statement and a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, under Texas Government Code §2006.002, is not required.
Comments on the proposal may be submitted by mail to Pauline Easley, Legal Assistant, General Counsel’s Office, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711; or by facsimile to (512) 475-3032, or electronically to erule.comments@tdlr.texas.gov. The deadline for comments is 30 days after publication in the Texas Register.
The new rules are proposed under Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 51 and 401, and Chapter 402 as applicable, which authorize the Commission, the Department’s governing body, to adopt rules as necessary to implement these chapters and any other law establishing a program regulated by the Department.
The statutory provisions affected by the proposal are those set forth in Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 51, 401 and 402. No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the proposal.
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
§111.1. Authority.
This chapter is promulgated under the authority of the Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 51 and 401, and Chapter 402 as applicable.
§111.2. Definitions.
Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings.
(1) ABA--The American Board of Audiology.
(2) Act--Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 401, relating to Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
(3) Acts--Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 401, relating to Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists; and Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 402, relating to Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers.
(4) Advisory board--The Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Advisory Board.
(5) ASHA--The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
(6) Assistant in audiology--An individual licensed under Texas Occupations Code §401.312 and §111.90 of this chapter and who provides audiological support services to clinical programs under the supervision of a department-approved audiologist licensed under the Act.
(7) Assistant in speech-language pathology--An individual licensed under Texas Occupations Code §401.312 and §111.60 of this chapter and who provides speech-language pathology support services under the Act.
(8) Audiologist--An individual who holds a license under Texas Occupations Code §401.302 and §401.304 to practice audiology.
(9) Audiology--The application of nonmedical principles, methods, and procedures for measurement, testing, appraisal, prediction, consultation, counseling, habilitation, rehabilitation, or instruction related to disorders of the auditory or vestibular systems for the purpose of providing or offering to provide services modifying communication disorders involving speech, language, or auditory or vestibular function or other aberrant behavior relating to hearing loss.
(10) Caseload--The number of clients served by the licensed speech-language pathologist or licensed speech-language pathology intern.
(11) Client--A consumer or proposed consumer of audiology or speech-language pathology services.
(12) Commission--The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation.
(13) Department--The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
(14) Ear specialist--A licensed physician who specializes in diseases of the ear and is medically trained to identify the symptoms of deafness in the context of the total health of the client, and is qualified by special training to diagnose and treat hearing loss. Such physicians are also known as otolaryngologists, otologists, neurotologists, otorhinolaryngologists, and ear, nose, and throat specialists.
(15) Executive director--The executive director of the department.
(16) Extended absence--More than two consecutive working days for any single continuing education experience.
(17) Extended recheck--Starting at 40 dB and going down by 10 dB until no response is obtained or until 20 dB is reached and then up by 5 dB until a response is obtained. The frequencies to be evaluated are 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 hertz (Hz).
(18) Fitting and dispensing hearing instruments--The measurement of human hearing by the use of an audiometer or other means to make selections, adaptations, or sales of hearing instruments. The term includes the making of impressions for earmolds to be used as a part of the hearing instruments and any necessary postfitting counseling for the purpose of fitting and dispensing hearing instruments.
(19) Hearing instrument--Any wearable instrument or device designed for, or represented as aiding, improving or correcting defective human hearing. This includes the instrument's parts and any attachment, including an earmold, or accessory to the instrument. The term does not include a battery or cord.
(20) Hearing screening--A test administered with pass/fail results for the purpose of rapidly identifying those persons with possible hearing impairment which has the potential of interfering with communication.
(21) Intern in audiology--An individual licensed under Texas Occupations Code §401.311 and §111.80 of this chapter and who works under the direction of an individual who holds an audiology license under Texas Occupations Code §401.302 and §401.304.
(22) Intern in speech-language pathology--An individual licensed under Texas Occupations Code §401.311 and §111.40 of this chapter and who works under the direction of an individual who holds a speech-language pathology license under Texas Occupations Code §401.302 and §401.304.
(23) Provisional Licensee--An individual granted a provisional license under Texas Occupations Code §401.308.
(24) Sale or purchase--Includes the sale, lease or rental of a hearing instrument or augmentative communication device to a member of the consuming public who is a user or prospective user of a hearing instrument or augmentative communication device.
(25) Speech-language pathologist--An individual who holds a license under Texas Occupations Code §401.302 and §401.304, to practice speech-language pathology.
(26) Speech-language pathology--The application of nonmedical principles, methods, and procedures for measurement, testing, evaluation, prediction, counseling, habilitation, rehabilitation, or instruction related to the development and disorders of communication, including speech, voice, language, oral pharyngeal function, or cognitive processes, for the purpose of evaluating, preventing, or modifying or offering to evaluate, prevent, or modify those disorders and conditions in an individual or a group.
(27) Supervisor--An individual who holds a license under Texas Occupations Code §401.302 and §401.304 and whom the department has approved to directly oversee the services provided by the assigned department-approved assistant and/or intern. The term “supervisor” and “department-approved supervisor” have the same meaning as used throughout this chapter.
(28) Telehealth--See definition(s) in Subchapter V, Telehealth.
(29) Under the direction of--The speech-language pathologist or audiologist supervises and directly oversees the services provided and accepts professional responsibility for the actions of the personnel he or she agrees to direct.
SUBCHAPTER B. SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS AND AUDIOLOGISTS ADVISORY BOARD.
§111.10. Membership.
(a) The advisory board consists of nine members appointed by the presiding officer of the commission with the approval of the commission as follows:
(1) three audiologist members;
(2) three speech-language pathologist members; and
(3) three members who represent the public.
(b) Advisory board members must:
(1) have been a resident of this state for the two years preceding the date of appointment;
(2) be from the various geographic regions of the state; and
(3) be from varying employment settings.
(c) The advisory board members appointed under Subsections (a)(1) and (2) must:
(1) have been engaged in teaching, research, or providing services in speech-language pathology or audiology for at least five years; and
(2) be licensed under this chapter.
(d) One of the public advisory board members must be a physician licensed in this state and certified in otolaryngology or pediatrics.
§111.11. Duties.
The advisory board shall provide advice and recommendations to the department on technical matters relevant to the administration of the Act and this chapter.
§111.12. Terms; Vacancies.
(a) Members are appointed for staggered six-year terms. The terms of three members expire September 1 of each odd-numbered year.
(b) If a vacancy occurs during a member’s term, the presiding officer of the commission, with the commission’s approval, shall appoint a replacement who meets the qualifications for the vacant position to serve for the remainder of the term.
(c) A member of the advisory board may be removed from the advisory board pursuant to Texas Occupations Code §51.209, Advisory Boards; Removal of Advisory Board Member.
§111.13. Officers.
(a) The presiding officer of the commission shall designate a member of the advisory board to serve as the presiding officer of the advisory board for a term of one year.
(b) The presiding officer shall preside at all meetings at which he or she is in attendance. The presiding officer of the advisory board may vote on any matter before the advisory board.
§111.14. Meetings.
(a) The advisory board shall meet at the call of the presiding officer of the commission or the executive director.
(b) Meetings shall be announced and conducted under the provisions of the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.
(c) A quorum of the advisory board is necessary to conduct official business. A quorum is five members.
(d) Board action shall require a majority vote of those members present and voting.
SUBCHAPTER C. EXAMINATIONS.
§111.20. License Examination--General Requirements.
The examination required by the Act shall consist of a written examination and a Jurisprudence Examination.
§111.21. License Examination--Written Examination.
(a) The written examination shall be the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Examination (Praxis exam), a national examination administered by the Educational Testing Service.
(b) An applicant shall have a passing score as determined by the Educational Testing Service on the written examination.
(c) A person who fails the examination may take a subsequent examination upon payment of a nonrefundable fee.
(d) Pursuant to Texas Occupations Code §401.307(b), an applicant who fails two examinations may not be reexamined until the person:
(1) submits a new application accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee; and
(2) presents evidence acceptable to the department of additional study in the area for which a license is sought.
§111.22. Waiver of Written Examination Requirement.
(a) This section is applicable to applicants applying for a speech-language pathology license under Subchapter D or an audiology license under Subchapter H. This waiver only applies to the written examination under §111.21. The applicant must still take the Jurisprudence Examination under §111.23.
(b) The department may waive the written examination requirement and issue a license to an applicant who holds the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence ASHA or the ABA Certification.
(c) An applicant for a license issued by the department who currently holds the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, may submit official documentation from ASHA as evidence that the applicant meets the clinical experience and examination requirements as set out in the Act and this chapter for a speech-language pathology license.
(d) An applicant for a license issued by the department who currently holds either the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence or the ABA Certification, may submit official documentation from ASHA or ABA as evidence that the applicant meets the clinical experience and examination requirements as set out in the Act and this chapter for an audiology license.
§111.23. License Examination--Jurisprudence Examination.
(a) The department shall develop and administer a Jurisprudence Examination to determine an applicant's knowledge of the Act, this chapter, and any other applicable laws of this state affecting the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology.
(b) The department shall revise the Jurisprudence Examination as needed.
(c) All applicants for licensure shall submit proof of successful completion of the Jurisprudence Examination at the time of application. The Jurisprudence Examination must be completed no more than six months prior to the date of licensure application.
SUBCHAPTER D. REQUIREMENTS FOR SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY LICENSE.
§111.30. Speech-Language Pathology License--Licensing Requirements.
(a) An individual shall not practice as a speech-language pathologist without a current license issued by the department. An applicant for a speech-language pathology license shall meet the requirements set out in the Act and this section.
(b) Education. The graduate degree shall be completed at a college or university which has a program accredited by a national accrediting organization that is approved by the department and recognized by the United States Secretary of Education under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. §1001, et seq.).
(1) Original or certified copies of the transcripts showing the conferred degree shall verify the applicant completed the following:
(A) at least thirty-six (36) semester credit hours shall be in professional course work acceptable toward a graduate degree;
(B) at least twenty-four (24) semester credit hours acceptable toward a graduate degree shall be earned in the area of speech-language pathology, including normal development and use of speech, language, and hearing; prevention evaluation, habilitation, and rehabilitation of speech, language, and hearing disorders; and related fields that augment the work of clinical practitioners of speech-language pathology; and
(C) for applications filed before January 1, 2015, six semester credit hours shall be earned in the area of hearing disorders, hearing evaluation, and habilitative or rehabilitative procedures with individuals who have a hearing impairment.
(2) A maximum of six academic semester credit hours associated with clinical experience and a maximum of six academic semester credit hours associated with a thesis or dissertation may be counted toward the thirty-six (36) hours but not in lieu of the requirements of paragraphs (1)(B) and (1)(C).
(3) A quarter hour of academic credit shall be considered as two-thirds of a semester credit hour.
(4) An applicant who possesses a master's degree with a major in audiology and is pursuing a license in speech-language pathology may apply if, the department has an original transcript showing completion of a master's degree with a major in audiology on file and a letter from the program director or designee of the college or university stating that the individual completed enough hours to establish a graduate level major in speech-language pathology and would meet the academic and clinical experience requirements for a license as a speech-language pathologist.
(5) An applicant who graduated from a college or university not accredited by the ASHA Council on Academic Accreditation shall submit an original signed letter from ASHA stating the Council for Clinical Certification accepted the course work and clinical experience. The applicant shall bear all expenses incurred during the procedure.
(c) Clinical Work. An applicant shall complete at least twenty-five (25) clock hours of supervised observation before completing the minimum of the following hours of supervised clinical direct client contact, which may be referred to as clinical practicum, with individuals who present a variety of communication disorders within an educational institution or in one of its cooperating programs:
(1) 275 clock hours if the master's degree was earned prior to November 10, 1993; or
(2) 350 clock hours if the master's degree was earned between November 10, 1993 and December 31, 2004; or
(3) 400 clock hours if the master's degree was earned on or after January 1, 2005.
(d) Supervised Professional Experience. An applicant must have completed supervised professional experience in which clinical work has been accomplished in speech-language pathology as set out in §111.40.
(1) An individual shall be licensed under §111.40, prior to the beginning of the supervised professional experience.
(2) The supervisor of an individual who completed an internship in another state and met the requirements set out in §111.40 shall:
(A) be licensed in that other state; or
(B) hold the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology if the other state did not require licensing.
(e) Examination. An applicant shall pass the examination referenced under §111.21 within:
(1) the past ten (10) years; and
(2) two years of the completion date of the internship referenced in subsection (d).
(f) In the event the applicant passed the examination referenced in subsection (e) more than two years after the completion date of the internship, the applicant shall repeat the thirty-six (36) weeks supervised internship before applying for the speech-language pathology license. The applicant shall obtain the intern license as required by §111.40, prior to repeating the internship. The applicant may appeal to the executive director for waiver of the requirement to repeat the internship.
§111.35. Speech-Language Pathology License--Application and Eligibility Requirements.
(a) Unless otherwise indicated, an applicant must submit all required information and documentation of credentials on current department-approved forms.
(b) An applicant for a speech-language pathology license must submit the following required documentation:
(1) a completed application on a department-approved form;
(2) an original or certified copy of the transcript(s) showing the conferred degree of all relevant course work which also verifies that the applicant possesses a minimum of a master’s degree with a major in one of the areas of communicative sciences or disorders;
(3) if the applicant graduated from a college or university with a program not accredited by the ASHA Council on Academic Accreditation, an original signed letter from ASHA stating the Council for Clinical Certification accepted the course work and clinical experience;
(4) if not previously submitted when applying for an intern’s license, a Course Work and Clinical Experience Form completed by the program director or designee of the college or university attended which verifies the applicant has met the requirements established in §111.30(b) - (c);
(5) a Report of Completed Speech-Language Pathology Internship Form completed by the applicant’s department-approved supervisor and signed by both the applicant and the department-approved supervisor;
(6) if the internship was completed out-of-state, the following documents regarding the supervisor must be submitted:
(A) a copy of the supervisor’s diploma or transcript showing a master’s degree in one of the areas of communicative sciences or disorders; and
(B) one of the following:
(i) if that state requires licensure, a copy of the supervisor’s valid license to practice in that state; or
(ii) if that state does not require licensure, an original letter from ASHA stating the supervisor held the Certificate of Clinical Competence when the applicant completed the internship;
(7) a Praxis Exam Score Report showing the applicant passed the examination described in §111.21;
(8) proof of successfully completing the Texas Jurisprudence Examination under §111.23; and
(9) the initial application fee required under §111.160.
(c) An applicant for a speech-language pathology license must submit a completed legible set of fingerprints, on a department-approved form, to the Department of Public Safety for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record information. An applicant must successfully pass a criminal history background check.
(d) Waiver of Clinical Experience and Examination Requirements. An applicant who currently holds the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence may submit official documentation from ASHA of the Certificate of Clinical Competence as evidence that the applicant meets the clinical experience and examination requirements as set out in the Act and this subchapter for a speech-language pathology license. Such an applicant must submit:
(1) an original or certified copy of a signed letter from ASHA, which verifies the applicant currently holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in the area of speech-language pathology;
(2) an original or certified copy of the transcript(s) showing the conferred degree of all relevant course work which also verifies that the applicant possesses a minimum of a master’s degree with a major in one of the areas of communicative sciences or disorders; however, an applicant whose transcript is in a language other than English shall submit an original evaluation form from an approved credentialing agency; and
(3) the required documents and fees under subsection (b)(1), (8) and (9) and subsection (c).
(e) An applicant must complete all licensing requirements within one year from the date the application was submitted. After that year an applicant will be required to submit a new application and all required materials in addition to paying a new application fee.
§111.36. Speech-Language Pathology License--Issuing License.
(a) The department will issue an applicant, whose application has been approved, a license containing the licensee’s name, license number, and expiration date.
(b) A speech-language pathology license issued by the department remains the property of the department.
(c) The department will issue a duplicate license upon written request using a department-approved form or in a manner prescribed by the department and payment of the duplicate/replacement fee under §111.160.
§111.37. Speech-Language Pathology License--License Terms; Renewals.
(a) A speech-language pathology license is valid for two years from the date of issuance and may be renewed biennially.
(b) A licensee is responsible for submitting all required documentation and information and paying the renewal application fee prior to the expiration date of the license.
(c) To renew a speech-language pathology license, a licensee must:
(1) submit a completed renewal application on a department-approved form;
(2) successfully pass a criminal history background check;
(3) complete 20 hours of continuing education as required under §111.130;
(4) comply with the continuing education audit process described under §111.132, if selected for an audit; and
(5) submit the license renewal fee required under §111.160.
(d) The department may deny the renewal of the license pursuant to Texas Occupations Code §401.451.
(e) If all conditions required for renewal are met prior to expiration, the department shall issue a renewed license.
(f) A person whose license has expired may late renew the license in accordance with the procedures set out under §60.31 and §60.83 of this title.
(g) A person whose license has expired may not practice or engage in speech-language pathology.
SUBCHAPTER E. REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERN IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY LICENSE.
§111.40. Intern in Speech-Language Pathology License--Licensing and Internship Requirements.
(a) An individual shall not practice as an intern in speech-language pathology without a current license issued by the department. An applicant for an intern in speech-language pathology license must meet the requirements under the Act and this section.
(b) Education. The graduate degree shall be completed at a college or university which has a program accredited by a national accrediting organization that is approved by the department and recognized by the United States Secretary of Education under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. §1001, et seq.).
(1) Original or certified copies of the transcripts showing the conferred degree shall verify the applicant completed the following:
(A) at least thirty-six (36) semester credit hours shall be in professional course work acceptable toward a graduate degree;
(B) at least twenty-four (24) semester credit hours acceptable toward a graduate degree shall be earned in the area of speech-language pathology including normal development and use of speech, language, and hearing; prevention evaluation, habilitation, and rehabilitation of speech, language, and hearing disorders; and related fields that augment the work of clinical practitioners of speech-language pathology; and
(C) for applications filed before January 1, 2015, six semester credit hours shall be earned in the area of hearing disorders, hearing evaluation, and habilitative or rehabilitative procedures with individuals who have a hearing impairment.
(2) A maximum of six academic semester credit hours associated with clinical experience and a maximum of six academic semester credit hours associated with a thesis or dissertation may be counted toward the thirty-six (36) hours but not in lieu of the requirements of paragraphs (1)(B) and (1)(C).
(3) A quarter hour of academic credit shall be considered as two-thirds of a semester credit hour.
(4) An applicant who possesses a master’s degree with a major in audiology and is pursuing a license in speech-language pathology may apply if the department has an original transcript showing completion of a master’s degree with a major in audiology on file and a letter from the program director or designee of the college or university stating that the individual completed enough hours to establish a graduate level major in speech-language pathology and would meet the academic and clinical experience requirements for a license as a speech-language pathologist.
(5) An applicant who graduated from a college or university not accredited by the ASHA Council on Academic Accreditation shall submit an original signed letter from ASHA stating the Council for Clinical Certification accepted the course work and clinical experience. The applicant shall bear all expenses incurred during the procedure.
(c) Clinical Work. An applicant shall complete at least twenty-five (25) clock hours of supervised observation before completing the minimum of the following hours of supervised clinical direct client contact, which may be referred to as clinical practicum, with individuals who present a variety of communication disorders within an educational institution or in one of its cooperating programs:
(1) 275 clock hours if the master's degree was earned prior to November 10, 1993; or
(2) 350 clock hours if the master's degree was earned between November 10, 1993 and December 31, 2004; or
(3) 400 clock hours if the master's degree was earned on or after January 1, 2005.
(d) In the event the course work and clinical experience set out in subsections (b) - (c), were earned more than ten (10) years before the date of application for the intern license, the applicant shall submit proof of current knowledge of the practice of speech-language pathology.
(e) An applicant who successfully completed all education and clinical requirements under this section, but who has not had the degree officially conferred may be licensed as an intern in order to begin the supervised professional experience but shall submit verification from the program director or designee verifying the applicant has met all academic course work, clinical experience requirements, and completed a thesis or passed a comprehensive examination, if required, and is awaiting the date of next graduation for the degree to be conferred.
(f) An applicant whose master’s degree is received at a college or university accredited by the ASHA Council on Academic Accreditation will receive automatic approval of the course work and clinical experience if the program director or designee verifies that all requirements have been met and review of the transcript shows that the applicant has successfully completed at least twenty-four (24) semester credit hours acceptable toward a graduate degree in the area of speech-language pathology.
(g) Intern Plan and Agreement of Supervision. A Speech-Language Pathology Intern Plan and Agreement of Supervision Form shall be submitted in a manner prescribed by the department and completed by both the applicant and the licensed speech-language pathologist who agrees to assume responsibility for all services provided by the intern in speech-language pathology. The proposed department-approved supervisor must meet the requirements set out in the Act and §111.154.
(1) Approval from the department shall be required prior to practice by the intern in speech-language pathology. The Speech-Language Pathology Intern Plan and Agreement of Supervision Form shall be submitted upon:
(A) application for a license;
(B) license renewal;
(C) changes in supervision; and
(D) the addition of other proposed department-approved supervisors.
(2) In the event more than one licensed speech-language pathologist agrees to supervise the intern in speech-language pathology, each proposed department-approved supervisor must submit a signed Speech-Language Pathology Intern Plan and Agreement of Supervision Form which shall also identify all proposed department-approved supervisors.
(3) In the event the department-approved supervisor ceases supervision of the intern in speech-language pathology, the intern shall stop practicing immediately. The department shall hold the department-approved supervisor responsible for the practice of the intern in speech-language pathology until the department-approved supervisor notifies the department, in writing, of the change in supervision.
(4) Should the intern in speech-language pathology practice without approval from the department, disciplinary action may be initiated against the intern in speech-language pathology. If the department-approved supervisor had knowledge of this violation, disciplinary action against the department-approved supervisor may also be initiated.
(h) Internship Requirements. The internship shall:
(1) begin within four years after the academic and clinical experience requirements as required by subsections (b) and (c) have been met;
(2) be completed within a maximum period of forty-right (48) months once initiated;
(3) be successfully completed after no more than two attempts;
(4) consist of thirty-six (36) weeks of full-time supervised professional experience (thirty-five (35) hours per week) totaling a minimum of 1,260 hours, or its part-time equivalent, of supervised professional experience in which clinical work has been accomplished in speech-language pathology. Professional experience of less than five hours per week cannot be used to meet the supervised professional experience.
(5) involve primarily clinical activities such as assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, screening, treatment, report writing, family/client consultation, and/or counseling related to the management process of individuals who exhibit communication disabilities;
(6) be divided into three segments with no fewer than thirty-six (36) clock hours of supervisory activities to include:
(A) six hours of in person observations per segment by the department-approved supervisor(s) of the intern's direct client contact at the worksite in which the intern provides screening, evaluation, assessment, habilitation, and rehabilitation; and
(B) six hours of other monitoring activities per segment with the department-approved supervisor(s) which may include correspondence, review of videotapes, evaluation of written reports, phone conferences with the intern, evaluations by professional colleagues; or
(C) an alternative plan as approved by the department.
(i) Extension Request. An applicant who does not meet the time frames defined in subsection (h)(1) and (2), shall request an extension, in writing, explaining the reason for the request. The request must be signed by both the intern and the department-approved supervisor in a manner prescribed by the department. Evaluation of the intern's progress of performance from all department-approved supervisors must accompany the request. Intern plans and supervisory evaluations for any completed segments must be submitted in a manner prescribed by the department. The department shall determine if the internship:
(1) should be revised or extended; and
(2) whether additional course work, continuing professional education hours, or passing the examination referenced in §111.21 is required.
(j) An intern, who is employed full-time as defined by subsection (h)(4), and wishes to practice at an additional site, shall notify the department in a manner prescribed by the department.
(k) Evaluations. During each segment of the internship, each department-approved supervisor shall conduct a formal evaluation of the intern's progress in the development of professional skills. Documentation of this evaluation shall be maintained by both parties for three years or until the speech-language pathology license is granted. A copy of this documentation shall be submitted to the department upon request.
(l) Changes. Prior to implementing changes in the internship, approval from the department is required.
(1) If the intern changes his or her department-approved supervisor or adds additional department-approved supervisors, a current Intern Plan and Agreement of Supervision Form shall be submitted by the new proposed department-approved supervisor and approved by the department before the intern may resume practice. The Report of Completed Internship Form or information shall be completed by the past department-approved supervisor and intern and submitted to the department upon completion of that portion of the internship. It is the decision of the department-approved supervisor to determine whether the internship is acceptable. The department shall review the form and inform the intern of the results.
(2) Each department-approved supervisor who ceases supervising an intern shall submit a Report of Completed Internship Form for the portion of the internship completed under the department-approved supervisor's supervision. This must be submitted within thirty (30) days of the date the supervision ended.
(3) If the intern changes his or her employer but the department-approved supervisor and the number of hours employed per week remain the same, the department-approved supervisor shall notify the department in a manner prescribed by the department of the new location. This must be submitted within thirty (30) days of the date the change occurred.
(m) In any professional context the licensee must indicate the licensee’s status as a speech-language pathology intern.
(n) If the intern wishes to continue to practice after the completion of the supervised professional experience as defined in subsection (h), the intern shall apply for either:
(1) a speech-language pathology license under Subchapter D, if the intern passed the examination referenced in §111.21; or
(2) a temporary certificate of registration under Subchapter G if the intern has not passed the examination referenced in §111.21.
(o) If the intern holds a valid license, the intern may continue to practice under supervision for up to thirty (30) days after the department receives the Report of Completed Internship Form.
(p) A licensed intern shall not use "SLP-CFY" or "SLP-CF" as indicators for their credentials. Licensees shall use "Intern SLP" or "SLP Intern" to shorten their professional title.
(q) Notwithstanding the supervision provisions in this section, the department may establish procedures, processes, and mechanisms for the monitoring and reporting of the supervision requirements.
§111.45. Intern in Speech-Language Pathology License--Application and Eligibility Requirements.
(a) Unless otherwise indicated, an applicant must submit all required information and documentation of credentials on department-approved forms.
(b) An applicant for an intern in speech-language pathology license must submit the following required documentation:
(1) a completed application on a department-approved form;
(2) an original or certified copy of the transcript(s) showing the conferred degree of all relevant course work which also verifies that the applicant possesses a minimum of a master’s degree with a major in one of the areas of communicative sciences or disorders;
(3) if the applicant graduated from a college or university with a program not accredited by the ASHA Council on Academic Accreditation, an original signed letter from ASHA stating the Council for Clinical Certification accepted the course work and clinical experience;
(4) if the graduate degree has not been officially conferred, an original or certified copy of transcript(s) and verification from the university attended verifying the applicant successfully completed all requirements for the graduate degree, and is only awaiting the date of next graduation for the degree to be conferred;
(5) a Course Work and Clinical Experience Form completed by the university program director or designee of the college or university attended which verifies the applicant has met the requirements established in §111.40(b) - (c);
(6) an Intern Plan and Agreement of Supervision Form completed by the proposed department-approved supervisor and signed by both the applicant and the proposed department-approved supervisor;
(7) proof of successfully completing the Texas Jurisprudence Examination
TDLR Transition Update
November 10, 2015
Re: TDLR Transition
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is in the process of transitioning the administration of our licenses from DSHS. They have set a target date of March 1, 2016; however, this may not occur on this date. They are in the process of acquiring software that can manage the data and then they will need to transfer all of the data. DSHS is not allowing TDLR to use their existing software so TDLR is in the process of determining if they can integrate this data into their current system or if they will need to use other software.
Before anything can begin they must obtain funds from DSHS. Without these funds they cannot purchase the needed computers, software, or hire the needed employees. TDLR was scheduled to meet with DSHS in late October to complete this transfer.
TDLR is also reformatting the rules into their format so that the rules for all the licenses they administer will be found in the same section for each. This simplifies the process of managing them. They have told us that they will not make any substantive changes during this process.
These new rules will then be published in the Texas Register and will need to be approved by the TDLR commission. As part of this process they will indicate the required documentation that we will need to post in our offices and on our hearing aid purchase agreements. The new rules will be presented to the Speech Pathology and Audiology Advisory board at their first meeting on November 17, 2016.
For now, all documents must remain as they are. DSHS will continue administering all aspects of our licenses until the official transfer date occurs.

Matt Lyon
Governmental Liaison
Texas Academy of Audiology
Texas Medicaid Re-Enrollment Update
Nov. 4, 2015
Texas Medicaid must comply with federal regulations requiring all providers to re-enroll in the Medicaid program every three to five years. All Medicaid providers enrolled before January 1, 2013 must be fully re-enrolled by March 24, 2016. To be considered fully re-enrolled, providers must submit a completed re-enrollment application and receive notification from TMHP that their application has been approved. Providers must submit a separate re-enrollment application for each active Texas Medicaid Identifier (TPI) Suffix.
This re-enrollment requirement applies to those providers who render services through Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs), dental maintenance organizations (DMOs), or through traditional fee-for-service Medicaid.
Re-enrollment application processing times will vary based on accuracy and complexity of the application. To allow sufficient time for application processing and to avoid a lapse in enrollment status, providers are encouraged to begin this process now.
Failure to re-enroll may result in termination from the Medicaid program. Terminated providers will not be eligible to receive payment for services rendered to fee-for-service recipients or those enrolled with a Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) or dental maintenance organization (DMO).
LEARN MORE
GET HELP
- Call the TMHP Contact Center at 1-800-925-9126, option 2 or the TMHP CSHCN Services Program Contact Center (1-800-568-2413)
- Attend a workshop
Proposed Rule Changes for the Requirements for an Assistant in Audiology
Oct. 15, 2015
Attention TAA Members:
Proposed rule changes for the Requirements for an Assistant in Audiology were published in the Texas Register on September 25, 2015, and are now open for public comment. The TAA Board of Directors (BOD) have evaluated the proposed rule changes and have formally expressed overall support of the proposed rule changes to the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The TAA BOD views the proposed rule changes as timely and appropriate in order to transition the concept of Assistants in Audiology to a reality. The topic of Audiology Assistants will be discussed in open forum at TAA 2015: A Space AuDyssey. Don't miss it!

In addition, the TAA BOD proposes that licensed Audiology Assistants in Texas be considered for TAA membership at an Associate level. Audiology Assistants will have access to continuing education through TAA's annual conference and be able to provide input to the BOD, similar to all TAA members. At this time, Audiology Assistants will not hold a position on the Board or have voting privileges. Proposed membership of Audiology Assistants requires majority approval from the TAA voting membership at the TAA 2015 annual conference business meeting. Information on this topic will be forthcoming on the TAA website and available at the Conference.
Commission of Licensing and Regulation Meeting Tomorrow, Wednesday September 9th
Sep. 8, 2015
The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation is scheduled to meet tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 8:00 am in the 1st Floor Public Meeting Room (125E) of TDLR's North Campus, located at 1106 Clayton Lane in Austin.
View the agenda on TDLR's web site.
The meeting will be broadcast live on TDLR's Meeting page.
March 2016 is the target date for the complete transfer of our licensing program from DSHS to TDLR.
But where are SLPs and Audiologists going?
TDLR licenses and regulates businesses, individuals, industries, facilities, equipment, and occupations to ensure that Texans are served by qualified, competent professionals. In a recent announcement TDLR states, "We strive to apply clear, consistent standards for all of our licensees, provide exceptional customer service, and keep fees and costs low."
As part of this transfer TDLR is accepting applications for the new Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Advisory Board until September 11, 2015. The Advisory Board will provide guidance to the agency’s officials on industry best practices and will recommend scope of practice rules for adoption by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation. Advisory Board members will be appointed by the Commission chair with approval of the Commission.
For more information about the new Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists program, be sure to check out the TDLR website New Programs page. You can also sign up for email notices.
Ways to learn more:
Web: www.tdlr.texas.gov
Facebook: facebook.com/tdlrlicense
Twitter: twitter.com/tdlrlicense
Commission Meeting Agenda for September 9
Sep. 4, 2015
The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation is scheduled to meet Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 8:00 am in the 1st Floor Public Meeting Room (125E) of TDLR's North Campus, located at 1106 Clayton Lane in Austin.
View the agenda on TDLR's web site.
The meeting will be broadcast live on TDLR's Meeting page.
Update Re:Transfer from DSHS to TDLR
Sep. 4, 2015
March 2016 is the target date for the complete transfer of our licensing program from DSHS to TDLR.
But where are SLPs and Audiologists going?
TDLR licenses and regulates businesses, individuals, industries, facilities, equipment, and occupations to ensure that Texans are served by qualified, competent professionals. In a recent announcement TDLR states, "We strive to apply clear, consistent standards for all of our licensees, provide exceptional customer service, and keep fees and costs low."
As part of this transfer TDLR is accepting applications for the new Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Advisory Board until September 11, 2015. The Advisory Board will provide guidance to the agency’s officials on industry best practices and will recommend scope of practice rules for adoption by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation. Advisory Board members will be appointed by the Commission chair with approval of the Commission.
For more information about the new Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists program, be sure to check out the TDLR website New Programs page. You can also sign up for email notices.
Ways to learn more:
Web: www.tdlr.texas.gov
Facebook: facebook.com/tdlrlicense
Twitter: twitter.com/tdlrlicense
Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Added to TDLR
Jul. 31, 2015
Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
TDLR announces vacancies on the Speech Language Pathologist and Audiologists Advisory Board established by Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 401. The announcement was published in the July 31, 2015 issue of the Texas Register. If you are interested in serving on the board, please apply online.
Sign up to receive Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists email updates
Watch TAA's Presentation to the Sunset Commission
Jun. 25, 2014
Watch the presentation made at the Capitol today (June 25, 2014) by TAA's Government Liaison Matt Lyon to the Sunset Commission regarding moving SLP-A Board to the TDLR. Go the Professional Issues page for a link to the video -- click on the TAA seal.
Sunset Committee Staff Report -- Update 6-2014
Jun. 18, 2014
In the Sunset Committee Staff Report, the Committee has made a recommendation that the SLP/ Audiology licensing program be moved from regulatory oversight by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), proposed to begin in September 2017
Other programs recommended to be moved include Fitters and Dispensers of Hearing Instruments, as well as Athletic trainers, Orthotists and Prosthetists, Chemical Dependency Counselors, Laser Hair Removal, Midwives, Sanitarians, and Social Workers.
TDLR would assume authority for registering, certifying, licensing, and taking enforcement action against practitioners, including rule-making authority with an "advisory committee" to provide recommendations to TDLR.
The TAA Board of Directors (BOD) is currently reviewing the report and preparing comments to present at the June 24-25 Public Meeting in Austin regarding these changes. At this time, the TAA BOD has identified several concerns about the recommendation made by the Sunset Committee Staff that could potentially impact our profession. It is in the opinion of the TAA BOD, that, such concerns be fairly evaluated and discussed openly with those legislators overseeing this issue.
We encourage you to read the report at:
https://www.sunset.texas.gov/reviews-and-reports/agencies/department-state-health-services-dshs
and/or send in your comments/questions to TAA at:
professionalissues@texasaudiology.org
and view next week's hearings proceedings on Tuesday and Wednesday (June 24-25) live at:
http://www.senate.state.tx.us/bin/live.php
TAKE A STAND WITH TAA FOR THE FUTURE OF AUDIOLOGY!!!
TEXAS AUDIOLOGISTS - LET US KNOW what YOU think about this move!
Jun. 11, 2014
In the recently released May 2014 Sunset Committee Staff Report, the Committee has made a recommendation that the SLP/ Audiology licensing program be one of 12 programs moved from regulatory oversight by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), proposed to begin in September 2017.
Other programs recommended to be moved in a two-phase process starting next year include Fitters and Dispensers of Hearing Instruments, as well as Athletic trainers, Orthotists and Prosthetists, Chemical Dependency Counselors, Laser Hair Removal, Midwives, Sanitarians, and Social Workers.
TDLR would assume authority for registering, certifying, licensing, and taking enforcement action against practitioners, including rule-making authority with an "advisory committee" to provide recommendations to TDLR.
The TAA Board of Directors is currently reviewing the report and preparing comments to present at the June 24-25 Public Meeting in Austin regarding these changes.
TAA members! We encourage you to read the report (link below) and send in your comments, and/or attend the hearing to speak out with your views on this major change proposed for our licensure.
https://www.sunset.texas.gov/reviews-and-reports/agencies/department-state-health-services-dshs
Any feedback you would like to share with the Board, we are happy to hear from you for us to have more information to take to the meetings later this month:
TEXAS AUDIOLOGISTS - LET US KNOW what YOU think about this move!
Email us you thoughts: professionalissues@texasaudiology.org