Current Regulatory Updates as of September 6, 2024

The following is a list of the Board’s regulatory packages, and their status in the rulemaking process:

SLPA Supervision Requirements as stated in Title 16, CCR sections 1399.170, 1399.170.2, and 1399.170.15 through 1399.170.18

This regulatory proposal was approved and filed with the Secretary of State by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) on March 19, 2024. These regulations became effective on July 1, 2024. For more information, visit, https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/board_activity/lawsregs/slpa_supervision_requirements.shtml.

This regulatory change permits tele–supervision as "direct" supervision of a speech–language pathology assistant (SLPA), requires a higher level of supervision during the first 90 days of work following a SLPA's initial licensure, requires both a minimum level of experience and professional development training in supervision before supervising a SLPA, permits the supervision of three (3) full–time equivalent support personnel not to exceed six (6) support personnel at any time, incorporates by reference a revised supervision form, and revises the notice of termination form.

Continuing Education Requirements for Hearing Aid Dispensers as stated in Title 16, CCR sections 1399.140, 1399.140.1, and 1399.144

This regulatory proposal was approved and filed with the Secretary of State by the OAL on August 14, 2024. These regulations will become effective on October 1, 2024. For more information, visit, https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/board_activity/lawsregs/ce_requirements.shtml.

This proposed regulatory change will increase the number of continuing education (CE) hours Hearing Aid Dispensers (HAD) may earn in related or indirect client care courses, permit other opportunities to fulfil the CE requirements, and align these regulations with the continuing professional development regulatory requirements the Board has for licensees in the practices of speech–language pathology and audiology under Article 11 of Division 13.4 of Title 16 of the CCR.

Continuing Professional Development Requirements for Speech–Language Pathologists and Audiologists as stated in Title 16, CCR sections 1399.160 through 1399.160.4

This regulatory proposal was initially noticed to the public on October 6, 2023. The Board approved final responses to public comment on July 18, 2024 and it was submitted to OAL for Review on July 26, 2024. Board staff expects a response from OAL by September 10, 2024, and if approved will become effective January 1, 2025.

This proposed regulatory change will clarify definitions to reflect advancements made to speech–language pathology and audiology (SLP–AU) continuing professional development (CPD) courses delivered online, increase the number of self–study hours to half of the total required hours, remove limitations to the number of hours that can be obtained from courses that are related to the practice of SLP–AU, increase the number of hours that can be obtained from indirect patient/client care courses to twenty–five (25) percent, permit other opportunities to fulfill CPD requirements, and clarify current regulations by making CPD requirements consistent with the Board's CPD audit process and the professional learning requirements for similar license types and course content.

Advertising for Hearing Aid Dispensing as stated in Title 16, CCR section 1399.127

This regulatory proposal was initially noticed to the public on November 17, 2023. It was submitted to OAL for review on August 28, 2024. Board staff expects a response from OAL by October 10, 2024, and if approved it will become effective January 1, 2025.

This proposed regulatory change will clarify that anyone licensed to dispense hearing aids can advertise the fitting and selling of hearing aids in accordance with Business and Professions Code section 651 and CCR section 1399.127, information required in advertisements, prohibited advertisements, and national advertisements disseminated in California.

Processing Times as Stated in Title 16, CCR Sections 1399.113, 1399.141, 1399.151.1, 1399.153.2, 1399.160.6, 1399.170.4, and 1399.170.13

This regulatory proposal is in the Preparing Regulatory Package phase. On September 6, 2024, the Board approved revisions to the proposed regulatory text.

This proposed regulatory change will remove processing times and references to processing times in multiple regulation sections.

Approved Institutions as stated in Title 16, CCR section 1399.152

The Board approved revisions to the proposed regulatory text on August 25, 2023. As of August 9, 2024, Board staff is preparing the regulatory package for Departmental Review.

This proposed regulatory change will permit the Board to review and approve accrediting bodies who wish to provide accreditation to programs where individuals can complete their academic and clinical requirements for licensure in the practices of speech–language pathology or audiology.

Hearing Aid Dispensers Trainee and Temporary Licensee Supervision as stated in Title 16, CCR sections 1399.102 and 1399.115 through 1399.119

The Board approved revisions to the proposed regulatory text on August 25, 2023. As of March 20, 2024, Board staff is preparing the regulatory package for Departmental Review.

This proposed regulatory change will clarify that supervision is required for the entire duration of the trainee or temporary license, specify different levels of supervision, require a higher level of supervision during the first ninety (90) days of supervision, specify tasks and knowledge supervisors must provide to trainees, require supervisors to complete a training in supervision, specify criteria to request a waiver to supervise more than one trainee or temporary license holder, make requirements applicable to all temporary license types who require supervision, and make requirements applicable to all license types who can supervise.

Fingerprinting Requirements as stated in Title 16, CCR sections 1399.112, 1399.151.2, and 1399.170.14

The Board approved revisions to the proposed regulatory text on May 13, 2022. As of September 28, 2022, Board staff is preparing the regulatory package for Departmental Review.

This proposed regulatory change will require licensees who were initially licensed prior to January 1, 1999, or for whom an electronic fingerprints record does not exist, to be fingerprinted as a condition of renewal.

Audiology Licensing Requirements Related to Supervised Clinical Experience as stated in Title 16, CCR section 1399.152.2

The Board approved revisions to the proposed regulatory text on December 1, 2023. As of May 29, 2024, Board staff is preparing the regulatory package for Departmental Review.

This proposed regulatory change will codify the number of clock hours of supervised clinical practice required for audiology licensure applicants who have completed an audiology doctoral program.

General Application Requirements and Hearing Aid Dispensers and Dispensing Audiologists Examination Requirements as Stated in Title 16, California Code of Regulations (CCR) Sections 1399.112, 1399.120, 1399.121, 1399.122, and 1399.152.4

The Board approved revisions to the proposed regulatory text on December 1, 2023. As of April 19, 2024, Board staff is preparing the regulatory package for Departmental Review.

This proposed regulatory change will codify general application requirements such as the expedited licensure process, make current the written and practical examinations process, codify the written and practical examination application forms and their examination fees, change the practical examination appeal deadline, specify a deadline for the Board to notify an applicant of its decision on their practical examination appeal, and change the hearing aid dispenser examination requirement for applicants of a dispensing audiology license.