Current Regulatory Updates as of August 25, 2023
The following is a list of the Board’s regulatory packages, and their status in the rulemaking process:
Discussion and Possible Action to Amend Regulations Regarding SLPA Program and Academic Requirements as stated in Title 16, CCR sections 1399.170.4, 1399.170.10, and 1399.170.11
The Board approved the regulatory language on August 12, 2022. This regulatory proposal was submitted to the Office of Administrative (OAL) for review on June 8, 2023. It was approved by the OAL on July 18, 2023, and filed with the Secretary of State. These regulations will become effective on October 1, 2023.
This proposed change will specify qualifications for SLPA training program directors, increase the number of the required field work experience from seventy (70) hours to one hundred (100) hours, and modify the full-time work experience for out-of-state SLPA applicants.
Discussion and Possible Action to Amend Regulations Regarding Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (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 is in the Finalizing Regulatory Package phase and requires review and approval by the Board. On August 25, 2023, the Board responded to public comments and directed Board Staff to complete the rulemaking process.
Discussion and Possible Action to Amend Regulations Regarding Continuing Education Requirements for Hearing Aid Dispensers as stated in Title 16, California Code of Regulations (CCR) sections 1399.140, 1399.140.1 and 1399.144
The Board approved revisions to regulatory language on April 27, 2023. The required regulatory documents completed the Initial Departmental Review process on July 13, 2023, and was noticed on July 28, 2023, for public comment. The 45-day public comment period will end on September 12, 2023.
The proposed regulatory changes will increase the number of hours that can be obtained in indirect client care or related courses, permit other opportunities to fulfil continuing education (CE) requirements, and clarify current regulations by making CE requirements consistent with the Board’s CE audit process and existing professional learning requirements this Board has for licensees in the practices of speech-language pathology and audiology under Article 11 of Division 13.4.
Discussion and Possible Action to Amend Regulations Regarding Continuing Professional Development Requirements for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists as stated in Title 16, CCR sections 1399.160 through 1399.160.4
The Board approved revisions to regulatory language on April 27, 2023. Board staff submitted the required regulatory documents for DCA departmental review on July 7, 2023, and it is currently with Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency as of July 25, 2023.
The proposed regulatory changes will clarify definitions to reflect advancements made to continuing professional development (CPD) courses delivered online, increase the number of self-study hours allowed to half of the total required CPD hours, and clarify current regulations by making CPD requirements consistent with the Board’s CPD audit process and professional learning requirements for similar license types and course content.
Discussion and Possible Action to Amend Regulations Regarding Advertising for Hearing Aid Dispensing as stated in Title 16, CCR section 1399.127
The Board approved revisions to regulatory language on April 27, 2023. Board staff submitted the required regulatory documents for DCA departmental review on August 15, 2023, and it is currently with the DCA Legal.
The proposed regulatory changes 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.
Discussion and Possible Action to Amend and Adopt Regulations Regarding Fingerprinting Requirements as stated in Title 16, CCR sections 1399.112, 1399.151.2, and 1399.170.14
The Board approved revisions to regulatory language on May 13, 2022. Board staff submitted the required regulatory documents for DCA pre-review on August 31, 2022, and are working with DCA Budgets Office to develop the Economic and Fiscal Impact Statement.
This proposed 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.
Discussion and Possible Action to Amend and Adopt Regulations Regarding Examination Requirements for Hearing Aid Dispensers and Dispensing Audiologists as stated in Title 16, CCR sections 1399.120, 1399.121, 1399.122, and 1399.152.4
The Board approved revisions to regulatory language on May 13, 2022. Board staff are working on preparing the required regulatory documents for DCA pre-review and working with DCA Budgets Office to develop the Economic and Fiscal Impact Statement.
This proposed change will update the practical examination process, describe the written examination process, update the practical examination appeal process, and specify the required hearing aid examination for dispensing audiologists to only the written examination.
Discussion and Possible Action to Amend Regulations Regarding Approved Institutions as stated in Title 16, CCR section 1399.152
This regulatory proposal is in the Preparing Regulatory Package phase and requires review and approval by the Board. The Board approved revisions to the proposed regulatory text on August 25, 2023.
Discussion and Possible Action to Amend Regulations Regarding Hearing Aid Dispensers Temporary License Supervision as stated in Title 16, CCR sections 1399.102 and 1399.115 through 1399.119
This regulatory proposal is in the Preparing Regulatory Package phase and requires review and approval by the Board. The Board approved revisions to the proposed regulatory text on August 25, 2023.
