RULES
UNOFFICIAL PROPOSED RULES
PASSED THE HOUSE MAY 5, 1998
PASSED THE SENATE MAY6, 1998
RULES ADOPTED BY BOARD ON APRIL 3, 1998
TITLE 690 - RULES OF THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS
FOR SPEECH PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY
Chapter
1. Administrative Operations .690:1-1-1
5. Rules of Practice .690:5-1-1
10. Licensure and Fees 690:10-1-1
15. Professional Code of Ethics 690:15-1-1
CHAPTER 1. ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS
Subchapter
1. General Provisions ..690:1-1-1
3. Board Organization and Proceedings ..690:1-3-1
[Authority: 59 O.S., Sections 1610, 1613, 1619 and 1620; 75 O.S., Sections 302, 305
and 307]
[Source: Codified 12-31-91]
SUBCHAPTER 1.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section
690:1-1-1. Purpose
690:1-1-2. [Reserved]
690:1-1-3. [Reserved]
690:1-1-4. [Reserved]
690:1-1-5. Application of the Act and rules of the Board
690:1-1-6. Effect of repeal, amendment or invalidity.
690:1-1- 1. Purpose
This Chapter and Chapter 5 of this Title have been adopted for the purpose of complying with the provision of the Administrative Procedures Act of the State of Oklahoma. The Board has adopted these rules and procedures to regulate persons offering speech-language pathology and audiology services to the public in order to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare.
690: 1-1-2. [Reserved]
690: 1-1-3. [Reserved]
690: 1-1-4. [Reserved]
690:1-1-5. Application of the Act and rules of the Board
The provisions of the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act (59 O.S. 1601. et. seq., as amended) and the rules of this Title apply:
(1) to all individuals representing themselves as speech-language pathologists or audiologists or using related titles defined in paragraphs 5 and 9 of Section 1603 of the Act or who provide speech-language pathology or audiology services to the public for a fee and who are not specifically exempted under Section 1604 of the Act; the provisions of the Act do
apply, however, to employees of the federal, state, county or municipal government or political subdivision thereof (excluded under Paragraph 2 of Section 1604 of the Act, when they engage in the private practice of speech-language pathology or audiology;
(2) to all individuals representing themselves as speech pathology or audiology interns who are in the process of fulfilling the supervised clinical experience required by Paragraph 4 of Section 1605 of the Act, and
(3) to all individuals representing themselves as speech pathology or audiology assistants employed by and working under the direct supervision of a licensed
independent practitionerspeech-language pathologist or audiologist as specified in Subsection C of Section 1605 of the Act.
690:1-1-6. Effect of repeal, amendment or invalidity
The rules of this Title are severable and the repeal, amendment, or invalidity of any rule
shall not serve to repeal or invalidate the remaining rules.
SUBCHAPTER 3.
BOARD ORGANIZATION AND PROCEEDINGS
Section
690:1-3-l. Board meetings
690:1-3-2. Office of the Board
690:1-3-3. Forms
690:1-3-4. Monies and expenditures
690:1-3-5. Travel expenses
690:1-3-6. Formal and informal procedures
690:1-3-7. Complaints of violations of the Act
690:1-3-8. Requests to the Board
690:1-3-9. Distribution of regulations and procedures
690:1-3-10. Secretary of the Board
690:1-3-11. Executive Secretary and staff
690:1-3-1. Board meetings
The Board shall hold an annual meeting and at least three interim meetings and may hold special meetings called by the Chairperson or by a majority of its members. The Chairperson shall designate the date, place, and time prior to each meeting of the Board. Notice of time and place of all meetings shall be given to Board members by the Secretary at least fourteen (14) days before the meeting is to be held. However, in case of emergency requiring the Board to meet before such notice can be given, oral or telephone notification may be given no later than three (3) days before the meeting. The Board, at its meeting, shall follow the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order - Newly Revised, in matters not covered by the Rules of the State Board or by the Administrative Procedures Act.
690:1-3-2. Office of the Board
The official office of the Board shall be located at the State Capitol City in Oklahoma County. All records of the Board shall be kept secure. Information may be obtained by making written request to said office, the address of which shall be listed in the annual directory. All submissions to the Board or requests of the Board shall be made in writing to said office. All communications with the Board must be in written form as a matter of record before official consideration will be given to issues, requests, or submissions brought before the Board.
690:1-3-3. Forms
The Board shall have such forms as are required for conduct of Board business. Such forms shall include but are not limited to application for authorization to practice as an independent practitioner, an intern, or an assistant.
690:1-3-4. Monies and expenditures
The monies received by the Board shall be kept in the "Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Fund". Expenditures from said fund shall be subject to the approval of the Board.
690:1-3-5. Travel expenses
Each Board member shall receive actual necessary travel and subsistence expenses incidental to Board meetings and the conduct of official Board business.
690:1-3-6. Formal and informal procedures
The Board shall have available, as appropriate, formal and informal procedures for use in conducting the business of the Board. Such procedures may involve but are not limited to hearings for individuals, questions of legal policy, inquiries concerning Board policies or decisions, or other Board business. Informal procedures shall be preferred unless either the Board or the requesting party requests a formal procedure. An informal meeting may be held without legal representation for the Board or the other party or parties at the meeting.
690:1-3-7. Complaints of violations of the Act
(a) Filing of complaint. Charges against individuals alleged to be practicing speech-language pathology or audiology unlawfully shall be in writing, shall be sworn to by the accuser, shall set forth in simple language the ground or grounds constituting the charges, and shall be filed with the Executive Secretary of the Board at the official office of the Board.
(b) Investigation of complaint. The Board shall undertake the investigation of complaints of violations of the law. The choice of investigative mode shall depend upon the circumstances of the case and the discretion of the Board.
690:1-3-8. Requests to the Board
All requests for hearings, declaratory rulings, or for the adoption, amendment, or repeal of the rules or regulations of this Title shall be in the form of a petition.
(1) The petition shall be captioned as follows:
BEFORE THE OKLAHOMA BOARD OF EXAMINERS
FOR SPEECH PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY
P.O. Box 53592, State Capitol Station
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
In RE (Nature of
Proceeding, e.g. ) No.__________
Request for Amendment ) (to be completed
of the rule ) by staff if no
regarding________ ) number is assigned
) or known)
(2) The petition shall state the nature of the request and shall be signed by the party making the request or his agent or attorney.
690:l-3-9. Distribution of regulations and procedures
The Board shall distribute to each licensee all regulations
and procedures established by the Board. Such distribution shall
occur not less than annually bi-annually
and may be accomplished by inclusion of said rules in the Annual
Directory. The Annual Directory shall contain, in addition to
those items required by the law (59, O.S., Section 1617, as
amended), a verbatim copy of the licensing act as well as all
rules established by the Board.
690:1-3-10. Secretary of the Board
The Secretary of the Board, as described in the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act (59 O.S. 1601, et. seq., as amended) shall be elected by the Board from among the members of the Board. The Secretary shall also serve as Treasurer.
690:1-3-11. Executive Secretary and staff
The Board may retain an Executive Secretary and other office staff as required to carry out its functions. Such individual(s) shall serve at the discretion of the Board and their continued service shall be subject to its annual review.
TITLE 690 - RULES OF THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS
FOR SPEECH PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY
CHAPTER 5. RULES OF PRACTICE
Subchapter
1. Application of Rules 690:5-l-l
3. Proceedings Upon Denial of License 690:5-3-l
5. Proceedings for Suspension, Revocation or Reprimand 690:5-5-l
7. Procedures in Individual Proceedings 690:5-7-l
9. Proceedings for Adoption, Amendment and Repeal of Rules 690:5-9-l
11. Administrative Review by the Board 690:5-11-l
13. Requests for Declaratory Rulings 690:5-13-l
[Authority: 59 O.S., Section 1613, as amended; 75 O.S., Section 302, as amended]
[Source: Codified 12-31-91]
SUBCHAPTER 1.
APPLICATION OF RULES
Section
690:5-1-1. Purpose
690:5-1-2. [Reserved]
690:5-1-3. Rules to govern formal proceedings
690:5-1-4. Informal proceedings
690:5-1-5. Citation of rules
690:5-1-1. Purpose
This Chapter is adopted for the purpose of simplifying procedure, avoiding unnecessary delays, saving expenses, and facilitating the administration of the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Board. To that end, the Sections of this Chapter shall be given fair and impartial consideration and shall be cumulative to the Administrative Procedures Act of the State of Oklahoma.
690:5-1-2. [Reserved]
690:5-1-3. Rules to govern formal proceedings
The rules of this Chapter shall govern all formal proceedings of the Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology.
690:5-1-4. Informal proceedings
Informal proceedings may be held at the discretion of the Board upon written notice to the party whose matter is at issue.
690:5-1-5. Citation of rules
The Sections of this Chapter shall be known as the
Rules of Practice of the Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech
Pathology and Audiology and may be cited as OAC 690:5-(Subchapter
No.)-(Section No.).
SUBCHAPTER 3.
PROCEEDINGS UPON DENIAL OF
LICENSE
Section
690:5-3-l. Request for hearing
690:5-3-2. Submission of hearing request
690:5-3-3. Scheduling of hearing
690:5-3-4. Notice of hearing
690:5-3-5. Rights of aggrieved party at hearing
690:5-3-6. Order of Board affirming its decision
690:5-3-7. Action to annul or vacate Board's order
690:5-3-1. Request for hearing
Any person who feels aggrieved by reason of the Board's denial or rejection of his/her application for a license may request a hearing before the Board to reconsider the Board's decision.
690:5-3-2. Submission of hearing request
The request for hearing, including grounds for the hearing, shall be made and submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Board within thirty (30) days after receipt of notice of the Board's denial or rejection. Acceptance of a request for review submitted after such thirty (30) day period rests with the discretion of the Board.
690:5-3-3. Scheduling of hearing
Upon receipt of a request for hearing the Secretary shall schedule a hearing of the Board to be conducted within thirty (30) days from the receipt of the request or as soon as conveniently possible thereafter, at which time the Board shall review its previous decision denying or rejecting the aggrieved person's application for license.
690:5-3-4. Notice of hearing
Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given the aggrieved person at least twenty (20) days before the hearing is to be conducted.
690:5-3-5. Rights of aggrieved party at hearing
At the hearing, the aggrieved party shall have the right to be represented by counsel at his own expense and shall have the right to present evidence and argument in his own behalf. A record of the hearing shall be taken and preserved. Such record shall be made available to the aggrieved party upon written request and at his own expense.
690:5-3-6. Order of Board affirming its decision
If, upon hearing, the Board finds the initial decision regarding the aggrieved person's application for license was correct and valid, the Board shall issue an order affirming its decision denying or rejecting said application. The order shall be in writing and contain findings of fact and conclusions of law separately stated. A copy of the order shall be sent to the aggrieved person.
690:5-3-7. Action to annul or vacate Board's order
If the Board does not reverse its initial decision, the aggrieved party shall have the right to file suit in the District Court of Oklahoma County or in the district court of the county of his residence to annul or vacate the action or order of the Board. Such suit shall be initiated by filing a petition in the district court within thirty (30) days after the aggrieved party receives notice of the Board's decision after the hearing. Process shall be served upon the Secretary or Chairperson of the Board as in regular civil cases.
SUBCHAPTER 5.
INDIVIDUAL PROCEEDINGS FOR
SUSPENSION,
REVOCATION OR REPRIMAND
Section
690:5-5-1. Notice of proposed hearing
690:5-5-2. Continuance of hearing
690:5-5-3. Subpoena powers and administering of oaths
690:5-5-4. Rights of licensee at hearing
690:5-5-5. Presentation of evidence
690:5-5-6. Record of the hearing to be preserved
690:5-5-7. Transcription of oral proceedings
690:5-5-8. Order of Board for suspension, revocation or reprimand
690:5-5-9. Action to annul or vacate Board's order
690:5-5-10. Rules for hearings
690:5-5-1. Notice of proposed hearing
Whenever the Board chooses to exercise its statutory authority under Section 1619 of the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act (59 O.S. 1619, as amended) to conduct a hearing to determine whether suspension or revocation of a license would be ordered or a reprimand issued, the Secretary of the Board shall give at least twenty (20) days written notice of such hearing to the licensee against whom the proceeding is directed. The Notice of the Hearing shall be served on the licensee either personally or by certified or registered mail and shall include the following information:
(1) the time, place, and nature of the hearing;
(2) the legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is being conducted;
the ground or grounds constituting or forming the basis of the charge(s) against the licensee, including reference to the particular section(s) of the statute and/or rule involved.
690:5-5-2. Continuance of hearing
If, after due receipt of notice of hearing, the licensee shall be unable to appear for good cause shown, a continuance of the hearing may be granted by the Board. The time allowed shall be discretionary with the Board but shall not be less than two (2) weeks from the originally scheduled date of the hearing. Any further continuances and the time allowed shall be discretionary with the Board.
690:5-5-3. Subpoena powers and administering of oaths
The Board, through its Chairperson or Vice Chairperson, may
administer oaths and may compel the attendance of witnesses and
the production of physical evidence before it from witnesses upon
whom process is served anywhere within the state, as in civil
cases in the district court, by subpoena issued over the
signature of the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson and the seal of
the Board. Upon request of the licensee and statement under oath
that the testimony or evidence is reasonably necessary to his
defense, the Board shall use this subpoena power in behalf of the
licensee. Said subpoenas shall be served out of the
district courts in this state, and as a return in such case is
made.
690:5-5-4. Rights of licensee at hearing
The licensee shall at all times have the right to counsel provided that such counsel be duly licensed to practice law in the State of Oklahoma. Such counsel shall have the right to appear and represent the licensee at the hearing. Such counsel shall be provided at the expense of the licensee.
690:5-5-5. Presentation of evidence
The licensee shall be entitled to be heard at the hearing either in person or by counsel and may produce testimony or testify in his own behalf. The licensee shall be entitled to present evidence and argument on all issues involved in the hearing and may conduct cross-examination required for a full and true disclosure of the facts.
690:5-5-6. Record of the hearing to be preserved
An accurate and complete record of the hearing shall be taken and preserved by the Board which shall include all pleadings, complaints, notices, motions, and intermediate rulings; all evidence including documentary evidence received or considered by the Board; questions and offers of proof, objections and the ruling thereon; a record of all oral proceedings; and a copy of the final order of the Board.
690:5-5-7. Transcription of oral proceedings
Oral proceedings shall be preserved by qualified reporter or tape recorder. The record of the proceedings or any part thereof may be transcribed upon request of the licensee and at his own
expense. The licensee shall have the right to have the proceedings preserved by court reporter or other means of recordation of his own employ and at his own expense; however, this will not relieve the Board of its duty to preserve the record as required by law.
690:5-5-8. Order of Board for suspension,
revocation or reprimand imposition of
disciplinary action
If the licensee confesses guilt or, if upon hearing, the Board
finds the charges against the licensee to be true, the Board
shall issue an order suspending or revoking the license, or
reprimanding the licensee, and/or impose any other sanctions
provided for by the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act
as the case may be. The order shall be in writing and contain
complete findings of fact and conclusions of law separately
stated. A copy of the order shall be sent to the licensee.
690:5-5-9. Action to annul or vacate Board's order
If the licensee feels aggrieved by reason of the Board's order
suspending or revoking his license, or
reprimanding said licensee, or imposing any other sanctions
provided for by the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act,
the licensee shall have the right to file suit in the District
Court of Oklahoma County or in the district court of the county
of his residence, provided that such residence is within the
State of Oklahoma, to annul or vacate the action or order of
the Board. Such suit shall be initiated by filing a petition in
the district court within thirty (30) days after the licensee
receives notice of the Board’s final decision. Process shall
be served upon the Executive Secretary or Chairperson of
the Board as in regular civil cases.
690:5-5-10. Rules for hearings
The Board shall conduct all hearings in accordance with the provisions of the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act, 59 O.S. 1601, et. seq., as amended, and the Administrative Procedures Act of the State of Oklahoma.
SUBCHAPTER 7.
PROCEDURES IN INDIVIDUAL
PROCEEDINGS
Section
690:5-7-l. Filing of petition for relief against named person
690:5-7-2. Notice of filing of petition to person named
690:5-7-3. Service of notices and other papers
690:5-7-4. Service by mail or publication
690:5-7-5. Setting of hearing and hearing continuance
690:5-7-6. Subpoena powers
690:5-7-1 Filing of petition for relief against named person
In each individual proceeding, there shall be filed with the Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology a petition containing a reference to the statutes and/or rules involved, a brief statement of acts giving a right to relief, and a statement as to the type of relief requested. Each petition shall indicate the name and address of the person against whom relief is sought and shall be signed by the complainant.
690:5-7-2. Notice of filing of petition to person named
The Chairperson of the Board, or his designee, shall notify the person named in the petition of the filing of the petition, and the date, time, and place for the hearing. The notice shall comply with the requirements of the Administrative Procedures Act and may incorporate by reference material alleged in the petition if a copy of the petition is
attached to the notice.
690:5-7-3. Service of notices and other papers
All notices or other papers requiring service in an individual proceeding shall, unless otherwise provided by statute, be served in one of the following manners:
(1) personal service by a person appointed by the Board to make such service, in the manner authorized by laws of this State for the service of summons or other process in the State Courts; or
(2) by certified mail forwarded by the Board or its designee, at the exact location that the person can be served such notice.
(3) if the personal service or service by mail cannot be made after the exercise of all due diligence to learn the whereabouts or mailing address of any person to be served, then due notice may be given by publication in such newspapers as are determined by the Board to be appropriate.
690:5-7-4. Service by mail or publication
Service of notice shall be complete upon receipt of certified mail by the addressee or upon the first posting of publication of the notice.
690:5-7-5. Setting of hearing and hearing continuance
The time set for a hearing as specified in the notice shall ordinarily not be less than fifteen (15) days after service of notice. A motion for an extension of time or for a continuance of the hearing to another date or time shall be in writing and shall be filed with the Board or its designated hearing officer. Any such motion for an extension or continuance shall state the reason(s) for the request and specify the additional time requested. The Board or its designated hearing officer shall act promptly upon such motion and shall grant or deny such request in the exercise of sound discretion. If the motion is denied, a party may renew his request orally or at a hearing.
690:5-7-6. Subpoena powers
Subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses requiring information to be furnished to the hearing officer, and/or for the production of evidence shall be issued by the Board or its designee upon written request. Hearings pursuant to such a request, when granted, shall be limited to the issues upon which the reconsideration, reopening or rehearing was granted.
SUBCHAPTER 9.
PROCEEDINGS FOR ADOPTION,
AMENDMENT AND REPEAL OF RULES
Section
690:5-9-1. Authority to promulgate, amend or repeal rules
690:5-9-2. Petition for promulgation, amendment or repeal
690:5-9-3. Consideration of petition by the Board
690:5-9-4. Hearings on Board's own motion
690:5-9-5. Appearances at hearings on proposed rules
690:5-9-6. Submission of evidence and argument on proposed rules
690:5-9-1. Authority to promulgate, amend or repeal rules
The Board may promulgate, amend, or repeal a rule of its own initiative, and may promulgate, amend, or repeal a rule in compliance with the Oklahoma Statutes.
690:5-9-2. Petition for promulgation, amendment or repeal
Any interested person may petition the Board, requesting the promulgation, amendment, or repeal of a rule. All such petitions shall be in writing, and filed with the Secretary of the Board, at the principal office. The petition shall state, clearly and concisely, all matters pertaining to the requested action and the reasons for the requests. The requests must also state whether there is someone known to the petitioner who is concerned with the subject of the request and should be notified of the hearing.
690:5-9-3. Consideration of petition by the Board
Petitions concerning rules will be considered by the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting or at a special meeting. The Board may, at its discretion, postpone the discussion and ruling on the petition until the next regular or special meeting and shall notify all parties of such postponement. Upon hearing the petition, the Board will notify the petitioner within twenty (20) days whether the Board will consider rule-making action.
690:5-9-4. Hearings on Board's own motion
The Board may conduct hearings on proposed rules on its own motion.
690:5-9-5. Appearances at hearings on proposed rules
Any person who is interested or affected by a proposed action may appear at the hearing. An appearance may be made individually, by an attorney, or by an authorized agent.
690:5-9-6. Submission of evidence and argument on proposed rules
Prior to the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule the Board shall afford an interested person a reasonable opportunity to submit data, views, and arguments, either oral or written, concerning such proposed action. If the rule under consideration is one which affects the substantive right of any person, the Board upon written request shall grant any person or association a reasonable opportunity to submit data, views, and arguments, either oral or written, concerning such proposed action. Oral argument on such rule shall also be granted when requested by a subdivision or an agency of government. If no substantive rights of the person, association, or governmental entity are affected by or involved in the rule to be considered, the Board may, at its discretion, refuse to hear oral argument and require such matters to be submitted in writing. The Board, in the exercise of its sound discretion shall determine whether the proposed action affects any such substantive rights.
SUBCHAPTER 11.
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW BY
THE BOARD
Section
690:5-11-l. Procedure for administrative review by the Board
690:5-11-1. Procedure for administrative review by the Board
When administrative review by the Board of an Order of the Board is required or provided by statute as an administrative remedy, the following procedure shall apply:
(1) The person aggrieved by such order shall file a petition requesting review of the order within thirty (30) days of the date on which the order of the Board was issued. This is jurisdictional.
(2) The Secretary of the Board shall make available to the Board the record of proceeding, the findings of fact and conclusions of law, and the order entered in the proceeding.
(3) At the next regularly scheduled meeting, the Board, without further hearing on the matter, shall review the record of the proceedings.
(4) Upon review of the record, the Board may adopt, amend, or reject any conclusion or finding made, and may, at its discretion, remand the proceeding to allow additional argument or the introduction of additional evidence at the hearing.
SUBCHAPTER 13.
REQUESTS FOR DECLARATORY
RULINGS
Section
690:5-13-1. Filing of petition for declaratory ruling
690:5-13-2. Contents of petition for declaratory ruling
690:5-13-3. Consideration by Board
690:5-13-4. Presentation and argument
690:5-13-5. Decision of the Board
690:5-13-6. Appeals from declaratory rulings
690:5-13-1. Filing of petition for declaratory ruling
All requests for declaratory rulings as to the applicability of any rule or order of the Board shall be made by filing a petition with the Board requesting such ruling.
690:5-13-2. Contents of petition for declaratory ruling
The petition shall identify the rule or order questioned, the date on which such rule or order became effective, and shall set forth the contents of the rule or order. The petition shall include a brief statement of the issue or issues raised by the rule or order which caused such request to be made, and a statement as to the petitioner's personal interest in the ruling of the Board and how a ruling by the Board will affect that interest.
690:5-13-3. Consideration by Board
Upon receipt of a petition requesting such declaratory ruling, the Board shall consider the petition and respond to the request at its next regularly scheduled Board meeting subsequent to the filing of the petition.
690:5-13-4. Presentation and argument
The Board may entertain oral presentation or argument on the request of the petitioner and, on its own motion, may request such argument or presentation.
690:5-13-5. Decision of the Board
On considering the petition, the Board, in its sound discretion, may refuse to issue a declaratory ruling, may decide the issue and determine the validity of the rule or order or the applicability to the petitioner of the rule or order.
690:5-13-6. Appeals from declaratory rulings
Appeals from declaratory rulings of the Board may be taken in a manner consistent with the State's Administrative Procedures Act.
TITLE 690 - RULES OF THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS
FOR SPEECH PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY
CHAPTER 10. LICENSURE AND FEES
Subchapter
1. General Provisions 690:10-1-1
3. Licensure of Independent Practitioners 690:10-3-1
5. Authorization of Interns 690:10-5-1
7. Authorization of Assistants 690:10-7-1
9. Fees 690:10-9-1
[Authority: 59 O.S., Sections 1610, 1613, 1615, 1616, as amended]
[Source: Codified 12-31-91]
SUBCHAPTER 1.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
690:10-1-1. Purpose
690:10-1-2. [Reserved]
690:10-1-3. Effect of licensure
690:10-1-1. Purpose
This Chapter has been adopted for the purpose of protecting the public from the unauthorized practice of Speech Pathology or Audiology in the State of Oklahoma by limiting such practice to those persons who meet the requirements for such licensure or authorization to practice.
690:10-1-2. [Reserved]
690:10-1-3. Effect of licensure
(a) Licenses considered general. The license shall be considered a generic (general) license in speech-language pathology or audiology and shall be issued to each
applicant found to meet the requirements for licensure established by the Board.
(b) Area of practice limited. An individual shall practice only in the area(s) (speech-language pathology and/or audiology) in which he is authorized by the Board.
SUBCHAPTER 3.
LICENSURE OF INDEPENDENT
PRACTITIONERS SPEECH-LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGISTS AND AUDIOLOGISTS
Section
690:10-3-1. Application for licensure as an
independent practitioner a speech-language
pathologist and/or audiologist
690:10-3-2. Separate applications for speech-language pathology and audiology
690:10-3-3. Criteria considered for licensure
690:10-3-4. Academic requirement
690:10-3-5. Supervised clinical practicum requirement
690:10-3-6. Clinical experience requirement
690:10-3-7. Examination requirement and exceptions
690:10-3-1. Application for licensure as an
independent practitioner a
speech-language pathologist and/or audiologist
Application for licensure as an independent
practitioner a speech-language pathologist and/or
audiologist should be made only after completion of the
requirements for license as defined in 59 O.S., Section 1605. as
amended, and in this Chapter. Persons desiring licensure may
obtain the official application form for such purpose from the Executive
Secretary. The application and all necessary papers must be filed
with the Executive Secretary at the official office of the
Board. The application must be accompanied by fifty
seventy-five dollars ($50.00) ($75.00)
in the form of a check, cashier's check or money order. If, after
evaluation, the applicant is not found eligible for licensure, or
for licensure without examination, the fifty seventy-five
dollar ($75.00) fee shall be forfeited. A minimum of three
(3) and a maximum of five (5) references from speech-language
pathologists or audiologists who themselves are licensed or
licensable shall be required in support of each applicant. Such
references must be from individuals licensable in the same
professional area (speech-language pathology or audiology)
in which the applicant seeks a license. Board members shall not
serve as reference for applicants.
690:10-3-2. Separate applications for speech-language pathology and audiology
Separate applications shall be required of an applicant for licenses in both speech-language pathology and audiology.
690:10-3-3. Criteria considered for licensure
The Board shall consider on an individual basis the request of
each applicant for licensure as an individual
practitioner under Section 1605 of the Speech Pathology
and Audiology Licensing Act, 59 O.S. 1605, as amended, using the
criteria contained in the following Sections 690:10-3-3
through 690:10-3-6 of these rules. Written
notification from the chair or program director of an academic
institution accredited by the Council for Academic Accreditation,
verifying that applicant attended the academic institution and
completed the academic course work requirement and clinical
practicum requirement, shall serve as presumptive proof of
completion of the requirements. The Board retains the power to
determine whether applicant has completed all requirements.
690:10-3-4. Academic requirement
(a) Degree requirement. Each applicant shall hold not less
than a the master's degree, or its
equivalent, with a major emphasis in speech-language
pathology or audiology from an accredited academic institution
offering a graduate program in speech-language pathology
and/or audiology.
(b) Academic transcript prior to January 1, 2000. Each applicant seeking licensure prior to January 1, 2000 must satisfy the course work requirements set forth in either subsection (b) or (c ) of this Section. If the applicant elects to satisfy the requirements in this subsection, then the applicant shall submit a bona fide academic transcript and Academic Preparation Form showing completion of sixty (60) semester hours of academic credit from one or more accredited colleges or universities constituting a well-integrated program that includes eighteen (18) semester hours in courses that provide fundamental information applicable to the normal development and use of speech, hearing, and language, and forty-two (42) semester hours in courses that provide information about and training in the management of speech, hearing, and language disorders, or that provide information supplementary to these fields:
(1) Of the eighteen (18) semester hours that provide fundamental information applicable to the normal development and use of speech, hearing and language, no fewer than two (2)
semester hours must be earned in each of the following three (3) content areas:
(A) the anatomic and physiologic bases of the normal development and use of speech, language, and hearing such as the anatomy, neurology, and physiology of the speech, language, and hearing mechanisms;
(B) the physical bases and processes of the production and perception of speech and hearing, such as: the acoustics and physics of sound, phonology, physiologic and acoustic phonetics, perceptual processes, and psychoacoustics; and
(C) the linguistic and psycholinguistic variables related to normal development and use of speech, language, and hearing, such as linguistics (historical, descriptive, sociolinguistics, urban language), psychology of language, psycholinguistics, language and speech acquisition, and verbal learning or verbal behavior.
(2) Of the forty-two (42) semester hours that provide information about and training in the management of speech, hearing, and language disorders, or that provide information supplementary to these fields;
(A) no fewer than six (6) must be in audiology for the speech-language pathologist or in speech-language pathology for the audiologist. For the speech-language pathologist no fewer than three (3) of these six (6) semester hours must be in habilitative and/or rehabilitative procedures with speech and language problems associated with hearing impairment, and no less than three (3) semester hours must be in the study of pathologies of the auditory system and the assessment of auditory disorders. For the audiologist, at least three (3) of the six (6) semester hours must be in the area of speech-language pathology and no less than three (3) semester hours must be in the area of language pathology;
(B) no more than six (6) semester hours may be in courses that provide academic credit for clinical practice;
(C) at least twenty-four (24), not including credit for thesis or dissertation, must be in courses in the major professional area (speech-language pathology or audiology). For the speech-language pathologist, at least six (6) of these twenty-four (24) semester hours must deal with and no more than six (6) may deal with the evaluation and management of speech and language disorders associated with hearing impairment. For the audiologist, at least six (6) of these twenty-four (24) semester hours must deal with habilitative and/or rehabilitative procedures, such as selection and use of appropriate amplification instrumentation for the hearing impaired, both wearable and group, evaluation of speech and language problems of the hearing impaired, and management procedures for the speech and language habilitation and/or rehabilitation of the hearing impaired, including manual communication. Further, at least six (6) of these twenty-four (24) semester hours must deal with auditory pathology, including the study of pathologies of the auditory system and the assessment of the auditory system and the assessment of auditory disorders and their effect upon communication;
(D) no less than thirty (30) must be in courses acceptable toward a graduate degree by a college or university in which these courses were taken;
(E) up to eighteen (18) semester hours may be advanced courses dealing with the study of human behavior, both normal and abnormal, services of other professions to persons with a communicative disorders, and information from other professions about the sensory, physical, emotional, social, and/or intellectual status of children and adults. A maximum of three (3) semester hours each will be accepted for study in the area of statistics, beyond an introductory course, and in the academic study of the administrative organization of speech-language pathology and/or audiology programs. Academic credit for practicum courses in other professions are unacceptable.
(c ) Academic transcript after December 31, 1999. Each applicant seeking licensure after December 31, 1999 shall submit a bona fida academic transcript and Academic Preparation Form showing completion of at least 75 semester credit hours from one or more accredited college or university that reflect a well-integrated program of study dealing with (a) the biological/physical sciences and mathematics, (b) the behavioral and/or social sciences, including normal aspects of human behavior and communication, and the nature, prevention, evaluation, and treatment of speech, language, hearing, and related disorders. Some course work must address issues pertaining to normal and abnormal human development and behavior across the life span and to culturally diverse populations. At least twenty-seven (27) of the 75 semester credit hours must be in Basic Science Course Work. At least thirty-six (36) of the 75 semester credit hours must be in Professional Course Work.
(1) Basic Science Course Work. Applicants must earn at least twenty-seven (27) credit hours in the basic sciences. At least six (6) semester credit hours must be in the biological/physical sciences and mathematics. At least six (6) semester hours must be in the behavioral and/social sciences. At least fifteen (15) semester credit hours must be in the basic human communication processes, to include course work in each of the following three areas of speech, language, and hearing: the anatomic and physiologic bases, the physical and psychophysical bases, and the linguistic and psycholinguistic aspects.
(2) Professional Course Work. Applicants must earn at least thirty-six (36) semester credit hours in courses that concern the nature, prevention, evaluation, and treatment of speech, language and hearing disorders. Those thirty-six (36) semester credit hours must encompass courses in speech, language, and hearing that concern disorders primarily affecting children as well as disorders primarily affecting adults. At least thirty (30) of the thirty-six (36) semester credit hours must be in courses for which graduate credit was received, and at least twenty-one (21) of those thirty (30) must be in the professional area for which the license is sought. At least thirty (30) of the thirty-six (36) semester credit hours of professional course work must be in speech-language pathology. At least six (6) of the thirty (30) must be in speech disorders, and at least six (6) must be in language disorders. At least six (6) of the thirty-six (36) semester credit hours of professional course work must be in audiology. At least three (3) of the six (6) must be in hearing disorders and hearing evaluation, and at least three (3) must be in habilitative/rehabilitative procedures with individuals who have hearing impairment. A maximum of six (6) academic semester credit hours associated with clinical practicum may be counted toward the minimum of thirty-six (36) semester credit hours of professional course work, but those hours may not be used to satisfy the minimum of six (6) semester credit hours in speech disorders, (6) hours in language disorder, or six (6) hours in audiology, or in the twenty-one (21) graduate credits in the professional area for which licensure is sought.
690:10-3-5. Supervised clinical practicum requirement
(a) Evidence of completion prior to January 1, 2000. Each applicant seeking application prior to January 1, 2000 must satisfy the clinical practicum requirements set forth in either subsection (a) or (c ) of this Section. If the applicant elects to satisfy the requirements in this subsection, then the applicant shall submit evidence (Practicum Form) of the satisfactory completion of two hundred seventy-five (275) clock hours of directly supervised clinical practicum with cases representative of a wide spectrum of age and communication disorders; the experience must be obtained within the accredited academic institution or in one of its cooperating programs. Of these two hundred seventy-five (275) clock hours, a minimum of one-hundred fifty (150) must be obtained in graduate study; no less than two hundred (200) clock hours must be obtained in the major professional area (speech-language pathology or audiology); and no less than thirty-five (35) must be obtained in the minor professional area
(speech-language pathology or audiology).
(1) For licensure in speech-language pathology, the applicant must obtain no less than fifty (50) clock hours of experience in the evaluation of speech and language problems; no less than seventy-five (75) clock hours of experience in the management of language disorders of children and adults, and no less than seventy-five (75) clock hours of experience in the management of children and adults with whom disorders of voice, articulation, or fluency are significant aspects of the communication handicap. No less than twenty-five (25) clock hours of experience must be obtained in the management of each of the disorders of voice, articulation and fluency. Of the thirty-five (35) clock hours required in the minor professional area, no less than fifteen (15) must be obtained in assessment and/or management of speech and language problems associated with hearing impairment, and
no less than fifteen (15) must be obtained in the assessment of auditory disorders.
(2) For licensure in audiology, no less than fifty (50) clock hours of clinical experience must be obtained in identification and evaluation of hearing impairment, and fifty (50) clock hours of experience must be obtained in habilitation and/or rehabilitation of the communication handicaps of the hearing impaired. The thirty-five clock hours required
in the minor professional area must be in the evaluation and management of speech and language problems that are not related to a hearing impairment.
(b) Professional area of supervision. All clinical practicum adduced to satisfy this requirement must have been obtained under the supervision of an individual eligible for licensure as a
an independent practitioner (speech-language pathologist or audiologist)under the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act, 59 O.S. 1601, et. seq., as amended, and this Chapter. The supervisor of clinical practicum must be eligible for licensure in the professional area (speech-language pathology or audiology) in which the supervision is provided.(c ) Evidence of completion after December 31, 1999. Each applicant seeking licensure after December 31, 1999 shall submit evidence (Practicum Form) of satisfactory completion of three hundred seventy-five (375) clock hours of supervised clinical observation and clincial practicum that are provided by the educational institution or by one of its cooperating programs. The supervision must be provided by a speech-language pathologist or audiologist licensed in the professional area for which licensure is sought.
(1) Clinical Observation. Applicants must complete at least twenty-five clock hours of supervised observation prior to beginning the initial clinical practicum. Those twenty-five (25) clock hours must concern the evaluation and treatment of children and adults with disorders of speech, language, or hearing.
(2) Clinical Practicum. Applicants must complete at least three hundred fifty (350) clock hours of supervised clinical practicum that concerns the evaluation and treatment of children and adults with disorders of speech, language, and hearing. No more than twenty-five (25) of the clock hours may be obtained from participation in staffings in which evaluation, treatement, and/or recommendations are discussed or formulated with or without the client present. At least two hundred fifty (250) of the three hundred fifty (350) clock hours must be completed in the professional area for which licensure is sought while the applicant is engaged in graduate study. At least fifty (50) supervised clock hours must be completed in each of three (3) types of clinical settings. The applicant must have experience in the evaluation and treatment of children and adults and with a variety of types and severities of disorders of speech, language, and hearing.
(A) Speech-language pathology applicants must complete at least two hundred fifty (250) of the three hundred fifty (350) supervised clock hours in speech-language pathology. At least twenty (20) of those two hundred fifty (250) clock hours must be completed in each of the eight categories listed below:
(1) Evaluation: Speech disorders in children
(2) Evaluation: Speech disorders in adults
(3) Evaluation: Language disorders in children
(4) Evaluation: Language disorders in adults
(5) Treatment: Speech disorders in children
(6) Treatment: Speech disorders in adults
(7) Treatment: Language disorders in children
(8) Treatment: Language disorders in adults
Up to twenty (20) clock hours in the major professional area may be in related disorders. At least thirty-five (35) of the three hundred fifty (350) clock hours must be in audiology. At least fifteen (15) of those thirty-five (35) clock hours must involve the evaluation or screening of individuals with hearing disorders, and at least fifteen (15) must involve habilitation/rehabilitation of individuals who have hearing impairment.
(B) Audiology applicants must complete at least two hundred fifty (250) of the three hundred fifty (350) supervised clock hours in audiology. At least forty (40) of those two hundred fifty (250) clock hours must be completed in each of the first two (2) categories listed below. At least eighty (80) supervised clock hours must be completed in categories three (3) and four(4) with a minimum of ten (10) hours in each of these categories. At least twenty (20) of those two hundred fifty (25) clock hours must be completed in category five (5).
(1) Evaluation: Hearing in children
(2) Evaluation: Hearing in adults
(3) Selection and use: Amplification and assistive devices for children
(4) Selection and use: Amplification and assistive devices for adults
(5) Treatment: Hearing disorders in children and adults
Up to twenty (20) clock hours in the major professional area may be in related disorders. At least thirty-five (35) of the three hundred fifty (350) clock hours must be in speech-language pathology. At least fifteen (15) of those thirty-five (35) clock hours must involve the evaluation or screening of individuals with speech and language disorders unrelated to hearing impairment, and at least fifteen (15) must involve the treatment of individuals with speech and language disorders unrelated to hearing impairment.
690:10-3-6. Clinical experience requirement
Each applicant shall submit evidence (Clinical Experience Form) of no less than nine (9) months of successful, full time, paid, clinical experience in the area for which a license is required, obtained under the supervision of one or more independent practitioners licensed under the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act, 59 O.S. 1601. et. seq., as amended, or of one or more persons whose education and experience are the equivalent of an independent practitioner. The supervisor of clinical experience must be eligible for licensure in the professional area (speech-language pathology or audiology) in which the applicant seeks a license. This supervision must entail the personal and direct involvement of the supervisor in any and all ways that will permit him to evaluate the applicant's performance in professional clinical employment and must include direct observation. The applicant and his supervisor must list and
describe the methods of supervision employed. Specific information should be given regarding the professional activity supervised, the number of supervisory contacts per month, and the
length of each supervisory contact. It is recommended
that the The supervisor shall base his
total evaluation on no less than twenty-seven (27)
thirty-six (36) instances of monitoring activities
supervisory visits. This experience must follow completion
of the requirements of 690:10-3-3 and 690:10-3-6.
"Full-time" is defined as at least thirty (30) hours
per week; the nine (9) months of full time paid experience must
be obtained within a period of twenty-four consecutive months.
This requirement may also be fulfilled by eighteen (18) months of
half time paid experience of at least fifteen (15) hours per week
which must be completed within a period of thirty-six (36)
consecutive months.
690:10-3-7. Examination requirement and exceptions
(a) Examination. All applicants for licensure as an
independent practitioner a speech-language
pathologist and/or audiologist must present evidence of
successful completion of the examination approved by the Board.
The examination must be passed within two (2) years after first
application for licensure. Failure to pass the examination within
this time period shall result in revocation of authorization to
practice under supervision as defined in Subchapter 7 of this
Chapter.
(1) Exceptions to the two year requirement may be granted by the Board under extenuating circumstances. The Board designates the Area Examination in Speech Pathology or the Area Examination in Audiology offered as part of the National Teachers Examinations (NTE), Education Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, as the State Licensure Examination for speech-language pathologists and audiologists, respectively. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to assure that his score on the appropriate Area Examination is forwarded by NTE to the Board. Applicants shall be notified by certified mail of the Board's decision concerning the examination within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the examination score by the Board.
(2) An applicant who fails his examination may be re-examined at subsequent examinations upon payment of another examination fee to NTE. Re-examination of applicants who fail the examination is possible only at regular administrations of the National Teacher Examinations. Arrangements and fees are the responsibility of the applicant.
(b) Waiver of examination. The Board shall waive the examination and grant a license to any applicant who holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or its current equivalent in the area for which he is applying for licensure, provided that the current requirements for such certification are equivalent to or greater than those for licensure under the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act, 59 O.S. 1601, et. seq., as amended. The current requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association are deemed the equivalent of those for licensure under the Act. Evidence of such certification shall be received by the Board directly from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. All fees associated with obtaining such evidence shall be borne by the applicant.
(C) (c ) Reciprocity. An applicant for
licensure under the reciprocity provisions of Subsection B of
Section 1606 of the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act,
59 O.S. 1606. as amended, may be so licensed if he possesses a
current license or certificate in speech-language
pathology and audiology granted by a legally constituted board (a
board established by legislation) and which was granted only on
the basis of qualifications which were not less than those of the
Act at the time the license was issued. Evidence of equivalence
shall be provided by the applicant.
690:10-3-8. Continuing education for speech-language pathologists and audiologists
(a) Purpose. The purpose of continuing education requirements for speech-language pathologists and audiologists is to assure that licensees update and advance their skills such that the public shall benefit from the most current and effective standards of professional practice. To further the goal of public benefit, all speech-language pathologists and audiologists are encouraged to fulfill a portion of their continuing education requirements in the area of ethics, professional conduct, and related legal issues.
(b) Clock hours required for license renewal. A minimum of twenty (20) clock hours of acceptable continuing education will be required for renewal of a license to practice speech-language pathology or audiology in a two year period. The continuing education period begins in January of every odd-numbered year. A speech-language pathologist or audiologist obtaining initial licensure during an even-numbered year shall have his or her continuing education requirement prorated to ten (10) hours.
(c ) Approval of continuing education activities required. Continuing education hours may be granted for acceptable educational activities which are approved by the Board, or by a committee appointed by the Board. No hours will be granted for any activities or categories of activities that have not been approved. A provider of educational activities may apply to the Board for pre-approval of an activity. The provider shall be responsible for compliance with the standards for approval of the activity, verification of participation, and for the provision of the necessary verification of attendance forms to all participants. This verification of attendance form shall include: The participant’s name, the presenter’s name and credentials, the presentation topic, the program sponsor or agency, the location of the presentation, the dates of presentation, and the total number of clock hours attended.
(d) Exceptions to the requirements. Exceptions to the pre-approval requirement may be granted at the discretion of the Board for programs presented by recognized sponsors whose programs have been pre-approved by the Board. The university academic semester hour is equivalent to fifteen (15) clock hours, and shall be verified by the presentation of an official academic transcript showing course or audit credits. The licensee is ultimately responsible for providing all information necessary for the Board to make a final determination concerning the acceptability of any requested continuing education hours.
(e) Fee for approval. Providers of continuing education programs may be charged a fee for approval of their program. This fee shall be set by the Board.
(f) Kinds of educational activities for which credit may be received. Continuing education hours may be earned through formal organized learning experiences, scientific publications, attendance at regularly scheduled meetings of international, national, regional, or state professional associations, or through presentations to appropriate groups not related to the speech-language pathologist’s or audiologist’s regular employment.
(g) Hours allowed. Continuing education activities, whether received or presented by the speech-language pathologist or audiologist, must be targeted toward a professional audience. In those instances when the speech-language pathologist or audiologist is teaching in programs such as institutes, seminars, workshops, and conferences which have been granted approval by the Board, three (3) clock hours will be given for each one (1) hour that is taught, provided that such teaching is not part of the speech-language pathologists or audiologists regular employment. Publication in a professionally-related format approved by the Board shall be equal to ten (10) clock hours.
(h) Petition for extension. A speech-language pathologist or audiologist who fails to comply with the required twenty (20) hours of continuing education in the two year continuing education period ending December 31 may, by submitting an individual review fee set by the Board, petition the Board for an extension of continuing education year to March 31 of the following year. The petition for extension shall be filed prior to the expiration of the continuing education period.
(i) Petition for hardship relief. A speech-language pathologist or audiologist may petition the Board for partial or complete relief of the continuing education requirements upon the showing of incapacitation or serious illness of licensee or licensee’s immediate family member, or licensee’s absence from the United States for a period of at least eighteen (18) months during the continuing education period. The petition for hardship relief should be filed prior to the expiration of the continuing education period, but the Board, at its discretion, may accept petitions filed after the expiration of the continuing education period.
(j) Failure to comply. Unless otherwise granted an extension or hardship relief, failure to comply with the continuing education requirements shall result in license suspension or revocation, and/or any other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the Board.
SUBCHAPTER 5.
AUTHORIZATION LICENSURE
OF CLINICAL EXPERIENCE INTERNS
Section
690:10-5-1. Authorization License to
practice as an a clinical experience
intern
690:10-5-2. Academic and clinical practicum requirements
690:10-5-3. Prohibition of private practice by interns
690:10-5-4. Application form
690:10-5-5. Authorization period and extensions for interns
690:10-5-6. Requirements for supervision of interns
690:10-5-7. Notification of Board decision
690:10-5-8. Direct on-site supervision required
690:10-5-1. Authorization License
to practice as an a
clinical experience intern
Persons in the process of fulfilling the supervised clinical
experience required by paragraph 4 of Subsection A of Section
1605 of the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act, 59 O.S.
1605, as amended, for licensure as an independent
practitioner a speech-language pathologist and/or
audiologist must may be granted authorization to
practice as an a clinical experience
intern under the supervision of a licensed speech-language
pathologist or audiologist under the conditions of Sections
690:10-5-1 through 690:10-5-8 of these rules.
690:10-5-2. Academic and clinical practicum requirements
The applicant must have completed the academic and clinical
practicum requirements for licensure as outlined in
Paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of Subsection.A of Section 1605 of the
as set forth in the Speech Pathology and Audiology
Licensing Act, 59 O.S. 1605, as amended.
690:10-5-3. Prohibition of private practice by clinical experience interns
The applicant is considered to be requesting entrance into private
practice as a licensed independent practitioner of speech
pathology or audiology speech-language pathologist
and/or audiologist. The applicant, if authorized to practice
under supervision, is not authorized to represent himself as an
independent practitioner a speech-language
pathologist or audiologist who may practice without supervision.
Preparation or distribution of announcements of practice,
independent telephone listings, or other such notices shall be in
violation of the authorization to practice as an intern under
supervision and will lead to result in
automatic revocation of authorization to practice as a
clinical experience intern.
690:10-5-4. Application form for clinical experience interns
Application for authorization to practice as a speech
pathology or audiology clinical experience intern
under supervision shall be made in the same manner and on the
same forms that are used to apply for licensure as an
independent practitioner a speech-language
pathologist and/or audiologist. A notarized statement
(the Letter of Agreement available from
shall be provided the Board), with
each application. The Letter of Agreement must be signed by
both the applicant and the proposed supervisor, and must
be submitted with the application. Said notarized statement
Letter of Agreement shall explicitly indicate that the
supervisor agrees to supervise the clinical experience
intern's practice of speech-language pathology or
audiology and that the supervisor accepts complete and full
responsibility for the clinical experience intern's
activities and services.
690:10-5-5. Authorization period and extensions for clinical experience interns
Authorization for practice as an a
clinical experience intern under this Subchapter shall be for
a period of one (1) calendar year from the date of approval by
the Board of the application for practice under supervision. A
full one (1) year extension of this authorization shall be
considered only on written request of the clinical experience
intern and such request must be received prior to the end of the
one (1) year period of previous authorization. Failure to apply
for extension shall result in an automatic revocation of
authorization to practice. Such revocation shall not jeopardize
later application for authorization.
690:10-5-6. Requirements for supervision of clinical experience interns
(a) Supervisor to be independent practitioner
licensed speech-language pathologist and/or
audiologist. Authorization to practice as a speech
pathology or audiology clinical experience intern
shall be granted to applicants who otherwise qualify only if the
supervisor of that practice is an independent
practitioner a speech-language pathologist or
audiologist licensed in the area(s) in which the applicant
seeks authorization to practice.
(b) Maximum of two persons to be supervised. Each supervising
speech-language pathologist or audiologist will be
expected to accept no more than two persons, as clinical
experience interns or assistants, under this Chapter. Each independent
practitioner supervisor holding licenses in both
speech-language pathology and audiology is restricted to
no more than two persons to supervise, in the aggregate.
690:10-5-7. Notification of Board decision
The applicant together with his proposed and
supervisor shall be notified by certified mail
of the decision of the Board with respect to an application filed
under this Subchapter. Any Board decision concerning an
individual practicing as an a clinical experience
intern shall also be communicated by certified
mail to the individual and to his, or her, his
supervisor.
690:10-5-8. Direct on-site supervision required
The applicant must practice in a geographic
setting which permits direct, on-site supervision by a
licensed independent practitioner the supervising
(speech-language pathologist or
audiologist). The supervising speech-language
pathologist and audiologist must engage in no fewer than
thirty-six (36) supervisory visits during the clinical
experience. This supervision must include eighteen (18) on-site
observations of direct client contact at the clinical experience
intern’s work site (one (1) hour equals one (1) on-site
observation; a maximum of six (6) on-site observations may be
accrued in one (1) day.) "On-site" is defined as
physical presence at the clinical experience intern’s work
site. At least six (6) observations must be accrued during each
third of the clinical experience. These on-site observations must
be of the clinical experience intern providing screening,
evaluation assessment, habilitation, and rehabilitation. In
addition, the supervision must include eighteen (18) other
monitoring activities. At least six (6) other monitoring
activities must be completed during each of the three segments of
the clinical experience. These other monitoring activities may be
executed by correspondence, review of video tapes and/or audio
tapes, evaluation of written reports, phone conferences with the
clinical experience intern, and evaluations by professional
colleagues.
SUBCHAPTER 7.
AUTHORlZATlON OF ASSISTANTS
Section
690:10-7-1. Authorization to practice as an assistant
690:10-7-2. Titles to be used by assistants
690:10-7-3. Direct on-site supervision required
690:10-7-4. Violation of authorization to assist
690:10-7-5. Application for authorization to assist
690:10-7-6. Period of authorization to assist and extension
690:10-7-7. Requirements for supervision of assistants
690:10-7-8. Disqualification of Board members
690:10-7-1. Authorization to practice as an assistant
Any person not eligible for license as an independent practitioner or not eligible for authorization to practice as an intern under supervision under Subsection A or B of Section 1605 of the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act, 59 O.S. 1605, as amended, who assists in the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology while in the employ of and under the direct full time supervision of a licensed independent practitioner must receive authorization from the Board as a speech-language pathology or audiology assistant. Before granting such authorization, the Board will consider the academic training and clinical experience of the applicant, the specific duties and responsibilities he is assigned, the amount and nature of the supervision that is available to him, and the number of such other persons assigned to the proposed supervisor. Authorization to practice as a speech-language pathology or audiology assistant may be granted under the provisions of Sections 690:10-7-1 through 690:10-7-8 of these rules.
690:10-7-2. Titles to be used by assistants
The applicant speech-language
pathology or audiology assistant may not use any title included
in paragraphs 5 or 9 of Section 1603 of the Speech Pathology and
Audiology Licensing Act, 59 O.S. 1603, as amended. He may use
only the titles "Speech-Language Pathology
Assistant", "Audiology Assistant" or "Speech-Language
Pathology and Audiology Assistant", depending upon the
area(s) in which he is authorized to assist.
690:10-7-3. Direct on-site supervision required
The assistant must practice in a geographic setting which permits direct, on-site supervision. The assistant shall practice only at those times when the supervisor is available for on-site supervision, instruction, and assistance.
690:10-7-4. Violation of authorization to assist
The assistant is not authorized to represent himself as an independent practitioner of speech-language pathology or audiology. Preparation or distribution of announcements of practice, independent telephone listings, or other such notices shall be in violation of the authorization to assist and will lead to automatic revocation of such authorization.
690:10-7-5. Application for authorization to assist
Application for authorization to assist shall be made by submitting to the Board the Application To Assist as available from the Board and signed by both the applicant and proposed supervisor. Said notarized statement shall explicitly indicate that the supervisor agrees to supervise the assistant's practice and that the supervisor accepts full and complete responsibility for that practice.
690:10-7-6. Period of authorization to assist and extension
Authorization as a speech-language pathology or audiology assistant shall be for a period of one (1) calendar year from the date of the Board's authorization. One (1) year extensions of this authorization shall be considered only on written request of the assistants supervisor and such request must be received prior to the end of the one (1) year period of previous authorization. Failure to apply for extension shall result in automatic revocation of authorization to assist. Such revocation shall not jeopardize later application for authorization to assist.
690:10-7-7. Requirements for supervision of assistants
Authorization as a speech-language pathology or audiology assistant shall be granted to applicants who otherwise qualify only if the supervisor is a licensed independent practitioner. Each such supervisor shall accept no more than two assistants under this rule. Each independent practitioner licensed in both speech-language pathology and audiology is likewise restricted to two assistants in aggregate. Further, the total number of assistants and interns (licensed under Subchapter 3 of these rules) supervised by a single supervisor shall not exceed two (2).
690:10-7-8. Disqualification of Board members
A Board member shall absent himself from evaluating and voting on authorization of assistants to serve in his private practice.
SUBCHAPTER 9.
FEES
Section
690:10-9-1. License application fee
690:10-9-2. License renewal fee
690:10-9-3. Examination fee
690:10-9-4. Certification fee
690:10-9-5. Lost or damaged certificate fee
690:10-9-6. Annual fee for uncompleted application
690:10-9-7. Inactive status fee
690:10-9-1. License application fee
The license application fee for an independent
practitioner speech-language pathologists, clinical
experience interns, and assistants, shall be fifty
seventy-five dollars ($50.00) ($75.00)
and shall be submitted with the application for licensure.
690:10-9-2. License renewal fee
The license renewal fee shall be twenty-five sixty
dollars ($25.00) ($60.00) each calendar
year. Said renewal fee is due on December thirty-first of each
year. Failure on the part of any licensed person to pay the
renewal fee before the first day of January does not deprive him
of the right to renew his license, but the fee paid for renewal postmarked
or delivered after December 31st shall be increased
by ten percent (10%) for each month or fraction thereof that the
payment is in arrears up to a maximum of twice the current
renewal fee doubled. Failure to pay the renewal
fee by January 1st, however, shall render his license invalid
until renewed.
690:10-9-3. Examination fee
The fee for examination or re-examination by NTE shall be
borne by the applicant and is apart separate
from the license application fee of fifty dollars
($50.00).
690:10-9-4. Certification fee
A fee of five dollars ($5.00) shall be charged the speech-language pathologist or audiologist who requests the Board to certify his licensure to another organization or persons.
690:10-9-5. Lost or damaged certificate fee
A fee of ten twenty dollars ($10.00)
($20.00) shall be charged to replace a license certificate
that is lost, mutilated, or revoked. This fee shall accompany the
application for a replacement license certificate.
690:10-9-6. Annual fee for uncompleted application
A fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) shall be charged each calendar year to maintain an active file for applicants who have not fully met the requirements for licensure and who leave the private practice of speech-language pathology or audiology. Failure to pay this fee shall result in a deactivation of the file and in payment, upon reapplication, of the full license application fee.
690:10-9-7. Inactive status fee
A fee of ten dollars ($10.00) shall be charged a licensed speech-language pathologist or audiologist to place his license on inactive status, provided that, prior to expiration of his license, he makes written application to the Board for such status. Thereafter, he may renew his license upon payment of a renewal fee equal to one and one-half (1 1/2) times the then current license fee. During the period of time his license is on inactive status, he shall not engage in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology in the State of Oklahoma except as permitted in Section 1616 of the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act, 59 O.S. 1616, as amended.
[Authority: 59 O.S., Section 1611, as amended]
[Source: Codified 12-31-91]
TITLE 690 - RULES OF THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS
FOR SPEECH PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY
CHAPTER 15. PROFESSIONAL CODE OF ETHICS
Section
690:15-1-1. Purpose and interpretation
690:15-1-2. Fundamental rules of ethical conduct
690:15-1-3. Principles of ethics
690:15-1-4. Ethical proscriptions
690:15-1-5. Matters of professional propriety
690:15-1-1. Purpose and interpretation
The preservation of the highest standards of integrity and ethical principles is vital to all speech-language pathologists and audiologists. This Code of Ethics is promulgated in an effort to stress the fundamental rules considered essential to this basic purpose. Any action that is in violation of the spirit and purpose of this code shall be considered unethical. Failure to specify any particular responsibility or practice in this Code of Ethics should not be construed as denial of the existence of other responsibilities or practices.
690:15-1-2. Fundamental rules
The fundamental rules of ethical conduct are described in this Chapter in three categories:
(1) Principles of Ethics,
(2) Ethical Proscriptions, and
(3) Matters of Professional Propriety.
690:15-1-3. Principles of ethics
Six Principles serve as a basis for the ethical evaluation of professional conduct and form the underlying moral basis for the Code of Ethics. Individuals subscribing to this Code shall observe these principles as affirmative obligations under all conditions of professional activity.
(1) Licensees shall hold paramount the welfare of persons served professionally.
(A) Licensees shall use every resource available, including referral to other specialist as needed, to provide the best service possible.
(B) Licensees shall fully inform persons served of the nature and possible effects of the services.
(C) Licensees shall fully inform persons served of the nature and possible effects of the services.
(D) Licensees' fees shall be commensurate with services rendered.
(E) Licensees shall provide appropriate access to records of persons served professionally.
(F) Licensees shall take all reasonable precautions to avoid injuring persons in the delivery of professional services.
(G) Licensees shall evaluate services rendered to determine effectiveness.
(2) Licensees shall maintain high standards of professional competence.
(A) Licensees engaging in clinical practice shall possess appropriate qualifications as defined in the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act. 59 O.S. 1601, et. seq., as amended, and this Title.
(B) Licensees shall continue their professional development throughout their careers.
(C) Licensees shall identify competent, dependable referral sources for persons served professionally.
(D) Licensees shall maintain adequate records of professional services rendered.
(3) Licensees' statements to persons served professionally and to the public shall provide accurate information about the nature and management of communicative disorders and about the profession and services rendered by its practitioners.
(4) Licensees shall maintain objectivity in all matters concerning the welfare of persons served professionally. Licensees shall observe the following standards:
(A) Products associated with professional practice must be dispensed to the person served as a part of a program of comprehensive habilitative care.
(B) Fees established for professional services must be independent of whether a product is dispensed.
(C) Persons served must be provided freedom of choice for the source of services and products.
(D) Price information about professional services rendered and products dispensed must be made available to the person served upon request and must include a complete schedule of fees and charges which schedule differentiates between fees for professional services and charges for products.
(E) Products dispensed to the person served must be evaluated to determine effectiveness.
(5) Licensees shall honor their responsibilities to the public, their profession. and their relationships with colleagues and members of allied professions.
(6) Licensees shall uphold the dignity of the profession and its standards.
(A) Licensees shall inform the Board of violations of this Code of Ethics.
(B) Licensees shall cooperate fully with Board inquiries into matters of
professional conduct related to this Code of Ethics.
690:15-1-4. Ethical proscriptions
Ethical Proscriptions are formal statements of prohibitions that are derived from the Principles of Ethics.
(1) The following proscriptions are derived from 690:15-l-3(1):
(A) Licensees must not exploit persons in the delivery of professional services, including accepting persons for treatment when benefit cannot reasonably be expected or continuing treatment unnecessarily.
(B) Licensees must not guarantee the results of any therapeutic procedures, directly or by implication. A reasonable statement of prognosis may be made, but caution must be exercised not to mislead persons served professionally to expect results that cannot be predicted from sound evidence.
(C) Licensees must not use persons for teaching or research in a manner that constitutes invasion of privacy or fails to afford informed free choice to participate.
(D) Licensees must not evaluate or treat speech, language, or hearing disorders except in a professional relationship. They must not evaluate or treat solely by correspondence. This does not preclude follow-up correspondence with persons previously seen, or providing them with general information of an educational nature.
(E) Licensees must not reveal to unauthorized persons any professional or personal information obtained from the person served professionally, unless required by law or unless necessary to protect the welfare of the person or the community.
(F) Licensees must not discriminate in the delivery of professional services on any basis that is unjustifiable or irrelevant to the need for and potential benefit from such services, such as race, sex, or religion.
(G) Licensees must not charge for services not rendered.
(H) Licensees shall not violate any provisions of the Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act or Rules.
(2) The following proscriptions are derived from 690:15-1-3(2):
(A) Licensees must neither provide services nor supervision of services for which they have not been properly prepared, not permit services to be provided by any of their staff who are not properly prepared.
(B) Licensees must not provide clinical services by prescription of anyone who does not hold a license or its equivalent in the appropriate area.
(C) Licensees must not offer clinical services by supportive personnel for whom they do not provide appropriate supervision and assume full responsibility.
(D)Licensees must not offer clinical services by supportive personnel for whom they do not provide appropriate supervision and assume full responsibility.
(E)(D) Licensees must not require anyone under their supervision to engage in any practice that is a violation of the Code of Ethics.(3) The following proscriptions are derived from 690:15-1-3(3):
(A) Licensees must not misrepresent their training or competence. Academic degrees, if listed, must be those awarded by a college or university listed in the Education Directory: Higher Education (published by the
U.S. Department of HEW)United States Department of Education).(B) Licensees' public statements providing information about professional services and products must not contain representations or claims that are false, deceptive or misleading.
(C) Licensees must not use professional or commercial affiliations in any way that would mislead or limit services to persons served professionally.
690:15-1-5. Matters of professional propriety
Matters of Professional Propriety represent guidelines of conduct designed to promote the public interest and thereby better inform the public and particularly persons in need of speech-language pathology and audiology services as to the availability and the rules regarding the delivery of those services.
(1) Licensees should announce services in a manner consonant with highest professional standards in the community.
(2) Licensees should not accept compensation for supervision or sponsorship from persons being supervised or sponsored.
(3) Licensees should present products they have developed to their colleagues in a manner consonant with highest professional standards.
(4) Licensees should seek to provide and expand services to persons with speech, language, and hearing handicaps as well as to assist in establishing high professional standards for such programs.
(5) Licensees should educate the public about speech, language, and hearing processes, speech, language, and hearing problems, and matters related to professional competence.
(6) Licensees should strive to increase knowledge within the profession and share research with colleagues.
(7) Licensees should establish harmonious relations with colleagues and members of other professions, and endeavor to inform members of related professions of services provided by speech-language pathologists and audiologists, as well as seek information from them.
(8) Licensees should assign credit to those who have contributed to a publication in proportion to their contribution.