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The Legislative Service Commission staff updates the Revised Code on an ongoing basis, as it completes its act review of enacted legislation. Updates may be slower during some times of the year, depending on the volume of enacted legislation.

Chapter 4753 | Speech-language Pathologists And Audiologists

 
 
 
Section
Section 4753.01 | Speech-language pathologist and audiologist definitions.
 

As used in sections 4753.01 to 4753.12 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Speech-language pathologist" means a person who practices speech-language pathology and who represents himself to be a speech-language pathologist when he holds out to the public by any means, or by any service or function he performs, directly or indirectly, or by using the term "speech pathology," "speech pathologist," "speech correction," "speech correctionist," "speech therapy," "speech therapist," "speech clinic," "speech clinician," "language pathology," "language pathologist," "voice therapy," "voice therapist," "voice pathology," "voice pathologist," "logopedics," "logopedist," "communicology," "communicologist," "aphasiology," "aphasiologist," "phoniatrist," or any variation, synonym, coinage, or whatever expresses, employs, or implies these terms, names, or functions. "Person" means an individual, partnership, organization, or corporation, except that only individuals may be licensed under this law.

(B) "Speech-language pathology" means the application of principles, methods, or procedures related to the development and disorders of human communication. Disorders include any and all conditions, whether of organic or nonorganic origin, that impede the normal process of human communication including disorders and related disorders of speech, articulation, fluency, voice, oral and written language; auditory comprehension and processing; oral, pharyngeal or laryngeal sensorimotor competencies; mastication or deglutition following a medical examination by a physician licensed pursuant to Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code; auditory or visual processing; auditory or visual memory and cognition; communication; and assisted augmentative communication treatment and devices.

(C) "Practice of speech-language pathology" means planning, directing, supervising, and conducting habilitative or rehabilitative counseling programs for individuals or groups of individuals who have or are suspected of having disorders of communication, any service in speech-language pathology including prevention, identification, evaluation, consultation, habilitation or rehabilitation, instruction, and research.

The practice of speech-language pathology may include pure-tone air conduction hearing screening, screening tympanometry, and acoustic reflex screening, limited to a pass-or-fail determination for the identification of individuals with other disorders of communication. The practice of speech-language pathology also may include aural habilitation or rehabilitation which means the provision of services and procedures for facilitating adequate auditory, speech, and language skills in individuals with hearing impairment. The practice of speech-language pathology does not include the practice of medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery, or the performance of a task in the normal practice of medicine and surgery by a person to whom the task is delegated by a licensed physician.

(D) "Audiologist" means a person who practices audiology and who represents himself to be an audiologist by using the term "audiology," "audiologist," "audiometry," "audiometrist," "audiological," "hearing therapy," "hearing therapist," "hearing clinic," "hearing clinician," or "hearing aid audiologist," or any similar title.

(E) "Audiology" means the application of principles, methods, or procedures related to hearing and the disorders of hearing.

(F) "Disorders" includes any and all conditions, whether of organic or nonorganic origin, peripheral or central, that impede the normal process of human communication including disorders of auditory sensitivity, acuity, function, or processing.

(G) "Practice of audiology" means the planning, directing, supervising, and conducting of habilitative or rehabilitative counseling programs for individuals or groups of individuals who have or are suspected of having disorders of hearing; any service in audiology, including prevention, identification, evaluation, consultation, habilitation or rehabilitation, instruction, and research; participating in hearing conservation, hearing aid and assistive listening device evaluation, selection, preparation, dispensing, and orientation; fabricating ear molds; providing auditory training and speech reading; and administering tests of vestibular function and tests for tinnitus in accordance with section 4753.14 of the Revised Code. The "practice of audiology" includes speech and language screening limited to a pass-or-fail determination, for the purpose of identification of individuals with disorders of communication. The practice of audiology does not include the practice of medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery, or the performance of a task in the normal practice of medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery by a person to whom the task is delegated by a licensed physician.

Section 4753.02 | Unauthorized practice.
 

No person shall practice, offer to practice, or aid and abet the practice of the profession of speech-language pathology or audiology, or use in connection with the person's name, or otherwise assume, use, or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that the person is a speech-language pathologist or audiologist unless the person is licensed or permitted under this chapter.

Section 4753.05 | Powers and duties of board.
 

(A) The state speech and hearing professionals board may make reasonable rules necessary for the administration of this chapter. All rules adopted under this chapter shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(B) The board shall determine the nature and scope of examinations to be administered to applicants for licensure pursuant to this chapter in the practices of speech-language pathology and audiology, and shall evaluate the qualifications of all applicants. Written examinations may be supplemented by such practical and oral examinations as the board shall determine by rule. The board shall determine by rule the minimum examination score for licensure. Licensure shall be granted independently in speech-language pathology and audiology.

Test materials, examinations, answer keys, or evaluation tools used in an examination for licensure pursuant to this chapter, whether administered by the board or by a private or government entity pursuant to a contract, are not public records under section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

(C) The board shall publish and make available, upon request, the licensure and permit standards prescribed by this chapter and rules adopted pursuant thereto.

(D) The board shall investigate all alleged irregularities in the practices of speech-language pathology and audiology by persons licensed or permitted pursuant to this chapter and any violations of this chapter or rules adopted by the board. The board shall not investigate the practice of any person specifically exempted from licensure under this chapter by section 4753.12 of the Revised Code, as long as the person is practicing within the scope of the person's license or is carrying out responsibilities as described in division (G) or (H) of section 4753.12 of the Revised Code and does not claim to be a speech-language pathologist or audiologist.

In conducting investigations under this division, the board may administer oaths, order the taking of depositions, issue subpoenas, and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, accounts, papers, records, documents, and testimony. In any case of disobedience or neglect of any subpoena served on any person or the refusal of any witness to testify to any matter regarding which the witness may lawfully be interrogated, the court of common pleas of any county where such disobedience, neglect, or refusal occurs or any judge thereof, on application by the board, shall compel obedience by attachment proceedings for contempt, as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from such court, or a refusal to testify therein.

(E) The board shall conduct such hearings as are necessary to carry out this chapter.

Section 4753.06 | License qualifications.
 

No person is eligible for licensure as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist unless:

(A) The person has obtained a broad general education to serve as a background for the person's specialized academic training and preparatory professional experience. Such background may include study from among the areas of human psychology, sociology, psychological and physical development, the physical sciences, especially those that pertain to acoustic and biological phenomena, and human anatomy and physiology, including neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.

(B) If the person seeks licensure as a speech-language pathologist, the person submits to the state speech and hearing professionals board an official transcript demonstrating that the person has at least a master's degree in speech-language pathology or the equivalent as determined by the board. The person's academic credit must include course work accumulated in the completion of a well-integrated course of study approved by the board and delineated by rule dealing with the normal aspects of human communication, development and disorders thereof, and clinical techniques for the evaluation and the improvement or eradication of such disorders. The course work must have been completed at colleges or universities accredited by regional or national accrediting organizations recognized by the board.

(C) If the person seeks licensure as an audiologist, the person submits to the board an official transcript demonstrating that the person has at least a doctor of audiology degree or the equivalent as determined by the board. The person's academic credit must include course work accumulated in the completion of a well-integrated course of study approved by the board and delineated by rules dealing with the normal aspects of human hearing, balance, and related development and clinical evaluation, audiologic diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of human hearing, balance, and related development. The course work must have been completed in an audiology program that is accredited by an organization recognized by the United States department of education and operated by a college or university accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the board.

(D) The person submits to the board evidence of the completion of appropriate, supervised clinical experience in the professional area, speech-language pathology or audiology, for which licensure is requested, dealing with a variety of communication disorders. The appropriateness of the experience shall be determined under rules of the board. This experience shall have been obtained in an accredited college or university, in a cooperating program of an accredited college or university, or in another program approved by the board.

(E) The person submits to the board evidence that the person has passed the examination for licensure to practice speech-language pathology or audiology pursuant to division (B) of section 4753.05 of the Revised Code.

(F) In the case of a person seeking licensure as a speech-language pathologist, the person presents to the board written evidence that the person has obtained professional experience.

The professional experience shall be appropriately supervised as determined by board rule. The amount of professional experience shall be determined by board rule and shall be bona fide clinical work that has been accomplished in speech-language pathology. This experience shall not begin until the requirements of divisions (B), (D), and (E) of this section have been completed unless approved by the board. Before beginning the supervised professional experience pursuant to this section, the applicant shall obtain a conditional license pursuant to section 4753.071 of the Revised Code.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:47 PM

Section 4753.061 | Criminal records checks.
 

(A) As used in this section, "license" and "applicant for an initial license" have the same meanings as in section 4776.01 of the Revised Code, except that "license" as used in both of those terms refers to the types of authorizations otherwise issued or conferred under this chapter.

(B) In addition to any other eligibility requirement set forth in this chapter, each applicant for an initial license shall comply with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The state speech and hearing professionals board shall not grant a license to an applicant for an initial license unless the applicant complies with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 9, 2021 at 4:59 AM

Section 4753.07 | Issuing license or conditional license.
 

The state speech and hearing professionals board shall issue under its seal a license or conditional license to every applicant who has passed the appropriate examinations designated by the board and who otherwise complies with the licensure requirements of this chapter. The license or conditional license entitles the holder to practice speech-language pathology or audiology.

The board shall issue under its seal a license or conditional license to practice speech-language pathology or audiology to an applicant in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code if the applicant holds a license or conditional license in another state or the applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist in a state that does not issue those licenses.

Each licensee shall display the license or conditional license or an official duplicate in a conspicuous place where the licensee practices speech-language pathology or audiology or both.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 5:59 AM

Section 4753.071 | License qualifications for conditional licensees.
 

A person who is required to meet the supervised professional experience requirement of division (F) of section 4753.06 of the Revised Code shall submit to the state speech and hearing professionals board an application for a conditional license. The application shall include a plan for the content of the supervised professional experience on a form the board shall prescribe. The board shall issue the conditional license to the applicant if the applicant meets the requirements of section 4753.06 of the Revised Code, other than the requirement to have obtained the supervised professional experience, and pays to the board the appropriate fee for a conditional license. The board shall issue a conditional license in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if the applicant holds a license in another state or the applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter in a state that does not issue a conditional license. An applicant may not begin employment until the conditional license has been issued.

A conditional license authorizes an individual to practice speech-language pathology while completing the supervised professional experience as required by division (F) of section 4753.06 of the Revised Code. A person holding a conditional license may practice speech-language pathology while working under the supervision of a person fully licensed in accordance with this chapter. A conditional license is valid for eighteen months unless suspended or revoked pursuant to section 3123.47 or 4753.10 of the Revised Code.

A person holding a conditional license may perform services for which payment will be sought under the medicare program or the medicaid program but all requests for payment for such services shall be made by the person who supervises the person performing the services.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 5:23 AM

Section 4753.072 | Administrative rules for speech-language pathology aides and audiology aides.
 

The state speech and hearing professionals board shall establish by rule pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code the qualifications for persons seeking licensure as a speech-language pathology aide or an audiology aide. The qualifications shall be less than the standards for licensure as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. An aide shall not act independently and shall work under the direction and supervision of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist licensed by the board. An aide shall not dispense hearing aids. An applicant shall not begin employment until the license has been approved.

The board shall issue a license for a speech-language pathology aide or an audiology aide in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant who holds a license in another state or has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter as a speech-language pathology aide or an audiology aide in a state that does not issue those licenses.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 5:59 AM

Section 4753.073 | Speech-language pathology student permit.
 

(A) The state speech and hearing professionals board shall issue under its seal a speech-language pathology student permit to any applicant who submits a plan that has been approved by the applicant's university graduate program in speech-language pathology and that conforms to requirements determined by the board by rule and who meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Is enrolled in a graduate program at an educational institution located in this state that is accredited by the council on academic accreditation in audiology and speech-language pathology of the American speech-language-hearing association;

(2) Has completed at least one year of postgraduate training in speech-language pathology, or equivalent coursework as determined by the board, and any student clinical experience the board may require by rule.

(B) The board shall issue under its seal a speech-language pathology student permit in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if either of the following applies:

(1) The applicant holds a permit or license in another state.

(2) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter as a speech-language pathology student in a state that does not issue that permit or license.

(C) The speech-language pathology student permit authorizes the holder to practice speech-language pathology within limits determined by the board by rule, which shall include the following:

(1) The permit holder's caseload shall be limited in a manner to be determined by the board by rule.

(2) The permit holder's authorized scope of practice shall be limited in a manner to be determined by the board by rule. The rule shall consider the coursework and clinical experience that has been completed by the permit holder and the recommendation of the applicant's university graduate program in speech-language pathology.

(3) The permit holder shall practice only when under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist who is licensed by the board and acting under the approval and direction of the applicant's university graduate program in speech-language pathology. The board shall determine by rule the manner of supervision.

(D) A permit shall expire two years after the date of issuance. Student permits may be renewed in a manner to be determined by the board by rule.

(E) Each permit holder shall display the permit or an official duplicate in a conspicuous place where the permit holder practices speech-language pathology.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 5:58 AM

Section 4753.08 | Waiving examination, educational and professional experience requirements.
 

The state speech and hearing professionals board shall waive the examination, educational, and professional experience requirements for any applicant who meets either of the following requirements:

(A) On September 26, 1975, had at least a bachelor's degree with a major in speech-language pathology or audiology from an accredited college or university, or was employed as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist for at least nine months at any time within the three years prior to September 26, 1975, if an application providing bona fide proof of such degree or employment was filed with the former board of speech-language pathology and audiology within one year after that date, and was accompanied by the application fee as prescribed in division (A) of section 4753.11 of the Revised Code

(B) Presents proof to the state speech and hearing professionals board of a current certificate of clinical competence in speech-language pathology or audiology that is in good standing and received from the American speech-language-hearing association in the area in which licensure is sought.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 5:58 AM

Section 4753.09 | License renewal.
 

Except as provided in this section and in section 4753.10 of the Revised Code, a license issued by the state speech and hearing professionals board shall be renewed biennially in accordance with the standard renewal procedure contained in Chapter 4745. of the Revised Code. If the application for renewal is made one year or longer after the renewal application is due, the person shall apply for licensure as provided in section 4753.06 or division (B) of section 4753.08 of the Revised Code. The board shall not renew a conditional license; however, the board may grant an applicant a second conditional license.

The board shall establish by rule adopted pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code the qualifications for license renewal. Applicants shall demonstrate continued competence, which may include continuing education, examination, self-evaluation, peer review, performance appraisal, or practical simulation. The board may establish other requirements as a condition for license renewal as considered appropriate by the board.

The board may renew a license which expires while the license is suspended, but the renewal shall not affect the suspension. The board shall not renew a license which has been revoked. If a revoked license is reinstated under section 4753.10 of the Revised Code after it has expired, the licensee, as a condition of reinstatement, shall pay a reinstatement fee in the amount equal to the renewal fee in effect on the last preceding regular renewal date on which it is reinstated, plus any delinquent fees accrued from the time of the revocation, if such a fee is prescribed by the board by rule.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 5:57 AM

Section 4753.091 | Classification of license as inactive.
 

(A) A person licensed under this chapter may apply to the state speech and hearing professionals board to have the person's license classified as inactive. If a fee is charged under division (B) of this section, the person shall include the fee with the application.

If the person's license is in good standing, the person is not the subject of any complaint, the person is not the subject of an investigation or disciplinary action by the board, and the person meets any other requirements established by the board in rules adopted under this section, the board shall classify the license as inactive. The inactive classification shall become effective on the date immediately following the date that the person's license is scheduled to expire.

(B) The board may charge a fee for classifying a license as inactive.

(C) During the period that a license is classified as inactive, the person may not engage in the practice of speech-language pathology or the practice of audiology, as applicable, in this state or make any representation to the public indicating that the person is actively licensed under this chapter.

(D) A person whose license has been classified as inactive may apply to the board to have the license reactivated. The board shall reactivate the license if the person meets the requirements established by the board in rules adopted under this section.

(E) The board's jurisdiction to take disciplinary action under this chapter is not removed or limited when a person's license is classified as inactive under this section.

(F) The board shall adopt rules as necessary for classifying a license as inactive and reactivating an inactive license. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Section 4753.10 | Disciplinary actions.
 

(A) In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the state speech and hearing professionals board may reprimand or place on probation a speech-language pathologist or audiologist or suspend, revoke, or, except as provided in division (B) of this section, refuse to issue or renew the license of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Disciplinary actions may be taken by the board for conduct that may result from but not necessarily be limited to:

(1) Fraud, deception, or misrepresentation in obtaining or attempting to obtain a license;

(2) Fraud, deception, or misrepresentation in using a license;

(3) Altering a license;

(4) Aiding or abetting unlicensed practice;

(5) Committing fraud, deception, or misrepresentation in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology including:

(a) Making or filing a false report or record in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology;

(b) Submitting a false statement to collect a fee;

(c) Obtaining a fee through fraud, deception, or misrepresentation, or accepting commissions or rebates or other forms of remuneration for referring persons to others.

(6) Using or promoting or causing the use of any misleading, deceiving, improbable, or untruthful advertising matter, promotional literature, testimonial, guarantee, warranty, label, brand, insignia, or any other representation;

(7) Falsely representing the use or availability of services or advice of a physician;

(8) Misrepresenting the applicant, licensee, or holder by using the word "doctor" or any similar word, abbreviation, or symbol if the use is not accurate or if the degree was not obtained from an accredited institution;

(9) Committing any act of dishonorable, immoral, or unprofessional conduct while engaging in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology;

(10) Engaging in illegal, incompetent, or habitually negligent practice;

(11) Providing professional services while:

(a) Mentally incompetent;

(b) Under the influence of alcohol;

(c) Using any narcotic or controlled substance or other drug that is in excess of therapeutic amounts or without valid medical indication.

(12) Providing services or promoting the sale of devices, appliances, or products to a person who cannot reasonably be expected to benefit from such services, devices, appliances, or products in accordance with results obtained utilizing appropriate assessment procedures and instruments;

(13) Violating this chapter or any lawful order given or rule adopted by the board;

(14) Being convicted of or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or to a crime involving moral turpitude, whether or not any appeal or other proceeding is pending to have the conviction or plea set aside;

(15) Being disciplined by a licensing or disciplinary authority of this or any other state or country or convicted or disciplined by a court of this or any other state or country for an act that would be grounds for disciplinary action under this section.

(B) The board shall not refuse to issue a license to an applicant because of a conviction of or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to an offense unless the refusal is in accordance with section 9.79 of the Revised Code.

(C) After revocation of a license under this section, application may be made to the board for reinstatement. The board, in accordance with an order of revocation as issued under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may require an examination for reinstatement.

(D) If any person has engaged in any practice which constitutes an offense under the provisions of this chapter or rules promulgated thereunder by the board, the board may apply to the court of common pleas of the county for an injunction or other appropriate order restraining such conduct, and the court may issue such order.

(E) Any person who wishes to make a complaint against any person licensed pursuant to this chapter shall submit the complaint in writing to the board within one year from the date of the action or event upon which the complaint is based. The board shall determine whether the allegations in the complaint are of a sufficiently serious nature to warrant formal disciplinary charges against the licensee pursuant to this section. If the board determines that formal disciplinary charges are warranted, it shall proceed in accordance with the procedures established in Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 9, 2021 at 4:59 AM

Section 4753.101 | Student permit disciplinary action rules.
 

The state speech and hearing professionals board, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may establish rules to govern any disciplinary action to be taken against a student issued a permit under section 4753.073 of the Revised Code. The rules established by the board are not subject to the adjudication procedure requirements of sections 119.06 to 119.13 of the Revised Code.

Section 4753.11 | Fees.
 

(A) For all types of licenses and permits, the state speech and hearing professionals board shall charge a nonrefundable licensure or permit fee, to be determined by board rule, which shall be paid at the time the application is filed with the board.

(B) On or before the thirty-first day of January of every other year, the board shall charge a biennial licensure renewal fee which shall be determined by board rule and used to defray costs of the board.

(C) The board may, by rule, provide for the waiver of all or part of such fees when the license is issued less than one hundred days before the date on which it will expire.

(D) After the last day of the month designated by the board for renewal, the board shall charge a late fee to be determined by board rule in addition to the biennial licensure renewal fee.

(E) No municipal corporation shall levy an occupational or similar excise tax on any person licensed under this chapter.

(F) All fees collected under this section and section 4753.09 of the Revised Code shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the occupational licensing and regulatory fund created in section 4743.05 of the Revised Code.

Section 4753.12 | Lawful practice.
 

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to:

(A) Prohibit a person other than an individual from engaging in the business of speech-language pathology or audiology without licensure if it employs a licensed individual in the direct practice of speech-language pathology and audiology. Such entity shall file a statement with the state speech and hearing professionals board, on a form approved by the board for this purpose, swearing that it submits itself to the rules of the board and the provisions of this chapter which the board determines applicable.

(B) Prevent or restrict the practice of a person employed as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist by any agency of the federal government.

(C) Restrict the activities and services of a student or intern in speech-language pathology or audiology from pursuing a course of study leading to a degree in these areas at a college or university accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting body or in one of its cooperating clinical training facilities, if these activities and services are supervised by a person licensed in the area of study or certified by the American speech-language-hearing association in the area of study and if the student is designated by a title such as "speech-language pathology intern," "audiology intern," "trainee," or other such title clearly indicating the training status.

(D) Prevent a person from performing speech-language pathology services when performing these services in pursuit of the required supervised professional experience as prescribed in section 4753.06 of the Revised Code and that person has been issued a conditional license pursuant to section 4753.071 of the Revised Code.

(E) Restrict a speech-language pathologist or audiologist who holds the certification of the American speech-language-hearing association, or who is licensed as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist in another state and who has made application to the board for a license in this state from practicing speech-language pathology or audiology without a valid license pending the disposition of the application. The board shall not require a speech-language pathologist or audiologist who is licensed in another state to obtain a license in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to practice speech-language pathology or audiology in the manner described under this division.

(F) Restrict a person not a resident of this state from offering speech-language pathology or audiology services in this state if such services are performed for not more than one period of thirty consecutive calendar days in any year, if the person is licensed in the state of the person's residence or certified by the American speech-language-hearing association and files a statement as prescribed by the board in advance of providing these services. Such person shall be subject to the rules of the board and the provisions of this chapter. The board shall not require a person not a resident of this state who is licensed in the state of the person's residence to obtain a license in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to offer speech-language pathology or audiology services in the manner described under this division.

(G) Restrict a person licensed under Chapter 4747. of the Revised Code from engaging in the duties as defined in that chapter related to measuring, testing, and counseling for the purpose of identifying or modifying hearing conditions in connection with the fitting, dispensing, or servicing of a hearing aid, or affect the authority of hearing aid dealers to deal in hearing aids or advertise the practice of dealing in hearing aids in accordance with Chapter 4747. of the Revised Code.

(H) Restrict a physician from engaging in the practice of medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery or prevent any individual from carrying out any properly delegated responsibilities within the normal practice of medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

(I) Restrict a person registered or licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code from performing those acts and utilizing those procedures that are within the scope of the practice of professional or practical nursing as defined in Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code and the ethics of the nursing profession, provided such a person does not claim to the public to be a speech-language pathologist or audiologist.

(J) Restrict an individual licensed as an audiologist under this chapter from fitting, selling, or dispensing hearing aids.

(K) Authorize the practice of medicine and surgery or entitle a person licensed pursuant to this chapter to engage in the practice of medicine or surgery or any of its branches.

(L) Restrict a person licensed pursuant to Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code from performing those acts and utilizing those procedures that are within the scope of the practice of occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant as defined in Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code, provided the person does not claim to the public to be a speech-language pathologist or audiologist.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 5:22 AM

Section 4753.14 | Referrals.
 

An audiologist shall administer tests of vestibular function only to patients who have been referred to him by a person authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

If an audiologist administers an audiometric test for tinnitus and his examination or evaluation of the patient reflects the presence of otological or systemic disease, the audiologist shall promptly refer the patient to a person authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

Section 4753.15 | Effect of child support default on license.
 

On receipt of a notice pursuant to section 3123.43 of the Revised Code, the state speech and hearing professionals board shall comply with sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to a license issued pursuant to this chapter.

Section 4753.16 | Compliance with law regarding sanctions for human trafficking.
 

The state speech and hearing professionals board shall comply with section 4776.20 of the Revised Code.

Section 4753.17 | Audiology and speech-language pathology interstate compact.
 

The "Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact" is hereby ratified, enacted into law, and entered into by the state of Ohio as a party to the compact with any other state that has legally joined in the compact as follows:

SECTION 1: PURPOSE

The purpose of this Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of audiology and speech-language pathology with the goal of improving public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services. The practice of audiology and speech-language pathology occurs in the state where the patient/client/ student is located at the time of the patient/client/student encounter. The Compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure.

This Compact is designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. Increase public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses;

2. Enhance the states' ability to protect the public's health and safety;

3. Encourage the cooperation of member states in regulating multistate audiology and speech-language pathology practice;

4. Support spouses of relocating active duty military personnel;

5. Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative and disciplinary information between member states;

6. Allow a remote state to hold a provider of services with a compact privilege in that state accountable to that state's practice standards; and

7. Allow for the use of telehealth technology to facilitate increased access to audiology and speech-language pathology services.

SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS

As used in this Compact, and except as otherwise provided, the following definitions shall apply:

A. "Active duty military" means full-time duty status in the active uniformed service of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Chapter 1209 and 1211.

B. "Adverse action" means any administrative, civil, equitable or criminal action permitted by a state's laws which is imposed by a licensing board or other authority against an audiologist or speech-language pathologist, including actions against an individual's license or privilege to practice such as revocation, suspension, probation, monitoring of the licensee, or restriction on the licensee's practice.

C. "Alternative program" means a non-disciplinary monitoring process approved by an audiology or speech-language pathology licensing board to address impaired practitioners.

D. "Audiologist" means an individual who is licensed by a state to practice audiology.

E. "Audiology" means the care and services provided by a licensed audiologist as set forth in the member state's statutes and rules.

F. "Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission" or "Commission" means the national administrative body whose membership consists of all states that have enacted the Compact.

G. "Audiology and speech-language pathology licensing board," "audiology licensing board," "speech-language pathology licensing board," or "licensing board" means the agency of a state that is responsible for the licensing and regulation of audiologists and/or speech-language pathologists.

H. "Compact privilege" means the authorization granted by a remote state to allow a licensee from another member state to practice as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist in the remote state under its laws and rules. The practice of audiology or speech-language pathology occurs in the member state where the patient/client/student is located at the time of the patient/client/student encounter.

I. "Current significant investigative information" means investigative information that a licensing board, after an inquiry or investigation that includes notification and an opportunity for the audiologist or speech-language pathologist to respond, if required by state law, has reason to believe is not groundless and, if proved true, would indicate more than a minor infraction.

J. "Data system" means a repository of information about licensees, including, but not limited to, continuing education, examination, licensure, investigative, compact privilege and adverse action.

K. "Encumbered license" means a license in which an adverse action restricts the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology by the licensee and said adverse action has been reported to the National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB).

L. "Executive Committee" means a group of directors elected or appointed to act on behalf of, and within the powers granted to them by, the Commission.

M. "Home state" means the member state that is the licensee's primary state of residence.

N. "Impaired practitioner" means individuals whose professional practice is adversely affected by substance abuse, addiction, or other health-related conditions.

O. "Licensee" means an individual who currently holds an authorization from the state licensing board to practice as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist.

P. "Member state" means a state that has enacted the Compact.

Q. "Privilege to practice" means a legal authorization permitting the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology in a remote state.

R. "Remote state" means a member state other than the home state where a licensee is exercising or seeking to exercise the compact privilege.

S. "Rule" means a regulation, principle or directive promulgated by the Commission that has the force of law.

T. "Single-state license" means an audiology or speech-language pathology license issued by a member state that authorizes practice only within the issuing state and does not include a privilege to practice in any other member state.

U. "Speech-language pathologist" means an individual who is licensed by a state to practice speech-language pathology.

V. "Speech-language pathology means the care and services provided by a licensed speech-language pathologist as set forth in the member state's statutes and rules.

W. "State" means any state, commonwealth, district or territory of the United States of America that regulates the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology.

X. "State practice laws" means a member state's laws, rules and regulations that govern the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology, define the scope of audiology or speech-language pathology practice, and create the methods and grounds for imposing discipline.

Y. "Telehealth" means the application of telecommunication, audio-visual, or other technologies that meet the applicable standard of care to deliver audiology or speech-language pathology services at a distance for assessment, intervention and/or consultation.

SECTION 3. STATE PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPACT

A. A license issued to an audiologist or speech-language pathologist by a home state to a resident in that state shall be recognized by each member state as authorizing an audiologist or speech-language pathologist to practice audiology or speech-language pathology, under a privilege to practice, in each member state where the licensee obtains such a privilege.

B. A state must implement or utilize procedures for considering the criminal history records of applicants for initial privilege to practice. These procedures shall include the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information by applicants for the purpose of obtaining an applicant's criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the agency responsible for retaining that state's criminal records.

1. A member state must fully implement a criminal background check requirement, within a time frame established by rule, by receiving the results of the Federal Bureau of Investigation record search on criminal background checks and use the results in making licensure decisions.

2. Communication between a member state, the Commission and among member states regarding the verification of eligibility for licensure through the Compact shall not include any information received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation relating to a federal criminal records check performed by a member state under Public Law 92-544.

C. Upon application for a privilege to practice, the licensing board in the issuing remote state shall ascertain, through the data system, whether the applicant has ever held, or is the holder of, a license issued by any other state, whether there are any encumbrances on any license or privilege to practice held by the applicant, whether any adverse action has been taken against any license or privilege to practice held by the applicant.

D. Each member state shall require an applicant to obtain or retain a license in the home state and meet the home state's qualifications for licensure or renewal of licensure, as well as, all other applicable state laws.

E. For an audiologist:

1. Must meet one of the following educational requirements:

a. On or before, Dec. 31, 2007, has graduated with a master's degree or doctorate in audiology, or equivalent degree regardless of degree name, from a program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or its successor, or by the United States Department of Education and operated by a college or university accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the board; or

b. On or after, Jan. 1, 2008, has graduated with a Doctoral degree in audiology, or equivalent degree, regardless of degree name, from a program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or its successor, or by the United States Department of Education and operated by a college or university accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the board; or

c. Has graduated from an audiology program that is housed in an institution of higher education outside of the United States (a) for which the program and institution have been approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and (b) the degree program has been verified by an independent credentials review agency to be comparable to a state licensing board-approved program.

2. Has completed a supervised clinical practicum experience from an accredited educational institution or its cooperating programs as required by the Commission;

3. Has successfully passed a national examination approved by the Commission;

4. Holds an active, unencumbered license;

5. Has not been convicted or found guilty, and has not entered into an agreed disposition, of a felony related to the practice of audiology, under applicable state or federal criminal law;

6. Has a valid United States Social Security or National Practitioner Identification number.

F. For a speech-language pathologist:

1. Must meet one of the following educational requirements:

a. Has graduated with a master's degree from a speech-language pathology program that is accredited by an organization recognized by the United States Department of Education and operated by a college or university accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the board; or

b. Has graduated from a speech-language pathology program that is housed in an institution of higher education outside of the United States (a) for which the program and institution have been approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and (b) the degree program has been verified by an independent credentials review agency to be comparable to a state licensing board-approved program.

2. Has completed a supervised clinical practicum experience from an educational institution or its cooperating programs as required by the Commission;

3. Has completed a supervised postgraduate professional experience as required by the Commission;

4. Has successfully passed a national examination approved by the Commission;

5. Holds an active, unencumbered license;

6. Has not been convicted or found guilty, and has not entered into an agreed disposition, of a felony related to the practice of speech-language pathology, under applicable state or federal criminal law;

7. Has a valid United States Social Security or National Practitioner Identification number.

G. The privilege to practice is derived from the home state license.

H. An audiologist or speech-language pathologist practicing in a member state must comply with the state practice laws of the state in which the client is located at the time service is provided. The practice of audiology and speech-language pathology shall include all audiology and speech-language pathology practice as defined by the state practice laws of the member state in which the client is located. The practice of audiology and speech-language pathology in a member state under a privilege to practice shall subject an audiologist or speech-language pathologist to the jurisdiction of the licensing board, the courts and the laws of the member state in which the client is located at the time service is provided.

I. Individuals not residing in a member state shall continue to be able to apply for a member state's single-state license as provided under the laws of each member state. However, the single-state license granted to these individuals shall not be recognized as granting the privilege to practice audiology or speech-language pathology in any other member state. Nothing in this Compact shall affect the requirements established by a member state for the issuance of a single-state license.

J. Member states may charge a fee for granting a compact privilege.

K. Member states must comply with the bylaws and rules and regulations of the Commission.

SECTION 4. COMPACT PRIVILEGE

A. To exercise the compact privilege under the terms and provisions of the Compact, the audiologist or speech-language pathologist shall:

1. Hold an active license in the home state;

2. Have no encumbrance on any state license;

3. Be eligible for a compact privilege in any member state in accordance with Section 3;

4. Have not had any adverse action against any license or compact privilege within the previous 2 years from date of application;

5. Notify the Commission that the licensee is seeking the compact privilege within a remote state(s);

6. Pay any applicable fees, including any state fee, for the compact privilege;

7. Report to the Commission adverse action taken by any non-member state within 30 days from the date the adverse action is taken.

B. For the purposes of the compact privilege, an audiologist or speech-language pathologist shall only hold one home state license at a time.

C. Except as provided in Section 6, if an audiologist or speech-language pathologist changes primary state of residence by moving between two-member states, the audiologist or speech-language pathologist must apply for licensure in the new home state, and the license issued by the prior home state shall be deactivated in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the Commission.

D. The audiologist or speech-language pathologist may apply for licensure in advance of a change in primary state of residence.

E. A license shall not be issued by the new home state until the audiologist or speech-language pathologist provides satisfactory evidence of a change in primary state of residence to the new home state and satisfies all applicable requirements to obtain a license from the new home state.

F. If an audiologist or speech-language pathologist changes primary state of residence by moving from a member state to a non-member state, the license issued by the prior home state shall convert to a single-state license, valid only in the former home state and the privilege to practice in any member state is deactivated in accordance with the rules promulgated by the Commission.

G. The compact privilege is valid until the expiration date of the home state license. The licensee must comply with the requirements of Section 4A to maintain the compact privilege in the remote state.

H. A licensee providing audiology or speech-language pathology services in a remote state under the compact privilege shall function within the laws and regulations of the remote state.

I. A licensee providing audiology or speech-language pathology services in a remote state is subject to that state's regulatory authority. A remote state may, in accordance with due process and that state's laws, remove a licensee's compact privilege in the remote state for a specific period of time, impose fines, and/or take any other necessary actions to protect the health and safety of its citizens.

J. If a home state license is encumbered, the licensee shall lose the compact privilege in any remote state until the following occur:

1. The home state license is no longer encumbered; and

2. Two years have elapsed from the date of the adverse action.

K. Once an encumbered license in the home state is restored to good standing, the licensee must meet the requirements of Section 4A to obtain a compact privilege in any remote state.

L. Once the requirements of Section 4J have been met, the licensee must meet the requirements in Section 4A to obtain a compact privilege in a remote state.

SECTION 5. COMPACT PRIVILEGE TO PRACTICE TELEHEALTH

Member states shall recognize the right of an audiologist or speech-language pathologist, licensed by a home state in accordance with Section 3 and under rules promulgated by the Commission, to practice audiology or speech-language pathology in any member state via telehealth under a privilege to practice as provided in the Compact and rules promulgated by the Commission.

A licensee providing audiology or speech-language pathology services in a remote state under the compact privilege shall function within the laws and regulations of the state where the patient/client is located.

SECTION 6. ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL OR THEIR SPOUSES Active duty military personnel, or their spouse, shall designate a home state where the individual has a current license in good standing. The individual may retain the home state designation during the period the service member is on active duty. Subsequent to designating a home state, the individual shall only change their home state through application for licensure in the new state.

SECTION 7. ADVERSE ACTIONS

A. In addition to the other powers conferred by state law, a remote state shall have the authority, in accordance with existing state due process law, to:

1. Take adverse action against an audiologist's or speech-language pathologist's privilege to practice within that member state.

2. Issue subpoenas for both hearings and investigations that require the attendance and testimony of witnesses as well as the production of evidence. Subpoenas issued by a licensing board in a member state for the attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of evidence from another member state shall be enforced in the latter state by any court of competent jurisdiction, according to the practice and procedure of that court applicable to subpoenas issued in proceedings pending before it. The issuing authority shall pay any witness fees, travel expenses, mileage and other fees required by the service statutes of the state in which the witnesses or evidence are located.

3. Only the home state shall have the power to take adverse action against a audiologist's or speech-language pathologist's license issued by the home state.

B. For purposes of taking adverse action, the home state shall give the same priority and effect to reported conduct received from a member state as it would if the conduct had occurred within the home state. In so doing, the home state shall apply its own state laws to determine appropriate action.

C. The home state shall complete any pending investigations of an audiologist or speech-language pathologist who changes primary state of residence during the course of the investigations. The home state shall also have the authority to take appropriate action(s) and shall promptly report the conclusions of the investigations to the administrator of the data system. The administrator of the coordinated licensure information system shall promptly notify the new home state of any adverse actions.

D. If otherwise permitted by state law, the member state may recover from the affected audiologist or speech-language pathologist the costs of investigations and disposition of cases resulting from any adverse action taken against that audiologist or speech-language pathologist.

E. The member state may take adverse action based on the factual findings of the remote state, provided that the member state follows the member state's own procedures for taking the adverse action.

F. Joint Investigations

1. In addition to the authority granted to a member state by its respective audiology or speech-language pathology practice act or other applicable state law, any member state may participate with other member states in joint investigations of licensees.

2. Member states shall share any investigative, litigation, or compliance materials in furtherance of any joint or individual investigation initiated under the Compact.

G. If adverse action is taken by the home state against an audiologist's or speech-language pathologist's license, the audiologist's or speech-language pathologist's privilege to practice in all other member states shall be deactivated until all encumbrances have been removed from the state license. All home state disciplinary orders that impose adverse action against an audiologist's or speech-language pathologist's license shall include a statement that the audiologist's or speech-language pathologist's privilege to practice is deactivated in all member states during the pendency of the order.

H. If a member state takes adverse action against a licensee, it shall promptly notify the administrator of the data system. The administrator of the data system shall promptly notify the home state and any remote states in which the licensee has a privilege to practice of any adverse actions by the home state or remote states.

I. Nothing in this Compact shall override a member state's decision that participation in an alternative program may be used in lieu of adverse action.

SECTION 8. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUDIOLOGY AND SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY COMPACT COMMISSION

A. The Compact member states hereby create and establish a joint public agency known as the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission:

1. The Commission is an instrumentality of the Compact states.

2. Venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the Commission shall be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the Commission is located. The Commission may waive venue and jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

3. Nothing in this Compact shall be construed to be a waiver of sovereign immunity.

B. Membership, Voting and Meetings

1. Each member state shall have two (2) delegates selected by that member state's licensing board. The delegates shall be current members of the licensing board. One shall be an audiologist and one shall be a speech-language pathologist.

2. An additional five (5) delegates, who are either a public member or board administrator from a state licensing board, shall be chosen by the Executive Committee from a pool of nominees provided by the Commission at Large.

3. Any delegate may be removed or suspended from office as provided by the law of the state from which the delegate is appointed.

4. The member state board shall fill any vacancy occurring on the Commission, within 90 days.

5. Each delegate shall be entitled to one (1) vote with regard to the promulgation of rules and creation of bylaws and shall otherwise have an opportunity to participate in the business and affairs of the Commission.

6. A delegate shall vote in person or by other means as provided in the bylaws. The bylaws may provide for delegates' participation in meetings by telephone or other means of communication.

7. The Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. Additional meetings shall be held as set forth in the bylaws.

C. The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:

1. Establish the fiscal year of the Commission;

2. Establish bylaws;

3. Establish a Code of Ethics;

4. Maintain its financial records in accordance with the bylaws;

5. Meet and take actions as are consistent with the provisions of this Compact and the bylaws;

6. Promulgate uniform rules to facilitate and coordinate implementation and administration of this Compact. The rules shall have the force and effect of law and shall be binding in all member states to the extent and in the manner provided for in the Compact;

7. Bring and prosecute legal proceedings or actions in the name of the Commission, provided that the standing of any state audiology or speech-language pathology licensing board to sue or be sued under applicable law shall not be affected;

8. Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;

9. Borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel, including, but not limited to, employees of a member state;

10. Hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix compensation, define duties, grant individuals appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the Compact, and to establish the Commission's personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, and other related personnel matters;

11. Accept any and all appropriate donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, and to receive, utilize and dispose of the same; provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety and/or conflict of interest;

12. Lease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve or use, any property, real, personal or mixed; provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety;

13. Sell convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property real, personal, or mixed;

14. Establish a budget and make expenditures;

15. Borrow money;

16. Appoint committees, including standing committees composed of members, and other interested persons as may be designated in this Compact and the bylaws;

17. Provide and receive information from, and cooperate with, law enforcement agencies;

18. Establish and elect an Executive Committee; and

19. Perform other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Compact consistent with the state regulation of audiology and speech-language pathology licensure and practice.

The Commission shall have no authority to change or modify the laws of the member states that define the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology in the respective states.

D. The Executive Committee The Executive Committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the Commission, within the powers of the Commission, according to the terms of this Compact:

1. The Executive Committee shall be composed of ten (10) members:

a. Seven (7) voting members who are elected by the Commission from the current membership of the Commission;

b. Two (2) ex-officios, consisting of one nonvoting member from a recognized national audiology professional association and one nonvoting member from a recognized national speech-language pathology association; and

c. One (1) ex-officio, nonvoting member from the recognized membership organization of the audiology and speech-language pathology licensing boards.

E. The ex-officio members shall be selected by their respective organizations.

1. The Commission may remove any member of the Executive Committee as provided in bylaws.

2. The Executive Committee shall meet at least annually.

3. The Executive Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Recommend to the entire Commission changes to the rules or bylaws, changes to this Compact legislation, fees paid by Compact member states such as annual dues, and any commission Compact fee charged to licensees for the compact privilege;

b. Ensure Compact administration services are appropriately provided, contractual or otherwise;

c. Prepare and recommend the budget;

d. Maintain financial records on behalf of the Commission;

e. Monitor Compact compliance of member states and provide compliance reports to the Commission;

f. Establish additional committees as necessary;

g. Other duties as provided in rules or bylaws.

4. Meetings of the Commission or Executive Committee

All meetings shall be open to the public, and public notice of meetings shall be given in the same manner as required under the rulemaking provisions in Section 10.

5. The Commission or the Executive Committee or other committees of the Commission may convene in a closed, non-public meeting if the Commission or Executive Committee or other committees of the Commission must discuss:

a. Non-compliance of a member state with its obligations under the Compact;

b. The employment, compensation, discipline or other matters, practices or procedures related to specific employees or other matters related to the Commission's internal personnel practices and procedures;

c. Current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation;

d. Negotiation of contracts for the purchase, lease, or sale of goods, services, or real estate;

e. Accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person;

f. Disclosure of trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;

g. Disclosure of information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

h. Disclosure of investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes;

i. Disclosure of information related to any investigative reports prepared by or on behalf of or for use of the Commission or other committee charged with responsibility of investigation or determination of compliance issues pursuant to the Compact; or

j. Matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or member state statute.

6. If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed pursuant to this provision, the Commission's legal counsel or designee shall certify that the meeting may be closed and shall reference each relevant exempting provision.

7. The Commission shall keep minutes that fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of the views expressed. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in minutes. All minutes and documents of meetings other than closed meetings shall be made available to members of the public upon request at the requesting person's expense. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to release by a majority vote of the Commission or order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

8. Financing of the Commission

a. The Commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.

b. The Commission may accept any and all appropriate revenue sources, donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services.

c. The Commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state or impose fees on other parties to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Commission and its staff, which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover its annual budget as approved each year for which revenue is not provided by other sources. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Commission, which shall promulgate a rule binding upon all member states.

9. The Commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Commission pledge the credit of any of the member states, except by and with the authority of the member state.

10. The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Commission.

F. Qualified Immunity, Defense, and Indemnification

1. The members, officers, executive director, employees and representatives of the Commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any person from suit and/or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.

2. The Commission shall defend any member, officer, executive director, employee or representative of the Commission in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit that person from retaining his or her own counsel; and provided further, that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from that person's intentional or willful or wanton misconduct.

3. The Commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the Commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.

SECTION 9. DATA SYSTEM

A. The Commission shall provide for the development, maintenance, and utilization of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, adverse action, and investigative information on all licensed individuals in member states.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of state law to the contrary, a member state shall submit a uniform data set to the data system on all individuals to whom this Compact is applicable as required by the rules of the Commission, including:

1. Identifying information;

2. Licensure data;

3. Adverse actions against a license or compact privilege;

4. Non-confidential information related to alternative program participation;

5. Any denial of application for licensure, and the reason(s) for denial; and

6. Other information that may facilitate the administration of this Compact, as determined by the rules of the Commission.

C. Investigative information pertaining to a licensee in any member state shall only be available to other member states.

D. The Commission shall promptly notify all member states of any adverse action taken against a licensee or an individual applying for a license. Adverse action information pertaining to a licensee in any member state shall be available to any other member state.

E. Member states contributing information to the data system may designate information that may not be shared with the public without the express permission of the contributing state.

F. Any information submitted to the data system that is subsequently required to be expunged by the laws of the member state contributing the information shall be removed from the data system.

SECTION 10. RULEMAKING

A. The Commission shall exercise its rulemaking powers pursuant to the criteria set forth in this Section and the rules adopted thereunder. Rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each rule or amendment.

B. If a majority of the legislatures of the member states rejects a rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the Compact within 4 years of the date of adoption of the rule, the rule shall have no further force and effect in any member state.

C. Rules or amendments to the rules shall be adopted at a regular or special meeting of the Commission.

D. Prior to promulgation and adoption of a final rule or rules by the Commission, and at least thirty (30) days in advance of the meeting at which the rule shall be considered and voted upon, the Commission shall file a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking:

1. On the website of the Commission or other publicly accessible platform; and

2. On the website of each member state audiology or speech-language pathology licensing board or other publicly accessible platform or the publication in which each state would otherwise publish proposed rules.

E. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking shall include:

1. The proposed time, date, and location of the meeting in which the rule shall be considered and voted upon;

2. The text of the proposed rule or amendment and the reason for the proposed rule;

3. A request for comments on the proposed rule from any interested person; and

4. The manner in which interested persons may submit notice to the Commission of their intention to attend the public hearing and any written comments.

F. Prior to the adoption of a proposed rule, the Commision shall allow persons to submit written data, facts, opinions and arguments, which shall be made available to the public.

G. The Commission shall grant an opportunity for a public hearing before it adopts a rule or amendment if a hearing is requested by:

1. At least twenty-five (25) persons;

2. A state or federal governmental subdivision or agency; or

3. An association having at least twenty-five (25) members.

H. If a hearing is held on the proposed rule or amendment, the Commission shall publish the place, time, and date of the scheduled public hearing. If the hearing is held via electronic means, the Commission shall publish the mechanism for access to the electronic hearing.

1. All persons wishing to be heard at the hearing shall notify the executive director of the Commission or other designated member in writing of their desire to appear and testify at the hearing not less than five (5) business days before the scheduled date of the hearing.

2. Hearings shall be conducted in a manner providing each person who wishes to comment a fair and reasonable opportunity to comment orally or in writing.

3. All hearings shall be recorded. A copy of the recording shall be made available to any person on request and at the requesting person's expense.

4. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring a separate hearing on each rule. Rules may be grouped for the convenience of the Commission at hearings required by this section.

I. Following the scheduled hearing date, or by the close of business on the scheduled hearing date if the hearing was not held, the Commission shall consider all written and oral comments received.

J. If no written notice of intent to attend the public hearing by interested parties is received, the Commission may proceed with promulgation of the proposed rule without a public hearing.

K. The Commission shall, by majority vote of all members, take final action on the proposed rule and shall determine the effective date of the rule, if any, based on the rulemaking record and the full text of the rule.

L. Upon determination that an emergency exists, the Commission may consider and adopt an emergency rule without prior notice, opportunity for comment, or hearing, provided that the usual rulemaking procedures provided in the Compact and in this section shall be retroactively applied to the rule as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of the rule. For the purposes of this provision, an emergency rule is one that must be adopted immediately in order to:

1. Meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare;

2. Prevent a loss of Commission or member state funds; or

3. Meet a deadline for the promulgation of an administrative rule that is established by federal law or rule.

M. The Commission or an authorized committee of the Commission may direct revisions to a previously adopted rule or amendment for purposes of correcting typographical errors, errors in format, errors in consistency, or grammatical errors. Public notice of any revisions shall be posted on the website of the Commission. The revision shall be subject to challenge by any person for a period of thirty (30) days after posting. The revision may be challenged only on grounds that the revision results in a material change to a rule. A challenge shall be made in writing and delivered to the chair of the Commission prior to the end of the notice period. If no challenge is made, the revision shall take effect without further action. If the revision is challenged, the revision may not take effect without the approval of the Commission.

SECTION 11. OVERSIGHT, DISPUTE RESOLUTION, AND ENFORCEMENT

A. Dispute Resolution

1. Upon request by a member state, the Commission shall attempt to resolve disputes related to the Compact that arise among member states and between member and non-member states.

2. The Commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.

B. Enforcement

1. The Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this Compact.

2. By majority vote, the Commission may initiate legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Commission has its principal offices against a member state in default to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Compact and its promulgated rules and bylaws. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees.

3. The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of the Commission. The Commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or state law.

SECTION 12. DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION FOR AUDIOLOGY AND SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY PRACTICE AND ASSOCIATED RULES, WITHDRAWAL, AND AMENDMENT

A. The Compact shall come into effect on the date on which the Compact statute is enacted into law in the 10th member state. The provisions, which become effective at that time, shall be limited to the powers granted to the Commission relating to assembly and the promulgation of rules. Thereafter, the Commission shall meet and exercise rulemaking powers necessary to the implementation and administration of the Compact.

B. Any state that joins the Compact subsequent to the Commission's initial adoption of the rules shall be subject to the rules as they exist on the date on which the Compact becomes law in that state. Any rule that has been previously adopted by the Commission shall have the full force and effect of law on the day the Compact becomes law in that state.

C. Any member state may withdraw from this Compact by enacting a statute repealing the same.

1. A member state's withdrawal shall not take effect until six (6) months after enactment of the repealing statute.

2. Withdrawal shall not affect the continuing requirement of the withdrawing state's audiology or speech-language pathology licensing board to comply with the investigative and adverse action reporting requirements of this act prior to the effective date of withdrawal.

D. Nothing contained in this Compact shall be construed to invalidate or prevent any audiology or speech-language pathology licensure agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a member state and a non-member state that does not conflict with the provisions of this Compact.

E. This Compact may be amended by the member states. No amendment to this Compact shall become effective and binding upon any member state until it is enacted into the laws of all member states.

SECTION 13. CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY

This Compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this Compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this Compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any member state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this Compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this Compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any member state, the Compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining member states and in full force and effect as to the member state affected as to all severable matters.

SECTION 14. BINDING EFFECT OF COMPACT AND OTHER LAWS

A. Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is not inconsistent with the Compact.

B. All laws in a member state in conflict with the Compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.

C. All lawful actions of the Commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the Commission, are binding upon the member states.

D. All agreements between the Commission and the member states are binding in accordance with their terms.

E. In the event any provision of the Compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any member state, the provision shall be ineffective to the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that member state.

Last updated July 14, 2021 at 5:10 PM

Section 4753.171 | Delegates to compact commission.
 

Not later than thirty days after the "Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact" is entered into under section 4753.17 of the Revised Code, the state speech and hearing professionals board, in accordance with section eight of the compact, shall select two individuals to serve as delegates to the audiology and speech-language pathology compact commission created under the compact. The board shall fill a vacancy in this position not later than thirty days after the vacancy occurs.

Last updated July 14, 2021 at 5:11 PM

Section 4753.20 | Telehealth services.
 

An audiologist or speech-language pathologist may provide telehealth services in accordance with section 4743.09 of the Revised Code.

Last updated January 27, 2022 at 3:33 PM

Section 4753.99 | Penalty.
 

Whoever violates section 4753.02 of the Revised Code is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.