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Congratulations to our incoming TAA Board of Directors who will take office beginning January 1, 2018:

The Texas Academy of Audiology Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the following individuals have expressed formal interest in serving on the Board as Elected Members for terms beginning on January 1, 2018. 

Selection of Elected Members to the Board will take place through formal vote and approval by the Membership at the TAA Business Meeting held at the Annual Conference on Friday, October, 20. 

Click here for nominee statements and to learn more.

Position: President Elect:

Lacey Brooks, Au.D.

Adriana Miciak, Au.D.

VP of Education:

Jennifer Bobo, Au.D.

VP of Legislative issues:

Jennifer Muehleback, Au.D.

Haley Owen, Au.D.

VP of Public Relations

Tracy Board, Au.D.

Annie Cardella-McRae, Au.D.

Cassie Thomas, Au.D.

Did you know you can reach the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) through Facebook? 

Have questions or comments about state licensing?

Click here to reach the TDLR Facebook page, or send an e-mail to TDLR: CS.Speech@tdlr.texas.gov

You may also contact TDLR by phone at (800) 803-9202.

On March 21, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Charles Grassley (R-IA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced the Over the Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Representatives Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Joe Kennedy (D-MA). The Academy has been actively engaged on this legislation since the start of the 115th Congress and was able to see several key changes to this version based on the bill that was introduced at the end of the 114th Congress. While the legislation is not perfect, the Academy is pleased to see that the bill’s sponsors are so willing to work with key stakeholders to ensure that consumers are protected and the interests of audiologists are understood.

The Academy’s conversations have been based on its two statements released on OTC Devices and on accessibility and affordability for hearing care. The Academy will continue to work with Congress on this bill at it advances through the legislative process.

 Read the bill text.

Do you perform outpatient screens or diagnostic audiological evaluations for children from birth through age five years?  If so, the Department of State Health Services, Texas Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program needs your help. 

TEHDI must report audiological outcomes to the CDC and some HRSA funds are tied to successfully meeting the 1-3-6 EHDI goals. Texas Pediatric Audiologists are responsible for reporting screening and diagnostic outcomes to TEHDI for the infants and toddlers they serve. 

If you are already reporting these data through the TEHDI website, thank you!  If not, make the state of Texas shine by reporting. Contact us today at 888-727-3366 opt 3 to obtain a username & password for the TEHDI MIS website.

Notice to TAA Members regarding Changes to hearing aid purchase agreements and office signs

Beginning October 1, 2016, our licenses will be administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).  As a result of this change, there are several minor rule changes that have occurred. Two that will immediately affect us is the language required on a purchase agreement for hearing aids and the notification sign in our offices regarding complaints.

The following items must be contained on the hearing aid purchase agreement.  None of this is new; however, please ensure that all of this is printed on each agreement.  The one change is the name and address of the agency.  See 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 111, §111.220

(c) - Joint Rule Regarding the Sale of Hearing Instruments.

(c) Upon the sale of any hearing instrument(s) or change of model or serial number of the hearing instrument(s), the owner shall ensure that each client receives a written contract that contains:

(1) the date of sale;

(2) the make, model, and serial number of the hearing instrument(s);

(3) the name, address, and telephone number of the principal place of business of the license holder who dispensed the hearing instrument;

(4) a statement that the hearing instrument is new, used, or reconditioned;

(5) the length of time and other terms of the guarantee and by whom the hearing instrument is guaranteed;

(6) a copy of the written forms (relating to waiver forms);

(7) a statement on or attached to the written contract for services, in no smaller than 10-point bold type, as follows: "The client has been advised that any examination or representation made by a licensed audiologist or licensed intern in audiology in connection with the fitting and selling of the hearing instrument(s) is not an examination, diagnosis or prescription by a person duly licensed and qualified as a physician or surgeon authorized to practice medicine in the State of Texas and, therefore, must not be regarded as medical opinion or advice.”;

(8) a statement on the face of the written contract for services, in no smaller than 10-point bold type, as follows: “If you have a complaint against a licensed audiologist or intern in audiology, you may contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711, Telephone (512) 463-6599, Toll-Free (in Texas): (800) 803-9202, www.tdlr.texas.gov”;

(9) the printed name, license type, signature and license number of the licensed audiologist or licensed intern in audiology who dispensed the hearing instrument;

(10) the supervisor's name, license type, and license number, if applicable;

(11) a recommendation for a follow-up appointment within 30 days after the hearing instrument fitting;

(12) the expiration date of the 30 consecutive day trial period under subsection (b) of this section; and

(13) the dollar amount charged for the hearing instrument and the dollar amount charged for the return or restocking fee, if applicable.

Also, we are required to have a sign posted in our office advising patients of who to contact if they wish to file a complaint.  This is not a new requirement; however, the name and address of the agency is new. See Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 111, §111.151

(a) A licensee shall notify each client of the name, mailing address, telephone number and website of the department for the purpose of directing complaints to the department.  A licensee shall display this notification:

(1)  on a sign prominently displayed in the primary place of business of each licensee; and

(2)  on a written document such as a written contract, a bill for service, or office information brochure provided by the licensee to a client or third party.

There is no specific wording required by the rule.  The following was reviewed by TDLR personnel.  They state that this meets the requirement and may be used.

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation 

Unless exempted by State law, a person who provides speech-language pathology

and/or audiology services to clients must be licensed by the

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

(16 TAC CHAPTER 111. SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS AND AUDIOLOGISTS).

A consumer who wishes to file a complaint against an individual licensed by this agency may contact:

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

P.O. Box 12157

Austin, Texas 78711

(512) 463-6599

(800) 803-9202 Toll-Free (in Texas):

www.tdlr.texas.gov

TDLR has announced that they will begin issuing licenses and performing all regulatory duties associated with the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (SLPA) program on Monday, October 3, 2016. Below is a summary of the timeline leading up to the program launch date at TDLR:

Feb. 9:  Post Statement of Work to select vendors for contract to convert the transferring programs to TDLR-managed hardware and software (IT contract)
Feb. 22: Bids due to TDLR for IT contract
March 19: Contract award
April 3: Conversion Project Kick-off
Oct. 1: Effective date of TDLR administrative rules
Oct. 1-2:  SLPA program inactivated at DSHS / Go live at TDLR
Oct. 3:  First day of business for SLPA program at TDLR

Until October 3, 2016, all licensing, compliance, and enforcement responsibilities for the SLPA program will remain at DSHS. For assistance in these areas, please visit the DSHS Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology home page.

When does the transfer happen?
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) will assume all activities relating to the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists program—including licenses and renewals, customer service and enforcement—on October 3, 2016.

When the transfer happens, will I need to get a new license issued by TDLR?
No. The license you have now—issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)—remains valid until its expiration date. When you renew, you will receive a TDLR license.

Have the rules changed?
Yes, TDLR has adopted rules for all of the transferring health profession programs. Most of the newly adopted rules are very similar, but some changes have been made. The TDLR rules become effective on October 1, 2016. View the rule changes and links to the TDLR rules

What is going to happen with open complaints and cases?
If you filed a complaint with DSHS or had a complaint filed against your license and it is not resolved by the transfer date, TDLR will assume responsibility for the case at that time. You will receive notification by mail if your complaint is transferred to TDLR.

How do I stay informed about changes impacting me?
You have several options to stay connected:

• Email updates – Sign up for email updates to receive notices about rules, the law, fees, examination requirements, meetings and more. Email updates are the best way for you to stay informed.

• Meetings – TDLR’s advisory board and Commission meetings are available to watch online live or later at your convenience.

• Facebook and Twitter – TDLR has a Facebook page and Twitter account dedicated to TDLR Health Professions.

Notice to TAA Members regarding changes to hearing aid purchase agreements and office signs.

Beginning October 1, 2016, our licenses will be administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). As a result of this change, there are several minor rule changes that have occurred. Two that will immediately affect us is the language required on a purchase agreement for hearing aids and the notification sign in our offices regarding complaints.

The following items must be contained on the hearing aid purchase agreement. None of this is new; however, please ensure that all of this is printed on each agreement. The one change is the name and address of the agency. See 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 111, §111.220 (c) - Joint Rule Regarding the Sale of Hearing Instruments.

(c) Upon the sale of any hearing instrument(s) or change of model or serial number of the hearing instrument(s), the owner shall ensure that each client receives a written contract that contains:

(1) the date of sale;

(2) the make, model, and serial number of the hearing instrument(s);

(3) the name, address, and telephone number of the principal place of business of the license holder who dispensed the hearing instrument;

(4) a statement that the hearing instrument is new, used, or reconditioned;

(5) the length of time and other terms of the guarantee and by whom the hearing instrument is guaranteed;

(6) a copy of the written forms (relating to waiver forms);

(7) a statement on or attached to the written contract for services, in no smaller than 10-point bold type, as follows: "The client has been advised that any examination or representation made by a licensed audiologist or licensed intern in audiology in connection with the fitting and selling of the hearing instrument(s) is not an examination, diagnosis or prescription by a person duly licensed and qualified as a physician or surgeon authorized to practice medicine in the State of Texas and, therefore, must not be regarded as medical opinion or advice.”;

(8) a statement on the face of the written contract for services, in no smaller than 10-point bold type, as follows: “If you have a complaint against a licensed audiologist or intern in audiology, you may contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711, Telephone (512) 463-6599, Toll-Free (in Texas): (800) 803-9202”;

(9) the printed name, license type, signature and license number of the licensed audiologist or licensed intern in audiology who dispensed the hearing instrument;

(10) the supervisor's name, license type, and license number, if applicable;

(11) a recommendation for a follow-up appointment within 30 days after the hearing instrument fitting;

(13) the dollar amount charged for the hearing instrument and the dollar amount charged for the return or restocking fee, if applicable.

Also, we are required to have a sign posted in our office advising patients of who to contact if they wish to file a complaint. This is not a new requirement; however, the name and address of the agency is new. See Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 111, §111.151

(a) A licensee shall notify each client of the name, mailing address, telephone number and website of the department for the purpose of directing complaints to the department.  

A licensee shall display this notification: 

(1) on a sign prominently displayed in the primary place of business of each licensee; and

(2) on a written document such as a written contract, a bill for service, or office information brochure provided by the licensee to a client or third party.

There is no specific wording required by the rule. The following was reviewed by TDLR personnel. They state that this meets the requirement and may be used.

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Unless exempted by State law, a person who provides speech-language pathology and/or audiology services to clients must be licensed by the
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
(16 TAC CHAPTER 111. SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS AND AUDIOLOGISTS).

A consumer who wishes to file a complaint against an individual licensed by this agency may contact:

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
P.O. Box 12157
Austin, Texas 78711
(512) 463-6599
(800) 803-9202 Toll-Free (in Texas):
www.tdlr.texas.gov

*(b) Guidelines for a 30 consecutive day trial period.

(1) All clients shall be informed of a 30 consecutive day trial period by written contract for services. All charges associated with such trial period shall be included in this written contract for services, which shall include the name, address, and telephone number of the department.

(2) Any client purchasing one or more hearing instruments shall be entitled to a refund of the purchase price advanced by the client for the hearing instrument(s), less the agreed-upon amount associated with the trial period, upon return of the instrument(s), in good condition, to the licensed audiologist or licensed intern in audiology within the trial period ending 30 consecutive days from the date of delivery. Should the order be canceled by the client prior to the delivery of the hearing instrument(s), the licensed audiologist or licensed intern in audiology may retain the agreed-upon charges and fees as specified in the written contract for services. The client shall receive the refund due no later than the 30th day after the date on which the client cancels the order or returns the hearing instrument(s), in good condition, to the licensed audiologist or licensed intern in audiology.

(3) Should the hearing instrument(s) have to be returned to the manufacturer for repair or remake during the trial period, the 30 consecutive day trial period begins anew. The trial period begins on the day the client reclaims the repaired/remade hearing instrument(s). The expiration date of the new 30 consecutive day trial period shall be made available to the client in writing, through an amendment to the original written contract. The amendment shall be signed by both the licensed audiologist or licensed intern in audiology and the client.

(4) On delivery of a new replacement hearing instrument(s) during the trial period, the serial number of the new instrument(s), the delivery date of the hearing instrument(s), and the date of the expiration of the 30 consecutive day trial period must be stated in writing.

(5) If the date of the expiration of the 30 consecutive day trial period falls on a holiday, weekend, or a day the business is not open, the expiration date shall be the first day the business reopens.

For more information, and to sign up to receive email updates from TDLR, click here.

You can download the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Administrative Rules document (306kb) as an Adobe PDF file suitable for printing. Acrobat Reader is necessary to view .pdf files. If you need to obtain a copy of this program it is available as a free download for Windows or Macintosh operating systems.

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS AND AUDIOLOGISTS
Administrative Rules
16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 111
(Effective October 1, 2016)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
111.1. Authority
111.2. Definitions

SUBCHAPTER B. SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS AND AUDIOLOGISTS ADVISORY BOARD
111.10. Membership
111.11. Duties
111.12. Terms; Vacancies
111.13. Officers
111.14. Meetings

SUBCHAPTER C. EXAMINATIONS
111.20. License Examination--General Requirements
111.21. License Examination--Written Examination
111.22. Waiver of Written Examination Requirement
111.23. License Examination--Jurisprudence Examination

SUBCHAPTER D. REQUIREMENTS FOR SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY LICENSE
111.30. Speech-Language Pathology License--Licensing Requirements
111.35. Speech-Language Pathology License--Application and Eligibility Requirements
111.36. Speech-Language Pathology License--Issuing License
111.37. Speech-Language Pathology License--License Terms; Renewals

SUBCHAPTER E. REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERN IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY LICENSE
111.40. Intern in Speech-Language Pathology License--Licensing and Internship Requirements
111.45. Intern in Speech-Language Pathology License--Application and Eligibility Requirements
111.46. Intern in Speech-Language Pathology License--Issuing License
111.47. Intern in Speech-Language Pathology License--License Terms; Renewals

SUBCHAPTER F. REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSISTANT IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY LICENSE
111.50. Assistant in Speech-Language Pathology License--Licensing Requirements
111.55. Assistant in Speech-Language Pathology License--Application and Eligibility Requirements
111.56. Assistant in Speech-Language Pathology License--Issuing License
111.57. Assistant in Speech-Language Pathology License--License Terms; Renewals

SUBCHAPTER G. REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
111.60. Temporary Certificate of Registration in Speech-Language Pathology--Registration Requirements
111.65. Temporary Certificate of Registration in Speech-Language Pathology --Application and Eligibility Requirements
111.66. Temporary Certificate of Registration in Speech-Language Pathology--Issuing Registration

SUBCHAPTER H. REQUIREMENTS FOR AUDIOLOGY LICENSE
111.70. Audiology License--Licensing Requirements
111.75. Audiology License--Application and Eligibility Requirements
111.76. Audiology License--Issuing License
111.77. Audiology License--License Terms; Renewals

SUBCHAPTER I. REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERN IN AUDIOLOGY LICENSE
111.80. Intern in Audiology License--Licensing and Internship Requirements
111.85. Intern in Audiology License--Application and Eligibility Requirements
111.86. Intern in Audiology License--Issuing License
111.87. Intern in Audiology License--License Terms; Renewals

SUBCHAPTER J. REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSISTANT IN AUDIOLOGY LICENSE
111.90. Assistant in Audiology License--Licensing Requirements
111.95. Assistant in Audiology License--Application and Eligibility Requirements
111.96. Assistant in Audiology License--Issuing License
111.97. Audiology Assistant License--License Terms; Renewals

SUBCHAPTER K. REQUIREMENTS FOR AUDIOLOGY TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION
111.100. Temporary Certificate of Registration in Audiology--Registration Requirements
111.105. Audiology Temporary Certificate of Registration--Application and Eligibility Requirements
111.106. Temporary Certificate of Registration in Audiology--Issuing Registration

SUBCHAPTER L. REQUIREMENTS FOR DUAL LICENSE IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY
111.110. Dual License in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology--Licensing Requirements
111.115. Dual License in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology--Application and Eligibility Requirements
111.116. Dual License in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology--Issuing License
111.117. Dual License in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology--License Terms; Renewals

SUBCHAPTER N. CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
111.130. Continuing Professional Education--Requirements and Hours
111.131. Continuing Professional Education--Courses and Credits
111.132. Continuing Professional Education--Records and Audits

SUBCHAPTER O. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION AND THE DEPARTMENT
111.140. Rules

SUBCHAPTER P. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LICENSEE AND CODE OF ETHICS
111.150. Changes of Name, Address or Other Information
111.151. Consumer Information and Display of License
111.152. Advertising
111.153. Recordkeeping and Billing
111.154. Requirements, Duties, and Responsibilities of Supervisors
111.155. Standards of Ethical Practice (Code of Ethics)

SUBCHAPTER Q. FEES
111.160. Fees

SUBCHAPTER R. COMPLAINTS
111.170. Telephone Number for Complaints
111.171. Complaints Regarding Standard of Care

SUBCHAPTER S. ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS
111.180. Administrative Penalties and Sanctions
111.181. Enforcement Authority
111.182. Refunds
111.183. Surrender of License

SUBCHAPTER T. SCREENING PROCEDURES
111.190. Communication Screening
111.191. Hearing Screening
111.192. Newborn Hearing Screening

SUBCHAPTER U. FITTING AND DISPENSING OF HEARING INSTRUMENTS
111.200. Registration of Audiologists and Interns in Audiology to Fit and Dispense Hearing Instruments
111.201. General Practice Requirements of Audiologists and Interns in Audiology Who Fit and Dispense Hearing Instruments
111.202. Requirements of Audiologists and Interns in Audiology Conducting Audiometric Testing for the Purpose of Fitting and Dispensing Hearing Instruments

SUBCHAPTER V. TELEHEALTH
111.210. Definitions Relating to Telehealth
111.211. Service Delivery Models of Speech-Language Pathologists
111.212. Requirements for the Use of Telehealth by Speech-Language Pathologists
111.213. Limitations on the Use of Telecommunications Technology by Speech-Language Pathologists
111.214. Requirements for Providing Telehealth Services in Speech-Language Pathology
111.215. Requirements for Providing Telepractice Services in Audiology

SUBCHAPTER W. JOINT RULE REGARDING THE SALE OF HEARING INSTRUMENTS
111.220. Requirements Regarding the Sale of Hearing Instruments

SUBCHAPTER X. JOINT RULES FOR FITTING AND DISPENSING OF HEARING INSTRUMENTS BY TELEPRACTICE
111.230. Purpose
111.231. Definitions
111.232. Requirements for Providing Telehealth Services for the Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments

For further information click here to go to the TDLR site.

The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation adopted new rules regarding the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists program (16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 111).

View the adoption justification

View the full adopted rules

The rules take effect October 1, 2016.