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The professions of audiology and speech-language pathology are regulated at the state level and each state maintains its own standards for licensure or registration. While many states model their regulatory requirements after the requirements for ASHA's CCC or recognize ASHA's CCC as equivalent to state requirements, a state license or registration is necessary to practice legally in almost all states for practitioners who hold ASHA's CCC.
Initial Licensure Requirements
Audiology
Applicants for an audiology license whose degree was earned and conferred after January 1, 2007, must evidence:
- Doctoral degree in audiology from an educational institution approved by the Board
- Successful completion of supervised clinical practicum experiences (Fourth Year Internship) from an educational institution, or its cooperating programs, that is approved by the Board
- Passage of an examination
or
ASHA CCC's or an equivalent certification from an accrediting association or academy
Note
Nothing in this section shall prevent the continued licensure of an audiologist who received licensure before January 1, 2007.
Audiology (before January 1, 2007) & Speech-Language Pathology
- Master's degree or equivalent
- Successful completion of supervised clinical practicum experiences from an educational institution, or its cooperating programs, that is approved by the Board
- Successful completion of postgraduate professional experience
-
Passage of an examination or
ASHA CCC's or an equivalent certification from an accrediting association or academy
Exemptions
- Physicians and their supervisees
- Hearing aid fitters and dealers
- Credentialed speech and hearing specialists (issued by the Alabama Department of Education)
- Federal employees
- Students
Reciprocity/Endorsement
Persons licensed in other states with equivalent standards and CCC holders
Interim Practice/Temporary Licensure
- A person holding a valid CCC and/or equivalent certification including an active license in audiology or speech language pathology in another state may practice during the interim period between submission of licensure application form and board action.
- Persons who are not state licensed but who meet state licensure requirements may provide services for no more than 7 days per calendar year if performed in cooperation with a state licensee.
- Persons licensed in another state with equivalent standards or CCC holders may provide services for no more than 30 days per calendar year if performed in cooperation with a state licensee.
- Clinical fellows must register with the Board.
Continuing Ed. Requirement for Licensure Renewal
The licensee must participate in CEU activities of at least twelve (12) clock hours for each license period. A minimum of ten (10) of the required 12 hours of continuing education must improve the professional competency of the licensee in the area of licensure, or Content Area I (refer to the Alabama Board of Examiners of SLP & Audiology Web site for approval list). A maximum of two (2) of the required 12 hours can be in an area related to the area of licensure but must improve the professional competency of the licensee, or Content Area II (see Web site). Dual licensees must complete twenty four (24) clock hours with a minimum of 10 hours in each discipline for Content Area I.
Hearing Aid Dispensing
Audiologists may dispense under an audiology license (see guidelines at AL Administrative Code 870-X-7-.04)
Support Personnel
- Speech-language pathology and audiology assistants must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent in communication disorders or related field and register with the Board.
- The licensed supervisor must document direct observation of at least 10% of all clinical services provided by the assistant, and the supervisor is responsible for the legal, ethical, moral, and professional behavior relating to the work performed under the licensee's supervision.
- Speech-language pathology and audiology assistants must complete 10 hours of continuing education per year.
- Assistant registration expires December 31 of each year. Failure to apply for renewal shall result in automatic revocation.
Board Oversight
Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology
Board Composition
The Board comprises seven members who shall be appointed by the Governor from names submitted by the Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama; those persons nominated or appointed to serve on the Board shall have been engaged in rendering services to the public, or teaching, or research, or any combination of these elements in speech-language pathology or audiology or both for at least 5 years immediately preceding their appointment; at least three Board members shall be speech-language pathologists, at least three shall be audiologists, and one shall be a member of the consuming public or an allied professional.
Web site
Alabama Board of Examiners of SLP & Audiology
Questions regarding this document? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.
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