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Next Review Date: None
Last Review Cycle: 2010-2011 Review Cycle - 82nd Legislative Session
Sunset Documents for 2010-2011 Review Cycle, 82nd Legislative Session
Summary of Results (Jul 2011)
Final Report (Jul 2011)
Self-Evaluation Report (Sep 2009)
Legislative Documents
Senate Bill 662 (Jun 2011)
Final Results of Last Sunset Review
In 1983, the Legislature created the State Committee of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and administratively attached it to the Texas Department of Health. Ten years later, the Legislature changed the name to the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (Board). In 2004, the nine-member Board was administratively attached to the newly created Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The Board protects and promotes public health by designing and enforcing licensure rules and regulations for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists in Texas. SLPs evaluate and treat disorders related to communication, language, and swallowing. Audiologists evaluate and treat ailments related to hearing functions, including the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments, commonly known as hearing aids.
Senate Bill 662 continues the Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology for six years, and makes several changes to the Board’s administration to enhance the efficiency, fairness, and public protection of its operations. The Legislature adopted all of the Sunset Commission’s recommendations, but removed the exemption of certain SLPs from the Board’s required fingerprint criminal background check. A list of the bill’s major provisions follows.
- Continue the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology for six years.
- Ensure consistency in the sale of hearing instruments.
- Conform key elements of the Board’s licensing and regulatory functions to common licensing standards.