Title: An act relating to interim permits for speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

Brief Description: Providing for interim permits for speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Linville, Bailey, Cody and Campbell).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

• Requires that speech language pathologists and audiologists holding an interim permit, practice under the supervision of a licensee.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Bailey, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Benson, Campbell, Clibborn, Darneille, Edwards, Moeller, Rodne, Schual-Berke and Skinner.

The Board of Speech and Hearing licenses speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and hearing instrument fitters/dispensers. It acts as the disciplining authority for unprofessional conduct under the Uniform Disciplinary Act.

Speech-language pathology includes the treatment of speech and language disorders that impede oral competencies and the normal process of communication. Audiology relates to hearing disorders that impede the process of human communication, and includes the application of aural rehabilitation and the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments.

Interim permits may be issued to speech-language pathologists and audiologists who meet academic and practicum requirements for licensure, but need to complete post-graduate professional experience and examination requirements. Interim permit holders must practice under the direct supervision of a licensed hearing instrument fitter/dispenser, licensed speech-language pathologist, or licensed audiologist. Direct supervision requires that the supervisor be physically present in the same room as the interim permit holder.

The direct supervision requirement for speech language pathologists and audiologists who practice pursuant to an interim permit is broadened to require supervision, but not necessarily direct supervision.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: Interim permit holders have extensive education and, while they should be supervised, direct supervision is not necessary.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Melissa Johnson, Washington Speech and Hearing Association.