BILL REQ. #:  H-4803.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/06/04.   

     AN ACT Relating to interim permits for speech-language pathologists and audiologists; and amending RCW 18.35.010 and 18.35.060.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 18.35.010 and 2002 c 310 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:
     (1) "Assistive listening device or system" means an amplification system that is specifically designed to improve the signal to noise ratio for the listener, reduce interference from noise in the background, and enhance hearing levels at a distance by picking up sound from as close to source as possible and sending it directly to the ear of the listener, excluding hearing instruments as defined in this chapter.
     (2) "Licensed audiologist" means a person who is licensed by the department to engage in the practice of audiology and meets the qualifications in this chapter.
     (3) "Audiology" means the application of principles, methods, and procedures related to hearing and the disorders of hearing and to related language and speech disorders, whether of organic or nonorganic origin, peripheral or central, that impede the normal process of human communication including, but not limited to, disorders of auditory sensitivity, acuity, function, processing, or vestibular function, the application of aural habilitation, rehabilitation, and appropriate devices including fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments, and cerumen management to treat such disorders.
     (4) "Board" means the board of hearing and speech.
     (5) "Department" means the department of health.
     (6) (("Direct supervision" means that the supervisor is physically present and in the same room with the interim permit holder, observing the nondiagnostic testing, fitting, and dispensing activities at all times.
     (7))) "Establishment" means any permanent site housing a person engaging in the practice of fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments by a hearing instrument fitter/dispenser or audiologist; where the client can have personal contact and counsel during the firm's business hours; where business is conducted; and the address of which is given to the state for the purpose of bonding.
     (((8))) (7) "Facility" means any permanent site housing a person engaging in the practice of speech-language pathology and/or audiology, excluding the sale, lease, or rental of hearing instruments.
     (((9))) (8) "Fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments" means the sale, lease, or rental or attempted sale, lease, or rental of hearing instruments together with the selection and modification of hearing instruments and the administration of nondiagnostic tests as specified by RCW 18.35.110 and the use of procedures essential to the performance of these functions; and includes recommending specific hearing instrument systems, specific hearing instruments, or specific hearing instrument characteristics, the taking of impressions for ear molds for these purposes, the use of nondiagnostic procedures and equipment to verify the appropriateness of the hearing instrument fitting, and hearing instrument orientation. The fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments as defined by this chapter may be equally provided by a licensed hearing instrument fitter/dispenser or licensed audiologist.
     (((10))) (9) "Good standing" means a licensed hearing instrument fitter/dispenser, licensed audiologist, or licensed speech-language pathologist whose license has not been subject to sanctions pursuant to chapter 18.130 RCW or sanctions by other states, territories, or the District of Columbia in the last two years.
     (((11))) (10) "Hearing instrument" means any wearable prosthetic instrument or device designed for or represented as aiding, improving, compensating for, or correcting defective human hearing and any parts, attachments, or accessories of such an instrument or device, excluding batteries and cords, ear molds, and assistive listening devices.
     (((12))) (11) "Hearing instrument fitter/dispenser" means a person who is licensed to engage in the practice of fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments and meets the qualifications of this chapter.
     (((13))) (12) "Interim permit holder" means a person who holds the permit created under RCW 18.35.060 and who practices under the ((direct)) supervision of a licensed hearing instrument fitter/dispenser, licensed speech-language pathologist, or licensed audiologist.
     (((14))) (13) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.
     (((15))) (14) "Licensed speech-language pathologist" means a person who is licensed by the department to engage in the practice of speech-language pathology and meets the qualifications of this chapter.
     (((16))) (15) "Speech-language pathology" means the application of principles, methods, and procedures related to the development and disorders, whether of organic or nonorganic origin, that impede oral, pharyngeal, or laryngeal sensorimotor competencies and the normal process of human communication including, but not limited to, disorders and related disorders of speech, articulation, fluency, voice, verbal and written language, auditory comprehension, cognition/communication, and the application of augmentative communication treatment and devices for treatment of such disorders.

Sec. 2   RCW 18.35.060 and 2002 c 310 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department, upon approval by the board, shall issue an interim permit authorizing an applicant for speech-language pathologist licensure or audiologist licensure who, except for the postgraduate professional experience and the examination requirements, meets the academic and practicum requirements of RCW 18.35.040(2) to practice under ((direct)) supervision. The interim permit is valid for a period of one year from date of issuance. The board shall determine conditions for the interim permit.