BILL REQ. #:  H-2288.2 

Read first time 02/28/2007.   Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.

     AN ACT Relating to speech-language pathologists assistants; amending RCW 18.35.010, 18.35.040, 18.35.095, 18.35.150, 18.35.205, and 18.35.260; and creating new sections.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   It is declared to be the policy of this state that, in order to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare, to protect the public from incompetent, unscrupulous, unauthorized persons and unprofessional conduct, and to ensure the availability of the highest possible standards of speech-language pathology services to the communicatively impaired people of this state, it is necessary to provide regulatory authority over persons offering speech-language pathology services as speech-language pathologist assistants.

Sec. 2   RCW 18.35.010 and 2005 c 45 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     ((As used in)) The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter((,)) unless the context clearly 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) "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.
     (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.
     (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.
     (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.
     (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.
     (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.
     (12) "Interim permit holder" means a person who holds the permit created under RCW 18.35.060 and who practices under the supervision of a licensed hearing instrument fitter/dispenser, licensed speech-language pathologist, or licensed audiologist.
     (13) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.
     (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.
     (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.
     (16) "Speech-language pathologist assistant" means a person who meets all the requirements of this chapter and who provides speech- language pathology services under the direction and supervision of a speech-language pathologist.
     (17) "Direct supervision" means on-site, in-view observation and guidance by a speech-language pathologist while an assigned clinical activity is performed by a speech-language pathologist assistant.
     (18) "Indirect supervision" means those activities other than direct observation and guidance conducted by a speech-language pathologist that may include consultation, record review, review, and evaluation of audio or videotaped sessions.

Sec. 3   RCW 18.35.040 and 2002 c 310 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(a) An applicant for licensure as a hearing instrument fitter/dispenser must have the following minimum qualifications and shall pay a fee determined by the secretary as provided in RCW 43.70.250. An applicant shall be issued a license under the provisions of this chapter if the applicant:
     (((a)))(i)(A) Satisfactorily completes the hearing instrument fitter/dispenser examination required by this chapter; or
     (((ii))) (B) Holds a current, unsuspended, unrevoked license from another jurisdiction if the standards for licensing in such other jurisdiction are substantially equivalent to those prevailing in this state;
     (((b))) (ii) Satisfactorily completes a minimum of a two-year degree program in hearing instrument fitter/dispenser instruction. The program must be approved by the board; and
     (((c))) (iii) Has not committed unprofessional conduct as specified by the uniform disciplinary act.
     (b) The applicant must present proof of qualifications to the board in the manner and on forms prescribed by the secretary and proof of completion of a minimum of four clock hours of AIDS education and training pursuant to rules adopted by the board.
     (2)(a) An applicant for licensure as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist must have the following minimum qualifications:
     (((a))) (i) Has not committed unprofessional conduct as specified by the uniform disciplinary act;
     (((b))) (ii) Has a master's degree or the equivalent, or a doctorate degree or the equivalent, from a program at a board-approved institution of higher learning, which includes completion of a supervised clinical practicum experience as defined by rules adopted by the board; and
     (((c))) (iii) Has completed postgraduate professional work experience approved by the board.
     (b) All qualified applicants must satisfactorily complete the speech-language pathology or audiology examinations required by this chapter.
     (c) The applicant must present proof of qualifications to the board in the manner and on forms prescribed by the secretary and proof of completion of a minimum of four clock hours of AIDS education and training pursuant to rules adopted by the board.
     (3) An applicant for licensure as a speech-language pathologist assistant must have the following minimum qualifications:
     (a) An associate of arts or sciences degree, or a certificate of proficiency, from a speech-language pathologist assistant program from an institution of higher education that is approved by the board, as is evidenced by the following:
     (i) Transcripts showing forty-five quarter hours or thirty semester hours of speech-language pathology technical coursework; and
     (ii) Transcripts showing forty-five quarter hours or thirty semester hours of general education credit; or
     (b) A bachelor of arts or bachelor of sciences degree, as evidenced by transcripts, from a speech and hearing language pathology program from an institution of higher education that is approved by the board.

Sec. 4   RCW 18.35.095 and 2002 c 310 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A hearing instrument fitter/dispenser licensed under this chapter and not actively practicing may be placed on inactive status by the department at the written request of the licensee. The board shall define by rule the conditions for inactive status licensure. In addition to the requirements of RCW 43.24.086, the licensing fee for a licensee on inactive status shall be directly related to the costs of administering an inactive license by the department. A hearing instrument fitter/dispenser on inactive status may be voluntarily placed on active status by notifying the department in writing, paying the remainder of the licensing fee for the licensing year, and complying with subsection (2) of this section.
     (2) Hearing instrument fitter/dispenser inactive licensees applying for active licensure shall comply with the following: A licensee who has not fitted or dispensed hearing instruments for more than five years from the expiration of the licensee's full fee license shall retake the practical or the written, or both, hearing instrument fitter/dispenser examinations required under this chapter and other requirements as determined by the board. Persons who have inactive status in this state but who are actively licensed and in good standing in any other state shall not be required to take the hearing instrument fitter/dispenser practical examination, but must submit an affidavit attesting to their knowledge of the current Washington Administrative Code rules and Revised Code of Washington statutes pertaining to the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments.
     (3) A speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathologist assistant, or audiologist licensed under this chapter and not actively practicing either speech-language pathology or audiology may be placed on inactive status by the department at the written request of the license holder. The board shall define by rule the conditions for inactive status licensure. In addition to the requirements of RCW 43.24.086, the fee for a license on inactive status shall be directly related to the cost of administering an inactive license by the department. A person on inactive status may be voluntarily placed on active status by notifying the department in writing, paying the remainder of the fee for the year, and complying with subsection (4) of this section.
     (4) Speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathologist assistant, or audiologist inactive license holders applying for active licensure shall comply with requirements set forth by the board, which may include completion of continuing competency requirements and taking an examination.

Sec. 5   RCW 18.35.150 and 2002 c 310 s 15 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) There is created hereby the board of hearing and speech to govern the three separate professions: Hearing instrument fitting/dispensing, audiology, and speech-language pathology. The board shall consist of ((ten)) eleven members to be appointed by the governor.
     (2) Members of the board shall be residents of this state. Three members shall represent the public and shall have an interest in the rights of consumers of health services, and shall not be or have been a member of, or married to a member of, another licensing board, a licensee of a health occupation board, an employee of a health facility, nor derive his or her primary livelihood from the provision of health services at any level of responsibility. Two members shall be hearing instrument fitter/dispensers who are licensed under this chapter, have at least five years of experience in the practice of hearing instrument fitting and dispensing, and must be actively engaged in fitting and dispensing within two years of appointment. Two members of the board shall be audiologists licensed under this chapter who have at least five years of experience in the practice of audiology and must be actively engaged in practice within two years of appointment. Two members of the board shall be speech-language pathologists licensed under this chapter who have at least five years of experience in the practice of speech-language pathology and must be actively engaged in practice within two years of appointment. One member of the board shall be a speech-language pathologist assistant licensed under this chapter who has at least five years of experience as a speech-language pathologist assistant and must be actively engaged in practice within two years of appointment. One advisory nonvoting member shall be a medical physician licensed in the state of Washington.
     (3) The term of office of a member is three years. Of the initial appointments, one hearing instrument fitter/dispenser, one speech-language pathologist, one audiologist, and one consumer shall be appointed for a term of two years, and one hearing instrument fitter/dispenser, one speech-language pathologist, one audiologist, and two consumers shall be appointed for a term of three years. Thereafter, all appointments shall be made for expired terms. No member shall be appointed to serve more than two consecutive terms. A member shall continue to serve until a successor has been appointed. The governor shall either reappoint the member or appoint a successor to assume the member's duties at the expiration of his or her predecessor's term. A vacancy in the office of a member shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term.
     (4) The chair shall rotate annually among the hearing instrument fitter/dispensers, speech-language pathologists, speech-language pathologist assistant, audiologists, and public members serving on the board. In the absence of the chair, the board shall appoint an interim chair. In event of a tie vote, the issue shall be brought to a second vote and the chair shall refrain from voting.
     (5) The board shall meet at least once each year, at a place, day and hour determined by the board, unless otherwise directed by a majority of board members. The board shall also meet at such other times and places as are requested by the department or by three members of the board. A quorum is a majority of the board. A hearing instrument fitter/dispenser, speech-language pathologist, and audiologist must be represented. Meetings of the board shall be open and public, except the board may hold executive sessions to the extent permitted by chapter 42.30 RCW.
     (6) Members of the board shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.240 and shall be reimbursed for their travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
     (7) The governor may remove a member of the board for cause at the recommendation of a majority of the board.

Sec. 6   RCW 18.35.205 and 2002 c 310 s 22 are each amended to read as follows:
     The legislature finds that the public health, safety, and welfare would best be protected by uniform regulation of hearing instrument fitter/dispensers, speech-language pathologists, speech-language pathologist assistants, audiologists, and interim permit holders throughout the state. Therefore, the provisions of this chapter relating to the licensing of hearing instrument fitter/dispensers, speech-language pathologists, speech-language pathologist assistants, and audiologists and regulation of interim permit holders and their respective establishments or facilities is exclusive. No political subdivision of the state of Washington within whose jurisdiction a hearing instrument fitter/dispenser, audiologist, or speech-language pathologist establishment or facility is located may require any registrations, bonds, licenses, certificates, or interim permits of the establishment or facility or its employees or charge any fee for the same or similar purposes: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That nothing herein shall limit or abridge the authority of any political subdivision to levy and collect a general and nondiscriminatory license fee levied on all businesses, or to levy a tax based upon the gross business conducted by any firm within the political subdivision.

Sec. 7   RCW 18.35.260 and 2002 c 310 s 26 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A person who is not a licensed hearing instrument fitter/dispenser may not represent himself or herself as being so licensed and may not use in connection with his or her name the words "licensed hearing instrument fitter/dispenser," "hearing instrument specialist," or "hearing aid fitter/dispenser," or a variation, synonym, word, sign, number, insignia, coinage, or whatever expresses, employs, or implies these terms, names, or functions of a licensed hearing instrument fitter/dispenser.
     (2) A person who is not a licensed speech-language pathologist may not represent himself or herself as being so licensed and may not use in connection with his or her name the words including "licensed speech-language pathologist" or a variation, synonym, word, sign, number, insignia, coinage, or whatever expresses, employs, or implies these terms, names, or functions as a licensed speech-language pathologist.
     (3) A person who is not a licensed speech-language pathologist assistant may not represent himself or herself as being so licensed and may not use in connection with his or her name the words including "licensed speech-language pathologist assistant" or a variation, synonym, word, sign, number, insignia, coinage, or whatever expresses, employs, or implies these terms, names, or functions as a licensed speech-language pathologist assistant.
     (4) A person who is not a licensed audiologist may not represent himself or herself as being so licensed and may not use in connection with his or her name the words "licensed audiologist" or a variation, synonym, letter, word, sign, number, insignia, coinage, or whatever expresses, employs, or implies these terms, names, or functions of a licensed audiologist.
     (((4))) (5) Nothing in this chapter prohibits a person credentialed in this state under another act from engaging in the practice for which he or she is credentialed.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 8   An applicant for licensure as a speech-language pathologist assistant may meet the requirements for a license to practice as a speech-language pathologist assistant if, within one year of the effective date of this section, he or she submits a competency checklist to the board of hearing and speech, as defined by the board by rule.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 9   The code reviser is directed to put the defined terms in RCW 18.35.010 in alphabetical order.