Under IC 4-22-2-24, notice is hereby given that on July 8, 2008, at 10:35 a.m., at the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Indiana Government Center-South, 402 West Washington Street, Room W064, Indianapolis, Indiana, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to implement rule changes based on House Enrolled Act 1098-2005 (P.L.212-2005) and Senate Enrolled Act 607 (P.L.206-2005), including defining the role of support personnel, revising the definitions, licensure, ethics, and continuing education requirements, revising and establishing the educational and clinical practice requirements for speech-language pathologists and audiologists, revising and establishing the educational and tasks requirements for speech-language aides, associates, and assistants, revising and establishing the registration and renewal requirements for speech-language aides, associates, and assistants, and establishing the requirements for the collection and use of a Social Security number for applicants who apply for a license, certificate, or permit under IC 25-35.6-1.

The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board has the authority to promulgate rules in accordance with IC 25-35.6-1-8 and IC 25-35.6-2-2 to implement changes in accordance with the requirements of HEA 1098-2005 (P.L.212-2005) and SEA 607-2005 (P.L.206-2005). This proposed rule defines the role of support personnel, establishes the standards for the competent practice of speech-language pathology and audiology, establishes the educational and experience requirements for registration for speech-language pathology aides, associates, and assistants and audiologists, establishes the duties of speech-language pathology aides, associates, and assistants, and bring the Board's rules in conformity with HEA 1098-2005 (P.L.212-2005) and SEA 607-2005 (P.L.206-2005). The proposed rule is needed as a matter of consumer protection to assure that the citizens of Indiana are receiving speech-language pathology services from qualified, licensed providers. The educational and experience requirements for licensure allow the Board and the state a method to verify that providers of such services are competent and available for education, service, and repair. This will, also, provide another avenue for the government to control the practice of speech-language pathology.

This proposed rule will have costs on the regulated entities; however, the fiscal impact of this proposed rule is dependent on the number of applicants that seek licensure, which might vary. Both the educational and experience requirements for speech-language aides, associates, and assistants, and audiologists could affect the number of licenses that an applicant applies for. Currently, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board charges $150 for speech-language pathologists and audiologists licenses and $50 for the speech-language pathology aides license. There are approximately 1,569 speech-language pathologists and 30 speech-language aides licensed by the Board. Based on the statutory changes and the Board's proposed rule changes, approximately 2,101 individuals working at educational institution will be required obtain a speech-language pathologist license. The revenue generated by the additional licensees is $315,150 (2,101 applicants × $150 application/issuance fee). Of the 30 speech-language pathology aides, all but one will remain aides. One speech-language pathology aide will be eligible to obtain speech-language pathology associate license with no additional fee charged.

Copies of these rules are now on file at the Indiana Government Center-South, 402 West Washington Street, Room W072 and Legislative Services Agency, One North Capitol, Suite 325, Indianapolis, Indiana and are open for public inspection.