Alabama Administrative Code Title 870 - ALABAMA BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY
Here’s a comprehensive overview of Title 870 – Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech‑Language Pathology and Audiology, part of the Alabama Administrative Code:
🏛️ Structure & Chapters
Title 870 is organized into seven key chapters that govern licensure, ethics, and scope of practice:
Chapter 870‑X‑1: The Board
Defines the Board’s composition, duties, meetings, committees, and funding (law.cornell.edu, admincode.legislature.state.al.us).
Chapter 870‑X‑2: Licensure, Clinical Fellowship (CFY), & Assistant Registration
Covers exemptions, application processes, education/training requirements, registration of CFY and assistants, reciprocity, fees, and ongoing continuing education (law.cornell.edu).
Chapter 870‑X‑3: Examination Process
Outlines required written exams (ETS Praxis II or equivalent) and re‑examination procedures (law.cornell.edu).
Chapter 870‑X‑4: License Renewal & Use
Details expiration, renewal deadlines, late renewal penalties, inactivity/suspension, replacement licenses, and continuing education mandates (minimum 12 hours annually; 24 for dual-license holders) (abespa.alabama.gov).
Chapter 870‑X‑5: Board as Public Regulatory Body
Lists prohibited acts, penalties, disciplinary procedures, hearings, license restoration, and injunctive powers (abespa.alabama.gov).
Chapter 870‑X‑6: Code of Ethics
Sets principles and rules for professional conduct, enforcement responsibilities, and Board cooperation (law.cornell.edu, abespa.alabama.gov).
Chapter 870‑X‑7: Scope of Practice
Preamble: Defines overarching practice boundaries (regulations.justia.com)
SLP Scope: Covers screening, diagnosis, treatment, counseling, referrals, cognitive/social communication, dysphagia, telepractice, hearing screening
Audiology Scope: Includes screening, diagnostics, otoscopy, cerumen removal, tinnitus management, vestibular evaluation, newborn hearing programs, hearing aids and assistive device dispensing, conservation programs, and telepractice (casetext.com)
🔍 Highlights
Board Makeup & Governance: Seven governor-appointed members (from different congressional districts), holding regular open meetings and structured committees (admincode.legislature.state.al.us).
Licensure Pathway: Requires academic credentials, CFY, passage of national exam (e.g., Praxis II), and continuing education. Fee structures for annual and late renewal included .
Professional Standards: Ethical adherence is mandatory, with public protections enforced through disciplinary procedures, civil penalties, and licensure sanctions .
Scope Defined Broadly: Both SLPs and audiologists have clearly defined practice areas, including modern modalities like telepractice and pediatric services .
📅 Currency of Rules
The regulations are current through at least February 28, 2025 (Vol. 43, No. 5) (regulations.justia.com). For the latest finalized version, consult the official ABESPA website or the Alabama Administrative Code.
✅ In Summary
Title 870 establishes a robust regulatory framework ensuring that speech-language pathologists and audiologists in Alabama are qualified, ethical, and operate within clear professional boundaries — governed by ABESPA through licensure, oversight, and defined scope of practice.
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