South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 115 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION-BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN SPEECH/LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY
Here’s a detailed overview of SC Code of Regulations – Chapter 115, which governs the Board of Examiners in Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology:
📄 Article 1 – Licensing Provisions (§115-1 to §115-4)
§115‑1: General Licensing
Licensure requires a notarized application, fee payment, accredited degree, passing the board-approved national exam, and completion of supervised professional employment (SPE) or ASHA CCC–SLP/AuD.
Audiologists with a master’s (pre‑2007) or doctorate (post‑2007) have specific academic and practicum requirements.
Intern licenses are available pre-exam/SPE; exams must be passed within 12 months.
Reactivation of expired licenses entails new application, renewal fees, and CE credits (16 hrs SLP/AuD, 8 hrs assistant) (scstatehouse.gov).
§115‑2: Speech‑Language Pathology Assistants
Bachelor’s degree in SLP + 100 clinical practicum hours required.
Clinical supervision: only licensed SLPs with ≥3 years’ experience, supervising a max of 2 full-time or 3 part-time assistants.
Supervision must include on‑the‑job training (OJT), direct and indirect oversight, quarterly reviews, and strict record‑keeping.
Assistants are prohibited from performing diagnostics, client counseling, modifying treatment plans, discharging clients, and other listed protected activities (scstatehouse.gov).
§115‑3: Supervised Professional Employment (SPE)
Requires ≥1,260 clinical hours (approx. 9 months full-time), under a qualified supervisor.
Supervisor must perform ≥36 monitored activities (incl. 18 on-site observations), evaluate within one month of completion, and supervise a max of 3 individuals at a time (scstatehouse.gov).
§115‑4: Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensing
Audiologists must recommend medical evaluation to hearing aid candidates, obtain a hearing assessment within 6 months prior to dispensing, record a signed medical waiver when applicable.
Written purchase agreements are mandatory (warranty terms, serial number, license number, etc.).
Annual calibration of audiometers with 4-year record retention required (scstatehouse.gov).
🎓 Article 2 – Continuing Education (§115‑6)
CE credits are required; approved sources include ASHA, AAA, state associations, graduate courses, and state/federal agencies under scope of practice.
At least 50% CE must be clinically relevant; max 2 hrs of independent study (board‑approved 60 days in advance).
Instructors earn CE credit once per course.
CE audits require documentation for 4 years; deficiencies must be remedied within 60 days or license will lapse (scstatehouse.gov).
🧭 Article 3 – Code of Ethics (§115‑7)
Principles (1‑6) emphasizing honesty, competence, confidentiality, accurate representation, public understanding, and collegiality.
Individuals must:
Provide services with dignity and without discrimination
Only perform within their qualification scope
Maintain client confidentiality
Avoid conflicts of interest or misrepresentation
Ensure accurate records and informed consent
Promote ethical professional behavior and cooperate with board investigations (scstatehouse.gov).
📘 State Register Effective Dates
Most provisions updated effective May 24, 2024; licensing rules date back to as early as 1998, with updates in 2014, 2019, and 2022 (scstatehouse.gov).
🔎 Where to Find the Full Text
📌 Official PDF via SC Legislature: SC State Register Vol 49, Issue 3 (effective March 28, 2025) (scstatehouse.gov).
Also available through third-party legal research sites (e.g., Justia, Cornell LII) for convenient browsing (regulations.justia.com).
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