South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 115 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION-BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN SPEECH/LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY
South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 115 falls under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) and specifically pertains to the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
The central purpose of these regulations, and the Board's mission, is to protect the public by regulating the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology in South Carolina. This ensures that individuals providing these services are qualified, competent, and adhere to ethical and professional standards.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas typically covered in Chapter 115:
Definitions: Clarifies terms relevant to the profession, such as "speech-language pathologist," "audiologist," "speech-language pathology assistant," "intern," and the scope of practice for each. It emphasizes that anyone representing themselves as providing these services must be licensed or registered.
Licensing Requirements: This is a crucial section, detailing the pathways to licensure:
Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists:
Education: Generally requires a post-graduate degree (Master's or Doctoral) in speech-language pathology or audiology from a regionally accredited institution, equivalent to programs accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation (CAA) of ASHA.
Examination: Passing an examination approved by the Board (typically the Praxis exam for SLPs and the appropriate audiology exam for audiologists).
Supervised Professional Employment (Clinical Fellowship Year): Requirements for a period of supervised professional experience, often following the guidelines of organizations like ASHA, which ensures practical application of knowledge under guidance.
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants:
Education: Requires a bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from a regionally accredited institution.
Supervised Clinical Experience: Evidence of 100 clock hours of supervised clinical fieldwork with direct client contact. Observation hours do not count. This can be part of an academic program, on-the-job training in another state, or a Board-approved plan completed in South Carolina under supervision.
Intern Licenses: Provisions for "intern" licenses for applicants who have completed their degree but still need to pass an exam or complete their supervised professional employment. Interns can perform all services within the scope of practice under appropriate supervision.
Application Procedures and Fees: Details on submitting applications, required documentation, and fees for initial licensure, renewal, and reinstatement.
Reciprocity: Rules for licensing professionals from other states, often requiring verification of licensure and good standing from the previous jurisdiction.
Scope of Practice: While definitions in the initial sections outline the broad scope, the regulations may delve into specific practices allowed or restricted for each licensed category (e.g., what tasks a speech-language pathology assistant can perform under supervision, or what aspects of hearing aid dispensing fall under audiology vs. hearing aid specialists).
Supervision Requirements: Critically, the regulations set strict guidelines for the supervision of interns and assistants:
Qualifications of Supervisors: For Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, the supervising SLP must have an active license in good standing and a minimum of three years of work experience.
Supervision Ratios: Limits the number of assistants an SLP can supervise (e.g., no more than two full-time or three part-time assistants).
Nature of Supervision: Specifies the need for written supervisory agreements, regular direct observation (e.g., one of every seven therapy sessions), communication accessibility (phone, email), and record-keeping requirements.
Notification of Changes: Supervisors must notify the Board in writing if a supervisory agreement is discontinued.
Continuing Education (CE):
Mandatory Requirements: Licensed Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists must complete 16 hours of CE per license period (typically biennial). Speech-Language Pathology Assistants need 8 hours.
Approved CE: Specifies what types of courses qualify for CE credit (e.g., ASHA/AAA approved courses, graduate-level courses, courses from state/federal agencies) and that at least half must pertain to clinical practice.
Independent Study: Limited allowance for independent study, requiring prior Board approval and a critical review by the licensee.
Record Keeping and Audits: Licensees must attest to CE completion upon renewal and maintain records for four years for audit purposes. Failure to comply can lead to disciplinary action.
Professional Conduct and Discipline:
Ethical Standards: Implied and sometimes explicitly stated ethical expectations for licensees.
Grounds for Disciplinary Action: Actions that can lead to investigation and disciplinary measures by the Board, such as:
Practicing without a license or with a lapsed license.
Improper billing or Medicaid fraud.
Failure to adequately supervise interns or assistants, or aiding and abetting unlicensed practice.
Falsifying patient documentation or misrepresenting credentials.
Unprofessional conduct, negligence, or incompetence.
Violations of any regulation.
Disciplinary Process: While not detailed in every summary, these regulations underpin the process for complaints, investigations, hearings, and the imposition of sanctions (e.g., fines, suspension, revocation of license).
In essence, Chapter 115 of the South Carolina Code of Regulations provides the robust legal framework for the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to ensure that these critical healthcare services are delivered safely, effectively, and ethically by qualified professionals in the state.
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