Wisconsin Administrative Code Historical Society
Wisconsin Administrative Code: Hearing and Speech Examining Board
1. Overview
The Hearing and Speech Examining Board is a regulatory body established under the Wisconsin Administrative Code to oversee the licensing, regulation, and discipline of professionals involved in hearing and speech-related services. This typically includes:
Audiologists
Speech-language pathologists
Hearing instrument specialists
The Board’s authority and functions are defined by statutes and regulations under Wisconsin state law.
2. Purpose and Functions
Licensing: The Board issues licenses to qualified applicants in the fields of audiology, speech-language pathology, and hearing instrument dispensing.
Standards Setting: It establishes standards for education, training, and professional conduct.
Discipline and Enforcement: The Board investigates complaints and takes disciplinary action against licensees who violate professional standards or laws.
Rulemaking: It adopts rules and regulations to implement state laws related to hearing and speech professions.
Examinations: The Board administers or approves examinations for licensure.
3. Legal Basis
The Board operates under the authority of Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 459 (Hearing and Speech Practitioners) and corresponding sections in the Wisconsin Administrative Code (usually Chapters HA 1–HA 10).
The statutes provide the framework for the Board’s powers, including licensure requirements, scope of practice, and disciplinary procedures.
4. Composition
The Board is composed of licensed professionals from relevant fields and public members.
Typically, members are appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin.
The mix ensures professional expertise and public interest representation.
5. Licensing Requirements
Applicants must meet educational qualifications, such as degrees in audiology or speech-language pathology.
Completion of supervised clinical practice or internships is required.
Passing relevant examinations (national or state-level).
Submission of applications with fees and background checks.
6. Hearing Process and Discipline
The Board conducts hearings for disciplinary cases involving allegations like malpractice, unethical behavior, or violation of laws.
The hearings follow procedures outlined in Wisconsin’s administrative law, ensuring due process.
Outcomes may include reprimands, suspension, revocation of licenses, or fines.
7. Rulemaking
The Board proposes and adopts rules that define professional standards and procedures.
Rules are published in the Wisconsin Administrative Code and are subject to public comment and legislative oversight.
8. Sample Case Law / Legal Context
While specific case law directly involving the Wisconsin Hearing and Speech Examining Board may not be widely reported, administrative law principles apply, including:
Due process rights for licensees during disciplinary hearings.
Scope of administrative agency authority as defined by enabling statutes.
Courts generally defer to the Board’s expertise unless decisions are arbitrary, capricious, or exceed statutory authority.
9. Importance
Ensures high standards in hearing and speech services.
Protects public health and safety by regulating professionals.
Provides a formal mechanism for complaints and enforcement.
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