1-1 By: Harris of Dallas S.B. No. 1077
1-2 (In the Senate - Filed March 12, 1993; March 15, 1993, read
1-3 first time and referred to Committee on Health and Human Services;
1-4 April 28, 1993, reported adversely, with favorable Committee
1-5 Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 8, Nays 0; April 28, 1993,
1-6 sent to printer.)
1-7 COMMITTEE VOTE
1-8 Yea Nay PNV Absent
1-9 Zaffirini x
1-10 Ellis x
1-11 Madla x
1-12 Moncrief x
1-13 Nelson x
1-14 Patterson x
1-15 Shelley x
1-16 Truan x
1-17 Wentworth x
1-18 COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 1077 By: Wentworth
1-19 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
1-20 AN ACT
1-21 relating to the regulation of speech-language pathologists and
1-22 audiologists and the continuation of the State Committee of
1-23 Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
1-24 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-25 SECTION 1. Chapter 381, Acts of the 68th Legislature,
1-26 Regular Session, 1983 (Article 4512j), Vernon's Texas Civil
1-27 Statutes), is amended to read as follows:
1-28 Sec. 1. Purpose. It is the policy of this state that in
1-29 order to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare and to
1-30 protect the public from unprofessional conduct by speech-language
1-31 pathologists and audiologists it is necessary to provide regulatory
1-32 authority over persons offering speech-language pathology and
1-33 audiology services to the public.
1-34 Sec. 2. Definitions. In this Act:
1-35 (1) "Board" means the <Texas Board of Health.>
1-36 <(2) "Committee" means the> State Board <Committee> of
1-37 Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
1-38 (2) <(3)> "Department" means the Texas Department of
1-39 Health.
1-40 (3) <(4)> "Person" means an individual, corporation,
1-41 partnership, or other legal entity.
1-42 (4) <(5)> "Speech-language pathologist" means an
1-43 individual who practices speech-language pathology, who makes a
1-44 nonmedical evaluation, who examines, counsels, or provides
1-45 habilitative or rehabilitative services for persons who have or are
1-46 suspected of having speech, voice, or language disorders, and who
1-47 meets the qualifications of <set forth in> this Act.
1-48 (5) <(6)> "The practice of speech-language pathology"
1-49 means the application of nonmedical principles, methods, and
1-50 procedures for the measurement, testing, evaluation, prediction,
1-51 counseling, habilitation, rehabilitation, or instruction related to
1-52 the development and disorders of communication to include: speech,
1-53 voice, <or> language, oral pharyngeal function, or cognitive
1-54 processes for the purpose of rendering or offering to render an
1-55 evaluation, prevention, or modification of these disorders and
1-56 conditions in individuals or groups of individuals.
1-57 Speech-language pathologists may perform <the> basic audiometric
1-58 screening tests and aural rehabilitation and/or habilitation
1-59 <hearing therapy procedures> consistent with their training.
1-60 Nothing in this Act shall be construed to allow speech-language
1-61 pathologists to fit, dispense, or sell hearing aids unless that
1-62 person has met the specific requirements for fitting and dispensing
1-63 established under this Act or Chapter 366, Acts of the 61st
1-64 Legislature, Regular Session, 1969 (Article 4566-1.01 et seq.,
1-65 Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes).
1-66 (6) <(7)> "Audiologist" means a person who practices
1-67 audiology, who makes a nonmedical evaluation, who examines,
1-68 counsels, or provides habilitative or rehabilitative services for
2-1 persons who have or are suspected of having a hearing or vestibular
2-2 disorder, and who meets the qualifications of <set forth in> this
2-3 Act.
2-4 (7) <(8)> "The practice of audiology" means the
2-5 application of nonmedical principles, methods, and procedures for
2-6 the measurement, testing, appraisal, prediction, consultation,
2-7 counseling, habilitation, rehabilitation, or instruction related to
2-8 disorders of the auditory or vestibular systems <hearing and
2-9 disorders of hearing and> for the purpose of rendering or offering
2-10 to render services modifying communicative disorders involving
2-11 speech, language, auditory or vestibular function, or other
2-12 aberrant behavior relating to hearing loss. An audiologist may
2-13 engage in any tasks, procedures, acts, or practices that are
2-14 necessary (A) for the evaluation of hearing; (B) for training in
2-15 the use of amplification including hearing aids; <or> (C) for the
2-16 making of earmolds for hearing aids; (D) for the fitting,
2-17 dispensing, and sale of hearing aids; or (E) for the management of
2-18 cerumen. An audiologist may participate in consultation regarding
2-19 noise control and hearing conservation, may provide evaluations of
2-20 environment or equipment including calibration of equipment used in
2-21 testing auditory functioning and hearing conservation, and may
2-22 perform the basic speech and language screening tests and
2-23 procedures consistent with his or her training.
2-24 (8) A "licensed assistant in speech-language
2-25 <(9) "Speech-language> pathology <aide>" means a person who meets
2-26 minimum qualifications which the board <committee> may establish
2-27 for speech-language pathology licensed assistants <aides> and who
2-28 works under the direction of a licensed speech-language
2-29 pathologist. The qualifications for licensure as a speech-language
2-30 pathology licensed assistant <aide> shall be uniform and shall be
2-31 less than those established by this Act as necessary for licensure
2-32 as a speech-language pathologist.
2-33 (9) A "licensed assistant in audiology"
2-34 <(10) "Audiology aide"> means a person who meets minimum
2-35 qualifications which the board <committee> may establish for
2-36 audiology licensed assistants <aides> and who works under the
2-37 direction of a licensed audiologist. The qualifications for
2-38 licensure as an audiology licensed assistant <aide> shall be
2-39 uniform and shall be less than those established by this Act as
2-40 necessary for licensure as an audiologist.
2-41 Sec. 3. BOARD <COMMITTEE>; MEMBERSHIP. (a) The State Board
2-42 <Committee> of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology is
2-43 created within the Texas Department of Health. The board
2-44 <committee> consists of nine members appointed by the governor <to
2-45 take office on the effective date of this Act>. Members of the
2-46 board <committee> must have been residents of the State of Texas
2-47 for two years immediately preceding appointment and must be
2-48 representative of varying geographic regions of the state and from
2-49 varying employment settings. Six members must have been engaged in
2-50 rendering services, teaching, or research in speech-language
2-51 pathology or audiology for at least five years and must meet the
2-52 qualifications for full licensure under this Act. Of these six
2-53 members, three members shall be audiologists, three members shall
2-54 be speech-language pathologists. All <Except for the initial
2-55 appointees, all> six shall hold valid licenses under this Act.
2-56 Three members shall be selected from the general public. One of
2-57 the three public members of the board <committee> must be a
2-58 physician licensed to practice in the State of Texas and board
2-59 certified in otolaryngology or pediatrics. The two remaining
2-60 public members may not:
2-61 (1) be licensed by an occupational regulatory agency
2-62 in the field of health care;
2-63 (2) be employed by and participating in the management
2-64 of an agency or business entity that provides health-care services
2-65 or that sells, manufactures, or distributes health-care supplies or
2-66 equipment;
2-67 (3) own, control, or have a direct or indirect
2-68 interest in more than 10 percent of a business entity that provides
2-69 health-care services or that sells, manufactures, or distributes
2-70 health-care supplies or equipment; or
3-1 (4) be an officer, employee, or paid consultant of a
3-2 trade association in the field of health care. A member of the
3-3 board <committee> may not be related within the second degree of
3-4 affinity or consanguinity, as determined under Article 5996h,
3-5 Revised Statutes, to a person who is an officer, employee, or a
3-6 paid consultant of a trade association in the health-care field.
3-7 (b) An appointment to the board <committee> shall be made
3-8 without regard to the race, creed, sex, religion, or national
3-9 origin of the appointee.
3-10 (c) A person who is required to register as a lobbyist under
3-11 Chapter 305, Government Code, in a health-related area may not
3-12 serve as a member of the board or act as the general counsel to the
3-13 board.
3-14 Sec. 4. Terms; Officers; Quorum; Expenses. (a) Members
3-15 <The term of initial appointees to the board shall be determined by
3-16 lot as follows: three members are appointed for terms which expire
3-17 August 31, 1985; three members are appointed for terms which expire
3-18 August 31, 1987; and three members are appointed for terms which
3-19 expire August 31, 1989. After the initial appointments, members>
3-20 are appointed for staggered terms of six years, with three terms
3-21 beginning September 1 of each odd-numbered year. Members of the
3-22 board <committee> shall serve until the expiration of the term to
3-23 which they have been appointed or until their successors have
3-24 qualified. A person may not be appointed to serve more than two
3-25 consecutive terms.
3-26 (b) The board <committee> shall be organized annually and
3-27 select a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and a secretary-treasurer.
3-28 The <initial chairperson shall be a person who meets the
3-29 qualifications for licensing under this Act. After September 1,
3-30 1984, the> chairperson shall hold a valid license under this Act.
3-31 (c) Five members of the board <committee> constitute a
3-32 quorum <to do business>.
3-33 (d) The board <committee> shall hold at least two regular
3-34 meetings each year <at which time an examination as defined in
3-35 Section 12 of this Act shall be offered>. Additional meetings may
3-36 be held on the call of the chairperson or at the written request of
3-37 any three members of the board <committee>. The open meetings law,
3-38 Chapter 271, Acts of the 60th Legislature, Regular Session, 1967
3-39 (Article 6252-17, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), requires seven
3-40 days' notice for all state agencies. <At least 14 days' advance
3-41 notice of the committee meeting is required.>
3-42 (e) Board <Committee> members receive no compensation for
3-43 their services; however, each member of the board <committee> is
3-44 entitled to a per diem and travel allowance at the rate set by the
3-45 legislature for state employees in the General Appropriations Act
3-46 for each day that the member engages in the business of the board
3-47 <committee>.
3-48 Sec. 5. DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BOARD <COMMITTEE>.
3-49 (a) The board <Subject to the approval of the board, the
3-50 committee> shall adopt rules necessary to administer and enforce
3-51 this Act, including rules that establish standards of ethical
3-52 practice.
3-53 (b) With the assistance of the department, the board
3-54 <committee> shall administer, coordinate, and enforce the
3-55 provisions of this Act; evaluate the qualifications of applicants;
3-56 provide for the examination of applicants; and issue subpoenas,
3-57 examine witnesses, and administer oaths under the laws of the State
3-58 of Texas.
3-59 (c) With the assistance of the department and in accordance
3-60 with the Administrative Procedure and Texas Register Act, as
3-61 amended (Article 6252-13a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), the
3-62 board <committee> shall conduct hearings and keep records and
3-63 minutes necessary to the orderly administration of this Act.
3-64 (d) The board <committee> with the aid of the department
3-65 shall investigate persons engaging in practices that violate the
3-66 provisions of this Act.
3-67 (e) A person who holds a license to practice speech-language
3-68 pathology or audiology in this state is governed and controlled by
3-69 the rules adopted by the board <committee and approved by the board
3-70 of health>.
4-1 (f) The conferral or enumeration of specific powers
4-2 elsewhere in this Act shall not be construed as a limitation of the
4-3 general powers conferred by this section.
4-4 (g) The board <committee> shall be represented by the
4-5 attorney general and the district and county attorneys of this
4-6 state.
4-7 (h) The board <committee> may appoint subcommittees to work
4-8 under its jurisdiction<, subject to the approval of the board>.
4-9 Sec. 6. EMPLOYEES OF THE BOARD <COMMITTEE>. The Texas
4-10 Department of Health shall provide such administrative and clerical
4-11 employees as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
4-12 Sec. 7. Seal and Authentication of Records. The board
4-13 <committee> shall adopt a seal by which it shall authenticate its
4-14 proceedings. Copies of the proceedings, records, and acts of the
4-15 board <committee> and certificates purporting to relate the facts
4-16 concerning the proceedings, records, and acts, signed by the
4-17 secretary-treasurer and authenticated by the seal, are prima facie
4-18 evidence in all courts of this state.
4-19 Sec. 8. Licensing and Regulation of Speech-Language
4-20 Pathologists and Audiologists. (a) Licenses shall be granted
4-21 either in speech-language pathology or audiology independently.
4-22 Persons may be licensed in both areas if they meet the
4-23 qualifications. The board shall establish by rule qualifications
4-24 of dual licensure in speech-language pathology and audiology and
4-25 may develop a full range of licensing options and establish rules
4-26 of qualification as needed.
4-27 (b) A person may not practice or represent himself or
4-28 herself as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist in this
4-29 state <after August 31, 1984,> unless he or she is licensed in
4-30 accordance with the provisions of this Act.
4-31 (c) Any violation of this subsection shall constitute a
4-32 deceptive trade practice.
4-33 Sec. 9. Persons and Practices Not Affected. (a) This Act
4-34 does not prevent qualified persons licensed in this state under
4-35 another law from engaging in the profession for which they are
4-36 licensed.
4-37 (b) This Act does not prevent or restrict the activities and
4-38 services and the use of an official title by persons holding a
4-39 valid and current certification in speech-language pathology
4-40 <speech and hearing therapy> from the Central Education Agency if
4-41 those persons perform speech-language pathology or audiology
4-42 services solely as a part of their duties within an agency,
4-43 institution, or organization under the jurisdiction of the Central
4-44 Education Agency. Effective September 1, 1994, the Central
4-45 Education Agency certificate in speech-language pathology shall
4-46 require the applicant to hold a master's degree in communicative
4-47 disorders, or its equivalent, from a university program accredited
4-48 by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and pass a
4-49 national examination in speech-language pathology or audiology as
4-50 approved by the board. If persons affected by this subsection
4-51 perform work as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist apart
4-52 from their positions within an agency, institution, or organization
4-53 of the Central Education Agency, they must have a license issued by
4-54 the board <committee>, except that a person affected by this
4-55 subsection may perform speech and hearing screening procedures
4-56 without compensation without having a license issued by the board
4-57 <committee>.
4-58 (c) "Equivalent" shall be defined as graduate level
4-59 coursework and practicum from a program accredited by the American
4-60 Speech-Language Hearing Association. Coursework and practicum
4-61 requirements shall be the same as that established by the board for
4-62 the license in speech-language pathology or audiology. The
4-63 clinical fellowship year experience or internship shall not be a
4-64 requirement for the Central Education Agency certificate in
4-65 speech-language pathology.
4-66 (d) This Act does not restrict the activities and services
4-67 of students <or interns> pursuing a course of study leading to a
4-68 degree in speech-language pathology at a college or university
4-69 accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities
4-70 or its equivalent, provided that these activities and services
5-1 constitute a part of their supervised course of study <or
5-2 internship year; that after September 1, 1984>, that they are
5-3 supervised by a person licensed under this Act,<;> and that they
5-4 are designated by a title such as <"Speech-Language Pathology
5-5 Intern" or> "Speech-Language Pathology Trainee" or other title
5-6 clearly indicating their professional preparation <the training>
5-7 status <appropriate to their level of training>.
5-8 (e) <(d)> This Act does not restrict activities and services
5-9 of students <or interns> in audiology pursuing a course of study
5-10 leading to a degree in audiology at a college or university
5-11 accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities
5-12 or its equivalent, provided that these activities and services
5-13 constitute a part of their supervised course of study <or
5-14 internship year; that after September 1, 1984>, that they are
5-15 supervised by a person licensed under this Act,<;> and that they
5-16 are designated by a title such as <"Audiology Intern" or>
5-17 "Audiology Trainee" or other title clearly indicating their
5-18 professional preparation <the training> status <appropriate to
5-19 their level of training>. Students of audiology in an accredited
5-20 college or university program are exempt from the provisions of
5-21 Chapter 366, Acts of the 61st Legislature, Regular Session, 1969
5-22 (Article 4566-1.01 et seq., Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes),
5-23 provided that their activities and services constitute a part of
5-24 their supervised course of study or practicum experience.
5-25 <(e) This Act does not restrict the performance of
5-26 speech-language pathology or audiology services in this state by a
5-27 person not a resident of this state who is not licensed under this
5-28 Act, if the services are performed for no more than five days in a
5-29 calendar year and if the person meets the qualifications and
5-30 requirements for application for licensure under this Act.>
5-31 (f) This Act does not restrict the use of an official title
5-32 by an individual teaching in a university or college training
5-33 program, provided that the person is not engaged in the practice of
5-34 speech-language pathology or audiology and does not supervise
5-35 persons engaged in the practice of speech-language pathology or
5-36 audiology.
5-37 (g) This Act does not permit a person to perform an act that
5-38 would be in violation of the Medical Practice Act (Article 4495b,
5-39 Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes). <This Act does not permit a person
5-40 to provide medical or surgical diagnosis or treatment of laryngeal
5-41 or ear disorders.>
5-42 (h) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as restricting or
5-43 preventing a physician or surgeon from engaging in the practice of
5-44 medicine in this state. This Act does not restrict speech or
5-45 hearing testing or evaluation personally conducted by a licensed
5-46 physician or surgeon.
5-47 (i) <This Act does not apply to persons employed by the
5-48 Texas Department of Health in its programs concerned with hearing
5-49 or speech services as long as they are performing duties under the
5-50 jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Health.>
5-51 <(j)> This Act does not apply to a person who shows evidence
5-52 of having received training by the Texas Department of Health in
5-53 one of the communication, speech, language, and/or hearing
5-54 screening training programs approved by that agency, provided that
5-55 all activities performed under this exception shall be limited to
5-56 screening as defined by the board. Individuals who have received
5-57 training by the department in one of the communication, speech,
5-58 language, and/or hearing screening training programs approved by
5-59 the department may not practice speech-language pathology or
5-60 audiology or represent themselves as a speech-language pathologist
5-61 or audiologist <of hearing sensitivity>.
5-62 (j)(1) Persons meeting the requirements for licensure as an
5-63 audiologist or an audiology intern under this Act who choose to fit
5-64 and dispense hearing aids shall be required to:
5-65 (A) register with the board their intention to
5-66 fit and dispense;
5-67 (B) adhere to the profession's Code of Ethics;
5-68 (C) comply with federal Food and Drug
5-69 Administration guidelines required for fitting and dispensing
5-70 hearing aids;
6-1 (D) provide a written contract for services in
6-2 this state that shall contain the name, mailing address, and
6-3 telephone number of the board; and
6-4 (E) follow guidelines established by the board
6-5 for a 30-day trial period on every hearing aid purchased.
6-6 (2) If audiometric testing is not conducted in a
6-7 stationary acoustical enclosure, sound level measurements must be
6-8 conducted at the time of the testing to ensure that ambient noise
6-9 levels meet permissible standards for testing threshold to 20 dB
6-10 based on the most current American National Standards Institute
6-11 (ANSI) "ears covered" octave band criteria for Permissible Ambient
6-12 Noise Levels During Audiometric Testing. A dBA equivalent level
6-13 may be used to determine compliance. The board shall adopt rules
6-14 necessary to enforce the provisions of this subsection.
6-15 (3) Furthermore, an audiologist or audiology intern
6-16 who chooses to fit and dispense shall not sell hearing aids by
6-17 mail. A licensed hearing aid fitter and dispenser or licensed
6-18 audiologist shall not sell a hearing aid to a person under 18 years
6-19 of age unless the prospective user, parent, or guardian has
6-20 presented to the hearing aid fitter and dispenser or audiologist a
6-21 written statement signed by a licensed physician specializing in
6-22 diseases of the ear that states that the patient's hearing loss has
6-23 been medically evaluated and the patient may be considered a
6-24 candidate for a hearing instrument. The evaluation must have taken
6-25 place within the preceding six months.
6-26 (4) <(k) This Act does not license a person to sell
6-27 hearing aids as defined in Chapter 366, Acts of the 61st
6-28 Legislature, Regular Session, 1969, as amended (Article 4566-1.01
6-29 et seq., Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes).>
6-30 <(l)> This Act does not prevent or restrict a person
6-31 licensed under Chapter 366, Acts of the 61st Legislature, Regular
6-32 Session, 1969 (Article 4566-1.01 et seq., Vernon's Texas Civil
6-33 Statutes), <by the Texas Board of Examiners in the Fitting and
6-34 Dispensing of Hearing Aids> from engaging in the practice of
6-35 fitting and dispensing hearing aids. Nothing in this Act shall be
6-36 construed to prohibit a fitter and dispenser licensed under Chapter
6-37 366, Acts of the 61st Legislature, Regular Session, 1969 (Article
6-38 4566-1.01 et seq., Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), from measuring
6-39 human hearing by the use of an audiometer or by any means for the
6-40 purpose of making selections, adaptations, or sales of hearing
6-41 aids, including the making of impressions for earmolds to be used
6-42 as part of the hearing aid and any necessary post-fitting
6-43 counseling for the purpose of fitting and dispensing hearing aids.
6-44 Nonaudiologists who are licensed to fit and dispense hearing aids
6-45 under Chapter 366, Acts of the 61st Legislature, Regular Session,
6-46 1969 (Article 4566-1.01 et seq., Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes),
6-47 shall not practice speech-language pathology or audiology or
6-48 represent themselves to the public as a speech-language pathologist
6-49 or audiologist or other term restricted by this Act.
6-50 (k) <(m)> This Act does not prevent persons in an industrial
6-51 setting from engaging in hearing testing as a part of a hearing
6-52 conservation program in compliance with regulations of the
6-53 Occupational Safety and Health Administration, provided that such
6-54 persons are certified by an agency acceptable to the Occupational
6-55 Safety and Health Administration.
6-56 (l) <(n)> This Act does not prevent or restrict
6-57 communication, speech, language and/or hearing screenings, as
6-58 defined by the board, <sensitivity screening evaluations> conducted
6-59 by registered nurses licensed by the laws of this state and
6-60 practicing in accordance with the standards of professional conduct
6-61 and ethics promulgated by the rules and regulations of the Board of
6-62 Nurse Examiners.
6-63 <(o) This Act does not prevent the use of the title
6-64 "Certified Hearing Aid Audiologist" by a person so certified by the
6-65 National Hearing Aid Association if the person is a licensed
6-66 hearing aid dispenser and uses the title solely in connection with
6-67 fitting and dispensing hearing aids and does not represent himself
6-68 to be a licensed audiologist under this Act.>
6-69 <(p) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as restricting
6-70 or preventing a licensed psychologist from engaging in the practice
7-1 of psychology within the scope of the activities permitted under
7-2 that license.>
7-3 Sec. 10. Qualification of Applicants for License. (a) To
7-4 be eligible for licensing as a speech-language pathologist or
7-5 audiologist, an applicant must:
7-6 (1) possess a minimum of <at least> a master's degree
7-7 with a major in at least one of the areas of communicative sciences
7-8 and/or disorders from a program accredited by the American
7-9 Speech-Language Hearing Association in an accredited or approved
7-10 college or university <speech-language pathology or audiology from
7-11 an accredited or approved college or university>;
7-12 (2) submit transcripts from one or more colleges or
7-13 universities showing successful completion of course work in
7-14 amounts set by the board <committee with the approval of the board>
7-15 in the following areas:
7-16 (A) information about normal development and use
7-17 of speech, language, and hearing;
7-18 (B) information about evaluation, habilitation,
7-19 and rehabilitation of speech, language, and hearing disorders; and
7-20 (C) information pertaining to related fields
7-21 that augment the work of clinical practitioners of speech-language
7-22 pathology and audiology;
7-23 (3) have successfully completed at least 36 <30>
7-24 semester hours in courses that are acceptable toward a graduate
7-25 degree by the college or university in which they are taken, at
7-26 least 24 <21> of which are within the professional area for which
7-27 the license is requested and at least six of which are in audiology
7-28 for the applicant for a license in speech-language pathology
7-29 <license> or at least six of which are in speech-language pathology
7-30 for the applicant for a license in audiology;
7-31 (4) have completed the minimum number of hours
7-32 established by the board of <a minimum of 300 clock hours of>
7-33 supervised clinical experience with individuals who present a
7-34 variety of communication disorders. This<, and this> experience
7-35 must have been obtained within his or her educational <training>
7-36 institution or in one of its cooperating programs and under the
7-37 supervision of a person holding a valid license to practice
7-38 speech-language pathology or audiology<, provided during the first
7-39 year of this Act, the supervision may be under a person who would
7-40 have met the qualifications for a license under this Act>; and
7-41 (5) have obtained <the equivalent of nine months of>
7-42 full-time supervised professional experience as defined by the
7-43 board in which bona fide clinical work has been accomplished in the
7-44 major professional area for which the license is being sought,
7-45 under the supervision of a qualified person acceptable to the board
7-46 <committee> pursuant to guidelines approved by the board. The
7-47 supervised professional <which> experience must have begun after
7-48 completion of the academic and clinical experience required by this
7-49 section.
7-50 (b) An applicant who has met the requirements of Subsections
7-51 (a)(1) through (4) of this section must be licensed as an intern
7-52 under this Act. An applicant who has successfully completed all
7-53 academic and clinical experience as required by Subsections (a)(1)
7-54 through (4) of this section but who has not had the degree
7-55 officially conferred must be licensed as an intern under this Act.
7-56 The board by rule shall prescribe the terms by which an applicant
7-57 may practice under an intern's license under this subsection. The
7-58 board by rule shall establish general guidelines and renewal
7-59 procedures for the intern license. Audiology interns are exempt
7-60 from the provisions of Chapter 366, Acts of the 61st Legislature,
7-61 Regular Session, 1969 (Article 4566-1.01 et seq., Vernon's Texas
7-62 Civil Statutes).
7-63 Sec. 11. Application for License. Each person desiring a
7-64 license under this Act shall make application to the board
7-65 <committee> on a form and in the manner the board <committee>
7-66 prescribes. The application shall be accompanied by the
7-67 application fee which may not be refunded by the board <committee>.
7-68 Sec. 12. Examination. (a) Each applicant shall pass a
7-69 validated examination approved <be examined> by the board
7-70 <committee> and shall pay fees in a manner prescribed by the board
8-1 <to the committee, at least 30 days prior to the date of
8-2 examination, a nonrefundable examination fee prescribed by the
8-3 committee>. The examination shall be administered <given> at least
8-4 twice each year <at a time and place established by and under the
8-5 supervision of the committee>.
8-6 (b) The board by rule may establish procedures for the
8-7 administration of the examination. The board <committee> may
8-8 require a<examine by> written or oral examination or <by> both.
8-9 The board <committee> shall maintain a record of all examination
8-10 scores for at least two years after the date of examination.
8-11 (c) Standards for acceptable performance shall be determined
8-12 by the board <committee>.
8-13 (d) The board <committee> may examine in whatever
8-14 theoretical or applied fields of speech-language pathology or
8-15 audiology it deems appropriate. It may examine the candidates with
8-16 regard to their professional skills and their judgment in the
8-17 utilization of speech-language pathology or audiology techniques or
8-18 methods.
8-19 (e) Persons who fail the examination may be examined at a
8-20 subsequent time if they pay another nonrefundable examination fee.
8-21 No applicant who has taken and failed to pass two examinations may
8-22 take the examination until the person has submitted a new
8-23 application together with a nonrefundable application fee and
8-24 presented evidence acceptable to the board <committee> of
8-25 additional study in the area for which licensure is sought. A
8-26 person who fails a licensing examination administered under this
8-27 Act should contact the testing service administering the
8-28 examination to request an analysis of the person's performance on
8-29 the examination.
8-30 (f) Not later than the 30th day after the date on which a
8-31 licensing examination is administered under this Act, the board
8-32 shall notify each examinee of the results of the examination.
8-33 However, if an examination is graded or reviewed by a national or
8-34 state testing service and the testing service does not directly
8-35 notify examinees of the results of the examination, the board shall
8-36 notify examinees of the results of the examination not later than
8-37 the 14th day after the date on which the board receives the results
8-38 from the testing service. If the notice of examination results
8-39 graded or reviewed by a national testing service will be delayed
8-40 for longer than 90 days after the examination date, the board shall
8-41 notify the examinee of the reason for the delay before the 90th
8-42 day. <The committee may waive the examination for applicants who:>
8-43 <(1) present proof of current licensure in another
8-44 state, including the District of Columbia, or territory of the
8-45 United States which maintains professional standards considered by
8-46 the committee to be equivalent to those set forth in this Act; or>
8-47 <(2) hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence of
8-48 the American Speech-Language Hearing Association in the area for
8-49 which a license is being sought.>
8-50 Sec. 13. Licensing under Special Conditions. (a) The board
8-51 <committee on request must waive educational, professional
8-52 experience, and examination requirements for licensure in
8-53 speech-language pathology for applicants who hold a baccalaureate
8-54 or graduate degree, are fully certified by the Central Education
8-55 Agency in speech and hearing therapy or in the judgment of the
8-56 committee have met equivalent requirements, and within two years
8-57 prior to the effective date of this Act were engaged in the
8-58 practice of speech pathology on proof of bona fide practice of
8-59 speech pathology, presented to the committee in the manner
8-60 prescribed by the committee's rules, provided they file an
8-61 application for licensure with the committee or the board of health
8-62 before January 1, 1986. Such licenses shall be issued without
8-63 delay and shall be renewed in the same manner as licenses granted
8-64 under other provisions of this Act.>
8-65 <(b) The committee on request shall waive educational and
8-66 professional experience requirements for a license in audiology for
8-67 an applicant who, on the effective date of this Act, holds a
8-68 graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education
8-69 with a major in speech-language pathology or audiology, and has
8-70 been continuously engaged in the practice of audiology for ten
9-1 years immediately preceding the effective date of this Act,
9-2 provided the applicant files an application for licensure with the
9-3 committee on or before January 1, 1986. Such an applicant must
9-4 pass the licensing examination under Section 12 of this Act not
9-5 later than August 31, 1986.>
9-6 <(c) The committee> may <waive the examination and> grant a
9-7 provisional license <licensure> to an applicant who:
9-8 (1) possesses a license in good standing as a
9-9 speech-language pathologist or an audiologist in another state, the
9-10 District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States that has
9-11 licensing and professional requirements that are considered by the
9-12 board to be substantially equivalent to the requirements of this
9-13 Act;
9-14 (2) has passed a national or other examination
9-15 relating to speech-language pathology or audiology that is
9-16 recognized by the board; and
9-17 (3) is sponsored by a person licensed by the board
9-18 under this Act with whom the provisional license holder may
9-19 practice under this section <presents proof of current licensure in
9-20 another state, including the District of Columbia, or territory of
9-21 the United States which maintains professional standards considered
9-22 by the committee to be equivalent to those set forth in this Act>.
9-23 (b) An applicant for a provisional license may be excused
9-24 from the requirement of Subsection (a)(3) of this section if the
9-25 board determines that compliance with that subsection constitutes a
9-26 hardship to the applicant.
9-27 (c) A provisional license is valid until the date the board
9-28 approves or denies the provisional license holder's application for
9-29 a license. The board shall issue a license under this Act to the
9-30 holder of a provisional license under this section if:
9-31 (1) the provisional license holder passes the
9-32 examination required by Section 12 of this Act;
9-33 (2) the board verifies that the provisional license
9-34 holder has the academic and experience requirements for a license
9-35 under this Act; and
9-36 (3) the provisional license holder satisfies any other
9-37 license requirements under this Act.
9-38 (d) The board must complete the processing of a provisional
9-39 license holder's application for a license not later than the 180th
9-40 day after the date the provisional license is issued.
9-41 (e) <(d)> The board <committee> may waive the examination
9-42 and grant licensure to an applicant who holds the Certificate of
9-43 Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language Hearing
9-44 Association <or has met equivalent requirements in the area for
9-45 which a license is sought>.
9-46 Sec. 14. Issuance of License. (a) The board <committee>
9-47 shall issue a license to an applicant who meets the requirements of
9-48 this Act and who pays to the board <committee> the initial
9-49 nonrefundable license fee.
9-50 (b) A temporary certificate of registration may be applied
9-51 for by a person who fulfills the requirements of Section 10 of this
9-52 Act and who has not previously applied to take the examination
9-53 provided under Section 12 of this Act.
9-54 (c) On receiving an application provided for under
9-55 Subsection (b) of this section accompanied by the nonrefundable
9-56 application fee, the board <committee> shall issue a temporary
9-57 certificate of registration which entitles the applicant to
9-58 practice audiology or speech-language pathology for a period ending
9-59 eight weeks after the conclusion of the next examination given
9-60 after the date of issue.
9-61 (d) The board may establish a method of staggered dates for
9-62 license renewal. For the year in which the license expiration date
9-63 is changed, license fees payable on the original expiration date
9-64 shall be prorated on a monthly basis so that each licensee shall
9-65 pay only that portion of the license fee that is allocable to the
9-66 number of months during which the license is valid. On renewal of
9-67 the license on the new expiration date, the total license renewal
9-68 fee is payable <All licenses expire and become invalid one year
9-69 from the date of issuance if not renewed>.
9-70 Sec. 14A. TEMPORARY LICENSE; INACTIVE STATUS. (a) The
10-1 board by rule may provide for the issuance of a temporary license.
10-2 (b) The board by rule may provide for a person who holds a
10-3 license under this Act to be placed on inactive status. Rules
10-4 adopted under this section shall include a time limit for a license
10-5 holder to remain on inactive status.
10-6 Sec. 15. Renewal of License. (a) Each licensed
10-7 speech-language pathologist or audiologist shall annually pay the
10-8 nonrefundable renewal fee for a renewal of his license. A 60-day
10-9 grace period shall be allowed. After expiration of the grace
10-10 period, the board <committee> may renew each license after payment
10-11 of a penalty set by the rules. No person who applies for renewal
10-12 within two years after the date of expiration of the license may be
10-13 required to submit to an examination as a condition to renewal. An
10-14 application for licensure filed within two years after the date of
10-15 expiration of the person's license shall be considered an
10-16 application of renewal.
10-17 (b) Persons who fail to renew their license within two years
10-18 after the date of its expiration may not renew it, and it may not
10-19 be restored, reissued, or reinstated thereafter, but those persons
10-20 may apply for and obtain a new license if they meet the
10-21 requirements of this Act.
10-22 (c) Renewal <Within three years of the effective date of
10-23 this Act, renewal> of a license is contingent on the applicant's
10-24 meeting uniform continuing education requirements established by
10-25 the board <committee>. These continuing education requirements
10-26 must be of such a nature that they can be met without necessitating
10-27 an extended absence from the licensee's county of residence.
10-28 <Notice of continuing education requirements shall be sent to all
10-29 persons licensed under this Act at least 12 months prior to the
10-30 time that the person's license renewal is dependent on completion
10-31 of the requirements.> Continuing education requirements shall be
10-32 sent to new applicants with the forms on which they are to apply
10-33 for licensure. Notification of <or> changes in continuing
10-34 education requirements shall be sent to persons licensed under this
10-35 Act at least one year prior to the date on which the new
10-36 requirements become effective.
10-37 (d) If a person's license has been expired for two years or
10-38 longer, the person may not renew the license. The person may
10-39 obtain a new license by complying with the requirements and
10-40 procedures for obtaining an original license. However, the board
10-41 may renew a license without reexamination for a person who was,
10-42 within the past three years, licensed in this state and is
10-43 currently licensed in and has been in practice in another state for
10-44 the two years preceding application. An applicant who was licensed
10-45 in this state but whose license expired more than three years ago
10-46 may reapply for a license by meeting current licensing
10-47 requirements. The board may establish rules to address the
10-48 reinstatement of a license in cases of medical hardship. To renew
10-49 an expired license, the person must pay to the board a fee that is
10-50 equal to all unpaid renewal fees for the license. <A suspended
10-51 license is subject to expiration and may be renewed as provided in
10-52 this Act, but the renewal does not entitle the licensee, while the
10-53 license remains suspended and until it is reinstated, to engage in
10-54 the licensed activity or in any other activity or conduct in
10-55 violation of the order or judgment by which the license was
10-56 suspended. A license revoked on disciplinary grounds is subject to
10-57 expiration as provided in this Act, but it may not be renewed. If
10-58 it is reinstated after its expiration, the licensee as a condition
10-59 of reinstatement shall pay a reinstatement fee in an amount equal
10-60 to the renewal fee in effect on the last preceding regular renewal
10-61 date before the date on which it is reinstated, plus the
10-62 delinquency fee, if any, accrued at the time of the license
10-63 revocation.>
10-64 Sec. 16. Fees. <The amount of fees initially prescribed in
10-65 connection with a license as a speech-language pathologist or
10-66 audiologist may not exceed the following:>
10-67 <(1) application fee: $75>
10-68 <(2) examination fee: $50>
10-69 <(3) initial license fee: $75>
10-70 <(4) license renewal fee: $75>
11-1 <(5) delinquency fee: $50>
11-2 <(6) temporary license fee: $25>
11-3 <(7) duplicate license fee: $10>
11-4 The board <committee> by rule shall establish reasonable and
11-5 necessary fees. The<, and such> fees set by the board shall be
11-6 adjusted so that the total fees collected, in the aggregate, shall
11-7 be sufficient to meet the expenses of administering this Act <and
11-8 so that unnecessary surpluses in the fund provided for in Section
11-9 20 of this Act are avoided>.
11-10 Sec. 17. Denial, Suspension, and Revocation. (a) The board
11-11 <committee> may refuse to issue a license to an applicant or may
11-12 suspend or revoke the license of any licensee for any of the
11-13 following causes:
11-14 (1) obtaining a license by means of fraud,
11-15 misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts;
11-16 (2) selling, bartering, or offering to sell or barter
11-17 a license or certificate of registration;
11-18 (3) unprofessional conduct that has endangered or is
11-19 likely to endanger the health, welfare, or safety of the public as
11-20 defined by the rules established by the board <committee> or
11-21 violation of the code of ethics adopted and published by the board
11-22 <committee>;
11-23 (4) violating any lawful order or rule rendered or
11-24 adopted by the board <committee>; or
11-25 (5) violating any provisions of this Act.
11-26 (b) The board <committee> shall deny an application for or
11-27 suspend or revoke or impose probationary conditions on a license as
11-28 ordered by the board <committee> in any decision made after hearing
11-29 as provided in this Act. One year from the date of revocation of a
11-30 license under this Act, application may be made to the board
11-31 <committee> for reinstatement. The board <committee> shall have
11-32 discretion to accept or reject an application for reinstatement and
11-33 may require an examination for the reinstatement.
11-34 (c) A plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following a
11-35 plea of nolo contendere made to a charge of a felony or of an
11-36 offense involving moral turpitude is deemed to be a conviction
11-37 within the meaning of this Act. At the direction of the board
11-38 <committee> the license may be suspended or revoked or the board
11-39 <committee> may decline to issue a license when the time for appeal
11-40 of the conviction has elapsed or the judgment or conviction has
11-41 been affirmed on appeal, or when an order granting probation is
11-42 made suspending the imposition of sentence irrespective of a
11-43 subsequent order allowing a person to withdraw his or her plea of
11-44 guilty, or setting aside the verdict of guilty, or dismissing the
11-45 information or indictment.
11-46 (d) In addition to the other disciplinary actions authorized
11-47 by this section, the board may issue a written reprimand to a
11-48 license holder who violates this Act or require that a license
11-49 holder who violates this Act attend continuing education programs
11-50 and may specify the number of hours that must be successfully
11-51 completed by an individual license holder to fulfill the
11-52 requirements of this subsection.
11-53 (e) If a license suspension is probated, the board may
11-54 require the license holder to:
11-55 (1) report regularly to the board on matters that are
11-56 the basis of the probation;
11-57 (2) limit practice to the areas prescribed by the
11-58 board; or
11-59 (3) continue or review professional continuing
11-60 education until the license holder attains a degree of skill
11-61 satisfactory to the board in those areas that are the basis of the
11-62 probation.
11-63 (f) The schedule of sanctions adopted by the board by rule
11-64 shall be used for any sanction imposed as the result of a hearing
11-65 conducted by the board.
11-66 Sec. 18. Penalties. (a) A person who violates any of the
11-67 provisions of this Act is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor and on
11-68 conviction may be punished by confinement in the county jail not
11-69 exceeding six months, by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or by both.
11-70 (b) If a person other than a licensed speech-language
12-1 pathologist or audiologist has engaged in any act or practice which
12-2 constitutes an offense under this Act, a district court of any
12-3 county on application of the board <committee> may issue an
12-4 injunction or other appropriate order restraining such conduct.
12-5 Sec. 19. Procedures for Denial, Revocation, or Suspension of
12-6 a License. (a) A person whose application for a license is denied
12-7 is entitled to a hearing before the board <committee> if such
12-8 person submits a written request to the board<committee>.
12-9 (b) Proceedings for revocation or suspension of a license
12-10 shall be commenced by filing charges with the board <committee> in
12-11 writing and under oath. The charges may be made by any person or
12-12 persons.
12-13 (c) <The chairperson of the committee shall fix a time and
12-14 place for a hearing and shall cause a written copy of the charges
12-15 or reason for denial of a license, together with a notice of the
12-16 time and place fixed for the hearing, to be served on the applicant
12-17 requesting the hearing or the licensee against whom the charges
12-18 have been filed at least 20 days prior to the date set for the
12-19 hearing. Service of charges and notice of hearing may be given by
12-20 certified mail to the last known address of the licensee or
12-21 applicant.>
12-22 <(d) At the hearing the applicant or licensee has the right
12-23 to appear either personally or by counsel or both, to produce
12-24 witnesses, to have subpoenas issued by the committee, and to
12-25 cross-examine opposing or adverse witnesses.>
12-26 <(e) The committee shall determine the charges on their
12-27 merits and enter an order in a permanent record setting forth the
12-28 findings of fact and law and the action taken. A copy of the order
12-29 of the committee shall be mailed to the applicant or licensee at
12-30 his or her last known address by certified mail.>
12-31 <(f) An individual whose application for a license has been
12-32 refused or whose license has been cancelled, revoked, or suspended
12-33 by the committee may take an appeal, within 20 days after the order
12-34 is entered, to any district court of Travis County or to any
12-35 district court of the county of his or her residence.>
12-36 <(g) In all appeals prosecuted in any of the courts of this
12-37 state pursuant to the provisions of this Act, such trials shall be
12-38 de novo as that term is used and understood in appeals from justice
12-39 of the peace courts. Under no circumstances shall the substantial
12-40 evidence rule as interpreted and applied by the courts in Texas in
12-41 other cases ever be used or applied to appeals prosecuted under the
12-42 provisions of this Act.>
12-43 <(h)> All proceedings under this Act shall conform to the
12-44 requirements of the Administrative Procedure and Texas Register
12-45 Act, as amended (Article 6252-13a <6252-13g>, Vernon's Texas Civil
12-46 Statutes), except as modified by this section.
12-47 Sec. 20. COMPLAINT PROCEDURE IN GENERAL. (a) The board
12-48 shall keep an information file about each complaint filed with the
12-49 board. The board's information file shall be kept current and
12-50 contain a record for each complaint of:
12-51 (1) all persons contacted in relation to the
12-52 complaint;
12-53 (2) a summary of findings made at each step of the
12-54 complaint process;
12-55 (3) an explanation of the legal basis and reason for
12-56 complaint that is dismissed; and
12-57 (4) other relevant information.
12-58 (b) If a written complaint is filed with the board that the
12-59 board has authority to resolve, the board, at least as frequently
12-60 as quarterly and until final disposition of the complaint, shall
12-61 notify the parties to the complaint of the status of the complaint
12-62 unless the notice would jeopardize an undercover investigation.
12-63 (c) The board by rule shall adopt a form to standardize
12-64 information concerning complaints made to the board. The board by
12-65 rule shall prescribe information to be provided to a person when
12-66 the person files a complaint with the board.
12-67 (d) The board shall provide reasonable assistance to a
12-68 person who wishes to file a complaint with the board.
12-69 Sec. 21. COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION AND DISPOSITION. (a) The
12-70 board shall adopt rules concerning the investigation of a complaint
13-1 filed with the board. The rules adopted under this subsection
13-2 shall:
13-3 (1) distinguish between categories of complaints;
13-4 (2) ensure that complaints are not dismissed without
13-5 appropriate consideration;
13-6 (3) require that the board be advised of a complaint
13-7 that is dismissed and that a letter be sent to the person who filed
13-8 the complaint explaining the action taken on the dismissed
13-9 complaint;
13-10 (4) ensure that the person who filed the complaint has
13-11 an opportunity to explain the allegations made in the complaint;
13-12 and
13-13 (5) prescribe guidelines concerning the categories of
13-14 complaints that require the use of a private investigator and the
13-15 procedures for the board to obtain the services of a private
13-16 investigator.
13-17 (b) The board shall dispose of all complaints in a timely
13-18 manner. The board shall establish a schedule for conducting each
13-19 phase of a complaint that is under the control of the board not
13-20 later than the 30th day after the date the complaint is received by
13-21 the board. The schedule shall be kept in the information file for
13-22 the complaint and all parties shall be notified of the projected
13-23 time requirements for pursuing the complaint. A change in the
13-24 schedule must be noted in the complaint information file and all
13-25 parties to the complaint must be notified not later than the
13-26 seventh day after the date the change is made.
13-27 (c) The director of the board shall notify the board of a
13-28 complaint that extends beyond the time prescribed by the board for
13-29 resolving the complaint so that the board may take necessary action
13-30 on the complaint.
13-31 Sec. 22. INFORMAL PROCEEDINGS. (a) The board by rule shall
13-32 adopt procedures governing:
13-33 (1) informal disposition of a contested case under
13-34 Section 13(e), Administrative Procedure and Texas Register Act
13-35 (Article 6252-13a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), and its
13-36 subsequent amendments; and
13-37 (2) informal proceedings held in compliance with
13-38 Section 18(c), Administrative Procedure and Texas Register Act
13-39 (Article 6252-13a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), and its
13-40 subsequent amendments.
13-41 (b) Rules adopted under this section must provide the
13-42 complainant and the licensee an opportunity to be heard and must
13-43 require the presence of a representative of the office of the
13-44 attorney general to advise the board or the board's employees.
13-45 Sec. 23. MONITORING OF LICENSE HOLDER. The board by rule
13-46 shall develop a system for monitoring license holder's compliance
13-47 with the requirements of this Act. Rules adopted under this
13-48 section shall include procedures for monitoring a license holder
13-49 who is ordered by the board to perform certain acts to ascertain
13-50 that the license holder performs the required acts and to identify
13-51 and monitor license holders who represent a risk to the public.
13-52 Sec. 24 <20>. Disposition of Funds Received. (a) Except as
13-53 provided in Section 25 of this Act, all <All> funds received by the
13-54 board <committee> under this Act shall be deposited in accordance
13-55 with applicable state law in the State Treasury in a separate fund
13-56 to be known as the speech-language pathology and audiology fund and
13-57 be appropriated to the board <Texas Department of Health> solely
13-58 for administration of this Act.
13-59 (b) All <After August 31, 1984, all> expenses for the
13-60 administration of the Act shall be paid from fees collected by the
13-61 board <committee> under this Act.
13-62 <(c) There is hereby appropriated $80,000 to the
13-63 speech-language pathology and audiology fund for the implementation
13-64 of this Act, said funds coming from the General Revenue Fund for
13-65 the first year provided that the first $80,000 of application and
13-66 license fees shall be returned to the General Revenue Fund as they
13-67 are received.>
13-68 Sec. 25 <21>. Exemptions From the Basic Science Law. The
13-69 provisions of Chapter 95, Acts of the 51st Legislature, Regular
13-70 Session, 1949, as amended (Article 4590c, Vernon's Texas Civil
14-1 Statutes), do not apply to audiologists or speech-language
14-2 pathologists duly qualified and licensed under this Act who confine
14-3 their activity to the areas specified in this Act.
14-4 Sec. 26 <22>. Sunset Provision. The State Board <Committee>
14-5 of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is subject
14-6 to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless
14-7 continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the board
14-8 <committee> is abolished and this Act expires September 1, 2005
14-9 <1993>.
14-10 SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 1993.
14-11 SECTION 3. The importance of this legislation and the
14-12 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an
14-13 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
14-14 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several
14-15 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.
14-16 * * * * *
14-17 Austin,
14-18 Texas
14-19 April 28, 1993
14-20 Hon. Bob Bullock
14-21 President of the Senate
14-22 Sir:
14-23 We, your Committee on Health and Human Services to which was
14-24 referred S.B. No. 1077, have had the same under consideration, and
14-25 I am instructed to report it back to the Senate with the
14-26 recommendation that it do not pass, but that the Committee
14-27 Substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.
14-28 Zaffirini,
14-29 Chair
14-30 * * * * *
14-31 WITNESSES
14-32 FOR AGAINST ON
14-33 ___________________________________________________________________
14-34 Name: Karol Rice x
14-35 Representing: Tx Speech Language Hearing
14-36 City: Austin
14-37 -------------------------------------------------------------------
14-38 Name: Wanda Stewart x
14-39 Representing: Tx Bd of Examiners Fitting
14-40 City: Austin
14-41 -------------------------------------------------------------------
14-42 Name: Dorothy Cawthon x
14-43 Representing: St Com of Examiners for Speec
14-44 City: Elgin
14-45 -------------------------------------------------------------------
14-46 Name: Larry Higdon x
14-47 Representing: Tx Speech Language Hearing
14-48 City: Austin
14-49 -------------------------------------------------------------------
14-50 Name: Betty Y. McDonald x
14-51 Representing: Self
14-52 City: Houston
14-53 -------------------------------------------------------------------
14-54 Name: Dr. Jennifer Watson x
14-55 Representing: Tx Christian University
14-56 City: Fort Worth
14-57 -------------------------------------------------------------------