HB 72 – Audiology Modifications
Primary House Sponsors: Rep. Donny Lambeth (R-Forsyth); Rep. Kristin Baker (R-Cabarrus); Rep. Donna White (R-Johnston); Rep. Carla Cunningham (D-Mecklenburg)
Summary
This bill seeks to make the following changes regarding the licensure of audiologists:
- Defines “audiologist” as any person who is qualified by education, training, and clinical experience and is appropriately licensed to engage in the practice of audiology
- Adds language describing an audiologist as an “independent hearing health care practitioner providing services in hospitals, clinics, schools, private practices, and other settings in which audiologic services are relevant
- Defines the “practice of audiology” as the application of principles, methods, and procedures related to disorders of the auditory and vestibular systems
- Provides a nonexhaustive list of areas of audiology practice
- Revises the definition of the “practice of speech and language pathology” to include measurement, testing, evaluation, prediction, counseling, treating, instruction, habilitation, and/or rehabilitation related to communication/cognitive-communication disorders
- Authorizes licensed audiologists to treat minors with hearing impairment and prohibits unlicensed persons from making an assessment or managing health care services for minors with hearing impairment
- Authorizes audiologists to participate in the development of Individualized Educational Programs/Individual Family Service Plans
- Allows audiologists to administer hearing screening programs in schools.
Movement
Filed – 2/11/2021
Referred to the following House committees:
-Health
-Rules, Calendar, and Operations