![]()
CHAPTER 45. STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN
SPEECH-LANGUAGE AND HEARING
Subchap. Sec.
A. GENERAL PROVISIONS 45.1
B. LICENSURE 45.11
C. STANDARDS OF PRACTICE AND CONDUCT 45.101
D. PRACTICE IN PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS ENTITIES 45.201
E. ASSISTANTS 45.301
F. CHILD ABUSE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 45.401
G. CONTINUING EDUCATION 45.501Authority The provisions of this Chapter 45 issued under section 812.1 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 279.3a); and sections 8 and 13 of the Speech-Language and Hearing Licensure Act (63 P. S. § § 1708 and 1713), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Chapter 45 adopted July 29, 1988, effective July 30, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 3340, unless otherwise noted.
Cross References This chapter cited in 49 Pa. Code § 41.26 (relating to professional corporations); and 49 Pa. Code § 47.21 (relating to professional corporations).
Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec.
45.1. Fees.
45.2. Definitions.
45.3. Disclosure of financial or ownership intereststatement of policy.§ 45.1. Fees.
(a) The following are the fees set by the State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language and Hearing:
(1) Initial licensespeech-language pathologist, audiologist
or teacher of the hearing impaired $20(2) Certification of licensure $15
(3) Biennial renewal $46
(4) Examination for teacher of the hearing impaired $87
(5) Application for continuing education course approval $40
(b) The Board will require payment of the initial license fee by individuals who were issued licenses without fee prior to July 30, 1988.
Authority The provisions of this § 45.1 amended under section 5(7) of the Speech-Language and Hearing Licensure Act (63 P. S. § 1705(7).
Source The provisions of this § 45.1 adopted July 29, 1988, effective July 30, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 3340; amended July 31, 1992, effective August 1, 1992, 22 Pa.B. 3991; amended December 8, 1995, effective December 9, 1995, and apply to examination fees charged on and after September 1, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 5588; amended April 7, 2006, effective April 8, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 1648. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (223117) to (223118).
Cross References The provisions of this § 45.2 amended under sections 5, 10, 16 and 17 of the Speech-Language and Hearing Licensure Act (63 P. S. § § 1705, 1710, 1716 and 1717).
Source The provisions of this § 45.2 adopted July 20, 1990, effective July 21, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 3973; amended May 22, 1992, effective May 23, 1992, 22 Pa.B. 2730; amended May 29, 1992, effective May 30, 1992, 22 Pa.B. 2833; amended April 7, 2006, effective April 8, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 1648. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (223118) and (206269).
§ 45.3. Disclosure of financial or ownership intereststatement of policy.
(a) Purpose. This statement of policy implements the act of May 26, 1988 (P. L. 403, No. 66) (35 P. S. § § 449.21449.23).
(b) Requirement. A licensee of the Board referring a client for health-related services, devices or products to a business, service provider, facility or entity in which the licensee or a member of his family has a financial or ownership interest to any extent or degree, shall disclose that interest prior to making the referral, and shall notify the client of his freedom to choose an alternate provider.
(c) Guidelines for disclosure.
(1) Posting notice of disclosure requirement. It is recommended that compliance with the disclosure requirement include the prominent posting of a printed notice at least 8 1/2" x 11", legible from 3 feet, posted in the patient waiting area, as follows:
TREATMENT IN THIS OFFICE MAY INCLUDE A REFERRAL FOR FURTHER HEALTH-RELATED SERVICES, DEVICES OR PRODUCTS. PENNSYLVANIA LAW REQUIRES ANY HEALTH-CARE PRACTITIONER TO DISCLOSE TO YOU ANY FINANCIAL INTEREST HE HAS IN ANY HEALTH-CARE FACILITY IN WHICH HE RECOMMENDS FURTHER HEALTH-RELATED SERVICES, DEVICES OR PRODUCTS. (ACT 66-1988)
(2) Written notice. When a licensee of the Board makes this type of referral, the licensee or a delegate shall advise the client and shall retain the following document in the patients file:
I have been referred to
for
. I understand that my [licensees profession] has a financial interest in this business, and that I am free to choose an alternate provider.
(signature of patient)
Source The provisions of this § 45.3 adopted January 24, 1992, effective January 25, 1992, 22 Pa.B. 368.
Subchapter B. LICENSURE
Sec.
45.11. Licenses.
45.12. Application procedures.
45.13. Renewal; inactive status.
45.14. Reactivation of licensure status.
45.15. Duplicate certificates.
45.16. Display of license.
45.17. Education requirements: masters degree or equivalent.
45.18. Criteria for masters degree equivalent
45.19. Practicum.
45.20. YSPE
45.21. Waivers
45.22. Foreign-trained applicants.
Authority The provisions of this Subchapter B issued under section 5(1), (2) and (6) of the Speech-Language and Hearing Licensure Act (63 P. S. § 1705(1), (2) and (6)), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Subchapter B adopted May 29, 1992, effective May 30, 1992, 22 Pa.B. 2833, unless otherwise noted.
§ 45.11. Licenses.
(a) The Board issues the following licenses:
(1) Speech-language pathologist.
(2) Audiologist.
(3) Teacher of the hearing-impaired.
(b) The Board will issue a permanent certificate indicating initial licensure and a wallet card showing the current license period.
Cross References The provisions of this § 45.13 amended April 7, 2006, effective April 8, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 1648. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (206271) to (206272).
§ 45.14. Reactivation of licensure status.
A licensee who has allowed his licensure status to lapse may apply to the Board for reactivation of licensure status by satisfying the requirements of paragraph (1) on forms prescribed by the Board.
(1) A licensee applying for reactivation of licensure status is required to pay the current registration fee and submit a notarized affidavit setting forth the period of time in which the licensee did not practice in this Commonwealth.
(2) A licensee who seeks to reactivate his licensure status will not be assessed a late renewal fee for the preceding biennial registration periods in which the licensee did not engage in practice in this Commonwealth.
(3) With the exception of individuals exempt from licensure under section 6(b)(2) of the act (63 P. S. § 1706(b)(2)), a licensee whose licensure status has lapsed due to the failure to register biennially with the Board, is prohibited from practicing in this Commonwealth unless the licensure status is reactivated. If a licensee who is not exempt from licensure engages in practice in this Commonwealth during a period in which the licensees registration is not renewed, the licensee is required to pay a late fee of $5 for each month or part of a month beyond the date specified for renewal, as provided in section 225 of the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs Fee Act (63 P. S. § 1401-225), in addition to the prescribed biennial renewal fee. The payment of a late fee does not preclude the Board from taking disciplinary action against a licensee for practicing in this Commonwealth without a current license.
(4) A person who fails to renew his license within 5 years after the date of its expiration may not renew it, and it will not be restored, reissued or reinstated thereafter, but the person may apply and obtain a new license, if the person meets the requirements of the act.
§ 45.15. Duplicate certificates.
Duplicate license certificates and wallet cards will be issued only upon submission by the licensee of a notarized statement specifying the reason for the request. Fees as prescribed by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs Fee Act (63 P. S. § § 1401-1011401-501) shall be charged for duplicate wall certificates.
§ 45.16. Display of license.
The licensee shall post the original certificate in a conspicuous place in the office or place of business of the licensee.
§ 45.17. Education requirements: masters degree or equivalent.
(a) Speech-language pathologist. An applicant for licensure as a speech-language pathologist shall provide evidence of holding a masters degree in speech-language pathology or its equivalent from an accredited academic institution.
(b) Audiologist. An applicant for licensure as an audiologist shall provide evidence of holding a masters degree in audiology or its equivalent from an accredited academic institution.
(c) Teacher of the hearing-impaired. An applicant for licensure as a teacher of the hearing-impaired shall provide evidence of holding a masters degree in teaching of the hearing-impaired or its equivalent from an accredited academic institution.
Cross References This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.12 (relating to application procedures); and 49 Pa. Code § 45.22 (relating to foreign-trained applicants).
§ 45.21. Waivers.
The Board will waive the education, experience and examination requirements of this subchapter for an applicant who:
(1) Holds a current certification or license in a state which has standards determined by the Board to be at least equal to those for licensure in this Commonwealth. The applicant shall file an application with the Board, and shall cause the appropriate agency in the state of certification or licensure to submit to the Board a letter attesting to the applicants good standing.
(2) Holds a current certificate of clinical competence from the Council of Professional Standards of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). The applicant shall file an application with the Board, and shall cause ASHA to submit to the Board certification of the applicants status.
(3) Holds a current professional certificate issued by the Council on Education of the Deaf (CED) in compliance with its standards for the certification of teachers of the hearing-impaired. If the certificate was issued under CED standards in effect prior to September 1, 1987, the applicant shall present evidence of having an additional ten graduate academic credits which are appropriate to the field of the teaching of the hearing-impaired. The applicant shall file an application with the Board, and shall cause the CED to submit to the Board certification of the applicants status.
(4) Earned a bachelors degree, as of February 19, 1985, with a major, as appropriate, in speech-language pathology, audiology or teaching of the hearing-impaired from an accredited college or university, and was employed in the appropriate field as a speech-language pathologist, audiologist or teacher of the hearing-impaired for at least 9 consecutive months during the period February 19, 1982February 19, 1985. The applicant shall file an application with the Board, and shall cause the degree-awarding institution and the applicable employer to submit to the Board certification of degree and certification of employment status. An applicant who was self-employed during the applicable period shall so certify.
§ 45.22. Foreign-trained applicants.
(a) To apply for licensure, the foreign-trained applicant shall, before examination, submit evidence satisfactory to the Board on forms provided by the Board that the applicant meets the following requirements:
(1) Is of good moral character.
(2) Has completed educational requirements substantially equivalent to § 45.17 or § 45.18 (relating to education requirements: masters degree or equivalent; and criteria for masters degree equivalent) and the practicum requirements substantially equivalent to § 45.19 (relating to practicum). The Board will accept a credential evaluation done by a recognized and accredited credential evaluation agency approved by the Board as proof that the foreign-trained applicant has completed these requirements.
(3) Has completed the year of supervised professional experience as provided by § 45.20 (relating to YSPE).
(b) The foreign-trained applicant may be licensed by the Board, if he has complied with subsection (a) and has passed the licensure examination.
Subchapter C. STANDARDS OF
PRACTICE AND CONDUCT
Sec.
45.101. Preparing, maintaining and retaining records.
45.102. Code of Ethics.
45.103. Unprofessional conduct.
45.104. Fraud or deceit.
Authority The provisions of this Subchapter C issued under sections 5 and 10 of the Speech-Language and Hearing Licensure Act (63 P. S. § § 1705 and 1710), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Subchapter C adopted July 20, 1990, effective July 21, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 3973, unless otherwise noted.
Cross References This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.103 (relating to unprofessional conduct).
§ 45.102. Code of Ethics.
(a) General. The Board is empowered by section 5(2) of the act (63 P. S. § 1705(2)) to promulgate a Code of Ethics for speech-language pathologists, audiologists and teachers of the hearing-impaired, and the Board finds that the following rules are essential for establishing and maintaining stringent standards of professional conduct and for protecting the public interest, the Board has established the following Code of Ethics. A violation of this code constitutes unprofessional conduct under § 45.103 (relating to unprofessional conduct) or, as applicable, fraud or deceit under § 45.104 (relating to fraud or deceit), and subjects the violator to appropriate disciplinary action.
(b) Preamble.
(1) The preservation of the highest standards of integrity is vital to the successful discharge of the professional responsibilities of speech-language pathologists, audiologists and teachers of the hearing-impaired. To this end, the Board has established this Code of Ethics to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare and to assure that speech-language and hearing services of the highest possible quality are available to the people of this Commonwealth. A violation of a provision of the Code of Ethics constitutes unprofessional conduct subject to disciplinary action. Accordingly, failure to specify a particular responsibility or practice in the code should not be construed as a deliberate omission.
(2) The fundamental rules of ethical conduct are described in the following categories:
(i) Principles of Ethics. Seven principles serve as the basis for the ethical evaluation of professional conduct and form the underlying moral basis for the Code of Ethics. Speech-language pathologists, audiologists and teachers of the hearing-impaired, as defined in the act, shall observe these principles as affirmative obligations under all conditions of professional activity.
(ii) Ethical proscriptions. Ethical proscriptions are formal statements of prohibitions that are derived from the Principles of Ethics.
(c) Principle of Ethics I.
(1) Because speech-language pathologists, audiologists and teachers of the hearing-impaired provide nonmedical and nonsurgical services, medical diagnosis and medical treatment by these persons are specifically to be considered unethical and illegal.
(i) A licensee shall provide treatment pursuant only to an examination and diagnosis of the person served.
(ii) A licensee who performs examinations and treatments shall use evaluation instruments, techniques and procedures commonly recognized by their profession and compatible with their education, expertise and professional competence.
(2) Ethical proscriptions are as follows: A licensee may not provide treatment if the results of the diagnostic examination disclose a need for medical evaluation as commonly recognized by the profession.
(d) Principles of Ethics II.
(1) A licensee shall hold paramount the welfare of persons served professionally.
(i) A licensee shall use every resource available, including referral to other specialists as needed, to provide the best service possible.
(ii) A licensee shall fully inform a person served, a parent or guardian, of the nature and possible effects of the services.
(iii) A licensee shall fully inform subjects participating in research or teaching activities of the nature and possible effects of these activities.
(iv) A licensee shall provide appropriate access to the records of a person served professionally.
(v) A licensee shall take all reasonable precautions to avoid injuring a person in the delivery of professional services.
(vi) A licensee shall evaluate services and products rendered to determine their effectiveness.
(2) Ethical proscriptions are as follows:
(i) A licensee may not exploit a person in the delivery or payment for professional services, as provided for under the act. Exploitation of services includes accepting persons for treatment or by continuing treatment when benefits cannot reasonably be expected.
(ii) A licensee may not guarantee the results of a therapeutic procedure, directly or by implication. A reasonable statement of prognosis may be made, but caution shall be exercised not to mislead a person served professionally to expect results that cannot be predicted from sound evidence.
(iii) A licensee may not use a person for teaching or research in a manner that constitutes invasion of privacy or fails to afford informed free choice to participate.
(iv) A licensee may not evaluate or treat speech, language or hearing disorders except in a professional relationship. The licensee may not evaluate or treat solely by correspondence. This proscription does not preclude follow-up correspondence with a person previously seen or providing the person with general information of an educational nature.
(v) A licensee may not discriminate in the delivery of professional services on the basis of race, sex, age, religion or another basis that is unjustifiable or irrelevant to the need for and potential benefit from the services.
(e) Principle of Ethics III.
(1) A licensee shall maintain high standards of professional competence.
(i) A licensee engaging in clinical practice or supervision shall hold the appropriate license for the area in which the licensee is providing professional services or supervising the provision of the services.
(ii) A licensee shall continue professional development throughout his career.
(iii) A licensee shall identify competent, dependable referral sources for a person served.
(iv) A licensee shall maintain adequate records of professional services rendered.
(v) A licensee shall exercise his own independent professional judgment in evaluating and effectuating prescriptions for services.
(2) Ethical proscriptions are as follows:
(i) A licensee may not provide services or supervision which the licensee is not qualified to perform under the act, nor may the licensee permit services to be provided by a staff person who is not qualified pursuant to the requirements of the act.
(ii) A licensee may not delegate to an unlicensed person any service requiring the professional competence of a licensed individual.
(iii) A licensee may not offer clinical services by assistants, students or trainees for whom he does not provide appropriate supervision and assume full responsibility.
(iv) A licensee may not require or suggest that anyone under his supervision engage in a practice that is a violation of this Code of Ethics.
(f) Principle of Ethics IV.
(1) A licensees statement to a person served professionally and to the public shall provide accurate information about the nature and management of communicative disorders, about the profession and about services rendered by its practitioners.
(2) Ethical proscriptions are as follows:
(i) A licensee may not misrepresent training or competence.
(ii) A licensees public statements providing information about professional services and products may not contain representations or claims that are false, deceptive or misleading.
(iii) A licensee may not use professional or commercial affiliations in a way that would mislead persons served or limit the services available to them.
(g) Principle of Ethics V.
(1) A licensee shall maintain objectivity in all matters concerning the welfare of a person served. Accordingly, a licensee who dispenses products to a person served shall observe the following standards:
(i) Products associated with professional practice shall be dispensed to a person served as part of a program of comprehensive habilitative care.
(ii) Fees established for professional services shall be independent of whether a product is dispensed.
(iii) A person served shall be allowed freedom of choice as to the source of services and products, in accordance with the act of May 26, 1988 (P. L. 403, No. 66) (35 P. S. § § 449.21449.23).
(iv) Price information about professional services rendered and products dispensed shall be disclosed by providing to or posting for a person served a complete schedule of fees and charges in advance of rendering services. This schedule shall differentiate between fees for professional services and charges for products dispensed.
(v) A licensee shall evaluate products dispensed to a person served to determine their effectiveness.
(2) An ethical proscription is as follows: a licensee may not participate in activities that constitute conflicts of professional interest.
(h) Principle of Ethics VI.
(1) A licensee shall uphold the dignity of the profession and freely accept its self-imposed standards.
(2) A licensee shall inform the Board when he has reason to believe that a licensee under the act may have violated this Code of Ethics.
(3) Ethical proscriptions are as follows:
(i) A licensee may not engage in violations of this Code of Ethics or attempt in any way to circumvent it.
This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.101 (relating to preparing, maintaining and retaining records); 49 Pa. Code § 45.102 (relating to Code of Ethics); and 49 Pa. Code § 45.406 (relating to confidentialitywaived).
§ 45.104. Fraud or deceit.
As used in section 10(6) of the act (63 P. S. § 1710(6)), fraud and deceit includes, but is not limited to, the following types of conduct:
(1) Misrepresenting or concealing a material fact in obtaining payment for services.
(2) Falsifying the record of a person served regarding treatment rendered to that person.
(3) Falsely representing the use or availability of the services or advice of a physician.
(4) Misrepresenting credentials by using the word doctor or a similar word, abbreviation or symbol if the use is not accurate or if the degree was not conferred by an accredited institution.
(5) Misrepresenting the scope or nature of services which the licensee is competent to provide or which the person served can reasonably be expected to benefit from.
Cross References This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.102 (relating to Code of Ethics).
Subchapter D. PRACTICE IN PROFESSIONAL AND
BUSINESS ENTITIES
Sec.
45.201. General.
45.202. Professional corporations.
45.203. Business entities.
45.204. Fictitious names.
Authority The provisions of this Subchapter D issued under sections 5(2), 16 and 17 of the Speech-Language and Hearing Licensure Act (63 P. S. § § 1705(2), 1716 and 1717), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Subchapter D adopted May 22, 1992, effective May 23, 1992, 22 Pa.B. 2730, unless otherwise noted.
§ 45.201. General.
Generally, a licensee may practice in any lawful form of organization, including a corporation, partnership, trust, association, company or other similar form of organization.
§ 45.202. Professional corporations.
(a) A licensee may professionally incorporate with any health care practitioner licensed through the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, Department of State, if the regulations of the licensing board of the other health care practitioner also permit multipurpose professional corporations.
(b) The Board will approve any name of the professional corporation which is not false, misleading or fraudulent. If a name is chosen which does not contain the names of the licensed professionals with an ownership interest in the practice, the Board shall be supplied with a list of these persons. The Board will notify the licensee of its approval or disapproval, and this notice shall be submitted to the Corporation Bureau, Department of State, together with the documents and fees required by that agency for filing articles of incorporation.
(c) A licensee incorporating under the terms of this section shall inform the Board of a change in the name or ownership of the corporation.
§ 45.203. Business entities.
(a) A business entity may provide services which require licensure, if the following conditions are met:
(1) The individuals engaging in the practice of a licensed activity possess a current valid license from the Board.
(2) The business entity files with the Board a certification that the business entity submits itself to the requirements of the act and the jurisdiction of the Board and this chapter.
(3) The business entity provides the Board with a list of the licensees employed by the entity. The list shall be updated upon changes in licensed personnel.
(4) The business entity executes a written contract with licensed employes providing for the licensed employes right to independent exercise of professional judgment.
(b) A licensee may practice as an employe of a business entity which has met the conditions in subsection (a). The Board will not issue nor renew the license of an individual engaging in the practice of a licensed activity through a business entity which does not have a certification on file.
§ 45.204. Fictitious names.
A licensed practice may be conducted under a fictitious name, if the name is submitted to the Board for approval prior to filing with the Corporation Bureau of the Department of State. The Board will notify the person filing the request to do business under a fictitious name of its approval or disapproval, and this notice shall be submitted to the Corporation Bureau, together with the documents and fees required by that agency for filing a fictitious name registration. The Board will approve a fictitious name which is not false, misleading or fraudulent.
Subchapter E. ASSISTANTS
Sec.
45.301. Definitions.
45.302. Required filing.
45.303. Maximum number of assistants.
45.304. Minimum education, experience and training requirements.
45.305. Functions and duties of assistants.
45.306. Supervision and responsibility.
45.307. Limitations.
45.308. Exceptions.
Authority The provisions of this Subchapter E issued under section 5(8) of the Speech-Language and Hearing Licensure Act (63 P. S. § 1705(8)), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Subchapter C adopted June 7, 1991, effective June 8, 1991, 21 Pa.B. 2621, unless otherwise noted.
§ 45.301. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
AssistantAn individual who works under the direction and supervision of a licensed audiologist, speech-language pathologist or teacher of the hearing-impaired and who meets the requirements in this subchapter.
Direct onsite supervisionThe physical presence of a licensed audiologist, speech-language pathologist or teacher of the hearing-impaired, in the facility or location where the assistant is working who is immediately available to exercise supervision, direction and control.
InterpreterAn individual whose sole function is to translate or to facilitate communication between persons via oral, cued speech, manual, total communication or written modes. For purposes of this subchapter, an interpreter is not considered an assistant.
TaskWork assigned or carried out as a part or subcomponent of the assistants duties.
Cross References This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.305 (relating to functions and duties of assistants).
§ 45.302. Required filing.
(a) A licensee shall file with the Board, on a form provided by the Board, the following:
(1) The name of the assistant.
(2) The location where the assistant will work.
(3) Certification that the assistant has met the education and training requirements in § 45.304 (relating to minimum education, experience and training requirements).
(4) Attestation by the assistant and the licensee that the assistant has read this chapter.
(b) Completed forms shall be filed with the Board within 30 days of the assistants employment or a change in the assistants employment or supervision.
§ 45.303. Maximum number of assistants.
This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.307 (relating to limitations).
§ 45.306. Supervision and responsibility.
A licensee who supervises an assistant shall be responsible for:
(1) Hiring only assistants who meet the minimum requirements enumerated under § 45.304 (relating to minimum education, experience and training requirements).
(2) The assistants performance of assigned duties.
(3) Making professional decisions bearing on services provided.
(4) Ensuring that the assistant is assigned only duties and responsibilities for which the assistant has been specifically trained and which the assistant is qualified to perform.
(5) Directly observing the assistants performance in 25% of each clinical session. Direct observations shall be documented and the quality of the assistants performance shall be reviewed with the assistant.
(6) Ensuring that persons who will be receiving services from an assistant, or the persons legal representative, is informed that services are being rendered by an assistant.
(7) Providing direct onsite supervision of the assistant.
§ 45.307. Limitations.
(a) An assistant may not engage in activities reserved by the act to licensees of the Board, nor may the assistant hold himself out to the public, either by title or by description of services, as an audiologist, speech-language pathologist or teacher of the hearing-impaired. Titles may be used only in conjunction with the appendage assistant; for example, audiology assistant.
(b) A licensee may not assign, delegate or permit assistants to perform activities which require the formal education or training, and the skill and knowledge of a licensed audiologist, speech-language pathologist or teacher of the hearing-impaired, including activities enumerated under § 45.305 (relating to functions and duties of assistants).
§ 45.308. Exceptions.
(a) A licensee is not required to file with the Board a list of support personnel who do not engage in activities requiring formal education or training in the field of speech-language and hearing, the skill and knowledge of a licensed audiologist, speech-language pathologist or a teacher of the hearing-impaired or the skill and knowledge of an assistant, as required under this subchapter.
(b) This subchapter does not limit the activities of a student who is pursuing a program of study supervised by a person licensed under the act which leads to a degree in audiology, speech-language pathology or teaching of the hearing-impaired in this Commonwealth.
Subchapter F. CHILD ABUSE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Sec.
45.401. Definitions.
45.402. Suspected child abusemandated reporting requirements.
45.403. Photographs, medical tests and X-rays of child subject to report.
45.404. Suspected death as a result of child abusemandated reporting requirement.
45.405. Immunity from liability.
45.406. Confidentialitywaived.
45.407. Noncompliance.
Authority The provisions of this Subchapter F issued under the Child Protective Services Law, 23 Pa.C.S. § 6383(b)(2); and section 5 of the Speech-Language and Hearing Act (63 P. S. § 1705), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Subchapter F adopted November 8, 1996, effective November 9, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 5430, unless otherwise noted.
§ 45.401. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Child abuseA term meaning any of the following:(i) A recent act or failure to act by a perpetrator which causes nonaccidental serious physical injury to a child under 18 years of age.
(ii) An act or failure to act by a perpetrator which causes nonaccidental serious mental injury to or sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of a child under 18 years of age.
(iii) A recent act, failure to act or series of acts or failures to act by a perpetrator which creates an imminent risk of serious physical injury to or sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of a child under 18 years of age.
(iv) Serious physical neglect by a perpetrator constituting prolonged or repeated lack of supervision or the failure to provide the essentials of life, including adequate medical care, which endangers a childs life or development or impairs the childs functioning.
ChildLineAn organizational unit of the Department of Public Welfare which operates a 24-hour a day Statewide toll free telephone system for receiving reports of suspected child abuse, referring reports for investigation and maintaining the reports in the appropriate file.
Individual residing in the same home as the childAn individual who is 14 years of age or older and who resides in the same home as the child.
LicenseeAn audiologist, speech pathologist or teacher of the hearing impaired licensed by the Board.
PerpetratorA person who has committed child abuse and is a parent of the child, a person responsible for the welfare of a child, an individual residing in the same home as a child or a paramour of a childs parent.
Person responsible for the childs welfareA person who provides permanent or temporary care, supervision, mental health diagnosis or treatment, training or control of a child in lieu of parental care, supervision and control. The term does not include a person who is employed by or provides services or programs in a public or private school, intermediate unit or area vocational-technical school.
Recent acts or omissionsActs or omissions committed within 2 years of the date of the report to the Department of Public Welfare or county agency.
Serious mental injuryA psychological condition, as diagnosed by a physician or licensed psychologist, including the refusal of appropriate treatment, that does one or more of the following:(i) Renders a child chronically and severely anxious, agitated, depressed, socially withdrawn, psychotic or in reasonable fear that the childs life or safety is threatened.
(ii) Seriously interferes with a childs ability to accomplish age-appropriate developmental and social tasks.
Serious physical injuryAn injury that causes a child severe pain or significantly impairs a childs physical functioning, either temporarily or permanently.
Sexual abuse or exploitationThe employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement or coercion of a child to engage in or assist another person to engage in sexually explicit conduct or a simulation of sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction, including photographing, videotaping, computer depicting or filming, of sexually explicit conduct or the rape, sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, molestation, incest, indecent exposure, prostitution, statutory sexual assault or other form of sexual exploitation of children.§ 45.402. Suspected child abusemandated reporting requirements.
(a) General rule. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6311 (relating to persons required to report suspected child abuse), licensees who, in the course of their employment, occupation or practice of their profession, come into contact with children shall report or cause a report to be made to the Department of Public Welfare when they have reasonable cause to suspect on the basis of professional or other training or experience, that a child coming before them in their professional or official capacity is a victim of child abuse.
(b) Staff members of public or private agencies, institutions and facilities. Licensees who are staff members of a medical or other public or private institution, school, facility or agency, and who, in the course of their employment, occupation or practice of their profession, come into contact with children shall immediately notify the person in charge of the institution, school, facility or agency or the designated agent of the person in charge when they have reasonable cause to suspect on the basis of their professional or other training or experience, that a child coming before them in their professional or official capacity is a victim of child abuse. Upon notification by the licensee, the person in charge or the designated agent shall assume the responsibility and have the legal obligation to report or cause a report to be made in accordance with subsections (a), (c) and (d).
(c) Reporting procedure. Reports of suspected child abuse shall be made by telephone and by written report.
(1) Oral reports. Oral reports of suspected child abuse shall be made immediately by telephone to ChildLine (800) 932-0313.
(2) Written reports. Written reports shall be made within 48 hours after the oral report is made by telephone. Written reports shall be made on forms available from a county children and youth social service agency.
(d) Written reports. Written reports shall be made in the manner and on forms prescribed by the Department of Public Welfare. The following information shall be included in the written reports, if available:
(1) The names and addresses of the child and the parents or other person responsible for the care of the child, if known.
(2) Where the suspected abuse occurred.
(3) The age and sex of the subjects of the report.
(4) The nature and extent of the suspected child abuse including any evidence of prior abuse to the child or siblings of the child.
(5) The name and relationship of the persons responsible for causing the suspected abuse, if known, and any evidence of prior abuse by those persons.
(6) Family composition.
(7) The source of the report.
(8) The person making the report and where that person can be reached.
(9) The actions taken by the reporting source, including the taking of photographs and X-rays, removal or keeping of the child or notifying the medical examiner or coroner.
(10) Other information which the Department of Public Welfare may require by regulation.
Cross References This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.406 (relating to confidentialitywaived); and 49 Pa. Code § 45.407 (relating to noncompliance).
§ 45.403. Photographs, medical tests and X-rays of child subject to report.
A licensee may take or cause to be taken photographs of the child who is subject to a report and, if clinically indicated, cause to be performed a radiological examination and other medical tests on the child. Medical summaries or reports of the photographs, X-rays and relevant medical tests taken shall be sent to the county children and youth social service agency at the time the written report is sent or as soon thereafter as possible. The county children and youth social service agency shall have access to actual photographs or duplicates and X-rays and may obtain them or duplicates of them upon request.
Cross References This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.406 (relating to confidentialitywaived); and 49 Pa. Code § 45.407 (relating to noncompliance).
§ 45.404. Suspected death as a result of child abusemandated reporting requirement.
A licensee who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child died as a result of child abuse shall report that suspicion to the coroner of the county where death occurred or, in the case where the child is transported to another county for medical treatment, to the coroner of the county where the injuries were sustained.
Cross References This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.406 (relating to confidentialitywaived); and 49 Pa. Code § 45.407 (relating to noncompliance).
§ 45.405. Immunity from liability.
Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6318 (relating to immunity from liability), a licensee who participates in good faith in the making of a report, cooperating with an investigation, testifying in a proceeding arising out of an instance of suspected child abuse or the taking of photographs shall have immunity from civil and criminal liability that might result by reason of the licensees actions. For the purpose of any civil or criminal proceeding, the good faith of the licensee shall be presumed. The Board will uphold the same good faith presumption in any disciplinary proceeding that might result by reason of a licensees actions in participating in good faith in the making of a report, cooperating with an investigation, testifying in a proceeding arising out of an instance of suspected child abuse or the taking of photographs.
§ 45.406. Confidentialitywaived.
To protect children from abuse, the reporting requirements of § § 45.40245.404 (relating to suspected child abusemandated reporting requirements; photographs, medical tests and X-rays of child subject to report; and suspected death as a result of child abusemandated reporting requirement) take precedence over the provisions in § 45.103(11) (relating to unprofessional conduct) and any client confidentiality, ethical principles or professional standard that might otherwise apply.
§ 45.407. Noncompliance.
(a) Disciplinary action. A licensee who willfully fails to comply with the reporting requirements in § § 45.40245.404 (relating to suspected child abusemandated reporting requirements; photographs, medical tests and X-rays of child subject to report; and suspected death as a result of child abusemandated reporting requirement) will be subject to disciplinary action under section 10 of the act (63 P. S. § 1710).
(b) Criminal penalties. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6319 (relating to penalties for failure to report), a licensee who is required to report a case of suspected child abuse who willfully fails to do so commits a summary offense for the first violation and a misdemeanor of the third degree for a second or subsequent violation.
Subchapter G. CONTINUING EDUCATION
Sec.
45.501. Credit hour requirements.
45.502. Exemption and waiver.
45.503. Continuing education requirement for biennial renewal of inactive and lapsed licenses.
45.504. Reporting completion of continuing education.
45.505. Approval of continuing education programs.
45.506. Provider responsibilities.
45.507. Disciplinary action authorized.
Authority The provisions of this Subchapter G issued under section 5(7) of the Speech-Language and Hearing Licensure Act (63 P. S. § 1705(7)), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Subchapter G adopted April 7, 2006, effective April 8, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 1648, unless otherwise noted.
§ 45.501. Credit hour requirements.
(a) Each speech-language pathologist, audiologist or teacher of the hearing impaired shall have completed 20 clock hours of continuing education during each preceding biennial renewal period, beginning with the renewal period commencing August 1, 2008.
(b) Up to 10 clock hours of approved continuing education credit per biennial renewal period may be granted on a case-by-case basis for services as a lecturer or speaker, and for publication of articles, books and research relating to the practice of speech-language pathology, audiology or teaching of the hearing impaired. A licensee seeking continuing education credit under this subsection shall submit a written request with a copy of the lecture, presentation, article, book or research. The request shall be submitted 180 days prior to the expiration of the biennial renewal period for which the licensee is seeking credit.
(c) Unless granted a waiver under § 45.502 (relating to exemption and waiver), the Board will not renew or reactivate any speech-language pathologist, audiologist or teacher of the hearing impaired license until the continuing education requirement for the current biennial renewal period has been completed.
§ 45.502. Exemption and waiver.
(a) An individual applying for initial licensure shall be exempt from the continuing education requirement for biennial renewal in the period following that in which the license is granted.
(b) The Board may waive all or part of the continuing education requirement for a biennial renewal period upon request of a licensee. The request must be made in writing, with supporting documentation, and include a description of circumstances sufficient to show why compliance is impossible. Waiver requests will be evaluated by the Board on a case-by-case basis. Waivers may be granted for serious illness, military service or other demonstrated hardship. The Board will send written notification of its approval or denial of a waiver request.
Cross References This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.501 (relating to credit hour requirements); and 49 Pa. Code § 45.507 (relating to disciplinary action authorized).
§ 45.503. Continuing education requirement for biennial renewal of inactive and lapsed licenses.
A licensee seeking to reinstate an inactive or lapsed license shall show proof of compliance with the continuing education requirement for the preceding biennial period.
§ 45.504. Reporting completion of continuing education.
(a) Applicants at the time of license renewal shall provide, on forms provided by the Board, a signed statement certifying that the continuing education requirement has been met and information to support the certification which includes the following:
(1) Dates attended.
(2) Continuing education hours claimed.
(3) Title of course and description of content.
(4) Location of course.
(b) The Board will utilize a random audit of renewals to determine compliance with the continuing education requirement. Applicants selected for audit shall provide the Board the certified continuing education record, as described in § 45.506(b) (relating to provider responsibilities), for each continuing education program completed to prove compliance with the continuing education requirement.
(c) Individuals shall retain the certified continuing education records for courses completed for a minimum of 4 years.
§ 45.505. Approval of continuing education programs.
(a) Credit for continuing education may be obtained for any program approved in advance by the Board. Preapproval is contingent upon compliance with § 45.506 (relating to provider responsibilities).
(b) Any person or entity, including an agency, organization, institution, college, university, professional society, association or center, seeking approval of continuing education programs shall:
(1) Apply for approval of the program on forms provided by the Board.
(2) File the application at least 90 days prior to the first scheduled date of the program.
(c) An application must contain:
(1) The full name and address of the provider.
(2) The title of the program.
(3) Faculty names and credentials, and, if requested by the Board, curriculum vitae.
(4) A schedule of the program, including the title and description of each subject, the name of the lecturers and the time allotted.
(5) The total number of clock hours of credit to be awarded.
(6) A method of certifying participation.
(7) The program coordinator who is responsible for certifying participation and compiling an official list of Pennsylvania licensees in attendance at the continuing education program.
(8) A fee as required by § 45.1 (relating to fees).
(d) The following programs are deemed approved for continuing education credit:
(1) Continuing education programs approved or sponsored by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
(2) Continuing education programs approved or sponsored by the American Academy of Audiology.
(3) Courses and programs offered by academic programs in speech-language pathology, audiology or teaching of the hearing impaired associated with institutions accredited by any states department of education or a regional commission on institutions of higher education.
(e) The Board may deny approval of a program of continuing education based on the following grounds:
(1) The provider failed to comply with § 45.506 for other programs.
(2) The provider made one or more false or misleading material statements on the application.
(3) The identified faculty is deemed not qualified to present the program.
(4) The course content is in office management or practice building.
(5) The method of certifying participation is not verifiable.
(f) The Board may revoke the approval of a provider on the following grounds:
(1) Failure of the provider to comply with § 45.506.
This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 45.504 (relating to reporting of completion of continuing education); and 49 Pa. Code § 45.505 (relating to approval of continuing education programs).
§ 45.507. Disciplinary action authorized.
(a) A licensed speech-language pathologist, audiologist or teacher of the hearing impaired who submits fraudulent continuing education records may be subject to discipline under section 10 of the act (63 P. S. § 1710).
(b) A licensed speech-language pathologist, audiologist or teacher of the hearing impaired who fails to complete the required continuing education requirement within any biennial renewal period may be subject to discipline unless the licensee is exempt or has been granted a waiver under § 45.502 (relating to exemption and waiver).
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