NRS: CHAPTER 637B - AUDIOLOGISTS, SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS AND HEARING AID SPECIALISTS

[Rev. 4/15/2026 3:50:13 PM--2025]

CHAPTER 637B - AUDIOLOGISTS, SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS AND HEARING AID SPECIALISTS

GENERAL PROVISIONS

NRS 637B.010 Legislative declaration.

NRS 637B.020 Definitions.

NRS 637B.025 “Apprentice” defined.

NRS 637B.030 “Audiologist” defined.

NRS 637B.040 “Board” defined.

NRS 637B.042 “Dispensing audiologist” defined. [Repealed.]

NRS 637B.044 “Hearing aid” defined.

NRS 637B.045 “Hearing aid specialist” defined.

NRS 637B.047 “Manufacturer” defined.

NRS 637B.050 “Practice of audiology” defined.

NRS 637B.055 “Practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids” defined.

NRS 637B.060 “Practice of speech-language pathology” defined.

NRS 637B.070 “Speech-language pathologist” defined.

NRS 637B.071 “Speech-language pathology assistant” defined.

NRS 637B.072 “Speech-language pathology provisional licensee” defined.

NRS 637B.073 “Speech-language pathology student” defined.

NRS 637B.075 “Sponsor” defined.

NRS 637B.076 “Supervising speech-language pathologist” defined.

NRS 637B.077 “Supervision” defined.

NRS 637B.078 “Telesupervision” defined.

NRS 637B.080 Applicability of chapter.

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY, AUDIOLOGY AND HEARING AID DISPENSING BOARD

NRS 637B.100 Creation; number, appointment and qualifications of members; terms; vacancies.

NRS 637B.105 Advisory member: Appointment; restrictions.

NRS 637B.120 Officers; meetings; quorum; compliance with Open Meeting Law.

NRS 637B.130 Salary of members; per diem allowance and travel expenses of members and employees; employment of Executive Director and other employees; payment of expenses and salaries.

NRS 637B.132 Duties; regulations.

NRS 637B.135 Subpoenas; oaths; seal.

NRS 637B.137 Enforcement of subpoenas by district court.

NRS 637B.140 Fiscal year.

NRS 637B.145 Deposit and use of fees; delegation of authority to take disciplinary action; deposit of fines; claims for attorney’s fees and costs of investigation.

LICENSES

General Provisions

NRS 637B.160 Qualifications of applicants.

NRS 637B.166 Payment of child support: Submission of certain information by applicant; grounds for denial of license; duty of Board. [Effective until the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings.]

NRS 637B.166 Payment of child support: Submission of certain information by applicant; grounds for denial of license; duty of Board. [Effective on the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings and expires by limitation 2 years after that date.]

NRS 637B.175 Fees.

NRS 637B.190 Issuance of license without examination.

NRS 637B.191 Regulations concerning examinations for, period of validity of, renewal and reinstatement of licenses; placement of license on inactive status.

NRS 637B.192 Renewal of license: Authority of Board to make data request concerning demographic and practice information available to applicants for voluntary completion and electronic submission; confidentiality of information provided.

Requirements for Specific Licenses

NRS 637B.193 Hearing aid specialists: Qualifications of applicants.

NRS 637B.194 Hearing aid specialists and apprentices: Regulations.

NRS 637B.195 Apprentices: Issuance of license; proof of sponsor.

NRS 637B.196 Speech-language pathologists and audiologists: Educational requirements.

NRS 637B.197 Speech-language pathologists: Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology required; exception.

NRS 637B.198 Speech-language pathology assistants: Qualifications of applicants; regulations.

Special Categories of Licenses and Endorsements

NRS 637B.200 Temporary licenses.

NRS 637B.201 Provisional license to practice speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids.

NRS 637B.202 Limited license to practice audiology or speech-language pathology for demonstration, instructional or educational purposes.

NRS 637B.203 Expedited license by endorsement to practice audiology or speech-language pathology: Requirements; procedure for issuance.

NRS 637B.204 Expedited license by endorsement to practice audiology or speech-language pathology for active member of Armed Forces, member’s spouse, veteran or veteran’s surviving spouse: Requirements; procedure for issuance; provisional license pending action on application. [Repealed.]

NRS 637B.205 Endorsement for certain licensees or applicants to practice fitting and dispensing hearing aids. [Repealed.]

REGULATION OF PRACTICE

NRS 637B.235 Apprentices: Regulations.

NRS 637B.236 Apprentices: Supervision of and responsibility for work; selection of hearing aid; signing of audiogram or sales document.

NRS 637B.237 Apprentices: Identification; use of title in advertisements or promotional materials.

NRS 637B.238 Apprentices: Limitation on period of apprenticeship.

NRS 637B.239 Hearing aid specialists and apprentices: Display of license.

NRS 637B.241 Hearing aid specialists and apprentices: Notice to Board of change of address.

NRS 637B.242 Sale of hearing aids by catalog, mail or Internet: Conditions; records; regulations.

NRS 637B.243 Audiograms for use of physician or member of related profession.

NRS 637B.244 Telepractice: Requirements for practice.

NRS 637B.245 Speech-language pathology assistants, provisional licensees and students: Supervision; requirements for practice; regulations.

AUDIOLOGY AND SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY INTERSTATE COMPACT

NRS 637B.248 Enactment of Compact; text of Compact.

DISCIPLINARY AND OTHER ACTIONS

NRS 637B.250 Grounds.

NRS 637B.255 Suspension of license for failure to pay child support or comply with certain subpoenas or warrants; reinstatement of license. [Effective until 2 years after the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings.]

NRS 637B.260 Complaint against applicant or licensee; retention of complaints.

NRS 637B.280 Authority of Board to take disciplinary or other action; private reprimands prohibited; orders imposing discipline deemed public records.

NRS 637B.288 Confidentiality of certain records of Board; exceptions.

PROHIBITED ACTS; PENALTIES; ENFORCEMENT

NRS 637B.290 Practice without license: Prohibition; penalties.

NRS 637B.291 Practice or offering to practice without license: Reporting requirements of Board.

NRS 637B.295 Inspection of premises by Board.

NRS 637B.310 Injunctive relief against person practicing without license.

NRS 637B.320 Penalty.

_________

GENERAL PROVISIONS

NRS 637B.010 Legislative declaration. The practice of audiology, the practice of speech-language pathology and the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids are hereby declared to be learned professions, affecting public safety and welfare and charged with the public interest, and are therefore subject to protection and regulation by the State.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1253; A 2015, 2301)

NRS 637B.020 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 637B.025 to 637B.078, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1253; A 2015, 2301; 2025, 404)

NRS 637B.025 “Apprentice” defined. “Apprentice” means a person who is completing in-service training under the supervision of a sponsor to become eligible to apply for a license to engage in the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2295)

NRS 637B.030 “Audiologist” defined. “Audiologist” means any person who is licensed to engage in the practice of audiology pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1253; A 2015, 2301)

NRS 637B.040 “Board” defined. “Board” means the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Board.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1253; A 2015, 2301)

NRS 637B.042 “Dispensing audiologist” defined. Repealed. (See chapter 76, Statutes of Nevada 2025, at page 416.)

NRS 637B.044 “Hearing aid” defined. “Hearing aid”:

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, means:

(a) Any device worn by a person who suffers from impaired hearing for the purpose of amplifying sound to improve hearing or compensate for impaired hearing, including, without limitation, an earmold; and

(b) Any part, attachment or accessory for a device described in paragraph (a).

2. Does not include an over-the-counter hearing aid, as defined in 21 C.F.R. § 800.30.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2295; A 2025, 405)

NRS 637B.045 “Hearing aid specialist” defined. “Hearing aid specialist” means any person licensed to engage in the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2295)

NRS 637B.047 “Manufacturer” defined. “Manufacturer” means any person who assembles, manufactures or fabricates hearing aids or any parts or supplies used in connection therewith.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2295)

NRS 637B.050 “Practice of audiology” defined. “Practice of audiology” means the application of principles, methods and procedures relating to hearing and balance, hearing disorders and related speech and language disorders and includes, without limitation:

1. The conservation of auditory system functions;

2. Screening, identifying, assessing and interpreting, preventing and rehabilitating auditory and balance system disorders;

3. The selection, fitting, programming, dispensing and ordering the use of hearing aids, the programming of implantable hearing devices and other technology which assists persons with hearing loss and training persons to use such technology;

4. Providing vestibular and auditory rehabilitation, cerumen management and associated counseling services;

5. Conducting research on hearing and hearing disorders for the purpose of modifying disorders in communication involving speech, language and hearing; and

6. Providing referral services for medical diagnosis and treatment.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1253; A 2015, 2301; 2025, 405)

NRS 637B.055 “Practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids” defined. “Practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids” means measuring human hearing and selecting, adapting, distributing, selling or ordering the use of hearing aids and includes, without limitation:

1. Making impressions for earmolds;

2. Administering and interpreting tests of human hearing and middle ear functions;

3. Determining whether a person who suffers from impaired hearing would benefit from a hearing aid;

4. Selecting, fitting and ordering the use of hearing aids;

5. Providing assistance to a person after the fitting of a hearing aid;

6. Providing services relating to the care and repair of hearing aids;

7. Providing supervision and in-service training concerning measuring human hearing and selecting, adapting, distributing, selling or ordering the use of hearing aids; and

8. Providing referral services for clinical evaluation, rehabilitation and medical treatment of hearing impairment.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2295; A 2025, 405)

NRS 637B.060 “Practice of speech-language pathology” defined. “Practice of speech-language pathology” means the application of principles, methods and procedures relating to the development and effectiveness of human communication and disorders of human communication, and includes, without limitation:

1. The prevention, screening, consultation, assessment, treatment, counseling, collaboration and referral services for disorders of speech, fluency, resonance voice language, feeding, swallowing and cognitive aspects of communication;

2. Augmentative and alternative communication techniques and strategies;

3. Auditory training, speech reading and speech and language intervention for persons who suffer from hearing loss;

4. The screening of persons for hearing loss and middle ear pathology;

5. The use of rigid oral endoscopy, flexible nasal endoscopy and stroboscopy for the purpose of evaluating and treating disorders of speech, voice, resonance and swallowing function;

6. Selecting, fitting and establishing effective use of prosthetic or adaptive devices for communication, swallowing or other upper respiratory and digestive functions, not including sensory devices used by persons with hearing loss;

7. Providing services to modify or enhance communication;

8. Providing referral services for medical diagnosis and treatment; and

9. At the request of a physician, participating in the diagnosis of a person.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1253; A 1991, 171; 2015, 2301; 2025, 405)

NRS 637B.070 “Speech-language pathologist” defined. “Speech-language pathologist” means any person who is licensed to engage in the practice of speech-language pathology pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1253; A 2015, 2302)

NRS 637B.071 “Speech-language pathology assistant” defined. “Speech-language pathology assistant” means a person licensed pursuant to NRS 637B.198 to engage in the practice of speech-language pathology under the supervision of a supervising speech-language pathologist.

(Added to NRS by 2025, 403)

NRS 637B.072 “Speech-language pathology provisional licensee” defined. “Speech-language pathology provisional licensee” means any person who holds a provisional license issued pursuant to NRS 637B.201 to engage in the practice of speech-language pathology while completing the clinical fellowship requirements for obtaining a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

(Added to NRS by 2025, 403)

NRS 637B.073 “Speech-language pathology student” defined. “Speech-language pathology student” means an unlicensed student who engages in the practice of speech-language pathology under the supervision of a supervising speech-language pathologist pursuant to NRS 637B.245.

(Added to NRS by 2025, 403)

NRS 637B.075 “Sponsor” defined. “Sponsor” means a hearing aid specialist or audiologist who is responsible for the direct supervision and in-service training of an apprentice in the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2296; A 2025, 406)

NRS 637B.076 “Supervising speech-language pathologist” defined. “Supervising speech-language pathologist” means a speech-language pathologist who supervises a speech-language pathology assistant, speech-language pathology provisional licensee or speech-language pathology student.

(Added to NRS by 2025, 403)

NRS 637B.077 “Supervision” defined. “Supervision” means the provision of direction and the evaluation of the tasks assigned by a supervising speech-language pathologist to a speech-language pathology assistant, speech-language pathology provisional licensee or speech-language pathology student. The term includes, without limitation, direct supervision, indirect supervision and telesupervision.

(Added to NRS by 2025, 403)

NRS 637B.078 “Telesupervision” defined. “Telesupervision” means the real-time, distance observation by a supervising speech-language pathologist of services delivered by a speech-language pathology assistant, speech-language pathology provisional licensee or speech-language pathology student, with feedback or assistance provided by the supervising speech-language pathologist as needed. The term may include, without limitation, the utilization of technology which allows a supervising speech-language pathologist to view and communicate with the client and speech-language pathology assistant, speech-language pathology provisional licensee or speech-language pathology student in real time through virtual telecommunication software, webcam, telephone or other similar devices and services to provide immediate feedback.

(Added to NRS by 2025, 403)

NRS 637B.080 Applicability of chapter. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to any person who:

1. Holds a current endorsement issued by the Department of Education on or before September 30, 2026, pursuant to NRS 391.019 and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto, does not hold a license issued by the Board pursuant to this chapter and engages in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology solely within the scope of that endorsement;

2. Is employed by the Federal Government and engages in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology within the scope of that employment;

3. Is a student enrolled in a program or school approved by the Board, is pursuing a degree in audiology and is clearly designated to the public as a student; or

4. Holds a current license issued pursuant to chapters 630 to 637, inclusive, 640 to 641D, inclusive, or 653 of NRS,

Ê and who does not engage in the private practice of audiology or speech-language pathology in this State.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1253; A 1987, 1677; 2005, 632; 2015, 2302; 2019, 2736; 2021, 1600; 2023, 1679; 2025, 406)

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY, AUDIOLOGY AND HEARING AID DISPENSING BOARD

NRS 637B.100 Creation; number, appointment and qualifications of members; terms; vacancies.

1. The Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Board, consisting of seven members appointed by the Governor, is hereby created.

2. The Governor shall appoint:

(a) Three members who are speech-language pathologists, each of whom must practice in a different setting, including, without limitation, a university, public school, hospital or private practice;

(b) Two members who are audiologists;

(d) One member who is a representative of the general public. This member must not be:

(1) A speech-language pathologist, a hearing aid specialist or an audiologist; or

(2) The spouse or the parent or child, by blood, marriage or adoption, of a speech-language pathologist, a hearing aid specialist or an audiologist.

3. Each member of the Board who is an audiologist, a speech-language pathologist or a hearing aid specialist must:

(a) Have practiced, taught or conducted research in his or her profession for the 3 years immediately preceding the appointment; and

(b) Hold a current license issued pursuant to this chapter.

4. A person who is a stockholder in a manufacturer of hearing aids may not be selected to or serve as a member of the Board.

5. After the initial terms, each member of the Board serves a term of 3 years.

6. A member of the Board shall not serve for more than two terms.

7. If a vacancy occurs during the term of a member, the Governor shall appoint a person similarly qualified to replace that member for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1254; A 2003, 1195; 2015, 2303, 2304; 2025, 406)

NRS 637B.105 Advisory member: Appointment; restrictions.

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, the Board may, by majority vote, select one or more persons, including, without limitation, a physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630 of NRS, an osteopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 633 of NRS or a member of the public, to serve as an advisory member of the Board.

2. A person who is a stockholder in a manufacturer of hearing aids may not be selected to or serve as an advisory member of the Board.

3. An advisory member may not vote on any matter before the Board.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2296)

NRS 637B.120 Officers; meetings; quorum; compliance with Open Meeting Law.

1. The Board shall elect from its members a Chair and Vice Chair. The officers of the Board hold their respective offices at the pleasure of the Board.

2. The Board shall meet at least twice annually and may meet at other times on the call of the Chair or a majority of its members.

3. A majority of the Board constitutes a quorum to transact all business.

4. The Board shall comply with the provisions of chapter 241 of NRS, and all meetings of the Board must be conducted in accordance with that chapter.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1254; A 2015, 2304)

NRS 637B.130 Salary of members; per diem allowance and travel expenses of members and employees; employment of Executive Director and other employees; payment of expenses and salaries.

1. A member of the Board is entitled to receive:

(a) A salary of not more than $150 per day, as fixed by the Board, while engaged in the business of the Board; and

(b) A per diem allowance and travel expenses at a rate fixed by the Board, while engaged in the business of the Board. The rate must not exceed the rate provided for state officers and employees generally.

2. While engaged in the business of the Board, each employee of the Board is entitled to receive a per diem allowance and travel expenses at a rate fixed by the Board. The rate must not exceed the rate provided for state officers and employees generally.

3. The Board may employ and fix the compensation of an Executive Director and any other employee necessary to the discharge of its duties.

4. The expenses of the Board and members of the Board, and the salaries of its employees, must be paid from the fees received by the Board pursuant to this chapter, and no part of those expenses and salaries may be paid out of the State General Fund.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1254; A 1983, 197; 1985, 445; 1989, 1701; 2007, 2951; 2015, 2305)

NRS 637B.132 Duties; regulations. The Board shall:

1. Enforce the provisions of this chapter and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto;

2. Prepare and maintain a record of its proceedings, including, without limitation, any administrative proceedings;

3. Evaluate the qualifications and determine the eligibility of an applicant for any license issued pursuant to this chapter and, upon payment of the appropriate fee, issue the appropriate license to a qualified applicant;

4. Adopt regulations establishing standards of practice for persons licensed pursuant to this chapter and any other regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter;

5. Require a person licensed pursuant to this chapter to submit to the Board documentation required by the Board to determine whether the person has acquired the skills necessary to engage in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids;

6. Investigate any complaint received by the Board against any person licensed pursuant to this chapter;

7. Hold hearings to determine whether any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter has been violated; and

8. Unless the Board determines that extenuating circumstances exist, forward to the appropriate law enforcement agency any substantiated information submitted to the Board concerning a person who engages in the practice of or offers to engage in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids without the appropriate license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2296; A 2025, 407)

NRS 637B.135 Subpoenas; oaths; seal. The Board may:

1. Issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and production of books and papers;

2. Administer oaths when taking testimony in any matter relating to the duties of the Board; and

3. Adopt a seal which must be judicially noticed by the courts of this State.

(Added to NRS by 1987, 830)

NRS 637B.137 Enforcement of subpoenas by district court.

1. The district court in the county in which any hearing is being conducted by the Board may compel the attendance of witnesses, the giving of testimony and the production of books and papers as required by any subpoena issued by the Board.

2. If any witness refuses to attend or testify or produce any papers required by that subpoena, the Board may report to the district court for the county in which the hearing is pending by petition, setting forth that:

(a) Due notice has been given of the time and place of attendance of the witness or the production of the books and papers;

(b) The witness has been subpoenaed pursuant to NRS 637B.135; and

(c) The witness has failed and refused to attend or produce the papers required by subpoena before the Board in the hearing named in the subpoena, or has refused to answer questions propounded to him or her in the course of that hearing,

Ê and asking an order of the court compelling the witness to attend and testify or produce the books or papers before the Board.

3. The court, upon petition of the Board, shall enter an order directing the witness to appear before the court at a time and place to be fixed by the court in the order, the time to be not more than 10 days after the date of the order, and then and there show cause why the witness has not attended or testified or produced the books or papers before the Board. A certified copy of the order must be served upon the witness.

4. If it appears to the court that the subpoena was regularly issued by the Board, the court may thereupon enter an order that the witness appear before the Board at the time and place fixed in the order and testify or produce the required books or papers, and upon failure to obey the order, the witness must be dealt with as for contempt of court.

(Added to NRS by 1987, 831)

NRS 637B.140 Fiscal year. The Board shall operate on the basis of a fiscal year commencing on July 1 and ending on June 30.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1254)

NRS 637B.145 Deposit and use of fees; delegation of authority to take disciplinary action; deposit of fines; claims for attorney’s fees and costs of investigation.

1. All fees collected under the provisions of this chapter must be paid to the Board to be used to defray the necessary expenses of the Board. The Board shall deposit the fees in qualified banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations or savings banks in this State.

2. In a manner consistent with the provisions of chapter 622A of NRS, the Board may delegate to a hearing officer or panel its authority to take any disciplinary action pursuant to this chapter, impose and collect civil penalties therefor and deposit the money therefrom in banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations or savings banks in this State.

3. If a hearing officer or panel is not authorized to take disciplinary action pursuant to subsection 2 and the Board deposits the money collected from the imposition of civil penalties with the State Treasurer for credit to the State General Fund, it may present a claim to the State Board of Examiners for recommendation to the Interim Finance Committee if money is needed to pay attorney’s fees or the costs of an investigation, or both.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1254; A 1983, 1540; 1999, 1534; 2005, 775; 2015, 2307)

LICENSES

General Provisions

NRS 637B.160 Qualifications of applicants. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 637B.195, 637B.200, 637B.201 and 637B.203, to be eligible for licensing by the Board, an applicant for a license to engage in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids must:

1. Be a natural person of good moral character;

2. Pass an examination prescribed by the Board pursuant to NRS 637B.191 or 637B.194, as applicable;

3. Pay the fees provided for in this chapter; and

4. Submit all information required to complete an application for a license.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1255; A 1983, 1045; 1997, 2143; 2005, 2741, 2807; 2015, 2305, 3017, 3894; 2025, 408)

1. In addition to any other requirements set forth in this chapter:

(a) An applicant for the issuance of a license to engage in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids shall include the social security number of the applicant in the application submitted to the Board.

(b) An applicant for the issuance or renewal of a license to engage in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids shall submit to the Board the statement prescribed by the Division of Social Services of the Department of Human Services pursuant to NRS 425.520. The statement must be completed and signed by the applicant.

2. The Board shall include the statement required pursuant to subsection 1 in:

(a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted for the issuance or renewal of the license; or

(b) A separate form prescribed by the Board.

3. A license to engage in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids may not be issued or renewed by the Board if the applicant:

(a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to subsection 1; or

(b) Indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 1 that the applicant is subject to a court order for the support of a child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the order.

4. If an applicant indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 1 that the applicant is subject to a court order for the support of a child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the order, the Board shall advise the applicant to contact the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order to determine the actions that the applicant may take to satisfy the arrearage.

(Added to NRS by 1997, 2142; A 2005, 2741, 2807; 2015, 2306)

1. In addition to any other requirements set forth in this chapter, an applicant for the issuance or renewal of a license to engage in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids shall submit to the Board the statement prescribed by the Division of Social Services of the Department of Human Services pursuant to NRS 425.520. The statement must be completed and signed by the applicant.

2. The Board shall include the statement required pursuant to subsection 1 in:

(a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted for the issuance or renewal of the license; or

(b) A separate form prescribed by the Board.

3. A license to engage in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids may not be issued or renewed by the Board if the applicant:

(a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to subsection 1; or

(Added to NRS by 1997, 2142; A 2005, 2741, 2742, 2807; 2015, 2306, effective on the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings)

NRS 637B.175 Fees.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Board shall charge and collect only the following fees whose amounts must be determined by the Board, but may not exceed:

Application fee..................................................................................................... $300

License fee............................................................................................................... 200

Fee for the renewal of a license........................................................................... 200

Reinstatement fee................................................................................................... 300

Examination fee...................................................................................................... 500

Fee for converting to a different type of license.................................................. 50

Fee for each additional license............................................................................... 50

Fee for obtaining license information................................................................. 200

2. If an active member of, or the spouse of an active member of, the Armed Forces of the United States, a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran or a family member of a person who was killed in the line of duty while on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States submits an application for a license, the Board shall collect not more than one-half of the fee set forth in subsection 1 for the initial issuance of the license. For the purposes of this subsection, a person shall be deemed to have been killed in the line of duty while on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States if the person:

(a) Was killed directly in the line of duty; or

(b) Died as the result of injuries sustained while in the line of duty.

3. All fees are payable in advance and may not be refunded.

4. The Board may waive all or part of a fee set forth in subsection 1 at a meeting of the Board or pursuant to criteria established by regulation of the Board.

5. As used in this section:

(a) “Family member” means a widow, widower, parent, stepparent, grandparent, child, stepchild, dependent, sibling, half sibling or stepsibling.

(b) “Veteran” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 417.005.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1256; A 1983, 198; 1991, 172; 2015, 2307, 3017, 3895; 2025, 408)

NRS 637B.190 Issuance of license without examination. The Board may issue a license without examination to a person who holds:

1. A current certificate of clinical competence issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in the field of practice for which the person is applying for a license; or

2. Current certification from the American Board of Audiology.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1255; A 1983, 197; 2015, 2306)

NRS 637B.191 Regulations concerning examinations for, period of validity of, renewal and reinstatement of licenses; placement of license on inactive status.

1. The Board shall adopt regulations prescribing:

(a) The examinations required pursuant to NRS 637B.160 and concerning the practice of audiology and the practice of speech-language pathology;

(b) The period for which a license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter is valid which, except as otherwise provided in NRS 637B.200 and 637B.202, must be not less than 1 year; and

(c) The manner in which a license issued pursuant to this chapter must be renewed, which may include requirements for continuing education.

2. The Board may adopt regulations providing for the late renewal of a license and the reinstatement of an expired license, except that the Board must not renew or reinstate a license more than 3 years after the license expired.

3. The Board may, at the request of a person licensed pursuant to this chapter, place a license on inactive status if the holder of the license:

(a) Does not engage in, or represent that the person is authorized to engage in, the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids in this State; and

(b) Satisfies any requirements for continuing education prescribed by the Board pursuant to this section.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2296; A 2025, 409)

1. The Board may:

(a) Make the data request developed by the Director of the Department of Human Services pursuant to NRS 439A.116 available to applicants for the renewal of a license pursuant to this chapter through a link on the electronic application for the renewal of a license; and

(b) Request each applicant to complete and electronically submit the data request to the Director.

2. The information provided by an applicant for the renewal of a license pursuant to subsection 1 is confidential and, except as required by subsection 1, must not be disclosed to any person or entity.

3. An applicant for the renewal of a license is not required to complete a data request pursuant to subsection 1 and is not subject to disciplinary action, including, without limitation, refusal to renew the license, for failure to do so.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 805)

Requirements for Specific Licenses

NRS 637B.193 Hearing aid specialists: Qualifications of applicants. An applicant for a license to engage in the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids must:

1. Successfully complete a program of education or training approved by the Board which requires, without limitation, that the applicant:

(a) Hold an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in hearing instrument sciences;

(b) Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent or an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in any field other than hearing instrument sciences, and successfully complete a training program in hearing instrument sciences as prescribed by regulation of the Board; or

2. Pass the examination prescribed pursuant to NRS 637B.194.

3. Comply with the regulations adopted pursuant to NRS 637B.194.

4. Include in his or her application the complete street address of each location from which the applicant intends to engage in the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2299; A 2025, 409)

NRS 637B.194 Hearing aid specialists and apprentices: Regulations. The Board shall adopt regulations regarding the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids, including, without limitation:

1. The licensing of hearing aid specialists and apprentices;

2. The educational and training requirements for hearing aid specialists and apprentices, which must include, without limitation, on-site training and work experience;

3. The examination required pursuant to NRS 637B.160, 637B.193 and 637B.238 concerning the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids; and

4. A program of in-service training for apprentices.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2298; A 2025, 409)

NRS 637B.195 Apprentices: Issuance of license; proof of sponsor.

1. The Board may issue an apprentice license to an applicant who has not yet completed a program of education or training approved by the Board pursuant to NRS 637B.193 or passed the examination prescribed pursuant to NRS 637B.194.

2. An applicant for an apprentice license must provide proof satisfactory to the Board that a sponsor has agreed to assume responsibility for the direct supervision and in-service training of the applicant.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2299)

NRS 637B.196 Speech-language pathologists and audiologists: Educational requirements.

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2:

(a) An applicant for a license to engage in the practice of speech-language pathology must satisfy the academic requirements of an educational program accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or its successor organization approved by the Board.

(b) An applicant for a license to engage in the practice of audiology must satisfy the academic requirements of an educational program accredited by the:

(1) American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or its successor organization approved by the Board; or

(2) Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education or its successor organization approved by the Board.

2. An applicant for a license to engage in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology who receives an education in audiology or speech-language pathology from a foreign school must prove to the satisfaction of the Board that his or her educational program:

(a) Is substantially equivalent to the requirements set forth in subsection 1, as applicable; and

(b) Is accredited by an accrediting agency approved by the Board.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2297)

NRS 637B.197 Speech-language pathologists: Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology required; exception. Except for a speech-language pathology provisional licensee and in addition to the requirements set forth in NRS 637B.196, a speech-language pathologist must hold a current Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or its successor organization approved by the Board.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2297; A 2025, 410)

NRS 637B.198 Speech-language pathology assistants: Qualifications of applicants; regulations.

1. An applicant for a license to engage in the practice of speech-language pathology as a speech-language pathology assistant must hold:

(a) A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders awarded by:

(1) An educational institution that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education; or

(2) A foreign school which is accredited by an accrediting agency approved by the Board and which provides an educational program that is substantially equivalent to the educational program provided by an institution described in subparagraph (1); or

(b) A current endorsement issued on or before September 30, 2026, by the Department of Education pursuant to NRS 391.019 and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto which allows a person to teach pupils who have speech and language impairments and actively engage in the practice of speech-language pathology within the scope of that endorsement at the school or school district where the applicant is employed.

2. The Board shall adopt regulations regarding speech-language pathology assistants, including, without limitation:

(a) The licensing of speech-language pathology assistants;

(b) The educational and training requirements for speech-language pathology assistants, in addition to the requirements prescribed by subsection 1; and

(Added to NRS by 2025, 404)

Special Categories of Licenses and Endorsements

NRS 637B.200 Temporary licenses.

1. The Board may issue a temporary license to engage in the practice of:

(a) Audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids upon application and the payment of the fee required pursuant to NRS 637B.175 to any person who is so licensed in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States and who meets all the qualifications for licensing in this State; and

(b) Fitting and dispensing hearing aids upon application and payment of the fee required pursuant to NRS 637B.175 to any person who meets all the qualifications for licensing as a hearing aid specialist other than passing the examination concerning the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids prescribed pursuant to NRS 637B.194.

2. The Board may issue a temporary license to engage in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids upon application and payment of the fee required pursuant to NRS 637B.175 to any spouse of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who:

(a) Is so licensed in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States; and

(b) Attests that he or she meets all of the qualifications for licensure in this State.

3. A temporary license issued pursuant to this section:

(a) Is valid for not more than 6 months;

(b) May be renewed not more than once; and

(c) May be converted to a standard license upon the completion of all requirements for a license and payment of the fee required by NRS 637B.175.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1256; A 2015, 2306; 2025, 410)

NRS 637B.201 Provisional license to practice speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids.

1. Upon application and payment of the application fee required pursuant to NRS 637B.175, the Board may issue a provisional license to engage in the practice of:

(a) Speech-language pathology to a person who is completing the clinical fellowship requirements for obtaining a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

(b) Fitting and dispensing hearing aids to a person who:

(1) Holds a license to engage in the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States; and

(2) Meets the requirements of paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of subsection 1 of NRS 637B.193 but has not yet completed the on-site training and work experience required by the regulations adopted pursuant to NRS 637B.194.

2. A provisional license issued pursuant to this section may be:

(a) Renewed not more than twice; and

(b) Converted to a standard license upon payment of the fee required pursuant to NRS 637B.175 for converting the license and the submission to the Board of proof that the holder of the provisional license:

(1) Holds a current Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, if the provisional license authorizes the holder to engage in the practice of speech-language pathology.

(2) Has successfully completed the on-site training and work experience required by the regulations adopted pursuant to NRS 637B.194, if the provisional license authorizes the holder to engage in the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2297; A 2025, 410)

NRS 637B.202 Limited license to practice audiology or speech-language pathology for demonstration, instructional or educational purposes.

1. Upon application and payment of the application fee required pursuant to NRS 637B.175, the Board may issue a limited license to engage in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology to a person who:

(a) Holds a current license to engage in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States; and

(b) Engages in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology in this State for demonstration, instructional or educational purposes.

2. A limited license issued pursuant to this section is valid for not more than 15 days.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2297; A 2025, 411)

NRS 637B.203 Expedited license by endorsement to practice audiology or speech-language pathology: Requirements; procedure for issuance.

1. The Board may issue a license by endorsement to engage in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology to an applicant who meets the requirements set forth in this section. An applicant may submit to the Board an application for such a license if the applicant holds a corresponding valid and unrestricted license to engage in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology, as applicable, in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States.

2. An applicant for a license by endorsement pursuant to this section must submit to the Board with his or her application:

(a) Proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant:

(1) Satisfies the requirements of subsection 1;

(2) Has not been disciplined or investigated by the corresponding regulatory authority of the District of Columbia or any state or territory in which the applicant currently holds or has held a license to engage in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology, as applicable; and

(3) Has not been held civilly or criminally liable for malpractice in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States;

(b) An affidavit stating that the information contained in the application and any accompanying material is true and correct; and

3. Not later than 15 business days after receiving an application for a license by endorsement to engage in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology pursuant to this section, the Board shall provide written notice to the applicant of any additional information required by the Board to consider the application. Unless the Board denies the application for good cause, the Board shall approve the application and issue a license by endorsement to engage in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology, as applicable, to the applicant not later than 45 days after receiving the application.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 3016; A 2019, 4290; 2025, 411)

NRS 637B.205 Endorsement for certain licensees or applicants to practice fitting and dispensing hearing aids. Repealed. (See chapter 76, Statutes of Nevada 2025, at page 416.)

REGULATION OF PRACTICE

NRS 637B.235 Apprentices: Regulations. The Board shall adopt regulations setting forth requirements for the supervision of a licensed apprentice and the responsibilities of the sponsor and the apprentice.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2299)

NRS 637B.236 Apprentices: Supervision of and responsibility for work; selection of hearing aid; signing of audiogram or sales document.

1. All work performed by a licensed apprentice must be directly supervised by a hearing aid specialist or audiologist, and the hearing aid specialist or audiologist is responsible and civilly liable for the negligence or incompetence of the licensed apprentice under his or her supervision.

2. Any selection of a hearing aid for a customer made by a licensed apprentice must be approved by a hearing aid specialist or audiologist.

3. Any audiogram or sales document prepared by a licensed apprentice must be signed by the apprentice and the supervising hearing aid specialist or audiologist.

4. As used in this section:

(a) “Incompetence” means a lack of ability to practice safely and skillfully as a licensed apprentice arising from:

(1) A lack of knowledge or training; or

(2) An impaired physical or mental capability, including an alcohol or other substance use disorder.

(b) “Negligence” means a deviation from the normal standard of professional care exercised generally by apprentices.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2299; A 2025, 412)

NRS 637B.237 Apprentices: Identification; use of title in advertisements or promotional materials.

1. A licensed apprentice shall, while engaged in the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids, identify himself or herself as an apprentice.

2. Any advertisement or promotional materials that refer to an apprentice must identify the apprentice as an apprentice.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2300)

NRS 637B.238 Apprentices: Limitation on period of apprenticeship. A person may not serve as a licensed apprentice for more than 3 years without passing the examination prescribed pursuant to NRS 637B.194.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2300)

NRS 637B.239 Hearing aid specialists and apprentices: Display of license. Every hearing aid specialist and licensed apprentice shall display his or her license conspicuously in each place where the licensee conducts business as a hearing aid specialist or a licensed apprentice.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2300)

NRS 637B.241 Hearing aid specialists and apprentices: Notice to Board of change of address. Every hearing aid specialist and licensed apprentice shall, within 10 days after changing the address of his or her place of business, notify the Board of the new address of his or her place of business.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2300)

NRS 637B.242 Sale of hearing aids by catalog, mail or Internet: Conditions; records; regulations.

1. A hearing aid specialist or audiologist licensed pursuant to this chapter may sell hearing aids by catalog, mail or the Internet if the person to whom the hearing aid will be sold has signed a statement acknowledging that the hearing aid specialist or audiologist is selling him or her the hearing aid by catalog, mail or the Internet.

2. A hearing aid specialist or audiologist who sells hearing aids by catalog, mail or the Internet pursuant to this section shall maintain a record of each sale of a hearing aid made pursuant to this section for not less than 5 years.

3. The Board may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section, including, without limitation, the information that must be included in each record required to be maintained pursuant to subsection 2.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2300; A 2019, 148; 2025, 412)

NRS 637B.243 Audiograms for use of physician or member of related profession. A hearing aid specialist or audiologist, upon request by a physician or a member of a related profession specified by the Board, may make audiograms for the physician’s or member’s use in consultation with a person who suffers from impaired hearing.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2300; A 2025, 413)

NRS 637B.244 Telepractice: Requirements for practice.

1. A person who engages in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology by telepractice within this State and is a resident of this State or provides services by telepractice to any person in this State must:

(a) Hold a license to engage in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology, as applicable, in this State;

(b) Be knowledgeable and competent in the technology used to provide services by telepractice;

(d) Provide services by telepractice that, as determined by the Board, are substantially equivalent in quality to services provided in person;

(e) Document any services provided by telepractice in the record of the person receiving the services; and

(f) Comply with the provisions of this chapter and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

2. As used in this section, “telepractice” means engaging in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology using equipment that transfers information electronically, telephonically or by fiber optics.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2298)

NRS 637B.245 Speech-language pathology assistants, provisional licensees and students: Supervision; requirements for practice; regulations.

1. A speech-language pathology assistant, speech-language pathology provisional licensee or speech-language pathology student may engage in the practice of speech-language pathology only under the supervision of a supervising speech-language pathologist and in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

2. A speech-language pathology student who engages in the practice of speech-language pathology must be enrolled in a program to obtain a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in the field of speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders at an educational institution that is accredited by a nationally recognized agency under the United States Department of Education.

3. The Board shall adopt regulations regarding the supervision of speech-language pathology assistants, speech-language pathology provisional licensees and speech-language pathology students.

(Added to NRS by 2025, 404)

AUDIOLOGY AND SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY INTERSTATE COMPACT

NRS 637B.248 Enactment of Compact; text of Compact. The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact is hereby ratified and entered into with all other jurisdictions legally joining the Compact, in substantially the form set forth in this section:

AUDIOLOGY AND SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY INTERSTATE COMPACT

SECTION 1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of audiology and speech-language pathology with the goal of improving public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services. The practice of audiology and speech-language pathology occurs in the state where the patient/client/student is located at the time of the patient/client/student encounter. The Compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure.

This Compact is designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. Increase public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses;

2. Enhance the states’ ability to protect the public’s health and safety;

3. Encourage the cooperation of member states in regulating multistate audiology and speech-language pathology practice;

4. Support spouses of relocating active duty military personnel;

5. Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative and disciplinary information between member states;

6. Allow a remote state to hold a provider of services with a compact privilege in that state accountable to that state’s practice standards; and

7. Allow for the use of telehealth technology to facilitate increased access to audiology and speech-language pathology services.

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS

As used in this Compact, and except as otherwise provided, the following definitions shall apply:

A. “Active duty military” means full-time duty status in the active uniformed service of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Chapter 1209 and 1211.

B. “Adverse action” means any administrative, civil, equitable or criminal action permitted by a state’s laws which is imposed by a licensing board or other authority against an audiologist or speech-language pathologist, including actions against an individual’s license or privilege to practice such as revocation, suspension, probation, monitoring of the licensee, or restriction on the licensee’s practice.

C. “Alternative program” means a non-disciplinary monitoring process approved by an audiology or speech-language pathology licensing board to address impaired practitioners.

D. “Audiologist” means an individual who is licensed by a state to practice audiology.

E. “Audiology” means the care and services provided by a licensed audiologist as set forth in the member state’s statutes and rules.

F. “Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission” or “Commission” means the national administrative body whose membership consists of all states that have enacted the Compact.

G. “Audiology and speech-language pathology licensing board,” “audiology licensing board,” “speech-language pathology licensing board,” or “licensing board” means the agency of a state that is responsible for the licensing and regulation of audiologists and/or speech-language pathologists.

H. “Compact privilege” means the authorization granted by a remote state to allow a licensee from another member state to practice as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist in the remote state under its laws and rules. The practice of audiology or speech-language pathology occurs in the member state where the patient/client/student is located at the time of the patient/client/student encounter.

I. “Current significant investigative information” means investigative information that a licensing board, after an inquiry or investigation that includes notification and an opportunity for the audiologist or speech-language pathologist to respond, if required by state law, has reason to believe is not groundless and, if proved true, would indicate more than a minor infraction.

J. “Data system” means a repository of information about licensees, including, but not limited to, continuing education, examination, licensure, investigative, compact privilege and adverse action.

K. “Encumbered license” means a license in which an adverse action restricts the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology by the licensee and said adverse action has been reported to the National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB).

L. “Executive Committee” means a group of directors elected or appointed to act on behalf of, and within the powers granted to them by, the Commission.

M. “Home state” means the member state that is the licensee’s primary state of residence.

N. “Impaired practitioner” means individuals whose professional practice is adversely affected by substance abuse, addiction, or other health-related conditions.

O. “Licensee” means an individual who currently holds an authorization from the state licensing board to practice as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist.

P. “Member state” means a state that has enacted the Compact.

Q. “Privilege to practice” means a legal authorization permitting the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology in a remote state.

R. “Remote state” means a member state other than the home state where a licensee is exercising or seeking to exercise the compact privilege.

S. “Rule” means a regulation, principle or directive promulgated by the Commission that has the force of law.

T. “Single-state license” means an audiology or speech-language pathology license issued by a member state that authorizes practice only within the issuing state and does not include a privilege to practice in any other member state.

U. “Speech-language pathologist” means an individual who is licensed by a state to practice speech-language pathology.

V. “Speech-language pathology” means the care and services provided by a licensed speech-language pathologist as set forth in the member state’s statutes and rules.

W. “State” means any state, commonwealth, district or territory of the United States of America that regulates the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology.

X. “State practice laws” means a member state’s laws, rules and regulations that govern the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology, define the scope of audiology or speech-language pathology practice, and create the methods and grounds for imposing discipline.

Y. “Telehealth” means the application of telecommunication technology to deliver audiology or speech-language pathology services at a distance for assessment, intervention and/or consultation.

SECTION 3. STATE PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPACT

A. A license issued to an audiologist or speech-language pathologist by a home state to a resident in that state shall be recognized by each member state as authorizing an audiologist or speech-language pathologist to practice audiology or speech-language pathology, under a privilege to practice, in each member state.

B. A state must implement or utilize procedures for considering the criminal history records of applicants for initial privilege to practice. These procedures shall include the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information by applicants for the purpose of obtaining an applicant’s criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the agency responsible for retaining that state’s criminal records.

1. A member state must fully implement a criminal background check requirement, within a time frame established by rule, by receiving the results of the Federal Bureau of Investigation record search on criminal background checks and use the results in making licensure decisions.

2. Communication between a member state, the Commission and among member states regarding the verification of eligibility for licensure through the Compact shall not include any information received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation relating to a federal criminal records check performed by a member state under Public Law 92-544.

C. Upon application for a privilege to practice, the licensing board in the issuing remote state shall ascertain, through the data system, whether the applicant has ever held, or is the holder of, a license issued by any other state, whether there are any encumbrances on any license or privilege to practice held by the applicant, whether any adverse action has been taken against any license or privilege to practice held by the applicant.

D. Each member state shall require an applicant to obtain or retain a license in the home state and meet the home state’s qualifications for licensure or renewal of licensure, as well as, all other applicable state laws.

E. For an audiologist:

1. Must meet one of the following educational requirements:

a. On or before, Dec. 31, 2007, has graduated with a master’s degree or doctorate in audiology, or equivalent degree regardless of degree name, from a program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or its successor, or by the United States Department of Education and operated by a college or university accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the board; or

b. On or after, Jan. 1, 2008, has graduated with a Doctoral degree in audiology, or equivalent degree, regardless of degree name, from a program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or its successor, or by the United States Department of Education and operated by a college or university accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the board; or

c. Has graduated from an audiology program that is housed in an institution of higher education outside of the United States (a) for which the program and institution have been approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and (b) the degree program has been verified by an independent credentials review agency to be comparable to a state licensing board-approved program.

2. Has completed a supervised clinical practicum experience from an accredited educational institution or its cooperating programs as required by the Commission;

3. Has successfully passed a national examination approved by the Commission;

4. Holds an active, unencumbered license;

5. Has not been convicted or found guilty, and has not entered into an agreed disposition, of a felony related to the practice of audiology, under applicable state or federal criminal law;

6. Has a valid United States Social Security or National Practitioner Identification number.

F. For a speech-language pathologist:

1. Must meet one of the following educational requirements:

a. Has graduated with a master’s degree from a speech-language pathology program that is accredited by an organization recognized by the United States Department of Education and operated by a college or university accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the board; or

b. Has graduated from a speech-language pathology program that is housed in an institution of higher education outside of the United States (a) for which the program and institution have been approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and (b) the degree program has been verified by an independent credentials review agency to be comparable to a state licensing board-approved program.

2. Has completed a supervised clinical practicum experience from an educational institution or its cooperating programs as required by the Commission;

3. Has completed a supervised postgraduate professional experience as required by the Commission;

4. Has successfully passed a national examination approved by the Commission;

5. Holds an active, unencumbered license;

6. Has not been convicted or found guilty, and has not entered into an agreed disposition, of a felony related to the practice of speech-language pathology, under applicable state or federal criminal law;

7. Has a valid United States Social Security or National Practitioner Identification number.

G. The privilege to practice is derived from the home state license.

H. An audiologist or speech-language pathologist practicing in a member state must comply with the state practice laws of the state in which the client is located at the time service is provided. The practice of audiology and speech-language pathology shall include all audiology and speech-language pathology practice as defined by the state practice laws of the member state in which the client is located. The practice of audiology and speech-language pathology in a member state under a privilege to practice shall subject an audiologist or speech-language pathologist to the jurisdiction of the licensing board, the courts and the laws of the member state in which the client is located at the time service is provided.

I. Individuals not residing in a member state shall continue to be able to apply for a member state’s single-state license as provided under the laws of each member state. However, the single-state license granted to these individuals shall not be recognized as granting the privilege to practice audiology or speech-language pathology in any other member state. Nothing in this Compact shall affect the requirements established by a member state for the issuance of a single-state license.

J. Member states may charge a fee for granting a compact privilege.

K. Member states must comply with the bylaws and rules and regulations of the Commission.

SECTION 4. COMPACT PRIVILEGE

A. To exercise the compact privilege under the terms and provisions of the Compact, the audiologist or speech-language pathologist shall:

1. Hold an active license in the home state;

2. Have no encumbrance on any state license;

3. Be eligible for a compact privilege in any member state in accordance with Section 3;

4. Have not had any adverse action against any license or compact privilege within the previous 2 years from date of application;

5. Notify the Commission that the licensee is seeking the compact privilege within a remote state(s);

6. Pay any applicable fees, including any state fee, for the compact privilege;

7. Report to the Commission adverse action taken by any non-member state within 30 days from the date the adverse action is taken.

B. For the purposes of the compact privilege, an audiologist or speech-language pathologist shall only hold one home state license at a time.

C. Except as provided in Section 6, if an audiologist or speech-language pathologist changes primary state of residence by moving between two-member states, the audiologist or speech-language pathologist must apply for licensure in the new home state, and the license issued by the prior home state shall be deactivated in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the Commission.

D. The audiologist or speech-language pathologist may apply for licensure in advance of a change in primary state of residence.

E. A license shall not be issued by the new home state until the audiologist or speech-language pathologist provides satisfactory evidence of a change in primary state of residence to the new home state and satisfies all applicable requirements to obtain a license from the new home state.

F. If an audiologist or speech-language pathologist changes primary state of residence by moving from a member state to a non-member state, the license issued by the prior home state shall convert to a single-state license, valid only in the former home state.

G. The compact privilege is valid until the expiration date of the home state license. The licensee must comply with the requirements of Section 4A to maintain the compact privilege in the remote state.

H. A licensee providing audiology or speech-language pathology services in a remote state under the compact privilege shall function within the laws and regulations of the remote state.

I. A licensee providing audiology or speech-language pathology services in a remote state is subject to that state’s regulatory authority. A remote state may, in accordance with due process and that state’s laws, remove a licensee’s compact privilege in the remote state for a specific period of time, impose fines, and/or take any other necessary actions to protect the health and safety of its citizens.

J. If a home state license is encumbered, the licensee shall lose the compact privilege in any remote state until the following occur:

1. The home state license is no longer encumbered; and

2. Two years have elapsed from the date of the adverse action.

K. Once an encumbered license in the home state is restored to good standing, the licensee must meet the requirements of Section 4A to obtain a compact privilege in any remote state.

L. Once the requirements of Section 4J have been met, the licensee must meet the requirements in Section 4A to obtain a compact privilege in a remote state.

SECTION 5. COMPACT PRIVILEGE TO PRACTICE TELEHEALTH

Member states shall recognize the right of an audiologist or speech-language pathologist, licensed by a home state in accordance with Section 3 and under rules promulgated by the Commission, to practice audiology or speech-language pathology in any member state via telehealth under a privilege to practice as provided in the Compact and rules promulgated by the Commission.

SECTION 6. ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL OR THEIR SPOUSES

Active duty military personnel, or their spouse, shall designate a home state where the individual has a current license in good standing. The individual may retain the home state designation during the period the service member is on active duty. Subsequent to designating a home state, the individual shall only change their home state through application for licensure in the new state.

SECTION 7. ADVERSE ACTIONS

A. In addition to the other powers conferred by state law, a remote state shall have the authority, in accordance with existing state due process law, to:

1. Take adverse action against an audiologist’s or speech-language pathologist’s privilege to practice within that member state.

2. Issue subpoenas for both hearings and investigations that require the attendance and testimony of witnesses as well as the production of evidence. Subpoenas issued by a licensing board in a member state for the attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of evidence from another member state shall be enforced in the latter state by any court of competent jurisdiction, according to the practice and procedure of that court applicable to subpoenas issued in proceedings pending before it. The issuing authority shall pay any witness fees, travel expenses, mileage and other fees required by the service statutes of the state in which the witnesses or evidence are located.

3. Only the home state shall have the power to take adverse action against an audiologist’s or speech-language pathologist’s license issued by the home state.

B. For purposes of taking adverse action, the home state shall give the same priority and effect to reported conduct received from a member state as it would if the conduct had occurred within the home state. In so doing, the home state shall apply its own state laws to determine appropriate action.

C. The home state shall complete any pending investigations of an audiologist or speech-language pathologist who changes primary state of residence during the course of the investigations. The home state shall also have the authority to take appropriate action(s) and shall promptly report the conclusions of the investigations to the administrator of the data system. The administrator of the coordinated licensure information system shall promptly notify the new home state of any adverse actions.

D. If otherwise permitted by state law, the member state may recover from the affected audiologist or speech-language pathologist the costs of investigations and disposition of cases resulting from any adverse action taken against that audiologist or speech-language pathologist.

E. The member state may take adverse action based on the factual findings of the remote state, provided that the member state follows the member state’s own procedures for taking the adverse action.

F. Joint Investigations

1. In addition to the authority granted to a member state by its respective audiology or speech-language pathology practice act or other applicable state law, any member state may participate with other member states in joint investigations of licensees.

2. Member states shall share any investigative, litigation, or compliance materials in furtherance of any joint or individual investigation initiated under the Compact.

G. If adverse action is taken by the home state against an audiologist’s or speech-language pathologist’s license, the audiologist’s or speech-language pathologist’s privilege to practice in all other member states shall be deactivated until all encumbrances have been removed from the state license. All home state disciplinary orders that impose adverse action against an audiologist’s or speech-language pathologist’s license shall include a statement that the audiologist’s or speech-language pathologist’s privilege to practice is deactivated in all member states during the pendency of the order.

H. If a member state takes adverse action, it shall promptly notify the administrator of the data system. The administrator of the data system shall promptly notify the home state of any adverse actions by remote states.

I. Nothing in this Compact shall override a member state’s decision that participation in an alternative program may be used in lieu of adverse action.

SECTION 8. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUDIOLOGY AND SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY COMPACT COMMISSION

A. The Compact member states hereby create and establish a joint public agency known as the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission:

1. The Commission is an instrumentality of the Compact states.

2. Venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the Commission shall be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the Commission is located. The Commission may waive venue and jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

3. Nothing in this Compact shall be construed to be a waiver of sovereign immunity.

B. Membership, Voting and Meetings

1. Each member state shall have two (2) delegates selected by that member state’s licensing board. The delegates shall be current members of the licensing board. One shall be an audiologist and one shall be a speech-language pathologist.

2. An additional five (5) delegates, who are either a public member or board administrator from a state licensing board, shall be chosen by the Executive Committee from a pool of nominees provided by the Commission at Large.

3. Any delegate may be removed or suspended from office as provided by the law of the state from which the delegate is appointed.

4. The member state board shall fill any vacancy occurring on the Commission, within 90 days.

5. Each delegate shall be entitled to one (1) vote with regard to the promulgation of rules and creation of bylaws and shall otherwise have an opportunity to participate in the business and affairs of the Commission.

6. A delegate shall vote in person or by other means as provided in the bylaws. The bylaws may provide for delegates’ participation in meetings by telephone or other means of communication.

7. The Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. Additional meetings shall be held as set forth in the bylaws.

C. The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:

1. Establish the fiscal year of the Commission;

2. Establish bylaws;

3. Establish a Code of Ethics;

4. Maintain its financial records in accordance with the bylaws;

5. Meet and take actions as are consistent with the provisions of this Compact and the bylaws;

6. Promulgate uniform rules to facilitate and coordinate implementation and administration of this Compact. The rules shall have the force and effect of law and shall be binding in all member states;

7. Bring and prosecute legal proceedings or actions in the name of the Commission, provided that the standing of any state audiology or speech-language pathology licensing board to sue or be sued under applicable law shall not be affected;

8. Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;

9. Borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel, including, but not limited to, employees of a member state;

10. Hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix compensation, define duties, grant individuals appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the Compact, and to establish the Commission’s personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, and other related personnel matters;

11. Accept any and all appropriate donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, and to receive, utilize and dispose of the same; provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety and/or conflict of interest;

12. Lease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve or use, any property, real, personal or mixed; provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety;

13. Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property real, personal, or mixed;

14. Establish a budget and make expenditures;

15. Borrow money;

16. Appoint committees, including standing committees composed of members, and other interested persons as may be designated in this Compact and the bylaws;

17. Provide and receive information from, and cooperate with, law enforcement agencies;

18. Establish and elect an Executive Committee; and

19. Perform other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Compact consistent with the state regulation of audiology and speech-language pathology licensure and practice.

D. The Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the Commission according to the terms of this Compact:

1. The Executive Committee shall be composed of ten (10) members:

a. Seven (7) voting members who are elected by the Commission from the current membership of the Commission;

b. Two (2) ex-officios, consisting of one nonvoting member from a recognized national audiology professional association and one nonvoting member from a recognized national speech-language pathology association; and

c. One (1) ex-officio, nonvoting member from the recognized membership organization of the audiology and speech-language pathology licensing boards.

E. The ex-officio members shall be selected by their respective organizations.

1. The Commission may remove any member of the Executive Committee as provided in bylaws.

2. The Executive Committee shall meet at least annually.

3. The Executive Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Recommend to the entire Commission changes to the rules or bylaws, changes to this Compact legislation, fees paid by Compact member states such as annual dues, and any commission Compact fee charged to licensees for the compact privilege;

b. Ensure Compact administration services are appropriately provided, contractual or otherwise;

c. Prepare and recommend the budget;

d. Maintain financial records on behalf of the Commission;

e. Monitor Compact compliance of member states and provide compliance reports to the Commission;

f. Establish additional committees as necessary; and

g. Other duties as provided in rules or bylaws.

4. Meetings of the Commission

All meetings shall be open to the public, and public notice of meetings shall be given in the same manner as required under the rulemaking provisions in Section 10.

5. The Commission or the Executive Committee or other committees of the Commission may convene in a closed, non-public meeting if the Commission or Executive Committee or other committees of the Commission must discuss:

a. Non-compliance of a member state with its obligations under the Compact;

b. The employment, compensation, discipline or other matters, practices or procedures related to specific employees or other matters related to the Commission’s internal personnel practices and procedures;

c. Current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation;

d. Negotiation of contracts for the purchase, lease, or sale of goods, services, or real estate;

e. Accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person;

f. Disclosure of trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;

g. Disclosure of information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

h. Disclosure of investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes;

i. Disclosure of information related to any investigative reports prepared by or on behalf of or for use of the Commission or other committee charged with responsibility of investigation or determination of compliance issues pursuant to the Compact; or

j. Matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or member state statute.

6. If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed pursuant to this provision, the Commission’s legal counsel or designee shall certify that the meeting may be closed and shall reference each relevant exempting provision.

7. The Commission shall keep minutes that fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of the views expressed. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to release by a majority vote of the Commission or order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

8. Financing of the Commission

a. The Commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.

b. The Commission may accept any and all appropriate revenue sources, donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services.

c. The Commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state or impose fees on other parties to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Commission and its staff, which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover its annual budget as approved each year for which revenue is not provided by other sources. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Commission, which shall promulgate a rule binding upon all member states.

9. The Commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Commission pledge the credit of any of the member states, except by and with the authority of the member state.

10. The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Commission.

F. Qualified Immunity, Defense, and Indemnification

1. The members, officers, executive director, employees and representatives of the Commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any person from suit and/or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.

2. The Commission shall defend any member, officer, executive director, employee or representative of the Commission in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit that person from retaining his or her own counsel; and provided further, that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from that person’s intentional or willful or wanton misconduct.

3. The Commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the Commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.

SECTION 9. DATA SYSTEM

A. The Commission shall provide for the development, maintenance, and utilization of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, adverse action, and investigative information on all licensed individuals in member states.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of state law to the contrary, a member state shall submit a uniform data set to the data system on all individuals to whom this Compact is applicable as required by the rules of the Commission, including:

1. Identifying information;

2. Licensure data;

3. Adverse actions against a license or compact privilege;

4. Non-confidential information related to alternative program participation;

5. Any denial of application for licensure, and the reason(s) for denial; and

6. Other information that may facilitate the administration of this Compact, as determined by the rules of the Commission.

C. Investigative information pertaining to a licensee in any member state shall only be available to other member states.

D. The Commission shall promptly notify all member states of any adverse action taken against a licensee or an individual applying for a license. Adverse action information pertaining to a licensee in any member state shall be available to any other member state.

E. Member states contributing information to the data system may designate information that may not be shared with the public without the express permission of the contributing state.

F. Any information submitted to the data system that is subsequently required to be expunged by the laws of the member state contributing the information shall be removed from the data system.

SECTION 10. RULEMAKING

A. The Commission shall exercise its rulemaking powers pursuant to the criteria set forth in this Section and the rules adopted thereunder. Rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each rule or amendment.

B. If a majority of the legislatures of the member states rejects a rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the Compact within 4 years of the date of adoption of the rule, the rule shall have no further force and effect in any member state.

C. Rules or amendments to the rules shall be adopted at a regular or special meeting of the Commission.

D. Prior to promulgation and adoption of a final rule or rules by the Commission, and at least thirty (30) days in advance of the meeting at which the rule shall be considered and voted upon, the Commission shall file a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking:

1. On the website of the Commission or other publicly accessible platform; and

2. On the website of each member state audiology or speech-language pathology licensing board or other publicly accessible platform or the publication in which each state would otherwise publish proposed rules.

E. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking shall include:

1. The proposed time, date, and location of the meeting in which the rule shall be considered and voted upon;

2. The text of the proposed rule or amendment and the reason for the proposed rule;

3. A request for comments on the proposed rule from any interested person; and

4. The manner in which interested persons may submit notice to the Commission of their intention to attend the public hearing and any written comments.

F. Prior to the adoption of a proposed rule, the Commission shall allow persons to submit written data, facts, opinions and arguments, which shall be made available to the public.

G. The Commission shall grant an opportunity for a public hearing before it adopts a rule or amendment if a hearing is requested by:

1. At least twenty-five (25) persons;

2. A state or federal governmental subdivision or agency; or

3. An association having at least twenty-five (25) members.

H. If a hearing is held on the proposed rule or amendment, the Commission shall publish the place, time, and date of the scheduled public hearing. If the hearing is held via electronic means, the Commission shall publish the mechanism for access to the electronic hearing.

1. All persons wishing to be heard at the hearing shall notify the executive director of the Commission or other designated member in writing of their desire to appear and testify at the hearing not less than five (5) business days before the scheduled date of the hearing.

2. Hearings shall be conducted in a manner providing each person who wishes to comment a fair and reasonable opportunity to comment orally or in writing.

3. All hearings shall be recorded. A copy of the recording shall be made available on request.

4. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring a separate hearing on each rule. Rules may be grouped for the convenience of the Commission at hearings required by this section.

I. Following the scheduled hearing date, or by the close of business on the scheduled hearing date if the hearing was not held, the Commission shall consider all written and oral comments received.

J. If no written notice of intent to attend the public hearing by interested parties is received, the Commission may proceed with promulgation of the proposed rule without a public hearing.

K. The Commission shall, by majority vote of all members, take final action on the proposed rule and shall determine the effective date of the rule, if any, based on the rulemaking record and the full text of the rule.

L. Upon determination that an emergency exists, the Commission may consider and adopt an emergency rule without prior notice, opportunity for comment, or hearing, provided that the usual rulemaking procedures provided in the Compact and in this section shall be retroactively applied to the rule as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of the rule. For the purposes of this provision, an emergency rule is one that must be adopted immediately in order to:

1. Meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare;

2. Prevent a loss of Commission or member state funds; or

3. Meet a deadline for the promulgation of an administrative rule that is established by federal law or rule.

M. The Commission or an authorized committee of the Commission may direct revisions to a previously adopted rule or amendment for purposes of correcting typographical errors, errors in format, errors in consistency, or grammatical errors. Public notice of any revisions shall be posted on the website of the Commission. The revision shall be subject to challenge by any person for a period of thirty (30) days after posting. The revision may be challenged only on grounds that the revision results in a material change to a rule. A challenge shall be made in writing and delivered to the chair of the Commission prior to the end of the notice period. If no challenge is made, the revision shall take effect without further action. If the revision is challenged, the revision may not take effect without the approval of the Commission.

SECTION 11. OVERSIGHT, DISPUTE RESOLUTION, AND ENFORCEMENT

A. Dispute Resolution

1. Upon request by a member state, the Commission shall attempt to resolve disputes related to the Compact that arise among member states and between member and non-member states.

2. The Commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.

B. Enforcement

1. The Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this Compact.

2. By majority vote, the Commission may initiate legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Commission has its principal offices against a member state in default to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Compact and its promulgated rules and bylaws. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of litigation, including reasonable attorney’s fees.

3. The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of the Commission. The Commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or state law.

SECTION 12. DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION FOR AUDIOLOGY AND SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY PRACTICE AND ASSOCIATED RULES, WITHDRAWAL, AND AMENDMENT

A. The Compact shall come into effect on the date on which the Compact statute is enacted into law in the 10th member state. The provisions, which become effective at that time, shall be limited to the powers granted to the Commission relating to assembly and the promulgation of rules. Thereafter, the Commission shall meet and exercise rulemaking powers necessary to the implementation and administration of the Compact.

B. Any state that joins the Compact subsequent to the Commission’s initial adoption of the rules shall be subject to the rules as they exist on the date on which the Compact becomes law in that state. Any rule that has been previously adopted by the Commission shall have the full force and effect of law on the day the Compact becomes law in that state.

C. Any member state may withdraw from this Compact by enacting a statute repealing the same.

1. A member state’s withdrawal shall not take effect until six (6) months after enactment of the repealing statute.

2. Withdrawal shall not affect the continuing requirement of the withdrawing state’s audiology or speech-language pathology licensing board to comply with the investigative and adverse action reporting requirements of this act prior to the effective date of withdrawal.

D. Nothing contained in this Compact shall be construed to invalidate or prevent any audiology or speech-language pathology licensure agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a member state and a non-member state that does not conflict with the provisions of this Compact.

E. This Compact may be amended by the member states. No amendment to this Compact shall become effective and binding upon any member state until it is enacted into the laws of all member states.

SECTION 13. CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY

This Compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this Compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this Compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any member state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this Compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this Compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any member state, the Compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining member states and in full force and effect as to the member state affected as to all severable matters.

SECTION 14. BINDING EFFECT OF COMPACT AND OTHER LAWS

A. Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is not inconsistent with the Compact.

B. All laws in a member state in conflict with the Compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.

C. All lawful actions of the Commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the Commission, are binding upon the member states.

D. All agreements between the Commission and the member states are binding in accordance with their terms.

E. In the event any provision of the Compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any member state, the provision shall be ineffective to the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that member state.

(Added to NRS by 2025, 2146)

DISCIPLINARY AND OTHER ACTIONS

NRS 637B.250 Grounds.

1. The grounds for initiating disciplinary action pursuant to this chapter are:

(a) Unprofessional conduct.

(b) Conviction of:

(1) A violation of any federal or state law regarding the possession, distribution or use of any controlled substance or any dangerous drug as defined in chapter 454 of NRS;

(2) A felony or gross misdemeanor relating to the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids;

(3) A violation of any of the provisions of NRS 616D.200, 616D.220, 616D.240 or 616D.300 to 616D.440, inclusive; or

(4) Any offense involving moral turpitude.

(d) Professional incompetence.

(e) Operation of a medical facility, as defined in NRS 449.0151, at any time during which:

(1) The license of the facility is suspended or revoked; or

(2) An act or omission occurs which results in the suspension or revocation of the license pursuant to NRS 449.160.

Ê This paragraph applies to an owner or other principal responsible for the operation of the facility.

2. As used in this section, “unprofessional conduct” includes, without limitation:

(a) Conduct that is harmful to the public health or safety;

(b) Obtaining a license through fraud or misrepresentation of a material fact;

(c) Suspension or revocation of a license to engage in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids; and

(d) A violation of any provision of:

(1) Federal law concerning the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids or any regulations adopted pursuant thereto, including, without limitation, 21 C.F.R. §§ 800.30 and 801.422;

(2) NRS 597.264 to 597.2667, inclusive, or any regulations adopted pursuant thereto; or

(3) This chapter or any regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1256; A 1981, 597; 1987, 1565; 1993, 792; 2003, 2712; 2009, 893; 2011, 856; 2015, 2308; 2025, 413)

1. If the Board receives a copy of a court order issued pursuant to NRS 425.540 that provides for the suspension of all professional, occupational and recreational licenses, certificates and permits issued to a person who is the holder of a license to engage in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids, the Board shall deem the license issued to that person to be suspended at the end of the 30th day after the date on which the court order was issued unless the Board receives a letter issued to the holder of the license by the district attorney or other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.550 stating that the holder of the license has complied with the subpoena or warrant or has satisfied the arrearage pursuant to NRS 425.560.

2. The Board shall reinstate a license to engage in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids that has been suspended by a district court pursuant to NRS 425.540 if:

(a) The Board receives a letter issued by the district attorney or other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.550 to the person whose license was suspended stating that the person whose license was suspended has complied with the subpoena or warrant or has satisfied the arrearage pursuant to NRS 425.560; and

(b) The person whose license was suspended pays any fees imposed by the Board pursuant to NRS 637B.175 for the reinstatement of a license.

(Added to NRS by 1997, 2143; A 2005, 2807; 2015, 2309)

NRS 637B.260 Complaint against applicant or licensee; retention of complaints.

1. A complaint may be made against any applicant for a license or any licensee charging one or more of the grounds for disciplinary action with such particularity as to enable the defendant to prepare a defense.

2. The complaint must be in writing and may be filed anonymously. If a complaint is filed anonymously, the Board may accept the complaint but may refuse to consider the complaint if anonymity of the complainant makes processing the complaint impossible or unfair to the person who is the subject of the complaint.

3. The Board shall retain all complaints made pursuant to this section for at least 10 years, including, without limitation, any complaints not acted upon.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1256; A 2009, 894; 2013, 2235)

NRS 637B.280 Authority of Board to take disciplinary or other action; private reprimands prohibited; orders imposing discipline deemed public records.

1. If, after notice and a hearing as required by law, the Board determines that the applicant or licensee has committed any act which constitutes grounds for disciplinary action, the Board may, in the case of the applicant, refuse to issue a license, and in all other cases:

(a) Refuse to renew a license;

(b) Revoke a license;

(d) Administer to the licensee a public reprimand;

(e) Impose conditions on the practice of the licensee;

(f) Impose a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for each act constituting grounds for disciplinary action; or

(g) Impose any combination of the disciplinary actions described in paragraphs (a) to (f), inclusive.

2. The Board shall not administer a private reprimand.

3. An order that imposes discipline and the findings of fact and conclusions of law supporting that order are public records.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1257; A 2003, 3453; 2005, 776; 2015, 2309)

NRS 637B.288 Confidentiality of certain records of Board; exceptions.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, NRS 239.0115 and 637B.248, a complaint filed with the Board, all documents and other information filed with the complaint and all documents and other information compiled as a result of an investigation conducted to determine whether to initiate disciplinary action against a person are confidential, unless the person submits a written statement to the Board requesting that such documents and information be made public records.

2. The charging documents filed with the Board to initiate disciplinary action pursuant to chapter 622A of NRS and all documents and information considered by the Board when determining whether to impose discipline are public records.

3. The Board shall, to the extent feasible, communicate or cooperate with or provide any documents or other information to any other licensing board or any other agency that is investigating a person, including, without limitation, a law enforcement agency.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 3452; A 2005, 776; 2007, 2140; 2013, 2235; 2025, 2161)

PROHIBITED ACTS; PENALTIES; ENFORCEMENT

NRS 637B.290 Practice without license: Prohibition; penalties.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a person shall not engage in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids in this State without holding a valid license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

2. In addition to any other penalty prescribed by law, if the Board determines that a person has engaged in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids in this State without holding a valid license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter in violation of subsection 1, the Board may:

(a) Issue and serve on the person an order to cease and desist until the person obtains from the Board the proper license or otherwise demonstrates that he or she is no longer in violation of subsection 1. An order to cease and desist must include a telephone number with which the person may contact the Board.

(b) Issue a citation to the person. A citation issued pursuant to this paragraph must be in writing, describe with particularity the nature of the violation and inform the person of the provisions of this paragraph. Each activity in which the person is engaged constitutes a separate offense for which a separate citation may be issued. To appeal a citation, the person must submit a written request for a hearing to the Board not later than 30 days after the date of issuance of the citation.

(d) Impose any combination of the penalties set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c).

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1257; A 1985, 348; 1987, 1678; 2013, 2236; 2015, 2309; 2025, 414)

NRS 637B.291 Practice or offering to practice without license: Reporting requirements of Board. Unless the Board determines that extenuating circumstances exist, the Board shall forward to the appropriate law enforcement agency any substantiated information submitted to the Board concerning a person who engages in the practice of or offers to engage in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids without the appropriate license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter in violation of NRS 637B.290.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 2235; A 2015, 2310; 2025, 415)

NRS 637B.295 Inspection of premises by Board. A member or any agent of the Board may enter any premises in this State where a person who holds a license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter engages in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids and inspect it to determine whether a violation of any provision of this chapter has occurred, including, without limitation, an inspection to determine whether any person at the premises is engaging in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids without the appropriate license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter in violation of NRS 637B.290.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 2235; A 2015, 2310; 2025, 415)

NRS 637B.310 Injunctive relief against person practicing without license.

1. The Board through its Chair or Vice Chair may maintain in any court of competent jurisdiction a suit for an injunction against any person engaging in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology or fitting and dispensing hearing aids without a license valid under this chapter in violation of NRS 637B.290.

2. Such an injunction:

(a) May be issued without proof of actual damage sustained by any person, this provision being a preventive as well as a punitive measure.

(b) Shall not relieve such person from criminal prosecution for practicing without a license.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1257; A 2015, 2310; 2025, 415)

NRS 637B.320 Penalty. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1257)