Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 117 - Board of Examiners in Speech Pathology and Audiology
Certainly! Here's an overview of Agency 117 – Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA), detailing its regulatory framework, licensing requirements, and enforcement mechanisms:
🏛️ Agency Overview
Agency 117 refers to the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA). Established by the Arkansas Legislature, ABESPA operates under the Arkansas Department of Health and is responsible for safeguarding the public’s health, safety, and welfare by regulating the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology in the state.
Mission: To ensure that individuals seeking speech-language pathology and audiology services receive quality care and to provide a process for consumers to file complaints against licensees or individuals practicing without a license.
Composition: The Board comprises seven members appointed by the Governor to three-year terms. These include professionals in speech-language pathology and audiology, a consumer representative, and a senior citizen representative .
📜 Licensing Requirements
To legally practice as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or audiologist in Arkansas, individuals must obtain a license from ABESPA. The requirements include:
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
Education: A master's degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited institution.
Clinical Fellowship: Completion of a supervised professional practice period.
Examination: Passage of a national examination in speech-language pathology.
Application: Submission of a completed application form and payment of the application fee .
Audiologists
Education: A doctoral degree in audiology (Au.D.) from an accredited institution.
Examination: Passage of a national examination in audiology.
Application: Submission of a completed application form and payment of the application fee .
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs)
Education: A bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology or completion of an accredited training program.
Clinical Practicum: Documentation of supervised clinical practicum hours.
Application: Submission of a completed application form and payment of the application fee .
🔄 License Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle: Licenses must be renewed annually by June 30th.
Continuing Education:
SLPs: A minimum of 10 clock hours of continuing education per year, with at least 5 hours in Content Area I.
Dual Licensees: A minimum of 15 clock hours per year, with at least 5 hours in each discipline from Content Area I.
Audit: Licensees are subject to random audits to ensure compliance with continuing education requirements.
Online Courses: Licensees may earn all required continuing education hours through online coursework from ASHA-approved providers .
⚖️ Enforcement & Disciplinary Actions
ABESPA has the authority to take disciplinary actions against licensees for various violations, including:
Unprofessional Conduct: Engaging in unethical or unprofessional behavior.
Substance Abuse: Practicing while impaired due to substance abuse or addiction.
Fraudulent Practices: Misrepresentation or deception in obtaining or renewing a license.
Unlicensed Practice: Providing services without a valid license.
Failure to Comply: Not adhering to continuing education requirements or failing to display current certificates in the primary office.
Disciplinary actions may include license suspension, revocation, fines, or other penalties deemed appropriate by the Board .
📝 Rules & Regulations
ABESPA operates under the Arkansas Administrative Code, specifically:
Rule 117.00.05-001: Governs the licensure and practice standards for speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
Rule 117.00.05-002: Addresses the use of speech-language pathology assistants and their supervision.
These rules are subject to periodic updates and must be reviewed by the House and Senate Committees on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor .
📍 Contact Information
For more details or to access application forms, visit the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology's official website: https://healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/examiners-in-speech-language-pathology-and-audiology-arkansas-board/
If you need assistance with specific forms, exam schedules, or have other questions related to licensure in Arkansas, feel free to ask!
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