Ohio Administrative Code Title 4747 - Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board
Professionals Board
The Ohio Administrative Code Title 4747 regulates the Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board (OSHPB), which licenses and oversees professionals in speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensing. The purpose of the board is to ensure that these professionals meet established standards of education, training, and ethical practice, thereby protecting the public.
The rules in this title address licensing requirements, scope of practice, professional conduct, continuing education, disciplinary procedures, and administration of the board.
Key Areas Covered in Title 4747
Definitions and General Provisions
Definitions of terms such as “audiologist,” “speech-language pathologist,” “hearing aid dealer,” and “license.”
Jurisdiction and authority of the board.
Licensing Requirements
Educational prerequisites.
Examinations (national and state).
Application and renewal procedures.
Temporary licenses and reciprocity.
Scope of Practice
Permitted acts for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and hearing aid dealers.
Restrictions and limitations to protect public safety.
Professional Conduct and Ethics
Standards for ethical behavior.
Confidentiality, informed consent, and recordkeeping.
Continuing Education
Requirements for maintaining licensure.
Approved educational activities.
Disciplinary Procedures
Grounds for disciplinary action including fraud, incompetence, or violations of professional standards.
Investigation and hearing processes.
Possible sanctions.
Board Administration
Composition, meetings, and rulemaking authority.
Detailed Explanation of Select Provisions
1. Licensing Requirements (OAC 4747-xx)
Education: Candidates must graduate from accredited programs in speech-language pathology, audiology, or related fields.
Examinations: Passage of national exams such as the Praxis Series for speech-language pathology and audiology, and state exams for hearing aid dealers.
Application: Submission of documentation of education, clinical experience, and fees.
Renewal: Licenses are renewed biennially, subject to continuing education compliance.
Relevant Case Law:
State ex rel. Smith v. Ohio Speech & Hearing Professionals Bd., 112 Ohio St.3d 161 (2006):
Affirmed the board’s authority to deny licensure based on failure to meet educational and examination requirements.
Highlighted deference courts give to professional boards in setting qualifications.
2. Scope of Practice (OAC 4747-xx)
Speech-Language Pathologists: Diagnose and treat speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders.
Audiologists: Assess and manage hearing and balance disorders.
Hearing Aid Dealers: Fit and dispense hearing aids, conduct hearing aid evaluations.
Limitations: Practitioners must not perform services outside their licensed scope.
Relevant Case Law:
Jones v. Ohio Speech & Hearing Professionals Board, 78 Ohio App.3d 550 (1992):
Upheld disciplinary action for practicing beyond licensed scope.
Emphasized public protection as a core board function.
3. Professional Conduct and Ethics (OAC 4747-xx)
Licensees must maintain client confidentiality.
Informed consent is required before treatment.
Records must be accurate, complete, and retained according to board rules.
Advertising must be truthful and not misleading.
Relevant Case Law:
Doe v. Ohio Speech & Hearing Professionals Board, 95 Ohio App.3d 217 (1994):
The court upheld sanctions against a licensee for ethical violations including false advertising and breach of confidentiality.
Reaffirmed the board’s role in enforcing professional ethics.
4. Disciplinary Procedures and Sanctions (OAC 4747-xx)
Grounds include professional incompetence, fraud, criminal convictions related to practice, and violation of board rules.
Investigations are initiated upon complaint or board action.
Licensees are entitled to notice and a hearing.
Sanctions may include reprimand, suspension, revocation, or fines.
Relevant Case Law:
State ex rel. Cleveland Clinic Found. v. Ohio Speech & Hearing Professionals Bd., 121 Ohio St.3d 121 (2008):
The Supreme Court affirmed the board’s authority to impose discipline and the necessity of procedural due process.
Stressed that disciplinary actions must be supported by substantial evidence.
5. Continuing Education (OAC 4747-xx)
Licensees must complete a specified number of continuing education hours every renewal period.
Acceptable courses include those relevant to the practice of speech, hearing, and audiology.
Failure to comply can result in license suspension or non-renewal.
Summary of Legal Principles
The Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board regulates licensing, scope of practice, and professional conduct to protect the public.
Licensing standards ensure that only qualified individuals provide services.
The board has broad authority to investigate and discipline licensees who violate laws or ethical standards.
Courts generally defer to the board’s expertise but require adherence to due process.
Continuing education is a mandatory component for maintaining competency.
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