1110 Department of Consumer Affairs, Boards
Program Descriptions

65 - SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY AND HEARING AID DISPENSERS BOARD

The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board (Board) licenses and regulates Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. Thousands of California citizens experience congenital or acquired speech, language, hearing, swallowing and balance disorders. The Board protects consumers by requiring adherence to statutes and regulations designed to ensure the qualifications and competency of providers of speech-language pathology and audiology services. In addition to ensuring minimum educational requirements, the Board oversees a continuing professional development program to maintain clinical relevance. The Board is also responsible for protecting consumers from unlicensed, incompetent and unethical practitioners by investigating complaints regarding possible violations of the laws and regulations.

Between July 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008, the Board operated as a bureau under the Department of Consumer Affairs pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 101.1(b). Effective January 1, 2009, the Board's sunset date was extended pursuant to Chapter 35, Statutes of 2008 (AB 1545). Therefore, it became a board again effective January 1, 2009.

Effective January 1, 2010, the Bureau of Hearing Aid Dispensers was abolished and the duties of the Bureau were transferred to the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board pursuant to Chapter 309, Statutes of 2009 (AB 1535).

The Hearing Aid Dispensers Program (Program) licenses and regulates hearing aid dispensers. The Program also protects hearing-impaired consumers by informing them of their legal rights and obligations when purchasing or returning hearing aids and protects consumers by maintaining advertising standards.