State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists - Physician Members - Repeal
Impact
The passage of HB 830 would result in a more streamlined board focused solely on professionals who are actively engaged in the practice areas they oversee. This change is anticipated to strengthen regulatory practices by ensuring that the advice and decisions of the board stem from those who have direct experience and understanding of the professions, risks, and standards of care, thereby potentially improving service delivery and consumer protection in these fields.
Summary
House Bill 830 seeks to amend the existing makeup of the State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists by removing the requirement to have physician members on the board. This reform reflects an emphasis on representing those who are directly active in the fields of audiology and speech-language therapy, thereby enhancing the expertise and relevance of the board members in making decisions about practices in these areas.
Contention
While the proposed bill aims to make the board more representative of the actual professions it governs, there may be concerns from existing stakeholders about the removal of physician input, which could be deemed necessary for ensuring medical oversight and interdisciplinary collaboration. Opponents of the bill may argue that the absence of physician members could undermine the board’s ability to address medical aspects of audiological and speech-language practices effectively.
State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists - Appointment of Hearing Aid Dispenser Members
Relating to the licensing and regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists by the Texas Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Examiners and to the Executive Council of Examiners of Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists; providing civil and administrative penalties; imposing fees.
State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists - Appointment of Hearing Aid Dispenser Members
Relating to the practice of Massage Therapy; to add Chapter 43A to Title 34 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to create the State Board of Licensure for Massage Therapists in the office of the Secretary of State; to provide for the membership of the new board and duties of the Secretary of State and that board; to provide for the transfer of the powers, duties, rights, records, and property of the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy to the State Board of Licensure for Massage Therapists and the Chief Examiner of Public Accounts temporarily during the transition; to preserve existing regulatory law; to extend the expiration date of licenses issued by the former board until the membership of the new board is established; to repeal Chapter 43 of Title 34, Code of Alabama 1975, providing for the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.