CHAPTER 468

468.1105 Legislative intent. The sole legislative purpose for enacting this part is to ensure that every speech-language pathologist and audiologist practicing in this state meets minimum requirements for safe practice in this state. It is the legislative intent that speech-language pathologists and audiologists who fall below minimum competencies or who otherwise present a danger to the public health and safety be prohibited from practicing in this state. History. — ss. 1, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429. 468.1115 Exemptions. (1) No provision of this part shall be construed to limit the practice of persons licensed in this state from engaging in the professions for which they are licensed, so long as they do not hold themselves out to the public as possessing a license or certificate issued pursuant to this part or use a title protected by this part. (2) The provisions of this part shall not apply to: (a) Students actively engaged in a training program, if such persons are acting under the direct supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist or a licensed audiologist. (b) Persons practicing a licensed profession or operating within the scope of their profession, such as doctors of medicine, clinical psychologists, nurses, or hearing aid specialists, who are properly licensed under the laws of this state. (c) Persons certified in the areas of speech-language impairment or hearing impairment in this state under chapter 1012 when engaging in the profession for which they are certified, or any person under the direct supervision of such a certified person, or of a licensee under this chapter, when the person under such supervision is performing hearing screenings in a school setting for prekindergarten through grade 12. (d) Laryngectomized individuals, rendering guidance and instruction to other laryngectomized individuals, who are under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist licensed under this part or of a physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459 and qualified to perform this surgical procedure. (e) Persons licensed by another state as speech-language pathologists or audiologists who provide services within the applicable scope of practice set forth in s. 468.1125(6) or (7) for no more than 5 calendar days per month or 15 calendar days per year under the direct supervision of a Florida-licensed speech-language pathologist or audiologist. A person whose state of residence does not license speech-language pathologists or audiologists may also qualify for this exemption, if the person holds a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association and meets all other requirements of this paragraph. In either case, the board shall hold the supervising Florida licensee fully accountable for the services provided by the out-of-state licensee. (f) Nonlicensed persons working in a hospital setting who provide newborn infant hearing screenings, so long as training, clinical interpretation of the screenings, and the protocol for followup of infants who fail in-hospital screenings are provided by a licensed audiologist. History. — ss. 2, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 267, ch. 97-103; s. 111, ch. 97-264; s. 1014, ch. 2002-387. 468.1125 Definitions. As used in this part, the term: (1) “Audiologist” means a person licensed under this part to practice audiology. (2) “Board” means the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. (3) “Certified audiology assistant” means a person who is certified under this part to perform audiology services under the direct supervision of an audiologist. (4) “Certified speech-language pathology assistant” means a person who is certified under this part to perform speech pathology services under the direct supervision of a speech pathologist. (5) “Department” means the Department of Health. (6)(a) “Practice of audiology” means the application of principles, methods, and procedures for the prevention, identification, evaluation, consultation, habilitation, rehabilitation, instruction, treatment, and research, relative to hearing and the disorders of hearing, and to related language and speech disorders. “Disorders” are defined to include any and all conditions, whether of organic or nonorganic origin, peripheral or central, that impede the normal process of human communication, including, but not limited to, disorders of auditory sensitivity, acuity, function, or processing, or damage to the integrity of the physiological system. (b) Any audiologist who has complied with the provisions of this part may: 1. Offer, render, plan, direct, conduct, consult, or supervise services to individuals or groups of individuals who have or are suspected of having disorders of hearing, including prevention, identification, evaluation, treatment, consultation, habilitation, rehabilitation, instruction, and research. 2. Participate in hearing conservation, evaluation of noise environment, and noise control. 3. Conduct and interpret tests of vestibular function and nystagmus, electrophysiologic auditory-evoked potentials, central auditory function, and calibration of measurement equipment used for such purposes. 4. Habilitate and rehabilitate, including, but not limited to, hearing aid evaluation, prescription, preparation, fitting and dispensing, assistive listening device selection and orientation, auditory training, aural habilitation, aural rehabilitation, speech conservation, and speechreading. 5. Fabricate earmolds. 6. Evaluate tinnitus. 7. Include speech and language screening, limited to a pass/fail determination for identifying individuals with disorders of communication. (7)(a) “Practice of speech-language pathology” means the application of principles, methods, and procedures for the prevention, identification, evaluation, treatment, consultation, habilitation, rehabilitation, instruction, and research, relative to the development and disorders of human communication; to related oral and pharyngeal competencies; and to behavior related to disorders of human communication. “Disorders” are defined to include any and all conditions, whether of organic or nonorganic origin, that impede the normal process of human communication, including, but not limited to, disorders and related disorders of speech, phonology, articulation, fluency, voice, accent, verbal and written language and related nonoral/nonverbal forms of language, cognitive communication, auditory and visual processing, memory and comprehension, interactive communication, mastication, deglutition, and other oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal sensorimotor competencies. (b) Any speech-language pathologist who has complied with the provisions of this part may: 1. Offer, render, plan, direct, conduct, and supervise services to individuals or groups of individuals who have or are suspected of having disorders of human communication, including identification, evaluation, treatment, consultation, habilitation, rehabilitation, amelioration, instruction, and research. 2. Determine the need for personal alternatives or augmentative systems, and recommend and train for the utilization of such systems. 3. Perform a hearing screening, limited to a pass/fail determination, for the purpose of initial identification of communication disorders. (8) “Speech-language pathologist” means a person licensed under this part to practice speech pathology. (9) “Direct supervision” means responsible supervision and control by a licensed speech-language pathologist who shall assume legal liability for the services rendered by any certified speech-language pathology assistant under the licensee’s supervision, or responsible supervision and control by a licensed audiologist who shall assume legal liability for the services rendered by any certified audiology assistant under the licensee’s supervision. Direct supervision shall require the physical presence of the licensed speech-language pathologist for consultation and direction of the actions of the certified speech-language pathology assistant, or the physical presence of the licensed audiologist for consultation and direction of the actions of the certified audiology assistant, unless the assistant is acting under protocols established by the board. The board shall establish rules further defining direct supervision of a certified speech-language pathology assistant or a certified audiology assistant. History. — ss. 3, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 101, ch. 92-149; s. 130, ch. 94-218; s. 112, ch. 97-264. 468.1135 Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. (1) There is created within the department the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, composed of seven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. (2)(a) Four members of the board shall be persons licensed under this part, as follows: 1. Two members shall be practicing speech-language pathologists. 2. Two members shall be practicing audiologists. (b) One member shall be a physician licensed pursuant to chapter 458 who is a neurologist, an otolaryngologist, or a pediatrician. (c) Two members shall be citizens of the state who are communicatively impaired and who are not, and have never been, licensed as a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist and who are in no way connected with the practice of such profession. At least one of the two shall be a hearing aid user. (d) At least one member of the board shall be 60 years of age or older. (3) As the terms of the initial members expire, the Governor shall appoint successors who meet the requirements of subsection (2) for terms of 4 years. Members shall serve until their successors are appointed. (4) The board shall appoint two of its members to serve as the state’s delegates on the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact Commission, as required under s. 468.1335, one of whom must be an audiologist and one of whom must be a speech-language pathologist. (5)(a) The board has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this part conferring duties upon it. (b) The board shall adopt rules requiring that each prospective purchaser of a hearing aid be notified by the attending audiologist, at the time of the initial examination for fitting and sale of a hearing aid, of telecoil, “t” coil, or “t” switch technology. The rules shall further require that licensed audiologists make available to prospective purchasers information regarding telecoils, “t” coils, or “t” switches. These rules shall be effective on or before October 1, 1994. (6) All provisions of chapter 456 relating to activities of regulatory boards shall apply to the board. (7) The board shall maintain its official headquarters in Tallahassee. History. — ss. 4, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 329, ch. 94-119; s. 2, ch. 94-160; s. 131, ch. 94-218; s. 268, ch. 97-103; s. 75, ch. 98-166; s. 131, ch. 98-200; s. 133, ch. 2000-160; s. 78, ch. 2002-1; s. 56, ch. 2024-15. 468.1145 Fees; establishment; disposition. (1) The board, by rule, shall establish fees to be paid for application, examination, reexamination, licensing and renewal, reinstatement, and recordmaking and recordkeeping. The board may also establish, by rule, a late renewal penalty. The board shall establish fees which are adequate to ensure continued operation of the board and to fund the proportionate expenses incurred by the department in carrying out its licensure and other related responsibilities under this part. Fees shall be based on department estimates of the revenue required to implement this part and the provisions of law with respect to the regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. (2) The application fee shall not exceed $200 and shall be nonrefundable. (3) The examination fee shall be in an amount which covers the costs of obtaining and administering the examination and shall be refunded if the applicant is found ineligible to sit for the examination. The combined fees for initial application and examination shall not exceed $200 plus the actual per applicant cost to the department for developing or procuring the licensure examination. (4) The initial license fee shall not exceed $500. (5) The provisional license fee shall not exceed $200. (6) The fee for licensure by endorsement shall not exceed $200. (7) The fee for certification as a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant shall not exceed $50. (8) The biennial renewal fee shall not exceed $500. (9) The fee for application for an inactive status license or for reactivation of an inactive status license shall not exceed $100. (10) All moneys derived from fees and fines imposed pursuant to this part shall be deposited as required by s. 456.025. History. — ss. 5, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 76, ch. 98-166; s. 134, ch. 2000-160. 468.1155 Provisional license; requirements. (1)(a) A provisional license shall be required of all applicants for a license in speech-language pathology who cannot document a minimum of 9 months of supervised professional employment experience and a passing score on the national examination. A provisional license shall be required of all applicants for a license in audiology who cannot document a minimum of 11 months of supervised clinical experience and a passing score on the national examination. (b) Individuals who are required to hold a provisional license under paragraph (a) shall apply to the department and be certified by the board for licensure prior to initiating the professional employment experience required pursuant to s. 468.1165. (2) The department shall issue a provisional license to practice speech-language pathology to each applicant who the board certifies has: (a) Completed the application form and remitted the required fees, including a nonrefundable application fee. (b) Received a master’s degree or has completed the academic requirement of a doctoral degree program with a major emphasis in speech-language pathology from an institution of higher learning that is, or at the time the applicant was enrolled and graduated was, accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or its successor or the United States Department of Education, or from an institution that is a member in good standing with the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. An applicant who graduated from or is currently enrolled in a program at a university or college outside the United States or Canada must present documentation of the determination of equivalency of the program to standards established by an accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or its successor or the United States Department of Education in order to qualify. 1. The applicant must have completed the program requirements by academic course work, practicum experience, or laboratory or research activity, as verified by the program, including: a. Knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including their biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases. b. Knowledge of the nature of speech, language, hearing, and communication disorders and differences and swallowing disorders, including their etiologies, characteristics, anatomical or physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates, voice and resonance, including respiration and phonation, receptive and expressive language in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and manual modalities, hearing, including the impact on speech and language, swallowing, cognitive aspects of communication, social aspects of communication, and communication modalities. c. Knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people having communication and swallowing disorders, including consideration of anatomical or physiological, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates of the disorders, articulation, fluency, voice and resonance, receptive and expressive communication, hearing, swallowing, cognitive aspects of communication, social aspects of communication, and communication modalities. 2. The program must include appropriate supervised clinical experiences. The board may waive the requirements for education, practicum, and professional employment experience for an applicant who received a professional education in another country if the board is satisfied that the applicant meets the equivalent education and practicum requirements and passes the examination in speech-language pathology. (3) The department shall issue a provisional license to practice audiology to each applicant who the board certifies has: (a) Completed the application form and remitted the required fees, including a nonrefundable application fee. (b) Effective January 1, 2008, earned a doctoral degree in audiology, but has not passed the license examination required for a license in audiology or has completed the academic requirements of a doctoral degree program with a major emphasis in audiology from an institution of higher learning that is, or at the time the applicant was enrolled and graduated was, accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or its successor or the United States Department of Education, or from an institution that is a member in good standing with the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. An applicant who graduated from or is currently enrolled in a program at a university or college outside the United States or Canada must present documentation of the determination of equivalency of the program to standards established by an accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or its successor or the United States Department of Education in order to qualify. 1. The program must assure that the student obtained knowledge of foundation areas of basic body systems and processes related to hearing and balance. 2. The program must assure that the student obtained skills for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of auditory and vestibular or balance conditions and diseases. 3. The program must assure that the student can effectively communicate with patients and other health care professionals. 4. The program must assure that the student obtained knowledge of professional ethical systems as they relate to the practice of audiology. 5. The program must assure that the student obtained clinical experiences that encompass the entire scope of practice and focus on the most current evidence-based practice. The board may waive the education, practicum, and professional employment experience requirements for an applicant who received a professional education in another country if the board is satisfied that the applicant meets equivalent education and practicum requirements and passes the examination in audiology. (4) The board, by rule, shall establish requirements for the renewal of a provisional license. However, a provisional license may not exceed a period of 24 months. History. — ss. 6, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 102, ch. 92-149; s. 25, ch. 94-310; s. 113, ch. 97-264; s. 127, ch. 99-397; s. 114, ch. 2001-277; s. 1, ch. 2006-83; s. 16, ch. 2014-18. 468.1165 Professional employment experience requirement. Every applicant for licensure as a speech-language pathologist must demonstrate, prior to licensure, a minimum of 9 months of full-time professional employment, or the equivalent in part-time professional employment. Each applicant for licensure as an audiologist must demonstrate, prior to licensure, a minimum of 11 months of full-time professional employment, or the equivalent in part-time professional employment. History. — ss. 7, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 2, ch. 2006-83; s. 38, ch. 2015-4. 468.1175 Examination. A person desiring to be licensed as a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist shall apply to the appropriate examining entity for examination. A person who fails an examination may make application for reexamination to the appropriate examining entity. History. — ss. 8, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 103, ch. 92-149. 468.1185 Licensure. (1) The department shall license any applicant whom the board certifies is qualified to practice speech-language pathology or audiology and who has paid the initial licensure fee. (2) The board shall certify for licensure any applicant who has met all of the following criteria: (a) Satisfied the education and supervised clinical requirements of s. 468.1155. (b) Satisfied the professional experience requirement of s. 468.1165. (c) Passed the licensure examination required by s. 468.1175. (d) For an applicant for an audiologist license who has obtained a doctoral degree in audiology, has satisfied the education and supervised clinical requirements of paragraph (a) and the professional experience requirements of paragraph (b). (e) Submitted to background screening in accordance with s. 456.0135. (3) The board may refuse to certify any person applying for licensure under this section who is under investigation in any jurisdiction for an act which would constitute a violation of this part or chapter 456 until the investigation is complete and disciplinary proceedings have been terminated. (4) The board may refuse to certify any applicant who has violated any of the provisions of s. 468.1245. (5) A person licensed as an audiologist or a speech-language pathologist in another state who is practicing under the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact pursuant to s. 468.1335, and only within the scope provided therein, is exempt from the licensure requirements of this section. History. — ss. 9, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 114, ch. 97-264; s. 77, ch. 98-166; s. 135, ch. 2000-160; s. 3, ch. 2006-83; s. 57, ch. 2024-15; s. 16, ch. 2024-243; s. 10, ch. 2024-274. 468.1195 Renewal of license or certificate; continuing education requirements; standards for approval of continuing education providers. (1) The department shall renew a license or certificate upon receipt of the renewal application, renewal fee, and proof satisfactory to the board that the licensee or certificateholder has completed the continuing education requirements established by the board. A licensee or certificateholder who receives initial licensure or certification 6 months or less before the end of the biennial licensure cycle is exempt from the continuing education requirements for the first renewal of the license or certificate. (2) The department shall adopt rules establishing a procedure for the biennial renewal of licenses and certificates. (3) The board may prescribe by rule continuing education, not to exceed 60 hours biennially in each area of licensure or certification, as a condition for renewal of a license or a certificate. The board may establish by rule standards for the approval of such continuing education activities. The board may make exception from the requirements of continuing education in emergency or hardship cases. (4) The board may establish by rule standards for the approval of providers of continuing education activities. History. — ss. 10, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 185, ch. 94-119; s. 115, ch. 97-264. 468.1205 Inactive status; reactivation; continuing education; application procedures; renewal. (1) The board shall prescribe by rule continuing education requirements as a condition of reactivating a license or certificate. The continuing education requirements for reactivating a license or certificate may not exceed 25 contact hours for each year the license was inactive in addition to the continuing education that was required for renewal on the date the license became inactive. (2) The board shall adopt rules relating to application procedures for inactive status, the renewal of an inactive license or certificate, and the reactivation of an inactive license or certificate. History. — ss. 11, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 186, ch. 94-119. 468.1215 Speech-language pathology assistant and audiology assistant; certification. (1) The department shall issue a certificate as a speech-language pathology assistant to each applicant who the board certifies has met all of the following criteria: (a) Completed the application form and remitted the required fees, including a nonrefundable application fee. (b) Submitted to background screening in accordance with s. 456.0135. (c) Earned a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by a regional association of colleges and schools recognized by the Department of Education which includes at least 24 semester hours of coursework as approved by the board at an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. (2) The department shall issue a certificate as an audiology assistant to each applicant who the board certifies has met all of the following criteria: (a) Completed the application form and remitted the required fees, including a nonrefundable application fee. (b) Submitted to background screening in accordance with s. 456.0135. (c) Earned a high school diploma or its equivalent. (3) An audiologist or speech-language pathologist who employs a speech-language assistant or audiology assistant must provide the assistant with a plan approved by the board for on-the-job training and must maintain responsibility for all services performed by the assistant. The board, by rule, shall establish minimum education and on-the-job training and supervision requirements for certification as a speech-language pathology assistant or audiology assistant. (4) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any student, intern, or trainee performing speech-language pathology or audiology services while completing the supervised clinical experience as required in s. 468.1155. History. — ss. 12, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 26, ch. 94-310; s. 117, ch. 97-264; s. 128, ch. 99-397; s. 115, ch. 2001-277; s. 4, ch. 2006-83; s. 17, ch. 2024-243. 468.1225 Procedures, equipment, and protocols. (1) The following minimal procedures shall be used when a licensed audiologist fits and sells a prescription hearing aid: (a) Pure tone audiometric testing by air and bone to determine the type and degree of hearing deficiency when indicated. (b) Effective masking when indicated. (c) Appropriate testing to determine speech reception thresholds, speech discrimination scores, the most comfortable listening levels, uncomfortable loudness levels, and the selection of the best fitting arrangement for maximum hearing aid benefit when indicated. (2) The following equipment shall be used: (a) A wide range audiometer that meets the specifications of the American National Standards Institute for diagnostic audiometers when indicated. (b) A speech audiometer or a master hearing aid in order to determine the most comfortable listening level and speech discrimination when indicated. (3) A final fitting ensuring physical and operational comfort of the prescription hearing aid shall be made when indicated. (4) A licensed audiologist who fits and sells prescription hearing aids shall obtain the following medical clearance: If, upon inspection of the ear canal with an otoscope in the common procedure of fitting a prescription hearing aid and upon interrogation of the client, there is any recent history of infection or any observable anomaly, the client shall be instructed to see a physician, and a prescription hearing aid may not be fitted until medical clearance is obtained for the condition noted. If, upon return, the condition noted is no longer observable and the client signs a medical waiver, a prescription hearing aid may be fitted. Any person with a significant difference between bone conduction hearing and air conduction hearing must be informed of the possibility of medical or surgical correction. (5)(a) A licensed audiologist’s office must have available, or have access to, a selection of prescription hearing aid models, hearing aid supplies, and services complete enough to accommodate the various needs of the hearing aid wearers. (b) At the time of the initial examination for fitting and sale of a prescription hearing aid, the attending audiologist must notify the prospective purchaser of the benefits of telecoil, also known as “t” coil or “t” switch, technology, including increased access to telephones and noninvasive access to assistive listening systems required under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. (6) Unless otherwise indicated, each audiometric test conducted by a licensee or a certified audiology assistant in the fitting and selling of prescription hearing aids must be made in a testing room that has been certified by the department, or by an agent approved by the department, not to exceed the following sound pressure levels at the specified frequencies: 250Hz-40dB, 500Hz-40dB, 750Hz-40dB, 1000Hz-40dB, 1500Hz-42dB, 2000Hz-47dB, 3000Hz-52dB, 4000Hz-57dB, 6000Hz-62dB, and 8000Hz-67dB. An exception to this requirement shall be made in the case of a client who, after being provided written notice of the benefits and advantages of having the test conducted in a certified testing room, requests that the test be conducted in a place other than the licensee’s certified testing room. Such request must be documented by a waiver that includes the written notice and is signed by the licensee and the client before the testing. The waiver must be executed on a form provided by the department. The executed waiver must be attached to the client’s copy of the contract, and a copy of the executed waiver must be retained in the licensee’s file. (7) The board may prescribe the minimum procedures and equipment used in the conducting of hearing assessments and for the fitting and selling of prescription hearing aids. The board shall adopt and enforce rules necessary to implement this subsection and subsection (6). (8) Any duly authorized officer or employee of the department may make such inspections and investigations as necessary to determine the state of compliance with this section and the applicable rules and may enter the premises of a licensee and inspect the records of same upon reasonable belief that a violation of this law is being or has been committed or that the licensee has failed or is failing to comply with this part. History. — ss. 13, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 104, ch. 92-149; ss. 187, 330, ch. 94-119; s. 3, ch. 94-160; s. 18, ch. 2023-71. 468.1245 Itemized listing of prices; delivery of prescription hearing aid; receipt; guarantee; packaging; disclaimer. (1) Before delivery of services or products to a prospective purchaser, a licensee must disclose, upon request by the prospective purchaser, an itemized listing of prices, which must include separate price estimates for each service component and each product. Provision of such itemized listing of prices may not be predicated on the prospective purchaser’s payment of any charge or agreement to purchase any service or product. (2) Any licensee who fits and sells a prescription hearing aid shall, at the time of delivery, provide the purchaser with a receipt containing the seller’s signature, the address of his or her regular place of business, and his or her license or certification number, if applicable, together with the brand, model, manufacturer or manufacturer’s identification code, and serial number of the prescription hearing aid furnished and the amount charged for the prescription hearing aid. The receipt must also specify whether the prescription hearing aid is new, used, or rebuilt; the length of time and other terms of the guarantee; and by whom the prescription hearing aid is guaranteed. When the client has requested an itemized list of prices, the receipt must also provide an itemization of the total purchase price, including, but not limited to, the cost of the aid, ear mold, batteries, and other accessories, and the cost of any services. Notice of the availability of this service must be displayed in a conspicuous manner in the office. The receipt must also state that any complaint concerning the prescription hearing aid and its guarantee, if not reconciled with the licensee from whom the prescription hearing aid was purchased, should be directed by the purchaser to the department. The address and telephone number of such office must be stated on the receipt. (3) A prescription hearing aid may not be sold to any person unless both the packaging containing the prescription hearing aid and the contract provided pursuant to subsection (2) carry the following disclaimer in 10-point or larger type: “A hearing aid will not restore normal hearing, nor will it prevent further hearing loss.” History. — ss. 14, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 105, ch. 92-149; s. 331, ch. 94-119; s. 4, ch. 94-160; s. 269, ch. 97-103; s. 118, ch. 97-264; s. 19, ch. 2023-71. 468.1246 Thirty-day trial period; purchaser’s right to cancel; notice; refund; cancellation fee. (1) A person selling a prescription hearing aid in this state must provide the buyer with written notice of a 30-day trial period and money-back guarantee. The guarantee must permit the purchaser to cancel the purchase for a valid reason as defined by rule of the board within 30 days after receiving the prescription hearing aid, by returning the prescription hearing aid or mailing written notice of cancellation to the seller. If the prescription hearing aid must be repaired, remade, or adjusted during the 30-day trial period, the running of the 30-day trial period is suspended 1 day for each 24-hour period that the prescription hearing aid is not in the purchaser’s possession. A repaired, remade, or adjusted prescription hearing aid must be claimed by the purchaser within 3 working days after notification of availability. The running of the 30-day trial period resumes on the day the purchaser reclaims a repaired, remade, or adjusted prescription hearing aid or on the 4th day after notification of availability. (2) The board, in consultation with the Board of Hearing Aid Specialists, shall prescribe by rule the terms and conditions to be contained in the money-back guarantee and any exceptions thereto. Such rule must provide, at a minimum, that the charges for earmolds and service provided to fit the prescription hearing aid may be retained by the licensee. The rules must also set forth any reasonable charges to be held by the licensee as a cancellation fee. The terms and conditions of the guarantee, including the total amount available for refund, must be provided in writing to the purchaser before the signing of the contract. History. — s. 332, ch. 94-119; s. 5, ch. 94-160; s. 20, ch. 2023-71. 468.1255 Cancellation by medical authorization; purchaser’s right to return. (1) In addition to any other rights and remedies the purchaser of a prescription hearing aid may have, the purchaser has the right to rescind the transaction if the purchaser for whatever reason consults a licensed physician with specialty board certification in otolaryngology or internal medicine or a licensed family practice physician, subsequent to purchasing a prescription hearing aid, and the physician certifies in writing that the purchaser has a hearing impairment for which a prescription hearing aid will not provide a benefit or that the purchaser has a medical condition which contraindicates the use of a prescription hearing aid. (2) The purchaser of a prescription hearing aid has the right to rescind as provided in subsection (1) only if the purchaser gives a written notice of the intent to rescind the transaction to the seller at the seller’s place of business by certified mail, return receipt requested, which notice shall be posted not later than 60 days following the date of delivery of the prescription hearing aid to the purchaser, and the purchaser returns the prescription hearing aid to the seller in the original condition less normal wear and tear. (3) If the conditions of subsections (1) and (2) are met, the seller must, without request, refund to the purchaser, within 10 days after the receipt of notice to rescind, a full and complete refund of all moneys received, less 5 percent. The purchaser does not incur any additional liability for rescinding the transaction. History. — ss. 15, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 21, ch. 2023-71. 468.1265 Sale or distribution of prescription hearing aids through mail; penalty. It is unlawful for any person to sell or distribute prescription hearing aids through the mail to the ultimate consumer. Any person who violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. History. — ss. 16, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 106, ch. 92-149; s. 37, ch. 95-144; s. 22, ch. 2023-71. 468.1275 Place of business; display of license. Each licensee who fits and sells a prescription hearing aid shall declare and establish a regular place of business, at which his or her license shall be conspicuously displayed. History. — ss. 17, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 270, ch. 97-103; s. 23, ch. 2023-71. 468.1285 Prohibitions; penalties. (1) No person shall knowingly: (a) Practice speech-language pathology or audiology, unless the person is licensed pursuant to this part. (b) Use terms such as, but not limited to: “speech pathologist,” “speech therapy,” “speech therapist,” “speech correction,” “speech correctionist,” “speech clinic,” “speech clinician,” “language pathology,” “language pathologist,” “voice therapist,” “voice pathology,” “voice pathologist,” “logopedics,” “logopedist,” “communicology,” “communicologist,” “cognitive communication therapy,” “cognitive communication therapist,” “aphasiologist,” or “phoniatrist,” or any title, designation, words, letters, abbreviations, or device tending to indicate that such person holds an active license as a speech-language pathologist when the person is not licensed as a speech-language pathologist pursuant to this part. (c) Use terms such as, but not limited to: “audiology,” “audiologist,” “audiometrist,” “audiological,” “hearing therapy,” “hearing therapist,” “hearing clinic,” “hearing clinician,” “hearing aid audiologist,” “aural habilitationalist,” “aural rehabilitationalist,” or any title, designation, words, letters, abbreviations, or device tending to indicate that such person holds an active license as an audiologist when the person is not licensed as an audiologist pursuant to this part. (d) Present as his or her own the license of another. (e) Use or attempt to use a license to practice speech-language pathology or audiology which has been suspended, revoked, or placed on inactive or delinquent status. (f) Give false or forged evidence to the board or a member thereof. (g) Employ unlicensed persons in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology. (h) Sell or fraudulently obtain or furnish any speech-language pathology or audiology diploma, license, or record of registration, or aid or abet in the same. (i) Conceal information relative to violations of this part. (2) Any person who is convicted of a violation of this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. History. — ss. 18, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 188, ch. 94-119; s. 271, ch. 97-103. 468.1295 Disciplinary proceedings. (1) The following acts constitute grounds for denial of a license or disciplinary action, as specified in s. 456.072(2) or s. 468.1335: (a) Procuring, or attempting to procure, a license by bribery, by fraudulent misrepresentation, or through an error of the department or the board. (b) Having a license revoked, suspended, or otherwise acted against, including denial of licensure, by the licensing authority of another state, territory, or country. (c) Being convicted or found guilty of, or entering a plea of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction which directly relates to the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology. (d) Making or filing a report or record which the licensee knows to be false, intentionally or negligently failing to file a report or records required by state or federal law, willfully impeding or obstructing such filing, or inducing another person to impede or obstruct such filing. Such report or record shall include only those reports or records which are signed in one’s capacity as a licensed speech-language pathologist or audiologist. (e) Advertising goods or services in a manner which is fraudulent, false, deceptive, or misleading in form or content. (f) Being proven guilty of fraud or deceit or of negligence, incompetency, or misconduct in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology. (g) Violating a lawful order of the board or department previously entered in a disciplinary hearing, or failing to comply with a lawfully issued subpoena of the board or department. (h) Practicing with a revoked, suspended, inactive, or delinquent license. (i) Using, or causing or promoting the use of, any advertising matter, promotional literature, testimonial, guarantee, warranty, label, brand, insignia, or other representation, however disseminated or published, which is misleading, deceiving, or untruthful. (j) Showing or demonstrating or, in the event of sale, delivery of a product unusable or impractical for the purpose represented or implied by such action. (k) Failing to submit to the board on an annual basis, or such other basis as may be provided by rule, certification of testing and calibration of such equipment as designated by the board and on the form approved by the board. (l) Aiding, assisting, procuring, employing, or advising any licensee or business entity to practice speech-language pathology or audiology contrary to this part, chapter 456, or any rule adopted pursuant thereto. (m) Misrepresenting the professional services available in the fitting, sale, adjustment, service, or repair of a hearing aid, or using any other term or title which might connote the availability of professional services when such use is not accurate. (n) Representing, advertising, or implying that a hearing aid or its repair is guaranteed without providing full disclosure of the identity of the guarantor; the nature, extent, and duration of the guarantee; and the existence of conditions or limitations imposed upon the guarantee. (o) Representing, directly or by implication, that a hearing aid utilizing bone conduction has certain specified features, such as the absence of anything in the ear or leading to the ear, or the like, without disclosing clearly and conspicuously that the instrument operates on the bone conduction principle and that in many cases of hearing loss this type of instrument may not be suitable. (p) Stating or implying that the use of any hearing aid will improve or preserve hearing or prevent or retard the progression of a hearing impairment or that it will have any similar or opposite effect. (q) Making any statement regarding the cure of the cause of a hearing impairment by the use of a hearing aid. (r) Representing or implying that a hearing aid is or will be “custom-made,” “made to order,” or “prescription-made,” or in any other sense specially fabricated for an individual, when such is not the case. (s) Canvassing from house to house or by telephone, either in person or by an agent, for the purpose of selling a hearing aid, except that contacting persons who have evidenced an interest in hearing aids, or have been referred as in need of hearing aids, shall not be considered canvassing. (t) Failing to notify the department in writing of a change in current mailing and place-of-practice address within 30 days after such change. (u) Failing to provide all information as described in ss. 468.1225(5)(b), 468.1245(1), and 468.1246. (v) Exercising influence on a client in such a manner as to exploit the client for financial gain of the licensee or of a third party. (w) Practicing or offering to practice beyond the scope permitted by law or accepting and performing professional responsibilities the licensee or certificateholder knows, or has reason to know, the licensee or certificateholder is not competent to perform. (x) Aiding, assisting, procuring, or employing any unlicensed person to practice speech-language pathology or audiology. (y) Delegating or contracting for the performance of professional responsibilities by a person when the licensee delegating or contracting for performance of such responsibilities knows, or has reason to know, such person is not qualified by training, experience, and authorization to perform them. (z) Committing any act upon a patient or client which would constitute sexual battery or which would constitute sexual misconduct as defined pursuant to s. 468.1296. (aa) Being unable to practice the profession for which he or she is licensed or certified under this chapter with reasonable skill or competence as a result of any mental or physical condition or by reason of illness, drunkenness, or use of drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other substance. In enforcing this paragraph, upon a finding by the State Surgeon General, his or her designee, or the board that probable cause exists to believe that the licensee or certificateholder is unable to practice the profession because of the reasons stated in this paragraph, the department shall have the authority to compel a licensee or certificateholder to submit to a mental or physical examination by a physician, psychologist, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or mental health counselor designated by the department or board. If the licensee or certificateholder refuses to comply with the department’s order directing the examination, such order may be enforced by filing a petition for enforcement in the circuit court in the circuit in which the licensee or certificateholder resides or does business. The department shall be entitled to the summary procedure provided in s. 51.011. A licensee or certificateholder affected under this paragraph shall at reasonable intervals be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate that he or she can resume the competent practice for which he or she is licensed or certified with reasonable skill and safety to patients. (bb) Violating any provision of this chapter or chapter 456, or any rules adopted pursuant thereto. (2)(a) The board may enter an order denying licensure or imposing any of the penalties in s. 456.072(2) against any applicant for licensure or licensee who is found guilty of violating any provision of subsection (1) of this section or who is found guilty of violating any provision of s. 456.072(1). (b) The board may take adverse action against an audiologist’s or a speech-language pathologist’s compact privilege under the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact pursuant to s. 468.1335 and may impose any of the penalties in s. 456.072(2) if an audiologist or a speech-language pathologist commits an act specified in subsection (1) or s. 456.072(1). (3) The department shall reissue the license or certificate which has been suspended or revoked upon certification by the board that the licensee or certificateholder has complied with all of the terms and conditions set forth in the final order. History. — ss. 19, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 189, ch. 94-119; s. 119, ch. 97-264; s. 78, ch. 98-166; s. 136, ch. 2000-160; s. 46, ch. 2000-318; s. 37, ch. 2001-277; s. 13, ch. 2005-240; s. 89, ch. 2008-6; s. 58, ch. 2024-15. 468.1296 Sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct by any person licensed or certified in the practice of his or her profession is prohibited. Sexual misconduct means to induce or to attempt to induce the patient to engage, or to engage or to attempt to engage the patient, in sexual activity outside the scope of practice or the scope of generally accepted examination or treatment of the patient. History. — s. 120, ch. 97-264. 468.1315 Saving clauses. (1) No judicial or administrative proceeding pending pursuant to part I of chapter 468, Florida Statutes, 1989, on October 1, 1990, shall be abated as a result of the repeal of ss. 468.139, 468.140, 468.141, 468.142, 468.1425, 468.143, 468.144, 468.145, 468.146, 468.147, 468.148, and 468.149. In any such unabated proceeding, the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and the department shall be deemed parties in interest and shall be made parties to the proceeding. (2) Certificates of registration and provisional registration issued pursuant to part I of chapter 468, Florida Statutes 1989, which are in effect on September 30, 1990, shall remain in effect pursuant to the provisions of this part. History. — ss. 21, 31, ch. 90-134; s. 21, ch. 90-341; ss. 1, 10, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 132, ch. 94-218. 468.1335 Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact is hereby enacted into law and entered into by this state with all other states legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows: ARTICLE I PURPOSE (1) The purpose of the compact is to facilitate the interstate practice of audiology and speech-language pathology with the goal of improving public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services. (2) The practice of audiology and speech-language pathology occurs in the state where the patient, client, or student is located at the time the services are provided. (3) The compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect the public health and safety through the current system of state licensure. (4) The compact is designed to achieve all of the following objectives: (a) Increase public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses. (b) Enhance the states’ abilities to protect public health and safety. (c) Encourage the cooperation of member states in regulating multistate audiology and speech-language pathology practices. (d) Support spouses of relocating active duty military personnel. (e) Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary information between member states. (f) Allow a remote state to hold a licensee with compact privilege in that state accountable to that state’s practice standards. (g) Allow for the use of telehealth technology to facilitate increased access to audiology and speech-language pathology services. ARTICLE II DEFINITIONS As used in the compact, the term: (1) “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. chapters 1209 and 1211. (2) “Adverse action” means any administrative, civil, equitable, or criminal action permitted by a state’s laws which is imposed by a licensing board against a licensee, 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. (3) “Alternative program” means a nondisciplinary monitoring process approved by an audiology licensing board or a speech-language pathology licensing board to address impaired licensees. (4) “Audiologist” means an individual who is licensed by a state to practice audiology. (5) “Audiology” means the care and services provided by a licensed audiologist as provided in the member state’s rules and regulations. (6) “Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact Commission” or “commission” means the national administrative body whose membership consists of all states that have enacted the compact. (7) “Audiology licensing board” means the agency of a state which is responsible for the licensing and regulation of audiologists. (8) “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 rules and regulations. The practice of audiology or speech-language pathology occurs in the member state where the patient, client, or student is located at the time the services are provided. (9) “Current significant investigative information,” “investigative materials,” “investigative records,” or “investigative reports” means 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. (10) “Data system” means a repository of information relating to licensees, including, but not limited to, continuing education, examination, licensure, investigative, compact privilege, and adverse action information. (11) “Encumbered license” means a license in which an adverse action restricts the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology by the licensee and the adverse action has been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank. (12) “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. (13) “Home state” means the member state that is the licensee’s primary state of residence. (14) “Impaired licensee” means a licensee whose professional practice is adversely affected by substance abuse, addiction, or other health-related conditions. (15) “Licensee” means a person who is licensed by his or her home state to practice as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist. (16) “Licensing board” means the agency of a state which is responsible for the licensing and regulation of audiologists or speech-language pathologists. (17) “Member state” means a state that has enacted the compact. (18) “Privilege to practice” means the legal authorization to practice audiology or speech-language pathology in a remote state. (19) “Remote state” means a member state, other than the home state, where a licensee is exercising or seeking to exercise his or her compact privilege. (20) “Rule” means a regulation, principle, or directive adopted by the commission which has the force of law. (21) “Single-state license” means an audiology or speech-language pathology license issued by a member state which authorizes practice only within the issuing state and does not include a privilege to practice in any other member state. (22) “Speech-language pathologist” means an individual who is licensed to practice speech-language pathology. (23) “Speech-language pathology” means the care and services provided by a licensed speech-language pathologist as provided in the member state’s rules and regulations. (24) “Speech-language pathology licensing board” means the agency of a state which is responsible for the licensing and regulation of speech-language pathologists. (25) “State” means any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United States of America which regulates the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology. (26) “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. (27) “Telehealth” means the application of telecommunication technology to deliver audiology or speech-language pathology services at a distance for assessment, intervention, or consultation. ARTICLE III STATE PARTICIPATION (1) A license issued to an audiologist or speech-language pathologist by a home state to a resident in that state must 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. (2) A state must implement procedures for considering the criminal history records of applicants for initial privilege to practice. These procedures must include the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information by applicants for the purpose of obtaining an applicant’s criminal history records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the agency responsible for retaining that state’s criminal history records. (a) A member state must fully implement a criminal history records check procedure, within a timeframe established by rule, which requires the member state to receive an applicant’s criminal history records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the agency responsible for retaining the member state’s criminal history records and use such records in making licensure decisions. (b) Communication between a member state, the commission, and other member states regarding the verification of eligibility for licensure through the compact may not include any information received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation relating to a criminal history records check performed by a member state under Pub. L. No. 92-544. (3) Upon application for a privilege to practice, the licensing board in the issuing remote state must determine, 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, and whether any adverse action has been taken against any license or privilege to practice held by the applicant. (4) Each member state must require an applicant to obtain or retain a license in his or her home state and meet the home state’s qualifications for licensure or renewal of licensure and all other applicable state laws. (5) Each member state must require that an applicant meet all of the following criteria to receive the privilege to practice as an audiologist in the member state: (a) One of the following educational requirements: 1. On or before December 31, 2007, has graduated with a master’s degree or doctoral degree in audiology, or an equivalent degree, regardless of the name of such degree, 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; 2. On or after January 1, 2008, has graduated with a doctoral degree in audiology, or an equivalent degree, regardless of the name of such degree, 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 unive