Statement of Scope
Hearing and Speech Examining Board
1. Finding/nature of emergency (Emergency Rule only):
N/A
2. Detailed description of the objective of the proposed rule:
The objective of the rule is to provide greater clarity for hearing instrument specialists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and temporary licensees regarding the practice of telehealth.
3. Description of the existing policies relevant to the rule, new policies proposed to be included in the rule, and an analysis of policy alternatives:
The current rules do not include provisions related to telehealth. The proposed rule will include a definition of telehealth; specify hearing instrument specialists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and temporary licensees are to hold a Wisconsin license in order to treat patients located in Wisconsin; and hold licensees to the same standards of conduct regardless of whether the services are provided in person or by telehealth.
4. Detailed explanation of statutory authority for the rule (including the statutory citation and language):
Each examining board shall promulgate rules for its own guidance and for the guidance of the trade or profession to which it pertains, and define and enforce professional conduct and unethical practices not inconsistent with the law relating to the particular trade or profession. [s. 15.08 (5) (b), Stats.] The examining board may make rules not inconsistent with the laws of this state which are necessary to carry out the intent of this chapter. [s. 459.12(1), Stats.] The examining board may reprimand a licensee or permittee or deny, limit, suspend or revoke a license or permit under this subchapter if it finds that the applicant, licensee or permittee has been engaged in unprofessional conduct as defined by rule by the examining board. [s. 459.34 (2)(h, Stats.)] 5. Estimate of amount of time that state employees will spend developing the rule and of other resources necessary to develop the rule:
60 hours
6. List with description of all entities that may be affected by the proposed rule:
Hearing instrument specialists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and temporary licensees practicing telehealth and their patients.
7. Summary and preliminary comparison with any existing or proposed federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule:
None.
8. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have a significant economic impact on small businesses):
This rule is not likely to have a significant economic impact on small businesses.
Contact Person: Kassandra Walbrun, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, office phone: (608) 261-4463.
