Statement of Scope
HEARING AND SPEECH EXAMINING BOARD
Relating to: | Audiometric Testing and Reciprocal Licensure |
1. Finding/nature of emergency (Emergency Rule only):
N/A
2. Detailed description of the objective of the proposed rule:
The objective of this rule is to update references on audiometric testing standards that are outdated in HAS 4.03(1) and (Note), as well as requirements for audiologist licensure that are not in line with current practice for the profession in HAS 6.04 (6) (a) and (b) and 6.07 (2) (b) 2. This rule will also implement 2019 Wisconsin Act 143. 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 above changes were identified in the Board’s recent biennial report to the legislature under s. 227.29. Updating standards for audiometric testing and clarifying licensure requirements will benefit current credential holders and applicants entering the hearing instrument specialist or audiology profession. 2019 Wisconsin Act 143 entitles service members, former service members who were discharged within the prior four years under conditions other than dishonorable, and spouses of service members or former service members to obtain a credential if the person resides in Wisconsin and is in good standing with the governmental authorities in every jurisdiction outside Wisconsin that have granted the individual a credential that qualifies the individual to perform acts authorized under the appropriate credential granted by the department or credentialing board. The license may be renewed indefinitely. 4. Detailed explanation of statutory authority for the rule (including the statutory citation and language):
Section 15.08 (5) (b), Stats.: 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. Section 440.09(5), Stats.: [t]he department or credentialing board, as appropriate, may promulgate rules necessary to implement this section. Section 459.085, Stats.: Audiometric equipment used in the evaluation of hearing sensitivity for the fitting and sale of hearing aids shall be calibrated periodically, as specified by rule by the examining board. Section 459.12 (1), 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. Section 459.26 (2)(am), Stats.: The examining board shall by rule select and approve examinations for audiology. Section 459.28 (2), Stats.: The examining board may enter into reciprocal agreements with officials of other states or territories of the United States for licensing speech-language pathologists and audiologists and grant licenses to applicants who are licensed in those states or territories according to the terms of the reciprocal agreements. 5. Estimate of amount of time that state employees will spend developing the rule and of other resources necessary to develop the rule:
The staff time needed to develop the rules is expected to be about 80 hours, depending on the complexity. The agency will utilize existing staff. There are no other resources necessary to develop the rules.
6. List with description of all entities that may be affected by the proposed rule:
Hearing Instrument Specialist, Audiologist, and Speech-Language Pathologist Credential holders; Service members, former service members, and their spouses seeking credentials as Hearing Instrument Specialists, Audiologists, or Speech-Language Pathologists in Wisconsin.
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):
The proposed rule will have minimal to no economic impact on small businesses and the state’s economy as a whole.
