State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
FAQ's-License/Renewal

NOTE: The random audit for compliance with the continuing education requirements does not apply to reactivation of an inactive license or for late renewal of a license.

Q. I was not selected for audit. Does this mean I can apply the hours I earned for this renewal to the next year's renewal?

A. No. Continuing education hours are required for annual license renewal whether or not you are selected for audit.

Q. How many hours of continuing education must I earn for renewal? What is a CEU?

A. Continuing Education Hours Required:
* Twenty clock hours (two CEUs) must be earn to renew a license issued for a two-year renewal period;
* Dual licensees are required to earn thirty clock hours (three CEUs) to renew a license issue for a two-year renewal period.
* If a dual licensee wishes to renew only one license, 20 hours must be earned,
* A maximum of 10 additional clock hours may be accrued during a license period to be applied to the next consecutive renewal period;
* any continuing education hours earned before the original effective date of a license being renewed are not acceptable nor will the hours accrue;
Note: Any hours earned during the period of time an intern license was held may not be used to meet the continuing education requirement to renew a speech-language pathology or audiology license once issued.

Q. I earned continuing education hours while I was an intern. Can I use these hours to renew the speech-language pathology license which I now hold?

A. No. Any hours earned during the period of time an intern license was held may not be used to meet the continuing education requirement to renew a speech-language pathology or audiology license once issued. Continuing education hours must be earned after the effective date of the license being renewed.

Q. I want to attend a conference that does not have continuing education approval from an ASHA sponsor. Will it be possible to count the CEU's?

A. Perhaps. You must request an Independent Study within a specific time frame. Independent Study sponsors are listed On the Board website.

Q. Can I count a professional presentation that I prepared and presented for continuing education credit toward my 10-hour annual requirement? If I repeat the two-hour presentation, can I get credit for it each time?

A. The Board has ruled that a presenter may receive credit for the first time the information is presented if it is a relevant professional topic and the event has received approval from an ASHA Sponsor. In order to count it a second time, the presentation must be substantially different than the original presentation, including new information and preparation. The presenter must be prepared to show proof of "significant difference" if it is submitted for continuing education credit a second time. If the event was not approved by an ASHA Sponsor, you must contact one of the CE Approved Sponsors for Independent Study listed in the Board website for approval.

Q: What is the role of the radiologist in conducting the videofluoroscopic swallowing function study, commonly referred to as the “modified barium swallow?

A: Typically, the radiographic study is conducted by a speech-language pathologist, in conjunction with a radiologist or another physician who is knowledgeable regarding radiation safety and techniques. The speech-language pathologist’s responsibilities usually include administration and modification of the bolus material, positioning of the patient, examining compensatory swallow maneuvers, and interpretation of the physiology of the swallow. The speech-language pathologist should identify the causes and symptoms of dysphagia, make decisions about the safety of oral feeding, and recommend a plan of treatment for the dysphagia. The physician has primary responsibility for making a medical diagnosis and for identifying masses and structural deviations.

Q. May an assistant SLP be assigned service coordination duties in an Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program?

A. Yes, an assistant SLP may assist families in locating resources and completing paperwork, and perform other tasks that are typically assigned to service coordinators.

Q. In Early Childhood Intervention programs, a professional other than an SLP (e.g., OT, PT, educator) may perform a comprehensive assessment of an infant or toddler and identify developmental delays in communication skills. Does this mean that the infant or toddler automatically qualifies for speech-language therapy?

A. No. When other professionals evaluate an infant or toddler and provide an “informed clinical opinion”, indicating the child shows a developmental delay or atypical development in the area of communication, this information may be used to determine a child’s eligibility for the ECI program. However, only the licensed SLP is authorized to diagnose a speech-language disorder and determine if the child is a candidate for speech-language therapy.

Q. May the public schools employ a substitute to fill in when the speech-language pathologist or assistant is not available?

A. The only substitute that may be employed is one who holds a current, valid speech-language pathology, intern in speech-language pathology or assistant in speech-language pathology license or one who holds the Texas Education Agency's certificate in speech and hearing therapy. Occupation Code, 401.301 requires an individual to hold a license to practice in Texas. Exemptions are listed in Sections 401.051-401.060.

Q. I have been told by my employer to keep my therapy records in such a manner as to have it appear that I have given individual therapy to children I have seen in group therapy. This helps the school district collect more money from SHARS, but this sounds like fraud to me. What will happen if my records are investigated?

A. What you described is unethical and you could possibly have your license suspended if you were investigated and found in violation of the Code of Ethics. Your records must be accurate relative to the duration, dates, and type of services performed.

Q. Is a license required to practice speech-language pathology in Texas public schools?

A. The Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 401.054, states that the licensure law “does not prevent or restrict the activities and services or the use of an official title by a person who is certified in speech-language pathology by the Texas Education Agency if the person only performs speech-language pathology or audiology services as part of the person's duties within an agency, institution, or organization under the jurisdiction of the Texas Education Agency.” The Texas Education Agency no longer issues certificates in speech-language therapy, but individuals who hold a lifetime TEA certificate in speech and hearing therapy or speech-language therapy are allowed to practice in public schools without a license.