1110 Department of Consumer Affairs, Boards
Program Descriptions

65 - SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY BOARD

The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board licenses and regulates Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. Thousands of California citizens experience congenital or acquired speech, language, hearing, swallowing and balance disorders. The Board protects consumers by requiring adherence to statutes and regulations designed to ensure the qualifications and competency of providers of speech-language pathology and audiology services. In addition to ensuring minimum educational requirements, the Board oversees a continuing professional development program to maintain clinical relevance. The Board is also responsible for protecting consumers from unlicensed, incompetent and unethical practitioners by investigating complaints regarding possible violations of the laws and regulations.

Unless legislation is enacted to extend the Board's sunset date, it will become a bureau directly under the Department of Consumer Affairs, effective July 1, 2008, pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 101.1(b).