BEFORE THE BOARD OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE

  PATHOLOGISTS AND AUDIOLOGISTS

  DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY

  STATE OF MONTANA

 

In the matter of the amendment of ARM 24.222.502 speech-language pathologist and audiologist licenses, 24.222.504 military training or experience, 24.222.506 licensure of out-of-state applicants, 24.222.510 examinations, 24.222.916 establishing the practitioner-patient relationship, 24.222.920 competence – practice limits – maintenance and retention of records, 24.222.2102 continuing education – speech-language pathologists and audiologists; the adoption of New Rule I nonroutine applications; and the repeal of ARM 24.222.404 board standards and policy, 24.222.501 applications for license, 24.222.503 qualifications for active temporary license, 24.222.507 temporary practice permits, 24.222.2101 policy, 24.222.2103 continuing education definitions, 24.222.2115 renewals, and 24.222.2401 complaint procedure

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENT, ADOPTION, AND REPEAL

 

TO: All Concerned Persons

 

            1. On June 20, 2017, at 9:00 a.m., a public hearing will be held in the Small Conference Room, 301 South Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, Montana, to consider the proposed amendment, adoption, and repeal of the above-stated rules.

 

            2. The Department of Labor and Industry (department) will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in this public hearing or need an alternative accessible format of this notice. If you require an accommodation, contact the Board of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (board) no later than 5:00 p.m., on June 13, 2017, to advise us of the nature of the accommodation that you need. Please contact Lucy Richards, Board of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, 301 South Park Avenue, P.O. Box 200513, Helena, Montana 59620-0513; telephone (406) 841-2394; Montana Relay 1 (800) 253-4091; TDD (406) 444-2978; facsimile (406) 841-2305; or dlibsdslp@mt.gov (board's e-mail).

 

            3. GENERAL STATEMENT OF REASONABLE NECESSITY: Following an in-depth review of the board's statutes and rules, the board is proposing revisions throughout the rules. The board is amending these rules to eliminate outdated, redundant, and unnecessary provisions, and to provide consistency, simplicity, better organization, and ease of use for licensees, educators, program administrators, and the general public.  Where additional specific bases for a proposed action exist, the board will identify those reasons immediately following that rule.

 

            4. The rules proposed to be amended are as follows, stricken matter interlined, new matter underlined:

 

            24.222.502 QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST AND AUDIOLOGIST LICENSES (1) To be eligible for licensing by the board as a speech-language pathologist, the applicant Applicants for licensure must submit a completed application on forms provided by the department, electronically or by paper. Completed applications include appropriate fees and required documentation.

            (2) Applicants for speech-language pathologist licensure without a current certificate of clinical competence granted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association must:

            (a) have completed a minimum of 75 semester hours of post-baccalaureate study that culminates in a minimum of a master's degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or its equivalent. The transcript must be certified and sent directly from the school; The graduate education in speech-language pathology must be initiated and completed in a program approved by the licensure board;

            (b) demonstrate skills in oral and written communication, knowledge of ethical standards, research principles, and current professional and regulatory issues;

            (c) (b)  during the graduate degree program, have completed a supervised clinical practicum experience that encompasses the breadth of the current scope of practice with both adults and children, resulting in a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised practicum, of which at least 375 hours must be in direct client/patient contact and 25 hours of clinical observation;

            (d) (c)  following graduation from the post-graduate degree program, have completed a 36-week speech-language pathology supervised professional experience clinical experience that establishes a collaboration between the clinical fellow and a mentor; and

            (e) (d)  pass a speech pathology examination examinations as determined by the board in ARM 24.222.510.

            (2) An applicant will be deemed to have met the requirements of (1)(a) through (e) by submitting proof of a current certificate of clinical competence.

            (3) Applicants for speech-language pathologist licensure with a current certificate of clinical competence as granted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or its equivalent are deemed to have met the requirements of (2)(a) through (c). These applicants must:

            (a) submit proof of the Certificate of Clinical Competence; and

            (b) pass the state jurisprudence exam as described in ARM 24.222.510.

            (3) (4)  In order to be licensed by the board as an audiologist an applicant shall Applicants for audiologist licensure must:

            (a) possess have a minimum of a Doctor of Audiology degree (Au.D.) or a Ph.D. in audiology, from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or its equivalent. The transcript must be certified and sent directly from the school an accredited program approved by the board; and

            (b) pass examinations as determined by the board in ARM 24.222.510 an audiology examination as determined by the board.

            (c) (5)  If the applicant is a holder of a valid Montana license prior to January 1, 2007, and maintains that license in good standing, the applicant will not be required to obtain a doctorate to maintain licensure to practice audiology in the future.  An audiologist licensed prior to January 1, 2007, who maintains that license in good standing is not required to obtain a doctorate.

            (6) Incomplete applications will automatically expire one year from the date the fee was received. If an application expires, the applicant must reapply and pay all appropriate fees.

 

            AUTH: 37-1-131, 37-15-202, 37-15-303, MCA

            IMP:     37-1-131, 37-15-301, 37-15-303, MCA

 

REASON: The board determined it is reasonably necessary to amend this rule regarding the application process to align with current standardized department procedures for licensure application processing. The board is further amending this rule to ensure the educational requirements align with national standards while allowing for flexibility of accreditation criteria over which the board has no control.

            The 2017 Montana Legislature enacted Chapter 90, Laws of 2017 (House Bill 347), an act revising speech-language pathologist or audiologist licensing laws and providing for a limited speech-language pathologist or audiologist license. The bill was signed by the Governor and became effective on March 23, 2017. The board is amending (2)(c) to utilize "supervised professional experience," per the legislation.

            Authority and implementation citations are being amended to accurately reflect all statutes implemented through the rule and provide the complete sources of the board's rulemaking authority.

 

            24.222.504 MILITARY TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE (1) and (2) remain the same.

            (3) An applicant must submit satisfactory evidence of receiving military training, service, or education that is equivalent to relevant licensure requirements as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. At a minimum, satisfactory Satisfactory evidence shall include includes:

            (a) a copy of the applicant's military discharge document (DD 214 or other discharge documentation);

            (b) through (4) remain the same.

 

            AUTH: 37-1-145, MCA

            IMP:     37-1-145, MCA

 

REASON: Following adoption of this rule, it came to the board's attention that certain military personnel (i.e., reservists and national guardsmen who have never been activated) do not receive a DD 214 form upon their discharge from the military. It is reasonably necessary to amend this rule to allow applicants to submit other discharge documentation in lieu of the DD 214 form.

 

            24.222.506 LICENSURE OF OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANTS (1) A license to practice speech-language pathology or audiology in the state of Montana may be issued at the discretion of the board provided the applicant completes and files with the board an application for licensure and the required application fee. The applicant shall: Applicants for licensure as speech-language pathologists or audiologists who are currently licensed in another state or jurisdiction must submit a completed application on forms provided by the department, electronically or by paper. Completed applications include appropriate fees and required documentation.

            (2) Applicants must:

            (a) hold a current, active license in good standing to practice speech-language pathology or audiology in another state or jurisdiction whose standards at the time of application are substantially equivalent to Montana standards valid and unrestricted license to practice speech-language pathology or audiology in another state or jurisdiction, upon determination by the board that the other state's or jurisdiction's license standards at the time of application to this state are substantially equivalent to or greater than current standards in this state. Official written verification of such licensure status must be received by the board directly from the other state(s) or jurisdiction(s);

            (b) supply a copy of the certified transcript sent directly from a college, university, or institution approved by the board, including those programs accredited by the American Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology have graduated from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or its equivalent. The transcript must be certified and sent directly from the school; and

            (c) supply proof of successful completion of a currently accepted national examination.

            (c) have passed the national exam as described in ARM 24.222.510; and

            (d) pass the state jurisprudence exam as described in ARM 24.222.510.

            (2) (3)  An applicant Applicants with a current certificate of clinical competence as granted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or its equivalent will be deemed to have met the requirements of (1)(2)(b) and (c) by submitting proof of a current certificate of clinical competence.

            (3) (4)  An audiologist currently licensed in another state or jurisdiction who was granted that license prior to January 1, 2007, will not be required to obtain a doctorate to qualify for licensure to practice audiology in Montana if the license If an applicant for audiologist licensure is the holder of a valid and unrestricted license to practice audiology in another state, which was issued under standards substantially equivalent to or greater than current standards in this state Montana prior to January 1, 2007, the applicant will not be required to obtain a doctorate to qualify for licensure to practice audiology in the future in this state.

            (5) Incomplete applications will automatically expire one year from the date the fee was received. If an application expires, the applicant must reapply and pay all appropriate fees.

 

            AUTH: 37-1-131, 37-15-202, MCA

            IMP:     37-1-304, MCA

 

REASON: The amendments to this rule are necessary to clarify that out-of-state applicants must pass the state jurisprudence exam in addition to the national exam. The board determined it is reasonably necessary to amend this rule regarding the application process to align with current standardized department procedures for licensure application processing. Authority citations are being amended to accurately reflect the statutory sources of the board's rulemaking authority and remove an erroneous citation.

 

            24.222.510 EXAMINATIONS (1) Applicants shall take and pass a board accepted national examination. Speech-language pathologist and audiologist applicants must pass the following examinations:

            (a) the national Praxis exams in speech-language pathology or audiology or their equivalents.  Test results must be sent directly to the board from the testing agency; and

            (b) a jurisprudence examination prescribed by the board covering the statutes and rules governing the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology in Montana.

     (2) The applicant shall ensure that the score on the national examination is forwarded to the board. Applicants shall be notified of the board's decision concerning the examination following receipt of the examination score by the board.

            (3) (2)  Applicants shall also take and pass a jurisprudence examination as prescribed by the board, which measures the competence of the applicant regarding the statutes and rules governing the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology in Montana. The jurisprudence examination must be passed with a score of 95 80 percent or greater. Any applicant who fails the jurisprudence examination may retake the examination two subsequent times. After a third failure, the applicant shall petition the board for each future reexamination.

 

            AUTH: 37-1-131, 37-15-202, MCA

            IMP:     37-1-131, 37-15-303, MCA

 

REASON:  The board is amending this rule to address applicant confusion by clarifying that both the national exam and the state jurisprudence exam are required for licensure. Additionally, the board is reducing the jurisprudence exam minimum passage rate from 95 to 80 percent.  The board determined that 80 percent proficiency was sufficient understanding of the board laws and rules.

            It is reasonably necessary to amend this rule to allow applicants to take the jurisprudence exam until passing and without petitioning the board for retakes. The purpose of the jurisprudence exam is to ensure that licensees understand the board laws and rules prior to licensure. The board concluded that it is not reasonable nor a prudent use of the board's resources to limit the number of attempts.

 

            24.222.916 ESTABLISHING THE PRACTITIONER-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP (1) A practitioner-patient relationship may commence via telepractice following a practitioner's in-person evaluation of the prospective patient to assess the patient's:

            (a) remains the same.

            (b) candidacy for telepractice, including behavioral, physical, and cognitive abilities to participate in telepractice services. Telepractice services may be provided by the patient's evaluator or another qualified speech-language pathologist or audiologist by the board.

            (2) and (3) remain the same.

 

            AUTH: 37-1-131, 37-15-202, MCA

            IMP:     37-1-131, 37-15-102, 37-15-202, 37-15-314, 37-15-315, MCA

 

REASON: The board determined it is reasonably necessary to amend this rule as the board does not issue a separate telepractice license.  The board concluded that requiring in-person initial evaluations is unduly restrictive based on national telepractice/telehealth standards and creates a different standard of practice for speech-language pathology and audiology via telepractice.  The board decided that the public is adequately protected by allowing licensees to use their professional judgment in determining the best approach for evaluation and care.

 

            24.222.920 COMPETENCE – PRACTICE LIMITS – MAINTENANCE AND RETENTION OF RECORDS (1)  A licensee using telepractice to deliver services shall:

            (a) complete four hours of board-approved telepractice training prior to engaging in telepractice in Montana;

            (b) through (f) remain the same but are renumbered (a) through (e).

            (2) remains the same.

 

            AUTH: 37-1-131, 37-15-202, MCA

            IMP:     37-1-131, 37-15-102, 37-15-202, 37-15-314, 37-15-315, MCA

 

REASON: The board determined it is reasonably necessary to amend this rule as the board does not issue a separate telepractice license and does not evaluate individual competency before allowing a licensee to engage in telepractice.  The board believes that telepractice competency requirements are adequately encompassed by this rule, licensees' general scope of practice, and standards for professional conduct. The board concluded that it is redundant and unnecessary to require specific training for telepractice.

 

            24.222.2102 CONTINUING EDUCATION – SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS AND AUDIOLOGISTS REQUIREMENTS (1) Each licensee shall affirm completion of the required continuing education before February 1 of each odd-numbered year, on the renewal form. The board will randomly audit 10 percent of the renewed licensees' continuing education submitted each odd-numbered year. Certificates of completion for continuing education credits reported must be submitted upon request of the board. Continuing education consists of educational activities designed to:

            (a) review existing concepts and techniques;

            (b) convey information beyond the basic professional education; and

            (c) update knowledge on advances in speech-language pathology or audiology practices.

            (2) Continuing education units are required as follows Licensees are required to obtain the following continuing education hours annually, prior to renewal on February 1:

            (a) ten continuing education hours for speech-language pathology or audiology - 40 continuing education units (CEU).; or

            (b)  15 continuing education hours for dual licensure in speech-language pathology and audiology, with at least five hours each in speech-language pathology and audiology - 50 continuing education units, 25 in each area.

            (c) New licensees' continuing education units will be prorated at 1.66 hours per month licensed.

            (3) Continuing education requirements will not apply until the licensee's first full year of licensure.

            (4) All licensees will affirm on the annual renewal form that they have completed the appropriate number of continuing education hours. 

            (5) The board will randomly audit up to 50 percent of renewed licensees' continuing education annually.

            (6) All continuing education must be documented with evidence from the instructor or sponsoring organization.  The licensee is responsible for maintaining those records and making those records available upon board request. Documentation must include the following information:

            (a) participant's name;

            (b) sponsor;

            (c) course title and/or description of content;

            (d) date(s);

            (e) location; and

            (f) number of continuing education hours granted.

            (3) (7)  Credit will be granted only for educational activities continuing education completed undertaken during the two-year one-year period prior to renewal for which continuing education is to be submitted.

            (4) Licensees who serve as instructors in approved programs or academic courses may be allowed appropriate credit for one-time presentation. No credit will be allowed for repeat sessions.

            (5) A licensee may apply for an exemption from the continuing education requirements by filing a statement with the board setting forth good faith reasons why the licensee is unable to comply with these rules and an exemption may be granted by the board. Each exemption application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

            (6) Speech-language pathology aides or assistants I shall complete 20 units of approved continuing education annually and submit verification of the continuing education to the board by affirmation of the licensed supervisor on the supervisor's renewal form by February 1 annually. Fourteen continuing education units may include on-the-job training as part of the supervision plan, and college coursework obtained through an accredited college or university.

            (7) Speech-language pathology aides or assistants II and III shall submit verification of ten continuing education hours by affirmation of the licensed supervisor on the supervisor's renewal form by February 1 annually.

            (8) Audiology aides and audiology industrial aides or assistants shall complete ten units of approved continuing education annually and submit verification of the continuing education to the board by affirmation of the licensed supervisor on the supervisor's renewal form by February 1 annually.

            (9) Approved continuing education must include content that is relevant to the scope of practice of speech-language pathologists and audiologists as defined in ARM 24.222.520 and 24.222.525.

            (10) (8)  Continuing education activities sponsored by the following organizations, which are germane to the profession of speech-language pathologists and audiologists, are Continuing education offered by the following sponsors is approved by the board:

            (a) and (b) remain the same.

            (c) American Academy of Audiologists Audiology (AAA);

            (d) Academy of Dispensing Audiologists Doctors of Audiology (ADA); and

            (e) remains the same.

            (11) Acceptable activities shall include but are not limited to:

            (a) seminars;

            (b) workshops;

            (c) conferences;

            (d) in-service programs;

            (e) video or online course work; and

            (f) correspondence courses accompanied by a study guide, syllabus, bibliography, and/or examination.

            (9) Sponsors not meeting the criteria in (8) will be evaluated by the board on an individual basis.

            (10) Licensees who serve as instructors in approved programs or academic courses may be allowed appropriate credit for one-time presentation. No credit will be allowed for repeat sessions. 

            (a) These programs and academic courses must also be approved by the board per (9).

            (b) One quarter credit hour of academic course work shall be considered ten continuing education hours, and one semester credit hour of academic course work shall be considered 15 continuing education hours. Formal educational activities clearly related to the contemporary practice of speech-language pathology or audiology offered by a recognized post-secondary training institution documented by transcript or grade sheet meet this criteria.

            (12) The board shall consider continuing education activities as obtained via apprenticeship or plan of action on a case-by-case basis.

            (13) All continuing education must be documented with evidence from the instructor or sponsoring organization.

            (14) The board, at its discretion, reserves the right to deny credit for continuing education units that do not receive prior approval from the board.

 

            AUTH: 37-1-131, 37-1-319, 37-15-202, MCA

            IMP:     37-1-131, 37-1-306, 37-15-102, MCA

 

REASON: The board is generally amending this rule to align with current national continuing education (CE) standards, facilitate the department's standardized application, renewal, and audit processes, reflect current industry terminology, and streamline the rule for better organization and ease of use for the reader.

            The board is amending this rule to allow flexibility in conducting continuing education random audits. Currently, the board is required to randomly audit 10 percent of all renewed licensees each reporting period. This amendment will allow the board to respond to staffing and budget issues by adjusting the number of licensees audited, while remaining consistent with the statutory maximum of 50 percent in 37-1-306, MCA.

            The board determined it is reasonably necessary to reduce the number of required continuing education (CE) hours to more accurately reflect national licensing trends and ensure qualified practitioners, while not unduly burdening licensees. Additionally, the board is changing to annual CE reporting to align with the annual license renewal cycle, which will save staff time and overall board expenses, and is defining CE in terms of "hours," not "units" for simplicity.

            The board is also amending this rule to no longer require that first-year licensees obtain a prorated amount of CE after concluding that these individuals are generally current with their education. Finally, the board is amending the rule to no longer require that speech-language pathology and audiology aides obtain CE or submit verification to the board.  Noting that aides are not licensees and the board has very limited jurisdiction over them, the board concluded that the supervising licensees are responsible to ensure adequately trained aides and assistants and that requiring aide CE does not meaningfully improve public safety and welfare.

            Authority and implementation citations are being amended to accurately reflect all statutes implemented through the rule and provide the complete sources of the board's rulemaking authority.

 

            5. The proposed new rule is as follows:

 

            NEW RULE I  NONROUTINE APPLICATIONS  (1)  Applications for licensure that disclose any of the following circumstances are nonroutine and must be reviewed and approved by the board before the license may be issued:

            (a)  the applicant has ever been convicted of a felony;

            (b)  the applicant has pled guilty or no contest to or been convicted of two or more misdemeanors, other than minor traffic violations, within the past five years, regardless of whether an appeal is pending and regardless of whether the sentence was suspended or deferred;

            (c)  any of the applicant's occupational or professional licenses have been disciplined or an application for a license was denied in any state or jurisdiction;

            (d)  a pending or completed legal or disciplinary action involving licensure in this state, another state, territory, or jurisdiction; or

            (e)  any substantive irregularity deemed by department staff to warrant board review and approval prior to issuance of the license.

 

            AUTH:  37-1-131, 37-15-202, MCA

            IMP:     37-1-101, 37-1-131, 37-15-301, MCA

 

REASON:  It is reasonably necessary to adopt this new rule to establish the criteria to categorize license applications as nonroutine and further implement 37-1-101, MCA, which provides for department processing of routine license applications on behalf of the professional and occupational licensing boards. Although the board has previously relied on its September 2016 nonroutine policy, this new rule will replace that policy and provide licensing staff clarification and guidance to differentiate between routine and nonroutine applications.

 

            6. The board proposes to repeal the following rules:

 

            24.222.404 BOARD STANDARDS AND POLICY

 

            AUTH: 37-15-202, MCA

            IMP:     37-15-202, MCA

 

REASON: It is reasonably necessary to repeal this unnecessary and outdated rule as it requires written submissions and is not in accord with current online processes. Submissions to the board are adequately addressed in standardized department procedures.

 

            24.222.501 APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSE

 

            AUTH: 37-1-131, 37-15-202, MCA

            IMP:     37-1-101, 37-1-104, MCA

 

REASON: It is reasonably necessary to repeal this rule as it is obsolete due to advances in technology and resultant improvements in the license application process. The current rule language and requirements do not align with standardized department application processes.

 

            24.222.503 QUALIFICATIONS FOR ACTIVE TEMPORARY LICENSE

 

            AUTH: 37-15-202, MCA

            IMP:     37-15-202, MCA

 

REASON: The board is repealing this rule as the board does not have the statutory authority to issue this type of temporary license. However, per 2017's House Bill 347, licensure of individuals engaged in supervised professional experience will be addressed in the board's next rules project.

 

            24.222.507 TEMPORARY PRACTICE PERMITS

 

            AUTH: 37-1-319, 37-15-202, MCA

            IMP:     37-1-305, MCA

 

REASON:  The board is repealing this rule as obsolete and no longer necessary. Licenses are issued in a much timelier manner today due to electronic license verification and online application processes.

 

            24.222.2101 POLICY

 

            AUTH: 37-1-131, 37-1-319, 37-15-202, MCA

            IMP:     37-1-131, 37-1-306, MCA

 

REASON: The board is repealing this rule as it is redundant and unnecessary.  The fact that the board requires continuing education to maintain professional competence is found in the continuing education rule, ARM 24.222.2102.

 

            24.222.2103 CONTINUING EDUCATION DEFINITIONS

 

            AUTH: 37-1-131, 37-1-319, 37-15-202, MCA

            IMP:     37-1-131, 37-1-306, MCA

 

REASON: It is reasonably necessary to repeal this rule as it is redundant. Continuing education terms not previously defined elsewhere in statute and rule are now defined and clarified in amendments to ARM 24.222.2102.

 

            24.222.2115 RENEWALS

 

            AUTH: 37-1-141, 37-15-202, MCA

            IMP:     37-1-141, MCA

 

REASON: It is reasonably necessary to repeal this unnecessary rule because the department administers a standardized renewal process for all professional and occupational licensure boards, and this rule merely references the department rules on renewals.

 

            24.222.2401 COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

 

            AUTH: 37-15-202, MCA

            IMP:     37-1-308, 37-1-309, MCA

 

REASON: It is reasonably necessary to repeal this rule because the complaint process is adequately addressed in statute and should not be unnecessarily repeated in rule per the Montana Administrative Procedure Act.

 

            7. Concerned persons may present their data, views, or arguments either orally or in writing at the hearing. Written data, views, or arguments may also be submitted to the Board of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, 301 South Park Avenue, P.O. Box 200513, Helena, Montana 59620-0513, by facsimile to (406) 841-2305, or e-mail to dlibsdslp@mt.gov, and must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., June 23, 2017.

 

            8.  An electronic copy of this notice of public hearing is available at www.slpaud.mt.gov (department and board's web site). The department strives to make the electronic copy of this notice conform to the official version of the notice, as printed in the Montana Administrative Register, but advises all concerned persons that in the event of a discrepancy between the official printed text of the notice and the electronic version of the notice, only the official printed text will be considered. In addition, although the department strives to keep its web site accessible at all times, concerned persons should be aware that the web site may be unavailable during some periods, due to system maintenance or technical problems, and that technical difficulties in accessing or posting to the e-mail address do not excuse late submission of comments.

 

            9. The board maintains a list of interested persons who wish to receive notices of rulemaking actions proposed by this board. Persons who wish to have their name added to the list shall make a written request that includes the name, e-mail, and mailing address of the person to receive notices and specifies that the person wishes to receive notices regarding all board administrative rulemaking proceedings or other administrative proceedings. The request must indicate whether e-mail or standard mail is preferred. Such written request may be sent or delivered to the Board of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, 301 South Park Avenue, P.O. Box 200513, Helena, Montana 59620-0513; faxed to the office at (406) 841-2305; e-mailed to dlibsdslp@mt.gov; or made by completing a request form at any rules hearing held by the agency.

 

            10. The bill sponsor contact requirements of 2-4-302, MCA, do not apply.

 

            11. With regard to the requirements of 2-4-111, MCA, the board has determined that the amendment of ARM 24.222.502, 24.222.504, 24.222.506, 24.222.510, 24.222.916, 24.222.920, and 24.222.2102 will not significantly and directly impact small businesses.

            With regard to the requirements of 2-4-111, MCA, the board has determined that the adoption of NEW RULE I will not significantly and directly impact small businesses.

            With regard to the requirements of 2-4-111, MCA, the board has determined that the repeal of ARM 24.222.404, 24.222.501, 24.222.503, 24.222.507, 24.222.2101, 24.222.2103, 24.222.2115, and 24.222.2401 will not significantly and directly impact small businesses.

            Documentation of the board's above-stated determinations is available upon request to the Board of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, 301 South Park Avenue, P.O. Box 200513, Helena, Montana 59620-0513; telephone (406) 841-2394; facsimile (406) 841-2305; or to dlibsdslp@mt.gov.

 

            12. Lucy Richards, Executive Officer, has been designated to preside over and conduct this hearing.

 

	BOARD OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS AND AUDIOLOGISTS LUCY HART PAULSON, Ed.D., CCC-SLP CHAIRPERSON
/s/ DARCEE L. MOE Darcee L. Moe Rule Reviewer	/s/ PAM BUCY Pam Bucy, Commissioner DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY

 

            Certified to the Secretary of State May 15, 2017.