2013 Maryland Code
HEALTH OCCUPATIONS
§ 2-302 - Qualifications -- Audiologists

§2-302.

(a) To qualify for a license to practice audiology, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this section.

(b) The applicant shall be of good moral character.

(c) The applicant shall:

(1) On or before September 30, 2007:

(i) Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in audiology from an accredited educational institution which incorporates the academic course work and the minimum hours of supervised clinical training required by the regulations adopted by the Board; and

(ii) Have completed the period of supervised postgraduate professional practice in audiology as specified by the regulations adopted by the Board;

(2) On or after October 1, 2007, hold a doctoral degree in audiology from an accredited educational institution which incorporates the academic course work and the minimum hours of supervised clinical training required by the regulations adopted by the Board; or

(3) Qualify for a license under § 2-305 of this subtitle.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this title, the applicant shall:

(1) Pass an examination in audiology required by the regulations adopted by the Board; and

(2) Complete training consistent with the standards established by:

(i) The Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education; or

(ii) The Counsel of Academic Accreditation.

(e) The applicant shall demonstrate oral competency.

§ 2-302 - 1. Qualifications -- Hearing aid dispensers

(a) In general. -- On or after January 1, 2008, to qualify for an initial license to practice hearing aid dispensing, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this section.

(b) Moral character. -- The applicant shall be of good moral character.

(c) Educational requirements. -- The applicant shall:

(1) Be a graduate of an accredited 2-year postsecondary program with a diploma or degree; and

(2) Prior to taking the State licensing examination, provide proof of successful completion of the International Hearing Society Curriculum entitled "Distance Learning For Professionals in Hearing Health Sciences" or an equivalent course approved by the Board.

(d) Examination. --

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, the applicant shall pass an examination given by the Board under this subtitle.

(2) Except for an applicant who holds a valid license to provide hearing aid dispenser services in another state, the applicant shall obtain 6 months training under the supervision of a licensed hearing aid dispenser or licensed audiologist prior to taking the examination given by the Board.

(e) Oral competency. -- The applicant shall demonstrate oral competency.

§ 2-302 - 2. Qualifications -- Speech-language pathologists

(a) In general. -- To qualify for a license to practice speech-language pathology, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this section.

(b) Moral character. -- The applicant shall be of good moral character.

(c) Educational and postgraduate professional practice requirements. -- The applicant shall:

(1) Hold a master's degree in the area of speech-language pathology from an educational institution which incorporates the academic course work and the minimum hours of supervised training required by the regulations adopted by the Board; and

(2) Have completed the period of supervised postgraduate professional practice in speech-language pathology as specified by the regulations adopted by the Board.

(d) Examination. -- Except as otherwise provided in this title, the applicant shall pass an examination in speech-language pathology as required by regulations adopted by the Board.

(e) Oral competency. -- The applicant shall demonstrate oral competency.

§ 2-302 - 3. Qualifications -- Assisting speech-language pathologist

(a) In general. -- To qualify for a license to assist in the practice of speech-language pathology, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this section.

(b) Requirements. -- The applicant shall:

(1) Be of good moral character;

(2) Hold a baccalaureate degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution or other degree as provided for in regulations adopted by the Board;

(3) Have successfully completed the clinical observation hours and supervised clinical assisting experience hours required by the regulations adopted by the Board;

(4) After a period of supervised practice by a licensed speech-language pathologist, have successfully completed a competency skills checklist as provided for in regulations adopted by the Board; and

(5) Demonstrate oral competency.

(c) Waiver. -- The Board may waive any of the qualifications required under this section as provided for in regulations adopted by the Board.