The Iowa Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology evaluates the qualifications of applicants for licensure and grants licenses to those who qualify. The board establishes rules and regulations to ensure the integrity and competence of licensed speech pathologists and audiologists, and investigates complaints for unprofessional conduct. The board is the link between the consumer and licensees. As such, promotes the public health, welfare and safety. Licensees are responsible for meeting all licensure requirements and should periodically review the rules.
Changes to Licensing Requirements: Audiologists and Hearing Aid Specialists
2024 Iowa Acts, SF 2385
On May 17, 2024, Governor Reynolds signed 2024 Iowa Acts, SF 2385 into law. The Act made changes to boards, commissions, councils and other entities in state government. The Act included changes to Iowa Code chapter 154A, the statute that governs the practice of hearing aid specialists in Iowa. Oversight of the profession transitioned from the Board of Hearing Aid Specialists to the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.
Under this Act, Iowa licensed audiologists are no longer required to hold a separate hearing aid specialist license to dispense hearing aids and can now dispense under their audiology license. Audiologists will be required to follow the rules and regulations established for hearing aid dispensing.
The following chapters from Iowa Administrative Code 481 apply to professional licensing boards within the Department of Inspections, Appeals, Inspections, and Licensing.
Rulemaking notices, along with adopted rule changes, are published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin.
The preamble for each notice includes a summary of the proposed rule changes. The notice includes information about how to submit public comment when applicable. All comments are forwarded to the board for review prior to making a final decision on the outcome of rule change proposals.
