Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1370 - Communication Disorders
Tennessee Rules & Regulations – Title 1370: Communication Disorders
Authority: These rules are enforced by the Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences under the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) Title 63, Chapter 17, which regulates speech-language pathologists, audiologists, hearing instrument specialists, and related professionals.
1. Purpose and Scope
The purpose of Title 1370 is to:
Ensure that professionals providing communication disorder services meet minimum competency and ethical standards.
Protect the public from unqualified practice.
Establish rules for licensure, supervision, practice standards, and discipline.
Who is regulated?
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
Audiologists
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Hearing Instrument Specialists
2. Key Chapters and Provisions
A. Chapter 1370-01 – Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
1. Definitions (Rule 1370-01-.01)
Defines key terms such as “licensed practice,” “assistant,” “clinical fellowship,” and “telepractice.”
Clarifies that “practice of speech-language pathology or audiology” includes evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of communication disorders.
2. Scope of Practice (Rule 1370-01-.02)
Professionals may only perform services they are competent to provide.
Clinical fellows and assistants must operate under appropriate supervision.
Exceeding scope of practice may lead to disciplinary action.
3. Licensure Requirements (Rule 1370-01-.03 & .04)
Must hold a Master’s degree (SLP) or appropriate audiology degree.
Complete supervised clinical experience (clinical fellowship or internship).
Pass the national professional exam.
Licensure is mandatory to use professional titles (SLP, audiologist, hearing instrument specialist).
4. Continuing Education (Rule 1370-01-.12)
Licensees must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years.
At least 10 hours must be in the primary area of practice.
Ensures ongoing professional competency.
5. Unprofessional Conduct (Rule 1370-01-.13)
Actions that may lead to discipline include:
Practicing without a license.
Failing to supervise assistants or fellows properly.
Misrepresenting qualifications or services.
Guaranteeing clinical results.
Continuing treatment when no benefit is expected.
6. Disciplinary Authority (Rule 1370-01-.15)
The Board may impose:
Reprimand or censure
Probation with restrictions
Suspension or revocation of license
Civil penalties for violations
7. Advertising (Rule 1370-01-.20)
Licensees must not use misleading advertising or claims.
Must accurately represent credentials and services.
B. Chapter 1370-02 – Hearing Instrument Specialists
Similar rules apply:
Licensure required to practice.
Scope of practice limited to hearing instrument evaluation and fitting.
Continuing education requirements.
Board can impose discipline for unethical conduct or unlicensed practice.
3. Enforcement and Case Examples
While there is limited court case law specifically interpreting Title 1370, administrative actions by the Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders illustrate enforcement:
Example 1: License Probation
An SLP allowed an unlicensed assistant to perform evaluations.
Board placed the SLP on probation and required additional supervision training.
Example 2: Continuing Education Violation
An audiologist failed to complete the required 20 continuing education hours.
Board issued a reprimand and imposed a civil penalty.
Example 3: Misrepresentation
A hearing instrument specialist advertised services they were not licensed to provide.
Board suspended license for 6 months and required corrective advertising.
These examples show the Board actively enforces professional standards to protect patients.
4. Connection to Tennessee Statutes
Title 1370 works in tandem with T.C.A. § 63-17:
Section 63-17-103: Defines practice and licensure requirements.
Section 63-17-118: Authorizes disciplinary proceedings against licensees or applicants.
Section 63-17-122: Establishes civil penalties for violations.
The rules provide detailed guidance for applying these statutes.
5. Summary
Title 1370 ensures that:
Only qualified professionals provide communication disorder services.
All licensees follow ethical and professional standards.
Continuing education maintains clinical competency.
Unprofessional conduct is disciplined promptly to protect the public.
Key Takeaway: If you’re practicing as an SLP, audiologist, assistant, or hearing instrument specialist in Tennessee, compliance with Title 1370 is mandatory, and violations can result in probation, suspension, or fines.
RELATED Blog
comments