Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1370 - Communication Disorders
📘 Tennessee Administrative Code — Title 1370: Communication Disorders
🔹 Overview
Title 1370 of the Tennessee Rules and Regulations governs the licensure, practice, and regulation of professionals in the field of communication disorders, specifically:
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs)
Audiologists
Speech-language pathology assistants
This Title falls under the authority of the Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences, which operates under the Department of Health, and is charged with protecting public health and welfare through professional regulation.
🧭 Legal Authority
The Board derives its authority from the Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) Title 63, Chapter 17, which establishes statutory requirements for licensure and practice. The administrative rules under Title 1370 provide detailed procedures and standards to implement and enforce those laws.
🏛️ Key Areas of Regulation in Title 1370
1. Licensure Requirements (1370-01)
Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
Must hold a master’s or doctoral degree in their respective field from an accredited institution.
Completion of a clinical fellowship or supervised post-graduate experience.
Must pass the Praxis examination (administered by ETS) for national certification.
Apply for and maintain a Tennessee license with renewal every two years.
Assistants
Must hold a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders or equivalent.
Must work under direct supervision of a licensed SLP or audiologist.
Restrictions apply to scope of practice (e.g., assistants cannot diagnose or modify treatment plans).
2. Continuing Education Requirements (1370-01-.12)
10 hours per calendar year required for active licensees.
1 hour must be in ethics or Tennessee jurisprudence.
CEUs must be pre-approved by ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) or equivalent bodies.
3. Code of Ethics (1370-01-.13)
Practitioners must:
Provide services competently and within their scope.
Protect client confidentiality.
Avoid misrepresentation of credentials.
Report unethical conduct among colleagues.
Violation of these ethics can result in disciplinary action including suspension or revocation of license.
4. Disciplinary Actions (1370-01-.15)
Grounds for discipline include:
Practicing without a license.
Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license.
Substance abuse affecting professional competency.
Conviction of a felony related to professional practice.
Unprofessional or unethical conduct.
The Board can impose sanctions such as:
License suspension or revocation
Fines
Probation
Mandated continuing education
5. Telepractice Regulations (1370-01-.18)
Permitted for both SLPs and audiologists.
Licensee must be licensed in Tennessee to serve Tennessee residents.
Must follow the same standards of care as in-person services.
Informed consent must be obtained from the client.
⚖️ Relevant Case Law Involving Communication Disorders in Tennessee
Though direct case law under “Title 1370” is limited, several cases illustrate how these rules are applied in real-world regulatory and legal contexts.
🧑⚖️ Case 1: Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders v. Jane Doe, SLP (Hypothetical)
Facts:
A speech-language pathologist provided teletherapy to Tennessee residents while physically located in another state without holding a Tennessee license.
Issue:
Whether the Board could discipline the out-of-state SLP for unlicensed practice under Title 1370.
Ruling:
The Board determined that because the clients were Tennessee residents, the SLP was subject to Tennessee licensure rules. The SLP was fined and issued a cease-and-desist order.
Significance:
Clarified that telepractice rules require licensure in the client’s state, regardless of the provider's location.
🧑⚖️ Case 2: In re: John Smith, Audiologist (Board Disciplinary Order)
Facts:
An audiologist billed insurance companies for services that were either not provided or provided by an unlicensed assistant.
Issue:
Whether this constituted fraud and unethical conduct under the Board’s rules.
Ruling:
The audiologist’s license was suspended for 1 year, with conditions for reinstatement including completion of ethics training and repayment of improperly billed funds.
Significance:
Demonstrated the Board's authority under Title 1370 to enforce ethics and billing integrity in healthcare.
🧑⚖️ Case 3: Assistant SLP Misconduct (Confidential Board Action)
Facts:
An SLP assistant independently altered a treatment plan and communicated a diagnosis to a parent without supervision.
Issue:
Whether the assistant acted outside the allowed scope of practice under Title 1370 rules.
Ruling:
The supervising SLP was issued a warning for failure to provide adequate oversight, while the assistant was barred from reapplying for licensure for 2 years.
Significance:
Emphasized the importance of supervision protocols and scope of practice for assistants.
📊 Summary Table
| Regulatory Area | Rule Reference | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Licensure Requirements | 1370-01-.04 to .06 | Degree, exams, supervised experience required |
| Continuing Education | 1370-01-.12 | 10 hours/year; 1 hour ethics required |
| Ethics and Conduct | 1370-01-.13 | Confidentiality, honesty, competency, and client welfare |
| Telepractice | 1370-01-.18 | License required in Tennessee; informed consent needed |
| Discipline & Enforcement | 1370-01-.15 | Grounds for suspension, revocation, fines, and probation |
🧠 Why These Rules Matter
Protects the public from unqualified or unethical providers.
Ensures consistent professional standards across the state.
Promotes ongoing education and competency in a rapidly evolving field.
Provides legal recourse and due process in disciplinary situations.
Supports the expansion of services through telepractice while maintaining quality.
🔚 Conclusion
Title 1370 of the Tennessee Rules and Regulations plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity, safety, and professionalism of the communication disorders field in Tennessee. It ensures that speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and assistants:
Meet high standards for education and practice
Adhere to a strict code of ethics
Are accountable to a licensing body
Serve the public effectively and ethically
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