Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 058 - Examiners of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Board of
1. Purpose of the Agency
The Board’s primary purpose is to protect the public by ensuring that anyone practicing speech-language pathology or audiology in Wyoming is qualified, competent, and ethical. This is common for healthcare-related boards.
The Board does this by:
Setting licensing requirements
Establishing standards of practice
Investigating complaints against professionals
Enforcing disciplinary actions when necessary
2. Licensing Requirements
To practice legally in Wyoming, a speech-language pathologist or audiologist must have a license issued by this Board. The rules define:
Educational requirements: Typically, a graduate degree in speech-language pathology or audiology from an accredited program.
Clinical experience: Completion of supervised clinical work (often called a clinical fellowship for SLPs).
Examinations: Passing the national board exams in speech-language pathology or audiology.
Other requirements: Good moral character, and sometimes background checks.
Note: There are sometimes temporary or provisional licenses for people finishing their clinical fellowship or waiting for exam results.
3. Scope of Practice
The Board defines what an SLP or audiologist can legally do in Wyoming, including:
SLPs: Assessing, diagnosing, and treating speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders.
Audiologists: Assessing and treating hearing and balance disorders, fitting hearing aids, and providing auditory rehabilitation.
The rules also make clear that practicing outside your scope can be illegal and grounds for disciplinary action.
4. Standards of Professional Conduct
The Board sets standards to ensure professionals behave ethically. These typically include:
Maintaining confidentiality of client information.
Using evidence-based practices.
Avoiding fraudulent billing.
Reporting any unethical behavior by themselves or colleagues.
5. Renewal and Continuing Education
Licenses are not permanent; they need to be renewed periodically (usually every 1-2 years). The rules typically require:
Completion of continuing education hours in relevant areas.
Payment of a renewal fee.
Confirmation of ongoing good standing and professional conduct.
6. Complaint and Discipline Process
If someone believes an SLP or audiologist has violated the rules, they can file a complaint. The Board has the authority to:
Investigate complaints.
Hold hearings.
Impose sanctions such as:
Fines
Probation
Suspension or revocation of a license
7. Administrative Procedures
The Administrative Code also includes:
How the Board operates internally (meetings, voting, rulemaking procedures)
How to request variances or exceptions to rules
Procedures for appealing decisions
8. Why This Matters
Without these rules:
Unqualified people could practice, risking patient harm.
Standards of care would be inconsistent.
The public would have little recourse if they were harmed.
This is why states like Wyoming have specific administrative codes and boards for every healthcare profession, including SLPs and audiologists.
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