Summary of Proposed Rule Changes

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation proposes changes to the rules at 16 TAC, Chapter 111, Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

What are the proposed rule changes?

The proposed rules make the following changes:

• Changes to the Definitions
  • Add new terms and definitions for “ABA Certification” and “ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC).”
  • Replace the names of the specific supervision forms with the general terms “assistant supervision plan” and “intern supervision plan.”
  • Amend the definition of “intern in audiology.”
  • Repeal the outdated term and definition of “extended absence.”

• Changes to the License Application Process
  • Reduce the license application documentation requirements where possible.
  • Require submission of all required documents in a form and manner prescribed by the Department, with original or certified copies submitted upon request.
  • Clarify the education and experience requirements for licensure, where necessary.
  • Clarify the requirements for applicants with degrees from outside the U.S. or from non-accredited colleges or universities.
  • Eliminate a separate rule regarding examination waivers, which are already addressed in the application requirements for the Speech-Language Pathology license and the Audiology license.
  • Clarify and update the application requirements for applicants who hold or have held the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) or the ABA Certification.

• Changes for Interns (Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology)
  • Update and clarify the internship and supervision requirements for all interns.
  • Replace the references to the specific intern supervision forms with references to the “intern supervision plan.”
  • Require speech-language pathology interns to accumulate internship hours under Texas-licensed supervisors.
  • Require supervisors to report speech-language pathology internship hours using clear timelines and formats.
  • Repeal the audiology internship requirement of “1,600 hours of supervised clinical work” and replace it with supervised professional experience under the direction of a professionally recognized accredited doctoral program as approved by the Department.

• Changes for Assistants (Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology)
  • Repeal the Clinical Deficiency Plan for speech-language pathology assistants.
  • Update and clarify the supervision requirements for all assistants.
  • Replace the references to the specific assistant supervision forms with references to the “assistant supervision plan.”
  • Authorize additional duties that speech-language pathology assistants may perform and revise the list of prohibited duties.
  • Address the professional titles and certifications that may be used by speech-language pathology assistants.
  • Reduce the minimum amount of supervision for audiology assistants from 10 hours per week to four hours per week, or from 40 hours per month to 16 hours per month.  At least one hour per week or four hours per month must be direct supervision.

• Changes to Licensee Contact Information
  • Require a licensee to provide a contact telephone number and a valid email address to the Department.
  • Remove the requirement for a licensee to provide employment information to the Department.

• Changes to the Supervision Requirements and Responsibilities
  • Clarify that a licensee who wants to supervise an intern or an assistant must meet the supervision requirements and be approved by the Department.
  • Reorganize the existing supervision requirements and responsibilities and add subheadings to improve clarity and readability.
  • Add a new provision that prohibits a licensee who has current license sanctions from supervising.

• License Term and Fee Changes
  • Extend the audiology intern license term from one year to two years with no increase in fees.

• Language and Reorganization Changes
  • Revise the rules to use standardized language across license types and to incorporate plain language principles.
  • Reorganize and streamline the existing rules to improve readability.

When and where can I review the proposed rule changes?

The proposed rule changes will be published in the Proposed Rules section of the Texas Register on June 6, 2025. To locate these proposed rule changes on or after that date just follow these steps:

1. Click this link to the Texas Register.
2. Select html or pdf format for the “Current Issue” if the date shown is the date published, or under “Previous Issues” if more than a week has passed since publication. (The Texas Register is published each Friday.)
3. Scroll down and click on “Proposed Rules.”
4. Look for the heading “Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation” and click the subheading “Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.”

How and where can I submit comments on the proposed rule changes?

Comments on the proposed rule changes may be submitted online. The Department will accept comments on the proposed rule changes until July 7, 2025.

Download the Spanish Language Summary (PDF).