By: Sherry Sancibrian, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, FASHA, Presiding Officer, TDLR Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Advisory Board

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) adopted amendments to existing rules at 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 111, Subchapter A, §111.1; Subchapter C, §111.23; Subchapter F, §111.50; Subchapter P, §§111.150, 111.151, and 111.155; Subchapter Q, §111.160; and Subchapter T, §111.190 and §111.192; and adopted the repeal of existing rules at Subchapter O, §111.140, regarding the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists program. 

What does this mean for you? 

Rule 111.151 was modified to allow licensees several options if someone requests proof of licensure. Licensees may now show their current license certificate, their current license identification card, or the results of a license search on the TDLR website at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/.

Changes to Rule 111.190 expanded the definition of communication screening to include cursory assessments of language, speech, and cognition. The aspects of cognition to be screened are any cognitive processes affecting communication function. Language, speech, and cognitive screening should be conducted in the client’s dominant language and primary mode of communication.

You can view the justification of this changes through the Texas Register. The full rule chapter for speech-language pathologists and audiologists is also avaialble on the Secretary of State website.