Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board

Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology License Defense

Each year, the California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board receives over a hundred complaints, including mandated self-reports, public complaints, required reports from courts, and reports from other licensing agencies.

If you’re a speech-language pathologist, audiologist or hearing aid dispenser facing a board investigation or disciplinary proceeding, our attorneys have the experience and resources to provide expert representation.

Complaints and investigations

The following represent the most common allegations made against license holders:

Unprofessional conduct
Incompetence or negligence
Drug or alcohol abuse
Convictions for criminal conduct
Violations of required professional experience (RPE) regulations.

Review, investigation, and recommendation process

When the board receives a complaint, staff may conduct an investigation. Once the board completes the investigation, it may close the matter, issue a cease and desist letter and/or a citation, or refer the case to a deputy attorney general for further disciplinary action. The attorney general may file an accusation or, in the case of an applicant, a statement of issues, which initiates a formal hearing process under the California Administrative Procedures Act.

Penalties imposed at the administrative hearing stage may include public reproval, probation, license surrender, issuance of a conditional license, denial of an application, or license revocation.

How we can help

While each situation is unique, it is generally wise to engage counsel before responding to the board’s investigator or a request for information. Answering questions, providing documents or evidence, or agreeing to other actions without counsel can be risky. As a licensed speech-language pathologist, audiologist, or hearing aid dispenser, you have important statutory and constitutional rights. Immediately seeking advice from an attorney experienced with speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispenser licensing helps protect your reputation and your career.