Georgia State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
(478) 207-2440 phone
(866) 888-1308 fax
www.sos.ga.gov/plb/speech

Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards:
PLB is working diligently to become one of the most technologically advanced licensing agencies in the country.  Throughout this year we have continued to review our business processes and implement technology to increase our performance levels and customer service for our licensees and the general public.

This quarter we have continued to make improvements to the licensure process by implementing the first online applications.  We currently have online applications available for 23 license types with plans to add more throughout the remainder of the year.  There are many advantages to online applications, including ensured completion, decreased paper use, a higher degree of accuracy, and a faster application process. You can visit our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb to see a complete list of online applications.

Finally, during the third quarter we made significant progress in the outsourcing of the PLB Examination section.  Outsourcing the exam function of PLB allows us to offer more testing locations for some license types, more testing opportunities and overall budget savings for the State of Georgia.  More information will be available in the coming weeks as all outsourcing contracts are finalized.

PLB is committed to continually seeking and implementing initiatives to enable us to provide you with the best service possible.  We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the very near future.

Regards,
Randy Vaughn
Director of the Professional Licensing Boards

The Georgia State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology consists of eight members: three licensed speech-language pathologists, three licensed audiologists, one certified otolaryngologist and one consumer member. Typically, the Board meets twelve times each year. Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed.

Minutes from the Board meetings can be found on the Board’s website: www.sos.ga.gov/plb/speech.

2009 Meeting Dates:

October 26, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
November 16, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
December 14, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

Board Members:

Board Staff:

Anita Martin
Executive Director
Georgia State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Number of Active Licensees:

Actions Taken by the Georgia State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

July: The Board voted to uphold the denial of PCE licensure to the following applicant:
• Inez Cox, Decatur

August: The Board voted to approve three applications for licensure as audiologist, 28 applications for licensure as speech language pathologist, and five applications for paid clinical experience.   
 
September: The Board voted to approve one application for licensure as an audiology assistant; 26 applications for licensure as paid clinical experience; four applications for licensure as speech language pathologists; two applications for licensure as speech language pathologist aides; and three applications for licensure as audiologists.

License Renewals:

Licenses expire as follows:
Audiologists: March 31 of odd numbered years
Audiology Assistants: March 31 of odd numbered years
Speech Pathologist Aide: March 31 of odd numbered years
Speech-Language Pathologist: March 31 of odd numbered years

It is illegal to practice audiology or speech pathology with an expired license.

How do I renew my license? 

You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been arrested, convicted or received a board sanction since your last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether or not you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license.

The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at (478) 207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at (404) 463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice.

Disciplinary Issues:

The Board addresses these issues on a case-by-case basis and applies sanctions to those who violate the Georgia State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/speech.

All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology website.

Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-44-13 or at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, which can be found on the Georgia State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology website.

Georgia State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Complaints Process Information:

The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to regulate the licensing and practice of speech pathology and audiology. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-44 is given to the Board, whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows:

Complaint Form:

Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence indicating a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rules.

Investigations:

The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority.

Notification Process:

While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions:

A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440.