SB 247 - This act substantially revises the statutes regulating and licensing the practice of Speech-Language Pathologists, Clinical Audiologists (The Licensure Act for Speech-Language Pathologists and Clinical Audiologists) and Hearing Instrument Specialists (The Hearing Specialists Act). The Missouri Consumer Protection Fund is created in the State Treasury. This fund will be available to cover the costs incurred by the Missouri Board of Examiners for Hearing Instrument Specialists which is established by this act.

The major changes to the Licensure Act for Speech-Language Pathologists and Clinical Audiologists include provisional licensing authority, Joint Committee on Administrative Rules review, continuing education, renewal fee standards, expanding and clarifying disciplinary standards, authority to obtain injunctive relief, unauthorized practice standards, and standards for the Advisory Commission for Speech-Language Pathologists and Clinical Audiologists.

The major changes to the Hearing Specialists Act include license display requirements, consumer protection standards for consumers, discretion to enact fees, coordination between the Advisory Commission for Speech-Language Pathologists and Clinical Audiologists and the Missouri Board of Examiners for Hearing Instrument Specialists, discipline procedures, disclosure requirements, rulemaking authority and technical changes. RICHARD STICKANN