North Carolina Administrative Code › Title 21 - OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS › Chapter 64 - SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS AND AUDIOLOGISTS › Section .0200 - INTERPRETATIVE RULES › Section 64 .0212 - SUPERVISION OF HEARING SCREENING

Current through Register Vol. 39, No. 2, July 15, 2024
(a) The
				Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists
				interprets the words "audiometric screening" used in
				G.S.
				90-294(f) as the
				presentation of pure tone stimuli at fixed intensity using pass/fail criteria
				requiring no interpretation by the person administering the screening.
				Objective methods of screening auditory function based upon new technology may
				be used subject to the conditions specified in this Rule.
(b) Fixed-intensity, pure tone audiometric
				screening performed within the context of an individual speech-language
				evaluation or assessment is within the scope of practice of licensed speech and
				language pathologists, and by extension allowed for registered speech-language
				pathology assistants, provided that it can be demonstrated that the licensee or
				registered assistant has received formal instruction and practicum in
				audiometric screening as part of his or her training program.
(c) Licensed speech and language
				pathologists, registered speech-language pathology assistants, and unlicensed
				persons may perform screenings of hearing sensitivity and auditory function on
				the general public or specific populations provided that the individuals
				performing such screenings have been trained by a licensed audiologist or
				physician in the specific techniques for that screening and provided that
				supervision of the screening program is by a licensed audiologist or
				physician.
(d) Screening programs
				using objective or technology-based hearing screening techniques in place of
				traditional fixed-frequency, pure tone audiometry (for example, automated
				auditory brainstem response tests, otoacoustic emission screening instruments,
				microprocessor audiometers, etc.), even though such techniques and instruments
				may yield a pass-fail indication, require the oversight and supervision of a
				licensed audiologist or physician.
(e) The Board of Examiners for Speech and
				Language Pathologists and Audiologists interprets the word "supervision" in
				G.S.
				90-294(f) to include the
				following elements:
(1) selecting the
				appropriate calibrated screening instrument to be used for the target
				population;
(2) providing
				sufficient initial and refresher training in the specific screening methods and
				instruments to be used to ensure that the screeners have sufficient knowledge
				of the screening methods, understand the limitations of the screening program,
				and can demonstrate proper operation of the equipment;
(3) assuring that records are maintained
				describing the training received by the screeners, the names of attendees, the
				nature of any evaluation and any referral made;
(4) providing sufficient evaluation of the
				test site for ambient sound and to ensure that the screeners are following the
				screening protocol; and
(5)
				reviewing samples of screening records to confirm that the screening has
				conformed to the program standards.