Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology

Commissioner's Regulations

Part 75, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

§75.1 Professional study of speech-language pathology.

1. As used in this section, acceptable accrediting agency shall mean an organization accepted by the department as a reliable authority for the purpose of accreditation of speech-language pathology programs at the postsecondary level, applying its criteria for granting accreditation in a fair, consistent, and non-discriminatory manner, such as an agency recognized for these purposes by the United States Department of Education.
2. To meet the professional education requirements for licensure as a speech-language pathologist in this State, the applicant shall present evidence of the completion of a master's or higher degree program in speech-language pathology, that is either registered by the department pursuant to Section 52.36 of this Title, or accredited by an acceptable accrediting agency, or from a program determined by the department to be a speech-language pathology program equivalent to such a registered or accredited program.

§75.2 Experience in speech-language pathology.

1. An applicant who has met the education requirements prescribed in section 75.1 of this Part shall meet the supervised experience requirements for licensure as a speech pathologist by submitting sufficient documentation of having completed at least 36 weeks of supervised experience of a scope and nature satisfactory to the State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
2. Duration.
   1. Within any four-year period following completion of an educational program that meets the requirements of section 75.1 of this Part, an applicant must accrue at least 36 weeks of acceptable supervised experience.  A week of acceptable experience is defined as not less than 35 clock hours.
   2. Credit toward the experience requirement may be given for part-time employment accumulated at the rate of not less than 12 hours per week for continuous periods of not less than six months. 
3. Supervision of the experience.  The experience shall be supervised in accordance with the requirements of this subdivision.
   1. Supervision of the experience shall include meeting with and observing the applicant on a regular basis to review and evaluate the supervised experience and to foster professional development.
   2. Such supervision shall include regular observation of the applicant while the applicant is providing assessment and intervention services and shall take place at the beginning of the treatment and periodically throughout the treatment.
   3. The supervisor shall be familiar with the applicant's treatment plans, shall have ongoing involvement in the care provided, and shall review the need for ongoing services.
   4. Supervision shall be provided by the organization in which the applicant is working, and by an individual who is licensed in New York State in speech-language pathology, except that supervision of experience acquired outside New York State or in an exempt setting as established in section 8207 of the Education Law may be provided by a person approved for supervision by an acceptable certifying agency as defined in section 52.36 of the Regulations of the Commissioner, or by a person holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

§75.3 Examination in speech-language pathology.

The department may accept grades satisfactory to the State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology on an examination determined by the department to be acceptable for licensure as a speech-language pathologist. 

§75.4 Professional study of audiology.

1. For purposes of this section, acceptable accrediting agency shall mean an organization accepted by the department as a reliable authority for the purpose of accrediting audiology programs at the post-secondary level, applying its criteria for granting accreditation in a fair, consistent, and non-discriminatory manner, such as an agency recognized for these purposes by the United States Department of Education.             
2. For persons applying for licensure as an audiologist in this State prior to January 1, 2009, to meet the professional education requirement for admission to the licensing examination, the applicant shall present evidence of:
   1. the completion of a program in audiology registered by the department or determined by the department to be the equivalent of a registered program; and
   2. having received a master's degree in audiology, or the equivalent as determined by the department. To be considered the equivalent of a master's degree in audiology, the applicant's educational program must culminate in a graduate degree from a college acceptable to the department and shall include a practicum and 60 semester hours of the following courses, of which not less than 30 semester hours shall have been at the graduate level:
      1. basic communication processes: 12 semester hours;
      2. professional areas in audiology: 24 semester hours;
      3. professional areas in speech-language pathology: six semester hours;
      4. additional courses in the above or related areas: 18 semester hours; and
      5. a practicum in audiology of not less than 300 clock hours under supervision, at least 150 clock hours of which shall be at the graduate level and at least 20 but not more than 50 of the 300 hours shall be in speech-language pathology.
3. For persons applying for licensure as an audiologist in this State on or after January 1, 2009, to meet the professional education requirements for licensure as an audiologist in this State, the applicant shall present evidence of the completion of a master's or higher degree program in audiology, that is either registered by the department pursuant to Section 52.37 of this Title or accredited by an acceptable accrediting agency, or determined by the department to be an audiology program equivalent to such a registered or accredited program. 

§75.5 Experience in audiology.

1. For persons applying for a license in audiology prior to January 1, 2009, an applicant for licensure shall have completed not less than nine months of supervised experience of a scope and nature satisfactory to the State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology after all requirements for the master's degree are completed.
   1. Duration. Within any two-year period following completion of an educational program that meets the requirements of section 75.4 of this Part, an applicant must accrue nine months of acceptable experience with not more than two employers.
   2. Credit toward the experience requirement may be given for part-time employment accumulated at the rate of not less than two days per week and consisting of not less than 15 hours per week for continuous periods of not less than six months.
   3. Supervision.
      1. Supervision shall include meeting with and observing the applicant on a regular basis to review and evaluate the supervised experience and to foster professional development.
      2. Supervision shall be provided by the organization in which the applicant is working, and by an individual who is licensed in New York in audiology, except that supervision of experience acquired in another state or in an exempt setting as defined in section 8207 of the Education Law, may be provided by a person holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.
2. For persons applying for a license in audiology on or after January 1, 2009, an applicant who has met the professional educational requirement for licensure by satisfactorily completing a master's degree program shall complete the experience requirements set forth in paragraph (1) of this subdivision and for an applicant who has met the professional education requirement for licensure by satisfactorily completing a doctoral degree program shall complete the experience requirements set forth in paragraph (2) of this subdivision.
   1. Master's degree path. An applicant who has met the professional educational requirement for licensure by satisfactorily completing the master's degree program requirements prescribed in section 75.4 of this Part, or its equivalent, shall complete 1,420 hours of supervised experience of a scope and nature satisfactory to the State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
      1. Duration. Within any four-year period following completion of a master's degree program, or its equivalent, an applicant shall complete the experience requirements prescribed in this subdivision and such experience shall be obtained with not more than two employers.
      2. Credit. Credit toward the experience requirement may be given for part-time employment, accumulated at the rate of not less than 12 hours per week for continuous periods of not less than six months.
   2. Doctoral degree path. No experience shall be required of an applicant who has met the professional educational requirement for licensure through satisfactory completion of a registered or accredited doctoral degree program in audiology, as prescribed in section 75.4 of this Part, or its equivalent, as determined by the department.
   3. Supervision.
      1. Supervision shall include meeting with and observing the applicant on a regular basis to review and evaluate the supervised experience and to foster professional development.
      2. Supervision shall be provided by an individual who is licensed in New York State in audiology, except that supervision of experience acquired outside New York State or in an exempt setting as defined in section 8207 of the Education Law, may be provided by a person approved for supervision by an acceptable certifying agency as defined in section 52.37 of the Regulations of the Commissioner, or by a person holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, or by a person holding Board Certification in Audiology from the American Board of Audiology.

§75.6 Examination in audiology.

The department may accept grades satisfactory to the State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology on an examination determined by the department to be acceptable for licensure as an audiologist.

§75.7 Licensure by endorsement in speech-language pathology or audiology.

1. An applicant seeking endorsement of a license in speech-language pathology or audiology issued by another state or territory of the United States shall meet the requirements of Path A, as prescribed in subdivision (b). An applicant seeking endorsement of a license in speech-language pathology or audiology issued by another country shall meet the requirements of Path B, as prescribed in subdivision (c) of this section.
2. Path A. An applicant seeking endorsement of a license in speech-language pathology or audiology issued by another state or territory of the United States shall:
   1. meet the requirements of section 59.6 of this Title;
   2. present evidence acceptable to the department of completion of a satisfactory program in speech-language pathology or audiology that shall include a practicum and a minimum of 60 semester hours in speech-language pathology or audiology, as applicable, or the equivalent;
   3. provide evidence satisfactory to the State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology of at least two years of professional experience, acceptable to such board, in speech-language pathology or audiology, as appropriate, provided that such experience occurs following licensure in such jurisdiction and within the six years immediately preceding application for licensure by endorsement in New York State;
   4. meet the examination requirements prescribed in section 75.3 or 75.6 of this Part, as applicable;
   5. hold certification from an acceptable certifying agency such as the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association; and
   6. present evidence acceptable to the department of good standing as a licensee in each jurisdiction in which the applicant is licensed to practice speech-language pathology or audiology.
3. Path B. The applicant for endorsement of a license in speech-language pathology or audiology issued by another country shall:
   1. meet the requirements of section 59.6 of this Title;
   2. present evidence acceptable to the department of completion of a program in speech-language pathology or audiology, as applicable, or the equivalent of such a program;
   3. provide evidence satisfactory to the State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology of at least three years of professional experience, acceptable to such board, in speech-language pathology or audiology, as applicable, in New York State, in another state, or in the country where licensed, provided that such experience occurs following licensure in such jurisdiction and within the six years immediately preceding application for licensure by endorsement in New York State;
   4. meet the examination requirements prescribed in section 75.3 or 75.6 of this Part, as applicable, or pass a written examination for licensure in the country in which the applicant is licensed to practice speech-language pathology or audiology, as applicable, which examination is satisfactory to the department;
   5. hold certification from an acceptable certifying agency such as the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association; and
   6. present evidence acceptable to the department of good standing as a licensee in each jurisdiction in which the applicant is licensed to practice speech-language pathology or audiology.

§75.8 Continuing competency for speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists

1. Definitions. As used in this section:
   1. Acceptable accrediting agency means an organization accepted by the department as a reliable authority for the purpose of accreditation at the postsecondary level, applying its criteria for granting accreditation in a fair, consistent and nondiscriminatory manner, such as an agency recognized for this purpose by the United States Department of Education.
   2. Independent study means individualized professional study that is self-initiated, goal-driven learning based on reading and research.
   3. Peer review means review by an individual or individuals who have appropriate credentials and are recognized experts in the subject which they are reviewing.
   4. Professional subjects means for both the profession of speech-language pathology and the profession of audiology the subjects of speech, voice, language and/or hearing; and for the profession of speech-language pathology the additional subject of swallowing.
   5. Related subjects means for both the profession of speech-language pathology and the profession of audiology the following subjects: legal or regulatory issues; reimbursement issues; general supervision; business practices; pedagogical methodologies; or other topics which contribute to the professional practice of speech-language pathology and/or audiology as such practice is defined in Article 159 of the Education Law; or other matters of health care, law, ethics and professional responsibility which contribute to the health and welfare of the public.
   6. Self-study means structured study based on audio, audio-visual, written, on-line, and other media that is provided by a sponsor approved by the department pursuant to subdivision (i) of this section.
2. Applicability of requirement.
   1. Each licensed speech-language pathologist and/or audiologist, required under Article 159 of the Education Law to register with the department to practice in New York State, shall comply with the mandatory continuing competency requirements as prescribed in subdivision (c) of this section, except those licensees exempt from the requirement or who obtain an adjustment to the requirement pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subdivision or who are subject to a different requirement pursuant to this section.
   2. Exemptions and adjustments to the requirement.
      1. Exemptions. The following licensees shall be exempt from the continuing competency requirements, as prescribed in subdivision (c) of this section:
         1. licensees for the triennial registration period during which they are first licensed to practice speech-language pathology and/or audiology in New York State, except for licensees who have been previously licensed in speech-language pathology and/or audiology in another state or jurisdiction; and
         2. licensees who are not engaged in the practice of speech-language pathology and/or audiology, as evidenced by not being registered to practice in New York State, except as otherwise provided in subdivision (e) of this section to meet the requirements for the resumption of practice in New York State after a lapse in practice.
      2. Adjustments to the requirement. An adjustment to the continuing competency requirement, as prescribed in subdivision (c) of this section, shall be made by the department, provided that the licensee documents good cause that prevents compliance, which shall include, but not be limited to, any of the following reasons: poor health certified by a physician; or a specific physical or mental disability certified by an appropriate health care professional; or extended active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States; or other good cause which in the judgment of the department makes it impossible for the licensee to comply with the continuing competency requirements in a timely manner.
3. Mandatory continuing competency requirement.
   1. General Requirement.
      1. During each triennial registration period, meaning a registration period of three years' duration, an applicant for registration shall complete at least 30 continuing competency hours of acceptable learning activities, as defined in paragraph (3) of this subdivision and within the limitations prescribed in such paragraph, provided that at least 20 continuing competency hours of such acceptable learning activities shall have as their primary focus one or more professional subjects, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section and the remaining hours of such acceptable learning activities shall have as their primary focus one or more related subjects, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section. A licensee who seeks registration in both speech-language pathology and audiology shall complete such continuing competency requirement for each registration, except that up to 10 continuing competency hours earned in a related subject for the same learning activity may be credited for both registrations.
      2. Any licensed speech-language pathologists or audiologist whose first registration date following January 1, 2000 occurs less than three years from such date, but on or after January 1, 2001, shall complete acceptable learning activities on a prorated basis at the rate of onehalf hour per month for the period beginning January 1, 2000 up to the first registration date thereafter, provided that at least two-thirds of such hours of acceptable learning activities shall have as their primary focus one or more professional subjects, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section, and the remaining hours of acceptable learning activities shall have as their primary focus one or more related subjects, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section. Such acceptable learning activities shall be completed during any time in the registration period which immediately precedes the first registration date following January 1, 2000. Licensees who seek registration in both speech-language pathology and audiology in the registration period prescribed in this subparagraph shall complete the regular continuing competency requirement prescribed in this subparagraph, for each registration, except that up to one-third of such continuing competency hours earned in a related subject for the same learning activity may be credited for both registrations.
      3. Proration. Unless otherwise prescribed in this section, during each registration period of less than three-years duration, an applicant for registration shall complete acceptable learning activities, as defined in paragraph (3) of this subdivision and within the limitations prescribed in such paragraph, on a pro-rated basis at a rate of one hour per month up to 30 continuing competency hours in the registration period, provided that at least two-thirds of such hours of acceptable learning activities shall have as their primary focus one or more professional subjects, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section, and the remaining hours of acceptable learning activities shall have as their primary focus one or more related subjects, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section. Licensees who seek registration in both speech-language pathology and audiology in a registration period of less than three years duration shall complete the regular competency requirement prescribed in this subparagraph for each registration, except that up to one-third of such continuing competency hours earned in a related subject for the same learning activity may be credited for both registrations.
   2. Special requirement for certain licensed audiologists. A licensed audiologist who is registered with the Department of State to dispense hearing aids, pursuant to Article 37-A of the General Business Law, shall complete the general requirement prescribed in paragraph (1) of this subdivision, provided that as part of this requirement such licensed audiologist shall complete at least two continuing competency hours for each full year of the registration period of acceptable learning activities consisting of coursework or training offered by an approved sponsor, as prescribed in paragraph (3) of this subdivision, on the selecting and/or the fitting of hearing aids. Such course work or training shall be credited towards meeting the requirement for completing acceptable learning activities in a professional subject.
   3. Acceptable learning activities shall meet the requirements of this paragraph and be subject to the limitations prescribed in this paragraph.
      1. Subjects. Acceptable learning activities shall have as their primary focus one or more professional subjects, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section, or one or more related subjects, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section.
      2. Acceptable learning activities shall contribute to the licensee's professional practice as a speech-language pathologist and/or audiologist.
      3. Types of learning activities. Acceptable learning activities shall be in one or more of the types of activities prescribed in this subparagraph, and shall be subject to the limitations prescribed in this subparagraph.
         1. Coursework or training offered by an approved sponsor. Acceptable learning activities shall be coursework or training offered by a sponsor, approved pursuant to the requirements of subdivision (i) of this section, which may include but need not be limited to the following types of offerings by such approved sponsors: formal continuing education courses or workshops; or formal academic study offered as part of a registered program pursuant to Part 52 of this Title or an equivalent program that is accredited by an acceptable accrediting agency; or in-service training programs offered by an employer to its employees; orself-study, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section. No more than two-thirds of the mandatory continuing competency requirement may be completed through self-study. Acceptable learning activities may also include in-service training to teachers of students with speech and hearing disabilities specifically designed to improve methods of teaching students with such disabilities which is provided to employees of a New York State school district or Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) pursuant to its professional development plan, required by the department pursuant to section 100.2(dd) of this Title; and up to one-third of the mandatory continuing competency requirement may also be completed by such teachers through in-service training, pursuant to such professional development plans, in general issues of supervision and administration, and in general teaching methods.
         2. Independent study. Acceptable learning activities may be independent study, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section. A licensee who completes independent study to meet the mandatory continuing competency requirement shall prepare a narrative account of what was learned and an overall written evaluation of the learning activity. Such licensee shall maintain a copy of the narrative account and written evaluation for six years after completion of this learning activity. Three clock hours of independent study shall equal one continuing competency hour. No more than one-sixth of the mandatory continuing competency requirement may be completed through independent study.
         3. Mentoring or receiving mentoring as a learner. Acceptable learning activities may be mentoring or receiving mentoring as a learner in accordance with the requirements of this clause.
            1. The mentoring shall be a one-to-one relationship between a mentor and a learner. The mentorship shall provide a minimum of 15 clock hours of direct contact between the mentor and the learner.
            2. The mentor shall be licensed in speech-language pathology and/or audiology or in another profession licensed pursuant to Title VIII of the Education Law and have at least five years of post-licensure experience in the subject of the mentoring. The learner shall be licensed as a speech-language pathologist or as an audiologist.
            3. The mentor and the learner shall develop written learner goals that shall be met during the mentorship by the learner.
            4. The mentor shall develop a written teaching plan that shall guide the mentorship and shall formally evaluate the learner in writing.
            5. The learner shall prepare a narrative account of what was learned in the mentorship and an overall evaluation of the mentorship.
            6. A licensee who is either a mentor or learner who completes a mentorship that meets the requirements of this clause shall receive up to 10 continuing competency hours of credit, except that no more than one-third of the mandatory continuing competency requirement may be completed through either mentoring or receiving mentoring as a learner.
            7. Each licensee who meets a portion of his or her continuing competency requirement through participation in a mentorship either as a mentor or as a learner shall maintain the following records for a period of six years from the date of the completion of this activity: name of the mentor and learner, learner goals, the teaching plan of the mentor, the evaluation of the learner by the mentor, the narrative account of the learner of what was learned, and the evaluation of the mentorship by the learner.
         4. Publication. Acceptable learning activities may be publication of a written work by the licensee during the registration period in accordance with the requirements of this clause.
            1. A licensee shall receive up to 10 continuing competency hours of credit for editing a textbook published during the registration period, or for each written work published as an article in a professional journal that is peer reviewed, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section, or as a chapter within an edited textbook during the registration period, except that no more than two-thirds of the mandatory continuing competency requirement may be completed through such publication.
            2. A licensee shall receive up to 15 continuing competency hours of credit for each written work published as a textbook during the registration period, except that no more than two-thirds of the mandatory continuing competency requirement may be completed through such publication.
            3. A licensee shall receive up to five continuing competency hours of credit for a written work whose subject shall be a professional subject, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section, published during the registration period as an article in a journal that is not peer reviewed, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section, except that no more than one-sixth of the mandatory continuing competency requirement may be completed through such publication.
         5. Presentation at a professional conference. Acceptable learning activities may be a presentation by the licensee at a professional conference sponsored by a bona-fide organization that has an established record of sponsoring conferences for a profession licensed pursuant to Title VIII of the Education Law. A licensee who makes one or more such presentations during the registration period shall receive up to five continuing competency hours in total for this learning activity, except that no more than one-sixth of the mandatory continuing competency requirement may be completed through such a presentation.
         6. Chairing a professional practice committee. Acceptable learning activities may be chairing a professional practice committee of an international, national, state or local professional association that has an established record of providing support and guidance for the practice of the professions of speech-language pathology and/or audiology. A licensee who serves as such chair for at least one year during the registration period shall receive up to five continuing competency hours in total for this learning activity, except that no more than one-sixth of the mandatory continuing competency requirement may be completed through such activity. Such activity shall be considered a learning activity in a related subject, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section, and may only be credited as such in meeting the mandatory continuing competency requirement.
         7. Participation in a professional study group. Acceptable learning activities may be participation in a professional study group in accordance with the requirements of this clause.
            1. The professional study group shall be composed of three or more licensed speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists.
            2. The study group shall have written goals for what it expects to accomplish and a written study plan to meet these goals. The study group shall evaluate the learning activity in writing when the group has met its study goals.
            3. The study group shall maintain attendance records and meeting notes for what transpired at each meeting of the study group.
            4. Each licensee who meets a portion of the continuing competency requirement through participation in a study group shall maintain the following records for a period of six years from the date of the completion of this activity: list of participants, an attendance record, goals of the group, study plan, notes of meetings, and the evaluation of the learning activity.
            5. Two clock hours of participation in a study group pursuant to this clause shall equal one continuing competency hour. No more than one-half of the mandatory continuing competency requirement may be completed through participation in a study group.
4. Renewal of registration. At each reregistration, licensed speechlanguage pathologists and/or audiologists shall certify to the department that they have either complied with the continuing competency requirements, as prescribed in this section; or are subject to an exemption or adjustment to such continuing competency requirements, as prescribed in subdivision (b) of this section.
5. Requirement for lapse in practice.
   1. Registrations prior to January 1, 2003. A licensee returning to the practice of speech-language pathology and/or audiology after a lapse in practice, defined as not being registered to practice in New York State, whose first registration date after such lapse in practice begins prior to January 1, 2003 shall complete acceptable learning activities on a prorated basis at the rate of one-half hour per month for the period beginning January 1, 2000 up to the first registration date thereafter. Such licensee shall also complete acceptable learning activities, prorated at the rate of one continuing competency hour for each month for which the licensee was not authorized to practice speech-language pathology and/or audiology in any jurisdiction in the three-year period prior to the commencement of the new registration period, up to an additional 30 continuing competency hours. At least two-thirds of the total number of continuing competency hours shall be in acceptable learning activities in one or more professional subjects, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section, and the remaining hours shall be in acceptable learning activities in one or more related subjects, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section. The continuing competency hours required by this paragraph shall be completed in the three-year period prior to the commencement of the new registration period, except that at least 10 of the total number of continuing competency hours shall be completed in the 12 months preceding the commencement of the new registration period.
   2. Registrations on or after January 1, 2003. A licensee returning to the practice of speech-language pathology and/or audiology after a lapse in practice, defined as not being registered to practice in New York State, whose first registration date after such lapse in practice begins on or after January 1, 2003 shall complete 30 continuing competency hours of acceptable learning activities. Such licensee shall also complete acceptable learning activities, prorated at the rate of one continuing competency hour for each month for which the licensee was not authorized to practice speech-language pathology and/or audiology in any jurisdiction in the three-year period prior to the commencement of the new registration period, up to an additional 30 continuing competency hours. At least two-thirds of the total number of continuing competency hours shall be in acceptable learning activities in one or more professional subjects, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section, and the remaining hours shall be in acceptable learning activities in one or more related subjects, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section. The continuing competency hours required by this paragraph shall be completed in the three-year period prior to the commencement of the new registration period, except that at least 10 of the total number of continuing competency hours shall be completed in the 12 months preceding the commencement of the new registration period.
6. Conditional registration.
   1. The department shall issue a conditional registration to a licensee who admits to noncompliance with the continuing competency requirements of this section, provided that such licensee meets the following requirements:
      1. the licensee agrees to remedy such deficiency within the conditional registration period;
      2. the licensee agrees to complete the regular continuing competency requirement prorated at the rate of at least one continuing competency hour per month during such conditional registration period; and the licensee agrees to complete additional continuing competency requirements during such conditional registration period, which the department may require to ensure the licensee's proper delivery of professional care consistent with the licensee's practice of speech-language pathology and/or audiology.
   2. The duration of such conditional registration shall not exceed one year and shall not be renewed or extended.
7. Licensee records.
   1. Each licensee subject to the requirements of this section shall maintain, and ensure access by the department to the following records:
      1. a plan for continuing competency which includes:
         1. a self-assessment of useful subjects for professional development;
         2. a list of the licensee's three-year learning goals for professional development; and
         3. an itemization of the prospective benefits to be realized in the licensee's practice through anticipated learning activities; and
      2. a comprehensive list of acceptable learning activities completed, which includes for each learning activity:
         1. the sponsor's name, if any, and any identifying number;
         2. a written verification of attendance, if attendance was required;
         3. the date and location of the learning activity;
         4. the number of continuing competency hours completed;
         5. an evaluation of the value of the learning activity;
         6. a narrative summary of what was learned; and
         7. a description of how the learning activity enhances the licensee's professional competence.
   2. In addition to meeting the recordkeeping requirement prescribed in paragraph (1) of this subdivision, each licensee who meets a portion of his or her continuing competency requirement through participation in a mentorship either as a mentor or as a learner or through participation in a study group shall meet the recordkeeping requirements prescribed in paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of this section for such acceptable learning activities.
   3. Such records shall be retained for at least six years from the date of completion of the activity and shall be available for review by the department in the administration of the requirements of this section.
8. Measurement of continuing competency learning activities. Continuing competency credit shall be granted only for learning activities that meet the requirements set forth in subdivision (c) of this section. A minimum of 50 minutes of formal continuing education courses or workshops shall equal one continuing competency hour of credit. For creditbearing university or college courses, each semester-hour of credit shall equal 15 continuing competency hours of credit, and each quarterhour of credit shall equal 10 continuing competency hours of credit. For activities that carry continuing education units (CEUs), one-tenth of a CEU shall equal one continuing competency hour.
9. Sponsor approval.
   1. To be approved by the department, sponsors of coursework or training offered to licensed speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists to meet the continuing competency requirement shall meet the requirements of either paragraph (2) or (3) of this subdivision.
   2. The department shall deem approved as a sponsor of coursework or training offered to licensed speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists to meet the continuing competency requirement:
      1. A sponsor of coursework or training that is approved by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, or the American Academy of Audiology, or the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association, or the International Association for Continuing Education and Training, oran equivalent organization determined by the department to have adequate standards for approving sponsors of continuing education for professionals regulated by Title VIII of the Education Law that include but are not limited to standards that are equivalent to the standards prescribed in clauses (3)(ii)(a), (c), and (d) of this subdivision; or
      2. postsecondary institutions, provided that such approval is limited only to the offering of courses in programs that are registered by the department pursuant to Part 52 of this Title, or in equivalent programs that are accredited by an acceptable accrediting agency; or
      3. postsecondary institutions that offer programs that are registered pursuant to Part 52 of this Title as leading to licensure in speech-language pathology and/or audiology or postsecondary institutions that offer equivalent professional education programs in speech-language pathology and/or audiology accredited by an acceptable accrediting agency, for credit and noncredit offerings; or
      4. a New York State school district or Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), provided that such approval is limited only to the offering by the school district or BOCES of in-service training provided to teachers of students with speech and hearing disabilities employed by such school district or BOCES, pursuant to its professional development plan required by section 100.2(dd) of this Title; or
      5. /a sponsor whose course of study is approved by the Department of State pursuant to Article 37-A of the General Business Law, provided that such approval is limited only to the offering of coursework or training on the selecting and/or fitting of hearing aids to licensed audiologists who are registered with the Department of State to dispense hearing aids, pursuant to Article 37-A of the General Business Law.
   3. Department review of sponsors.
      1. The department shall conduct a review of sponsors that apply for approval of coursework or training offered to licensed speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists to meet the continuing competency requirement and that are not deemed approved pursuant to the requirements of paragraph (2) of this subdivision.
      2. Organizations desiring to offer course work or training based upon a department review under this paragraph shall submit, with the fee as set forth in subdivision (j) of this section, an application for advance approval as a sponsor at least 90 days prior to the date for the commencement of such coursework or training that documents that the organization:
         1. will offer courses of study in one or more professional subjects, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section or one or more related subjects, as defined in subdivision (a) of this section; and
         2. is an organized educational entity or is an entity that has expertise in the professional area that will be taught, including but not limited to, a postsecondary degree-granting institution; or a speech and/or hearing association; or a hospital or health maintenance organization; or a public school; and
         3. provides instructors who are qualified to teach the courses which will be offered, including but not limited to, faculty of a speech-language pathology or audiology program accredited by an acceptable accrediting agency; or instructors who are authorities in the health sciences specially qualified, in the opinion of the department after consultation with the State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, to conduct such courses; and
         4. has a method of assessing the learning of participants, and describes such method; and
         5. will maintain records for at least six years from the date of completion of coursework, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, the name and curriculum vitae of the faculty, a record of attendance of licensed speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists in such coursework, an outline of the course of instruction, date and location of the coursework, and the number of hours for completion of the coursework. In the event an approved sponsor discontinues operation, the governing body of such sponsor shall notify the department and shall transfer all records as directed by the department.
      3. Sponsors that are approved by the department pursuant to the requirements of this paragraph shall be approved for a three-year term.
      4. The department may conduct site visits of or request information from a sponsor approved pursuant to the requirements of this paragraph to ensure compliance with such requirements, and a sponsor shall cooperate with the department in permitting such site visits and in providing such information.
      5. A determination by the department that a sponsor approved pursuant to the requirements of this paragraph is not meeting the standards set forth in this paragraph shall result in the denial or termination of the approved status of the sponsor.
10. Fees.
    1. At the beginning of each registration period, a mandatory continuing competency fee of $50 shall be collected from licensees engaged in the practice of speech-language pathology in New York State and a mandatory continuing competency fee of $50 shall be collected from licensees engaged in the practice of audiology in New York State, except for those exempt from the requirement pursuant to subparagraph (b) (2) (i) of this section. This fee shall be in addition to the registration fee required by section 8206 of the Education Law.
    2. Licensees applying for a conditional registration, pursuant to the requirements of subdivision (e) of this section, shall pay a fee that is the same as and in addition to, the fee for the triennial registration required by section 8206 of the Education Law. In addition, such licensees shall pay the $50 mandatory continuing competency fee.
    3. Organizations desiring to offer course work or training based upon a department review, pursuant to paragraph (i) (3) of this section, shall submit an application fee of $900.00 with its application for the issuance of a permit from the department to become an approved sponsor of coursework or training offered to licensed speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists to meet the continuing competency requirement. Application for a three-year renewal of the permit shall be accompanied by a fee of $900.00.