What is the Arkansas Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA)?
The Arkansas Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA) was created by the Arkansas Legislature to safeguard the public’s health, safety, and welfare. ABESPA is responsible for consumer protection through the regulation of speech-language pathology and audiology practice.
Individuals who seek speech-language pathology and audiology services are entitled to receive quality care. In pursuit of that goal, the Board’s mission is to assure there is a process where consumers may file complaints against licensees or persons practicing speech-language pathology or audiology without a license.
What does the Board Do?
- The Board issues license to those in compliance with the requirements in Section 2 of the rules and regulations.
- Receives and investigates complaints from the public and licensees
- Conduct settlements and disciplinary hearings of licensees
- Per federal requirements, report disciplinary action to National Data Banks
- Randomly audit licensees to ensure compliance with Section 9 of the rules and regulations and provide feedback and instruction to those audited
- Provide guidance to licensees
- Enact rules and regularly review those rules in to ensure they remain current
- Serve as a resource for licensees, applicants and the public
Audiologists
Who is an Audiologist?
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who provide patient-centered care in the prevention, identification, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of hearing, balance, and other auditory disorders for people of all ages. Hearing and balance disorders are complex with medical, psychological, physical, social, educational, and employment implications. Those hearing and balance disorders can be assessed, treated, and rehabilitated by an audiologist. Treatment services require audiologists to have knowledge of existing and emerging technologies, as well as interpersonal skills to counsel and guide patients and their family members through the rehabilitative process. Audiologists provide professional and personalized services to minimize the negative impact of hearing and balance disorders, leading to improved outcomes and a higher quality of life.
What does an Audiologist do?
- Evaluate and treat tinnitus, and hearing and balance disorders
- An audiologist will use a wide variety of instruments to test patients’ hearing and balance, determine the extent of hearing loss, and identify the underlying cause.
- Program and manage cochlear implant technology and other implantable devices
- Select, program, and custom-fit hearing aids and other assistive hearing technology
- Measure the effectiveness of hearing aids and other assistive technologies
- Provide counseling and education about hearing and balance disorders, hearing loss and the prevention of hearing loss
Requirements for Licensing
- Earn a doctor of audiology degree
- Obtain a passing score on the National certification exam
- Earn 10 hours of continuing education annually
Speech-Language Pathologists
Who is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Speech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Speech, language, and swallowing disorders result from a variety of causes, such as a stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, developmental delay, Parkinson’s disease, a cleft palate, or autism spectrum disorders.
What do Speech-Language Pathologists do?
- Screen and assess skills in the areas of speech sound articulation, receptive and expressive language, swallowing, and hearing and recommend services if needed
- Educate clients, parents, families, and other professionals about speech, language, and swallowing
- Evaluate and assess for assistive technology when an individual does not have the ability to verbally communicate
- Work with doctors, teachers, and other professionals to help people with communication and swallowing deficits
- Research ways to improve an individual’s communication and swallowing
- Counsel patients, parents, families, and other professionals about speech, language, and swallowing
- Supervise and train students studying to become Speech-Language Pathologists
Requirements for Licensing
- A master’s or doctoral degree
- Obtain a passing score on the National certification exam
- Earn 10 hours of continuing education annually
- 400 clinical hours and 9 months of supervised experience
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Who is a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?
Speech-language pathology assistants are individuals who, following academic and on-the-job training, perform tasks as prescribed, directed, and supervised by licensed speech-language pathologists.
What does Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant do?
- Conduct speech-language screenings (without interpretation) following specified screening protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist
- Follow documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist
- Document client progress towards goals and objectives in the established treatment plan
- Assists the Speech-language pathologist during the assessment of clients
Requirements for Licensing
- A bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or an associate’s degree in speech-language pathology from an institution accredited by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education
- A minimum of 100 hours of fieldwork experience
- Earn 10 hours of continuing education annually
