Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Licensing Advisory Council Meeting July 21, Attendance

Transcription

1 Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Licensing Advisory Council Meeting July 21, 2006 Attendance Members Staff Absent Members Rita Mueller Tom Hiendlmayr Ann Napp John Goedeke Susan Winkelmann Mary Beth Ferguson Linda Hinderscheit Gloria Rudolph Robert Martin Samuel Levine Grace Rauchwarter Josephine Helmbrecht Sally Gorski I. Introductions Introductions were done by those in attendance. II. Review and Approve minutes from April 21, 2006 Minutes were approved as written. III. Review/adoption of agenda Mr. Hiendlmayr informed Council Members that there would be no handout with the Legislative Amendment Update. Ms. Helmbrecht requested a discussion regarding expiration of student temporary licenses before the regular license was issued. She also had questions about how investigations are opened when a person s temporary license expires before being issued a regular license. It was decided these questions would be discussed after Ms. Rudolph gave the Credentialing report. Mr. Hiendlmayr also stated that he received a request for the Otolaryngologist exam agenda item too late to include in this meeting but this item will be added to the October 20, 2006 Speech Language Pathologist/Audiologist Licensing Advisory Council Meeting agenda. With these changes noted the agenda was accepted as written. IV. Staff Reports A. Credentialing Report Ms. Rudolph presented the credentialing report. Ms. Rudolph stated as of June 30, 2006 there were 1003 Speech-Language Pathologists and 327 Audiologists. Ms. Rudolph also stated that four persons were dual license holders. Ms. Rudolph noted that there were a total of 104 persons holding a CFY credential; 86 were Speech-Language Pathologists and 18 were Audiologists.

2 Ms. Rudolph also informed Council Members that there were 17 persons holding temporary licenses; ten were Speech-Language Pathologists and seven were Audiologists. Ms. Rudolph stated the next renewal will be January 31, 2007, and she noted that renewal notices will be mailed in November B. Exam Report Ms. Rudolph presented the May 4, 2006 Hearing Instrument Dispenser Exam report which was created by Ms. Fuller, Administrator of the Hearing Instrument Dispenser Program. Ms. Rudolph noted that there were thirteen examinees taking the exam for the first time. Of these thirteen new examinees five passed the practical exam and all five were audiologists. Of these thirteen new examinees eight failed one or more portions of the practical exam. Four of the examinees that failed one or more portions of the exam were audiologists and four were nonaudiologists. Ms. Rudolph noted that there were fourteen examinees taking a retest; she stated seven passed the retest. Of these seven that passed, two were audiologists and five were nonaudiologists. Ms. Rudolph also noted that seven failed the retest and all of these were nonaudiologist examinees. Mr. Hiendlmayr informed Council Members that the Department was in need of examiners to administer the Hearing Instrument Dispenser exam. Ms. Helmbrecht asked if Advisory Council Members were able to be examiners. Mr. Hiendlmayr responded that Ms. Helmbrecht could be an examiner and she should contact Patti Fuller. Ms. Helmbrecht stated that a student s application for full licensure was delayed because the student was unaware that she needed to pay the surcharge fee along with the license fee. This delay in processing caused her temporary license to expire before her full license was issued. Ms. Helmbrecht requested that information be added to the website to avoid this issue in the future. Ms. Mueller asked if the surcharge requirement could be listed on the frequently asked questions on the web page? Ms. Rudolph responded that this was possible and also noted that the application has been revised so that applicants will be informed of the surcharge fee. She also noted she is still in the process of making changes to the website. Ms. Rudolph stated that three-months is added to a six-month, 12-month and 18-month Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) or Doctoral Externship Licenses to allow people to complete the educational requirements before they become fully licensed. Mr. Hiendlmayr added that CFY licenses could be extended one time only to allow for unforeseen delays in completion of requirements for full licensure. Ms. Helmbrecht also noted that a student s license had expired before she received her full license and an investigation was opened and the applicant and her employer were required to respond to the Department s inquires. Ms. Helmbrecht thought information could be made available for applicants to avoid these kinds of investigations. C. Investigations and Enforcement Report Ms. Winkelmann presented the Investigations and Enforcement Report. She informed Council Members that during the Fiscal Year 2006, 36 investigations were opened and 32 investigations were closed. She noted that investigation and enforcement staff have been working to decrease the number of pending cases. Ms. Winkelmann also stated that since the last report four investigations were opened and eight investigations were closed. Ms. Winkelmann discussed the public actions against Ms. Christine Bauleke, Ms. Carreen 2

3 Caughlan Pederson, Ms. Karen Lynn Dornbusch and Ms. Kelly Gorder. She stated that Ms. Bauleke and Ms. Caughlan Pederson failed to pay the surcharge fee as required by Minnesota Statutes, section , Subdivision 4, despite numerous requests from the Department informing them of this requirement. Ms. Winkelmann informed Council Members that Ms. Gorder used protected titles without being licensed. Ms. Dornbusch used protected titles without being registered. Both Ms. Dornbusch and Ms. Gorder were assessed penalty fees based on the findings of each individual s case. Mr. Goedeke noted that he worked in city government and because of his experience with lapses in enforcement he thought it is very important not to allow lapses in enforcement. Ms. Winkelmann responded that there are cases pending but each case will be investigated and practitioners will be held accountable. D. Budget and Expenditure Report Mr. Hiendlmayr presented the Budget and Expenditure report. He informed Council Members that the salary and fringes line item has a lag of approximately ten days of pay and so this number will change. He informed Council Members that printing and duplicating costs are higher than anticipated because of the 2005 law change mailing. He also noted that computer costs were higher because the program needed to replace a printer. He noted that the Biennial Receipts were higher than anticipated due to a miscount of renewal numbers and an increase in new applications. Mr. Hiendlmayr stated that the program would create a deficit, which will spend down the surplus. Given the size of the surplus he recommended waiting two years to consider adjusting credentialing fees. Mr. Hiendlmayr informed Council Members that the expense of the exam continues to exceed the revenue. Ms. Mueller asked if the exam fee could be increased. Mr. Hiendlmayr responded it has been a year since the requirement for audiologists to take the exam has been in effect and the exam fee could be adjusted. Mr. Hiendlmayr informed Council Members that the Exam Committee recommended increasing the exam fee. Ms. Helmbrecht suggested that the fee to retake the exam should be higher than the first exam fee. Dr. Levine asked why it is a problem that the exam expenses are more than the revenue received for the exam since the program currently has a surplus? Mr. Hiendlmayr responded that it has been a policy that money allocated for the exam should come from the people who are taking the exam. Ms. Hinderscheit asked if the credentialing fee had decreased. Mr. Hiendlmayr responded that the Audiologist surcharge was adopted in 2005 but the licensing fee had not been decreased. Ms. Helmbrecht suggested that fees should be adjusted to avoid creating surpluses that could be transferred to the general fund. Ms. Helmbrecht also asked if it would be advisable to have two separate credential fees, one for Speech Language Pathologist and one for Audiologist. Mr. Hiendlmayr responded that this would be feasible but changes would have to be justified. Mr. Goedeke thought the exam fee could be a deterrent for students. He asked if there are any scholarships available for students to help with this cost. Ms. Hinderscheit responded that compared to the tens of thousands students have spent on college education this is not a big cost. Ms. Helmbrecht responded that maybe some of the professional associations could create scholarships for the exam costs. The Advisory Council Members agreed that the licensing program fees would cover the exam costs not covered by exam receipts. 3

4 V. Old Business A. Point of Purchase Brochure Update Ms. Winkelmann stated that the subcommittee worked to revise the Point of Purchase Brochure for hearing aid dispensers. Ms. Winkelmann informed Council Members that the Communications Office of the Department had recently reviewed the brochure and an updated brochure will be sent to practitioners in the near future. B. Legislative Amendments Update Mr. Hiendlmayr highlighted the recent changes to the Minnesota Statute regarding the Licensing of Speech Language Pathologist and Audiologist. He stated the first change was that the applicants graduate coursework and clinical practicum required in the professional area for which licensure is sought must have been initiated and completed at an institution whose program meets the current requirements and was accredited by the Education Standards Board of the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, a body recognized by the United States Department of Education, or an equivalent as determined by the commissioner, in the area for which licensure is sought. The second change was (d) an applicant for an audiology license who obtains a temporary license under section may dispense hearing aids only under supervision of a licensed audiologist who dispenses hearing aids. The third change was it is no longer necessary for a person applying for a Temporary License to apply for full licensure. The fourth change was that in order to renew following lapse of licensure the renewal applicant must obtain a qualifying score on the examination described in section , subdivision 4, within one year of the application date for license renewal. The last two changes were to update the Continuing Education rule numbers from the Minnesota Board of Teaching that are referenced in the Speech Language Pathologist and Audiologist statutes and to authorize Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists participation in the Health Professionals Services Program. C. Statute Booklet - Discussion Ms. Rudolph passed out a copy of the Occupational Therapist Statutes. Mr. Hiendlmayr asked Council Members if they would recommend creating a similar booklet for the Speech Language Pathologist and Audiologist Statutes. Ms. Hinderscheit stated because of the frequency of changes to the statutes she would not recommend creating a similar booklet of statutes. The Council Members recommended sending a post card informing practitioners of the changes to the statutes and how to access a copy of the statutes on the website. A Council Member suggested first sending this post card along with renewal applications. Ms. Hinderscheit requested that this be a special mailing to all licensed practitioners since it would be two years before some practitioners renew again. D. Ear Mold and Dispensing Market Changes Mr. Hiendlmayr stated this issue was brought before the Council at the request of Mr. Martin. Mr. Hiendlmayr stated that in Mr. Martin s absence he would try to address the concerns Mr. Martin raised. Mr. Hiendlmayr summarized that Mr. Martin thought the Department should notify consumers of better deals on hearing aids available at big box stores/retailers. Mr. Hiendlmayr explained that because the Department is a regulatory agency with jurisdiction over persons regardless of their work setting, it cannot do anything to tilt the playing field in favor of one class of practitioner. As a regulatory agency it cannot recommend or advertise for any one group. Dr. Levine commented that the bottom line is Mr. Martin feels the price of a hearing aid is 4

5 too high, but he does not understand the role of the Department as a regulatory agency. Ms. Winkelmann responded that the Department has communicated to Mr. Martin about the Department s role. The Council Members discussed the corporate hearing instrument dealers and methods they use to cut costs of aids for consumers. The Council Members had concerns about the handouts that explain how a consumer can make their own ear mold impressions. They stated that in order to make ear mold impressions a person should be properly trained to perform this procedure safely. Ms. Helmbrecht stated that the professional associations should try to get information out to consumers about the dangers of some of the self-help products and procedures. Dr. Levine stated that the Minnesota Medical Association should also help inform consumers. Ms. Winkelmann informed Council Members that using the new database she was able to determine that there is not a large number of individual dispensers working in big box stores in Minnesota. VI. New Business A. SLP Assistant Supervision Course Ms. Rudolph informed Council Members that she has received a significant number of calls regarding where to find Continuing Educations courses to meet the Speech Language Pathologist Assistant supervision requirement in the Statutes. Ms. Gorski stated MISHA and ASHA could incorporate this into their annual workshops. The Council noted that courses are not out there but could be formatted to meet the supervision Continuing Education requirements. Ms. Mueller stated employer s human resources could create training to satisfy the supervision requirements. Ms. Hinderscheit noted that the course should include what a SLP Assistants can and cannot do and what the requirements are for supervision of a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant. B. Hearing Aid Consumer information Provide by the Department Due to time constraints Ms. Winkelmann requested that this information would be discussed during the October 20, 2006 Speech Language Pathologist/Audiologist Licensing Advisory Council Meeting. C. Complaint Forms (SLP & AUD) Ms. Winkelmann asked Council Members to review and discuss the Speech Language Pathologist and Audiologist Complaint forms during the October 20, 2006 Speech Language Pathologist/Audiologist Licensing Advisory Council Meeting. The meeting may need to be rescheduled due to the MEA and some members will be involved in workshops Meeting Adjourned at 4:30 Next Meeting Date October 20, 2006 Snelling Office Park Big Fork Room 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. L:\HOP\CREDNTAL\SLPA\ADV_COUN\MINUTES\minutes 2006\SLP_ A July 21, 2006 draft minutes.doc 5