Title 201 | Chapter 017 | Regulation 036REG
PROPOSED
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BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
KENTUCKY BOARD OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY
(Amendment)
201 KAR 17:036.Requirements for licensure for an audiologist.
Section 1.
Application for Licensure. Each applicant for licensure as an audiologist shall:(1)
Submit an "Application for Licensure", form DPL-SLPA-04, incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 17:012;(2)
Pay the fee as established in 201 KAR 17:030;(3)
Submit an official academic transcript sent directly by the academic institution to the board; and(4)
Have the results of a national and state criminal background investigation performed within the last ninety (90) days by the Department of Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) submitted directly to the board. The applicant shall pay any required fee to the KSP and FBI. Any cases officially expunged shall not have to be disclosed by the applicant and shall not be considered by the board as a conviction for the purposes of this subparagraph.Section 2.Section 1.
Education and Experience. Each applicant for licensure as an audiologist (AUD) in Kentucky shall meet the requirements established by this section.(1)
(a)
An applicant shall provide a certified transcript confirming attainment of a doctorate degree in the area of audiology or substantive equivalent as described in paragraph (b) of this subsection, from a program accredited by the Council for Academic Accreditation of the American Speech Language Hearing Association or the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education of the American Academy of Audiology.(b)
An applicant shall have equivalent education if the applicant holds:1.
A doctoral degree in audiology from a program accredited by the Council for Academic Accreditation of the American Speech Language Hearing Association; or2.
A master's degree from a program accredited by the Council for Academic Accreditation of the American Speech Language Hearing Association conferred before January 1, 2007.(2)
The applicant shall have passed a national PRAXIS examination in audiology. Official documentation of scores shall be sent to the board directly from Educational Testing Services.(3)
(4)
AnSection 2.
(1)
(2)
201 KAR 17:036
MARGARET ADKINS, Au.D., CCC-A, Board Chair
APPROVED BY AGENCY: July 15, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: July 16, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on October 27, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. noon Eastern Time, at the Mayo-Underwood Building, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky in PPC Conference Room 127CW. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through October 31, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to https://ppc.ky.gov/reg_comment.aspx or the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Name: Sara Boswell Janes, Title: Staff Attorney III, Agency: Department of Professional Licensing, Office of Legal Services Address: 500 Mero Street Phone Number: (502) 782-2709 (office) Fax: (502) 564-4818 Email: Sara.Janes@ky.gov Link to public comment portal: https://ppc.ky.gov/reg_comment.aspx
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Sara Boswell Janes Phone Number: (502) 782-2709 (office) Email: sara.janes@ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, Licensing, Occupations and Professions, Boards and Commissions
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This regulation establishes requirements for licensure as an audiologist.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This regulation is necessary to implement the provisions KRS 334A.030, KRS 334A.050, and KRS 334A.185.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This regulation is in conformity as the authorizing statute gives the board the ability to promulgate regulations generally.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This regulation will assist the board in administering this program by delineating application procedures and requirements for those seeking to become licensed as an audiologist.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
The amendment adds the statutory authority and language relating to the requirement that applicants seeking an initial license obtain a national and state criminal background investigation by the KSP and FBI; clarifies the application process requirements; and removes material incorporated by reference in another administrative regulation.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
The amendment is necessary due to the enactment of KRS 334A.055 for background checks for licensure, and to clarify and streamline the process, as well as to update references to amended material incorporated by reference in another administrative regulation.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The amendment to this administrative regulation is in conformity with the authorizing statute that gives the board the ability to promulgate regulations generally regarding licensure requirements.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
The amendment to this administrative regulation will assist the board in administering this program and the efficient collection of necessary information submitted by the applicant and update material incorporated by reference accordingly.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
Yes, 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 6, Section 3.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
This regulation will affect the 4179 active and 85 inactive licensees in some capacity, and will also affect new applicants for licensure.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
An applicant for initial licensure must have a criminal background investigation report by means of a fingerprint check by the KSP and FBI submitted directly to the Board and pay the required fee directly to the KSP and FBI and use the proper forms.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
Applicants for licensure will have no increase in application fees to the board, but will have to pay additional fees for a criminal background investigation. The board understands the fees to be as follows: $20.00 for the KSP; $18.00 for the FBI, and fingerprinting services to complete the request of $10.00 for some local law enforcement agencies who provide the service, or $20.00 for a private vendor like IdentiGO. The total cost is anticipated to be between $48.00 and $58.00.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
Kentucky will be in compliance with the requirements of KRS 334A.188 and the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, thus allowing Kentucky to advance towards its participation in the Compact allowing certain Kentucky credential holders to obtain the privilege to practice in Member States and give Member State credential holders the ability to obtain the privilege to practice in Kentucky. This will provide Kentucky citizens in need of speech language pathology and audiology services with a larger pool of service providers, which increases accessibility to care in rural areas, and thus promotes public safety. Additionally, the amendments will clarify licensure requirements and identify the necessary forms.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
No new costs are anticipated to implement this administrative regulation.
(b) On a continuing basis:
No new costs are anticipated on a continuing basis.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
The board’s operations are funded by fees paid by credential holders and applicant.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
No increase in fees or funding will be required to implement this administrative regulation.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
The amendment to this administrative regulation does not establish fees paid to the board directly. Indirectly, this administrative regulation increases fees paid by applicants, however, payment will be to the Kentucky State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation for criminal background investigation reports submitted directly to the board.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering is not applied to this regulation as it applies to all applicant license types.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
. KRS 334A.055 and 334A.080(3).
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
Yes, 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 6, Section 3.
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
(a) The Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is the promulgating agency and the Department of Kentucky State Police are the only affected state units, parts or divisions.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
No new expenditures anticipated initially for the Board. Expenditures for the Kentucky State Police are unknown, if any.
For subsequent years:
No new expenditures are anticipated on a continuing basis for the Board. Expenditures for subsequent years for the Kentucky State Police are unknown, if any.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
No new revenues are anticipated initially for the Board. This administrative regulation will generate revenue for the Kentucky State Police in the first year, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $20, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in the first year.
For subsequent years:
No new revenues are anticipated during subsequent years for the Board. This administrative regulation will generate revenue for the Kentucky State Police in subsequent years, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $20, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in subsequent years.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
Local law enforcement
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
The Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation may generate revenue for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the first year, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $18, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation may generate revenue for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in subsequent years, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $18, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in the first year.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
The anticipated revenue for the first year and subsequent years, based on the average number of anticipated applicants with that fee, would be less than $10,000.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
Methodology and resources used are the fiscal department within the Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Professional Licensing.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
It is not anticipated that this administrative regulation will have an overall negative or adverse major economic impact to the entities identified.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
Methodology and resources used are the fiscal department within the Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Professional Licensing.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
KENTUCKY BOARD OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY
(Amendment)
201 KAR 17:036.Requirements for licensure for an audiologist.
Section 1.
Application for Licensure. Each applicant for licensure as an audiologist shall:(1)
Submit an "Application for Licensure", form DPL-SLPA-04, incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 17:012;(2)
Pay the fee as established in 201 KAR 17:030;(3)
Submit an official academic transcript sent directly by the academic institution to the board; and(4)
Have the results of a national and state criminal background investigation performed within the last ninety (90) days by the Department of Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) submitted directly to the board. The applicant shall pay any required fee to the KSP and FBI. Any cases officially expunged shall not have to be disclosed by the applicant and shall not be considered by the board as a conviction for the purposes of this subparagraph.Section 2.
Education and Experience. Each applicant for licensure as an audiologist (AUD) in Kentucky shall meet the requirements established by this section.(1)
(a)
An applicant shall provide a certified transcript confirming attainment of a doctorate degree in the area of audiology or substantive equivalent as described in paragraph (b) of this subsection, from a program accredited by the Council for Academic Accreditation of the American Speech Language Hearing Association or the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education of the American Academy of Audiology.(b)
An applicant shall have equivalent education if the applicant holds:1.
A doctoral degree in audiology from a program accredited by the Council for Academic Accreditation of the American Speech Language Hearing Association; or2.
A master's degree from a program accredited by the Council for Academic Accreditation of the American Speech Language Hearing Association conferred before January 1, 2007.(2)
The applicant shall have passed a national PRAXIS examination in audiology. Official documentation of scores shall be sent to the board directly from Educational Testing Services.(3)
An applicant licensed in another state shall submit a letter of good standing from each state where the applicant is licensed.201 KAR 17:036
MARGARET ADKINS, Au.D., CCC-A, Board Chair
APPROVED BY AGENCY: July 15, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: July 16, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on October 27, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. noon Eastern Time, at the Mayo-Underwood Building, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky in PPC Conference Room 127CW. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through October 31, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to https://ppc.ky.gov/reg_comment.aspx or the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Name: Sara Boswell Janes, Title: Staff Attorney III, Agency: Department of Professional Licensing, Office of Legal Services Address: 500 Mero Street Phone Number: (502) 782-2709 (office) Fax: (502) 564-4818 Email: Sara.Janes@ky.gov Link to public comment portal: https://ppc.ky.gov/reg_comment.aspx
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Sara Boswell Janes Phone Number: (502) 782-2709 (office) Email: sara.janes@ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, Licensing, Occupations and Professions, Boards and Commissions
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This regulation establishes requirements for licensure as an audiologist.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This regulation is necessary to implement the provisions KRS 334A.030, KRS 334A.050, and KRS 334A.185.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This regulation is in conformity as the authorizing statute gives the board the ability to promulgate regulations generally.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This regulation will assist the board in administering this program by delineating application procedures and requirements for those seeking to become licensed as an audiologist.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
The amendment adds the statutory authority and language relating to the requirement that applicants seeking an initial license obtain a national and state criminal background investigation by the KSP and FBI; clarifies the application process requirements; and removes material incorporated by reference in another administrative regulation.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
The amendment is necessary due to the enactment of KRS 334A.055 for background checks for licensure, and to clarify and streamline the process, as well as to update references to amended material incorporated by reference in another administrative regulation.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The amendment to this administrative regulation is in conformity with the authorizing statute that gives the board the ability to promulgate regulations generally regarding licensure requirements.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
The amendment to this administrative regulation will assist the board in administering this program and the efficient collection of necessary information submitted by the applicant and update material incorporated by reference accordingly.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
Yes, 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 6, Section 3.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
This regulation will affect the 4179 active and 85 inactive licensees in some capacity, and will also affect new applicants for licensure.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
An applicant for initial licensure must have a criminal background investigation report by means of a fingerprint check by the KSP and FBI submitted directly to the Board and pay the required fee directly to the KSP and FBI and use the proper forms.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
Applicants for licensure will have no increase in application fees to the board, but will have to pay additional fees for a criminal background investigation. The board understands the fees to be as follows: $20.00 for the KSP; $18.00 for the FBI, and fingerprinting services to complete the request of $10.00 for some local law enforcement agencies who provide the service, or $20.00 for a private vendor like IdentiGO. The total cost is anticipated to be between $48.00 and $58.00.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
Kentucky will be in compliance with the requirements of KRS 334A.188 and the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, thus allowing Kentucky to advance towards its participation in the Compact allowing certain Kentucky credential holders to obtain the privilege to practice in Member States and give Member State credential holders the ability to obtain the privilege to practice in Kentucky. This will provide Kentucky citizens in need of speech language pathology and audiology services with a larger pool of service providers, which increases accessibility to care in rural areas, and thus promotes public safety. Additionally, the amendments will clarify licensure requirements and identify the necessary forms.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
No new costs are anticipated to implement this administrative regulation.
(b) On a continuing basis:
No new costs are anticipated on a continuing basis.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
The board’s operations are funded by fees paid by credential holders and applicant.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
No increase in fees or funding will be required to implement this administrative regulation.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
The amendment to this administrative regulation does not establish fees paid to the board directly. Indirectly, this administrative regulation increases fees paid by applicants, however, payment will be to the Kentucky State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation for criminal background investigation reports submitted directly to the board.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering is not applied to this regulation as it applies to all applicant license types.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
. KRS 334A.055 and 334A.080(3).
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
Yes, 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 6, Section 3.
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
(a) The Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is the promulgating agency and the Department of Kentucky State Police are the only affected state units, parts or divisions.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
No new expenditures anticipated initially for the Board. Expenditures for the Kentucky State Police are unknown, if any.
For subsequent years:
No new expenditures are anticipated on a continuing basis for the Board. Expenditures for subsequent years for the Kentucky State Police are unknown, if any.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
No new revenues are anticipated initially for the Board. This administrative regulation will generate revenue for the Kentucky State Police in the first year, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $20, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in the first year.
For subsequent years:
No new revenues are anticipated during subsequent years for the Board. This administrative regulation will generate revenue for the Kentucky State Police in subsequent years, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $20, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in subsequent years.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
Local law enforcement
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
The Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation may generate revenue for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the first year, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $18, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation may generate revenue for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in subsequent years, however, based on the average number of applicants paying a projected fee of $18, the revenue is anticipated to be less than $10,000 in the first year.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
Unknown
For subsequent years:
Unknown
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
The anticipated revenue for the first year and subsequent years, based on the average number of anticipated applicants with that fee, would be less than $10,000.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
Methodology and resources used are the fiscal department within the Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Professional Licensing.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
It is not anticipated that this administrative regulation will have an overall negative or adverse major economic impact to the entities identified.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
Methodology and resources used are the fiscal department within the Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Professional Licensing.