 L. B. E. S. P. A.Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (225) 756-3480 TOLL FREE in Louisiana 1-800-246-6050 Printed Newsletter Editor: Jolie Jones
Spring 2006
LBESPA HOSTS 10TH ANNUAL CE WORKSHOP Plans have been finalized for the LBESPA 10th annual continuing education workshop. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2006, at the Holiday Inn Select Hotel on Constitution Avenue in Baton Rouge. The meeting, which will be held from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, has been designed with sessions for both speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Attendees may obtain a total of six hours of continuing education at the full-day workshop with three hours in hearing aid dispensing available to audiologists Lunch will be included in the registration fee. The featured morning speaker in speech-language pathology is Janet Mora who will discuss autism spectrum disorders. There are two featured morning speakers in audiology. The first session will cover vestibular disorders and testing and will be presented by Micah Klumpp. Following that session, Leigh Anne Norman will provide updates on the identification and management of hearing loss in infants and young children. All attendees will meet for lunch to hear Linda Pippins discuss the Early Steps Program. Afternoon sessions are devoted to rotating round tables. Six round tables will be presented the first hour, and the same round tables will convene for the second hour. Charlotte Ducote will lead grand rounds in speech-language pathology, while Sharon Sanders will conduct the discussion for grand rounds in audiology. Frances Billeaud and Donna Broussard will cover early intervention at their round table, and Susan Faucheux will discuss successful strategies for school success at her round table. Another round table discussion features Matt Morgan on the topic of innovations in dysphagia therapy, and the sixth round table will be led by Sheryl Shoemaker talking about auditory processing disorders. LBESPA has attempted to structure the workshop so that many of the sessions will appeal to both speech-language pathologists and audiologists, with topics specific to different job settings. In consideration of licensees affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the full-day workshop is being offered at a reduced rate of $40.00 for those pre-registering. Registration past the deadline and/or at the door will be $75.00. Information containing details of each scheduled session, as well as conference registration forms, will be sent to all licensees in time to meet the pre-registration deadline. Please plan to join your colleagues in attending the 10th annual LBESPA CE Workshop in Baton Rouge. Morning Speakers:
Luncheon Speaker: Linda Pippins, L-AUD, Early Steps Program Round Table Hosts:
The above will be guest speakers at LBESPA’s six (6) hour presentation from 8:30 a.m.—3:15 p.m. on April 22, 2006, at the Holiday Inn Select on Constitution Avenue in Baton Rouge. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. There will be a morning session for Speech-Language Pathologists and a morning session for Audiologists, a luncheon speaker for both Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, and then separate roundtables for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. These professionals are well-qualified and have much experience in the respective areas. They have made presentations to LSHA and SPALS, as well as for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT LICENSURE A presentation custom-designed for students in Louisiana training programs has grown in popularity over the last few years. “Professional Licensure: How to Transition from School to Work” was originally developed by board member, Theresa Rodgers, several years ago. With changes in rules and regulations as well as requests for additional information from university programs, the PowerPoint presentation is periodically updated to meet audience needs. Board members are available to present information on the mandate for licensure and how to obtain it prior to employment. The importance of licensure for consumer protection as well as establishment of standards which prevent practice by unqualified and unscrupulous providers are highlighted, as are the qualifications for various levels of licensure, the application process, the renewal process, supervision requirements, and upgrade procedures. Recently, a comparison of LBESPA’s continuing education requirements with the professional development requirements for maintenance of the ASHA CCC’s has been added to the presentation. This presentation has become an annual event at one Louisiana university, Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Janet A. Norris, PhD, and Theresa Rodgers have teamed for several years to ensure LSU’s graduating class receives this material each May in addition to information about applying for the CCC’s and the Clinical Fellowship experience. As a component of LBESPA’s presentation, the graduate students receive the appropriate application form, an application checklist, the supervision forms including the new Supervisory Agreement Form, a copy of Louisiana’s Practice Act, Rules, Regulations and Procedures, and, for those students who plan to move out-of-state, a list of web sites for each licensure board in the country. Dr. Norris has shared that LSU “students rave about the timeliness and usefulness of this information”. Please contact the board office at (800) 246-6050 or via e-mail at aud-slp@lbespa.org if you would like for a board member to present at your university.
JUDY GRAHAM RETIRES
Judy’s background in education and interest in computers was a perfect fit for the Board office. She played a major role in networking the Board’s computer system, the establishment of their website and online renewals to name a few. Suzanne Pevey remembered Judy’s “can do” attitude and stated that, “her positive attitude and willingness to pitch in and help with any project made working at the Board office fun.” When asked, Yvonne Fowler remembered that Judy mastered any task she was given and did it willingly. She was always eager to learn something new and to help others with their projects. Judy was conscientious about all areas of licensure and made every effort to anticipate and be prepared for any need, whether it was a board member, licensee, or applicant she was helping. Debbie Pratt, Clerical Assistant for the Board, has had the pleasure of working with Ms. Judy for many years and added: “because of Judy’s background she has a wide variety of interests and knowledge. Judy has always been willing to help others and has another perspective in which to tackle a problem. Judy never backed down from a challenge and is very much missed in our office.” The Board would like to wish Judy good luck in all her endeavors and a great retirement!
Ms. Jones’ approach to this position is an opportunity everyday to serve others. She has a very upbeat and positive attitude, and is willing to help others in any way possible. Ms. Jones has proven to be a great asset to the LBESPA Board and looks forward to serving the Board and its licensees.
LBESPA PUBLIC MEMBER ATTENDS CITIZEN ADVOCACY MEETING The Citizen Advocacy Center (CAC) is a national organization dedicated to assisting public members serving on health care oversight, regulatory, credentialing, and delivery organizations. CAC is a unique training and support program for citizen representatives serving on governing boards or policy advisory committees of health care organizations and agencies. Citizen representatives, sometimes referred to as consumer or public members, are typically in the minority and are usually without the resources and technical support available to other board members who belong to professional and business organizations. CAC provides research, training, technical support, and clearinghouse and networking opportunities to help citizen representatives make their contributions informed, effective, and significant. This past November, Yvonne Fowler, LBESPA public member for the past three years and recently appointed for another three-year term, attended the 2005 CAC meeting. The conference was “Measuring Performance: How Well Are We Doing Our Jobs?” A senior representative from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing presented a publication developed by NCSB entitled “Evidence-Based Regulation: A Regulatory Performance Measurement System. The publication was a method for licensure boards to self-evaluate their own performance, including both internal and external assessment. Internal self-assessment allows board to regularly examine operations and make improvements, while external assessment focuses more on objective viewpoints. Evaluation of regulatory boards and oversight bodies should measure operational efficiency, effectiveness in achieving stated missions and objectives, public perception and satisfaction with regulatory processes, and accountability. As in past years, Mrs. Fowler found it very informative and encouraging to meet other public members and to hear of their challenges and problems. The national trend is toward a majority of public members on licensure boards, an accomplishment already realized by all health care boards in Colorado. Mrs. Fowler indicated that it was reassuring to discover that Louisiana is among the top or on par with the current accepted methods in all areas of licensure. She further indicated that she would encourage anyone, whether a layperson or a professional from another area, to consider serving as a public member.
TOP TEN VIDEOS The Board office houses a video library for use by the licensees as a resource in obtaining continuing education hours. Each year, five hours may be obtained by viewing videos and completing an assessment form. Terry Martin manages the video library for the Board each year. You may view the video catalog on-line at www.lbespa.org or purchase the catalog for $5.00. The Top Ten Videos rented during 2004-2005 Renewal Period are: 1. Tape No. 3000, Teaching Reading: Speech to Print Principles & Strategies 2. Tape No. 405 A & B, Teaching Functional Communication, Parts I & II 3. Tape No. 418 A & B, Communication Intervention: Young Children with Severe Profound Handicaps 4. Tape No. 810, New Strategies for Treating Children’s Articulation and Phonological Disorders 5. Tape No. 325, A Symposium in Audiology 5. Tape No. 7, Fluency Therapy with Young Children 6. Tape No. 2258, Interpreting X-Ray Swallow Studies and Planning Treatment 7. Tape No. 2260, Serving Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their Families 8. Tape No. 2275, Management of Dysarthria in Degenerative Neurologic Disease 9. Tape No. 3001, Early Communication Intervention: Current Trends & Education Focus 10. Tape No. 2173, Assessment and Treatment Planning for Neurogenic Geriatric Communication Disorders
RENEWAL NOTICES TO BE MAILED APRIL 15TH As in the past, LBESPA will mail renewal notices on April 15th. Individuals whose continuing education hours are being audited will be notified by certified mail at that time. All licensees must complete the process for renewal by June 30, 2006. Remember that online renewals are available to many licensees. Individuals being audited, those who require supervision, and those who hold a dual license may not renew online. Licensees eligible to renew online must complete information including demographics, continuing education verification, and information related to practicing while impaired. Credit cards authorized for online payment are Discover, Visa, and MasterCard. Please remember that there is an additional online renewal fee of $3.00. If you renew online, you will receive your identification card within one (1) week. Please allow up to six (6) weeks for processing of all renewals that are mailed into our office. *** NEW *** If you wish to obtain confirmation that the Board has received your renewal, please fill out the renewal postcard and return it to our office with your renewal. We will date stamp the postcard when your renewal is received and return it back to you.
OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH CHANGES EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EARLY STEPS PARTICIPATION Linda Pippins, Office of Public Health, has announced that speech-language pathologists who are providers in the Early Steps Program (Part C) must hold a full license and must have earned a minimum of a Master’s degree. The program previously enrolled individuals with full licensure and did not mandate a minimum educational credential; however, issues with Medicaid reimbursement have necessitated the change. Individuals with bachelor’s degrees who were grandfathered with full licensure may participate in the program but must be supervised in accordance with the provisions that exist for speech-language pathology assistants. Speech-language pathology assistants may continue to participate in the program but must adhere to the supervision guidelines as well. Questions concerning enrollment in the program or the change in standards may be directed to the Office of Public Health.
GOVERNOR APPOINTS SLP TO LBESPA Theresa Rodgers was appointed by Governor Blanco December 1, 2005, based on results of the 2004 election in which Ms. Rodgers received the highest number of votes. An experienced Board member, Ms. Rodgers initially served two consecutive terms from 1994-1999, and during that time period was one of the individuals who was instrumental in the revision and passage of the Practice Act. She was again elected and appointed to the Board in 2001, serving one three-year term. Ms. Rodgers has served as Chairperson as well as Secretary-Treasurer of the board. Active in regulatory issues on the national level. Ms. Rodgers is a former president of the National Council of State Boards of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (NCSB) and is currently a member of the NCSB Board of Directors. She is a six-time trainer for the annual NCSB Board Member Training and a frequent presenter on the topics of licensure trends as well as ethics. Ms. Rodgers has presented at annual meetings of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council for State Association Presidents (CSAP), Indiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the Louisiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association (LSHA). Ms. Rodgers is also a former LSHA President, is an ASHA Legislative Councilor, serves on ASHA’s Council for Clinical Certification, and is President-Elect of CSAP. She has worked for twenty-seven years for the Ascension Parish School System and is currently Supervisor of Special Education.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE BOARD Danielle Alfred, Provisional-SLP-Assistant #5139, was sanctioned by the Board on October 7, 2005, for violation of L.R.S. 37:2651.9, and the Board’s Rules, Regulations and Procedures, § 115.B.2, I, relative to failure to obtain the required supervision until license was upgraded. Misty Fuller, L-SLP #4604, was sanctioned by the Board on December 2, 2005, for violation of the Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act LA R.S. 2662(A)(5), Rule 701 (D)(1)(g), and LA R.S. 2662(A)(4), relative to loss of treatment/clinical records. Chandra Brock, L-SLP # 3908, was sanctioned by the Board on December 2, 2005, for violation of LSA R.S., Title 37, Chapter 34; Section 2652 and in violation of the Louisiana Administrative Code’s Professional and Occupational Standards (Title 46) for Speech Pathology and Audiology (Part LXXV), Chapter 7, Section 701, E, 3,a and d, Chapter 7, Section 701, E, 4a, b, and g, relative to allowing someone to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist without a valid license. Julie Owens, L-AUD # 3044, was sanctioned by the Board on February 17, 2006, for violation of Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 37, Chapter 34; Section 2652 and in violation of the Louisiana Administrative Code’s Professional and Occupational Standards (Title 46) for Speech Pathology and Audiology (Part LXXV), revised November 1, 2004, Chapter 7, Section 701, 4, b, g, Chapter 7, Section 701, 3, a, relative to practicing without a valid license from October 2004 through December 1, 2005. OPEN BOOK EXAMINATIONS The individuals listed below practiced more than 10 days in the State of Louisiana without applying for a license in accordance with La R.S. 37:2652. By Board rule, these individuals agreed to either take and pass an Open Book Examination on the Practice Act, Rules, Regulations, and Procedures, and Ethical Questions/Situations or complete at least five (5) hours of continuing education in the area of Ethics within ten (10) months, in order to receive their license. Martha Kiley Kristen Blancher
LBESPA APPLICATION CHECKLIST
To UPGRADE upon completion of nine (9) months* postgraduate professional experience:
*LBESPA defines nine (9) months postgraduate professional experience as nine (9) calendar months.
NOTICE TO CE PROVIDERS Providers of continuing education activities that require Board pre-approval should not advertise as having been approved by LBESPA until notification of pre-approval by the Board. The request for pre-approval must be submitted thirty (30) days in advance of the activity. Note that while LBESPA may approve an activity, the Board does not endorse content. LBESPA does not review the content of activities that are by definition acceptable as specified in Rule 115 I. The Board requests that workshop providers which meet the specifications of “Acceptable Continuing Education Sponsors and Activities” as indicated in Rule 115.I., not include language such as, “This workshop is approved by the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology for 6 hours of continuing education,” on promotional materials. It implies that the Board has reviewed, approved, and endorsed content. It is permissible to include statements such as the following on promotional materials for “Acceptable Activities”: “Up to contact hours of continuing education may be earned at this (workshop, seminar, conference, etc.) toward requirements for licensure renewal in Louisiana. If you have any questions, contact the Board office at 1-800-246-6050 or (225) 756-3480 during week days from 8:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
OPEN MEETINGS ACT LBESPA falls under the Louisiana Open Meetings Act. This law specifies that every meeting shall be open to the public, unless the subject of the meeting relates to the character and professional competence of a person or to the investigation of a complaint or negotiation of litigation. Compliance Hearings (to ensure people comply with the licensing law) and Disciplinary Hearings (to address public complaints about professional practice) fall under the open meeting law. The schedule for each LBESPA meeting is posted 24 hours ahead of the scheduled meeting. Any member of the public who wishes to address the board may submit a request in writing at least 24 hours before a public meeting to be included on the agenda. All votes are public, as are all minutes of the meetings. Contact the Board office concerning meeting times and location.
NEW LICENSEES - January 2, 2005 - March 7, 2006
REMAINING BOARD MEETING DATES:
Licensees are invited to attend
REVISED LBESPA WEBSITE To obtain current information about licensure, visit the newly revised LBESPA website at www.lbespa.org. The website contains a searchable database detailing information about licensees in speech-language pathology and audiology as well as applications and renewal information. There is a section dedicated to supervision issues and one containing all necessary forms. The template related to continuing education has current CE requirements and lists upcoming CE events. Find out about offerings through the video library, and check the links to related organizations. A consumer page provides helpful information for consumers.
License Count by Status
CONTACT LBESPA
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Judy
Graham, the long time voice of the LBESPA office that many of you have
enjoyed for so long, officially retired on July 1, 2005, as the
Administrative Assistant for the Louisiana Board of Examiners for
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (LBESPA). Judy was hired part-time
in 1995, by Suzanne Pevey to organize the Board’s file room. It didn’t
take Mrs. Pevey long to realize what an asset Ms. Judy was to the Board
office and hire her full-time to take over the LBESPA position when Yvonne
Fowler retired. 
With
very big shoes to fill, Jolie Jones was hired in March, 2005, to replace
Ms. Judy as Administrative Assistant, and is the new voice of the LBESPA
office. As a member of Future Business Leaders of America in 2000, Ms.
Jones competed and placed in regional and state competitions for computer
processing and desktop publishing, and traveled to California to compete
in the National competition. Ms. Jones obtained an Associates Degree in
Business Systems Technology in 2002. She formerly worked as a Legal
Secretary for a prominent Attorney in Baton Rouge. Ms. Jones and her
husband also have the privilege to serve as Junior High Pastors at a local
church.