Rhode Island § 5-48-11 - Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

§ 5-48-11. Grounds for suspension or revocation of licenses.

The license of any speech-language pathologist or audiologist may be suspended or revoked by the board upon proof that he or she:

(1) Fraudulently or deceptively obtained or attempted to obtain a license for the applicant, licensee, holder, or for another;

(2) Fraudulently or deceptively used a license;

(3) Altered a license;

(4) Aided or abetted unlicensed practice;

(5) Committed fraud and deceit in the practice of speech-language pathology or of audiology, including, but not limited to:

(i) Using or promoting, or causing the use of, any misleading, deceiving, or untruthful advertising matter, promotional literature, testimonial, guarantee, warranty, label, brand, insignia, or any other representation;

(ii) Falsely representing the use or availability of services or advice of a physician;

(iii) Misrepresenting the applicant, licensee, or holder by using the word “doctor” or any similar word, abbreviation, or symbol, if the use is not accurate or if the degree was not obtained from an accredited institution;

(iv) Making or filing a false report or record in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology;

(v) Submitting a false statement to collect a fee; and

(vi) Obtaining a fee through fraud or misrepresentation;

(6) Providing services while mentally incompetent;

(7) Engaging in illegal, incompetent, or habitually negligent practice;

(8) Providing professional services while:

(i) Under the influence of alcohol; or

(ii) Using any narcotic or controlled dangerous substance or other drug that is in excess of therapeutic amounts or without valid medical indication;

(9) Promoting the sale of devices, appliances, or products to a patient who cannot benefit from these devices, appliances, or products;

(10) Violating any provision of this chapter, any lawful order given, or rule or regulation adopted by the board or departure from or failure to conform to the current standards of acceptable prevailing practice and code of ethics of speech-language pathology or audiology;

(11) Being convicted of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony, whether or not any appeal or another proceeding is pending to have the conviction or plea set aside;

(12) Incompetent or negligent misconduct in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology;

(13) Is habitually intemperate or is addicted to the use of habit-forming drugs;

(14) Being disciplined by a licensing or disciplinary authority of any other state or country, or convicted or disciplined by a court of any state or country, for an act that would be grounds for disciplinary action under this section; or

(15) Failing to maintain continuing education requirements.