Rhode Island § 5-48-2 - Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

§ 5-48-2. Board of examiners — Composition — Appointments, terms, and qualifications of members.

(a) There exists within the department of health a board of examiners of speech-language pathology and audiology. The board shall consist of five (5) persons who are residents of the state and who have worked within the state for at least one year prior to their appointments.

(1) Two (2) members shall be speech-language pathologists who have practiced speech-language pathology for at least five (5) years preceding appointment, are currently practicing speech-language pathology, and hold active and valid licensure for the practice of speech-language pathology in this state.

(2) One member shall be an audiologist who has practiced audiology for at least five (5) years immediately preceding appointment, is currently practicing audiology, and holds active and valid licensure for the practice of audiology in this state.

(3) One member shall be an otolaryngologist who holds certification by the American Academy of Otolaryngology — head and neck surgery, who is currently practicing otolaryngology, and holds active and valid licensure as a physician within this state.

(4) One member shall be a representative of the consumer public who is not associated with or financially interested in the practice or business of speech-language pathology or audiology.

(b) All appointments to the board shall be for the term of three (3) years. Members shall serve until the expiration of the term for which they have been appointed or until their appointed successors are qualified.

(c) When a vacancy upon the board occurs, the director of the department of health shall, with the approval of the governor, appoint persons who are working within the state to fill the remainder of the vacant term.

(d) The board shall reorganize annually during the month of January and shall select a chairperson.

(e) A majority of currently filled positions shall constitute a quorum to do business.

(f) No person shall be appointed to serve more than two (2) consecutive terms.

(g) The first board and all future members shall be appointed by the director of the department of health, with the approval of the governor.

(h) The director of the department of health, with the approval of the governor, may remove any member of the board for dishonorable conduct, incompetency, or neglect of duty.