Utah Committee Removes Audiology Deregulation Language After Strong Professional Pushback

Early last week, the Utah Office of Professional Licensing Review (OPLR) released draft legislation proposing major revisions to the regulatory framework for licensure of multiple healthcare professions, including audiology. Among the many provisions of the bill, a few included:

• Replacing licensure with a five-year certification process
• Removing the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board
• Imposing new skills-demonstration requirements
• Removing tinnitus management from the audiology scope of practice.

The proposal also blurred the distinction between licensure and certification by defining certified individuals as equivalent to licensed professionals for credentialing, insurance, portability, and compacts.

On November 19, the Utah Joint Business and Labor Interim Committee held a meeting to discuss the legislation. Audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and hearing instrument specialists from across the state turned out in force to speak out against the bill. Committee members questioned OPLR extensively about these changes, with several legislators expressing clear concern about the impact on patient safety, practitioner oversight, and insurance reimbursement. Committee member Representative Melissa Ballard, a hearing aid consumer, introduced a motion to remove the entire chapter related to audiology certification from the larger health-care regulatory bill. The motion passed, effectively pulling the language from consideration in its current form. Although the language was removed from this bill, the issue is far from resolved. The Academy expects that a revised version of the proposal or related legislation is likely to reappear during Utah’s 2026 legislative session. The Academy is working closely with Utah audiologists, state partners, and coalition organizations to prepare for the next steps.

This outcome reflects the strength of coordinated advocacy efforts in Utah and nationwide. The Academy extends its appreciation to every audiologist, stakeholder organization, and member who engaged in this process by sending messages, offering testimony, or communicating with legislators. Your advocacy made a tangible impact.

The Academy will continue to monitor developments closely and will keep members informed as the situation evolves.