Utah Audiology Legislation Advances Following Strong Advocacy Efforts

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.

Update March 24th

The audiology provisions were reintroduced as a standalone bill, HB 374, led by Representative Ballard. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists continued working collaboratively on draft legislative language to ensure the final language reflected the needs of the profession and protected patient care. After several drafts, the group presented the language to the representative’s office and continued to meet with her to ensure their provisions were included.

The legislation includes several key provisions:

• Maintains licensure for audiologists
• Preserves the existing licensing board until its scheduled sunset in 2029
• Allows hearing instrument specialists to fit patients over the age of five

Late last week, the Governor signed HB 374 into law, marking a significant milestone for the profession in Utah. Audiologists who have been actively engaged on this issue since mid-2025 have expressed strong support for the final outcome. Their sustained advocacy played a critical role in ensuring that licensure was preserved and that the profession’s standards remained intact.

The Academy extends its sincere appreciation to all members and advocates in Utah who dedicated countless hours to this effort. From meeting with state officials and testifying at hearings to drafting legislative language, your advocacy achieved this result. Your engagement underscores the vital role that grassroots advocacy plays in protecting the profession and the patients you serve.

The Academy will continue to monitor implementation of the law and remain engaged with state partners on any future developments.