§ 4451. Definitions

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Director” means the Director of the Office of Professional Regulation.

(2) “Disciplinary action” means any action taken by the administrative law officer appointed pursuant to 3 V.S.A. § 129(j) against a licensee or applicant for licensure under this chapter, premised on a finding that the person has engaged in unprofessional conduct. “Disciplinary action” includes all sanctions of any kind, including obtaining injunctions, refusal to give an examination, refusal to grant or renew a license, suspension or revocation of a license, placement of limitations or restrictions upon a license, issuance of warnings, ordering restitution, and other similar sanctions.

(3) “Office” means the Office of Professional Regulation.

(4) “Practice of speech-language pathology” includes:

(A) screening, identifying, assessing and interpreting, diagnosing, rehabilitating, treating, and preventing disorders of language and speech, including disorders involving articulation, fluency, and voice;

(B) screening, identifying, assessing and interpreting, diagnosing, and rehabilitating disorders of oral-pharyngeal function, including dysphagia and related disorders;

(C) screening, identifying, assessing and interpreting, diagnosing, and rehabilitating communication disorders;

(D) assessing, selecting, and developing augmentative and alternative communication systems, and providing training in their use;

(E) providing aural rehabilitation, speech-language, and related counseling services to individuals who are hard of hearing or experiencing auditory processing problems and their families;

(F) enhancing speech-language proficiency and communication effectiveness, including accent modification; and

(G) screening of hearing and other factors for the purpose of speech-language evaluation, or the initial identification of individuals with other communication disorders.

(5) “Secretary” means the Secretary of State.

(6) “Speech-language pathologist” means a person licensed to practice speech-language pathology under this chapter.

(7) “Speech-language pathology” means the application of principles, methods, and procedures related to the development and disorders of human communication, which include any and all conditions that impede the normal process of human communication.