Speech‑Language and Audiology Board Cites Modernization Gains, Backs New Audiology‑Assistant Category to Increase Access

Gilda Dominguez, chair of the Speech‑Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, summarized the board’s modernization of initial licensure applications, which moved the application process online and produced a stated 71% reduction in application processing times and increased staff workload capacity.

Dominguez and other board officials said the board now licenses more than 44,500 individuals and entities and is focusing on continued regulatory updates, continuing education audits (the board has completed roughly 249 audits to date with a 28% average failure rate) and enforcement improvements.

Committee members asked about a California Academy of Audiology proposal to create a licensed audiology assistant. Dr. Amy White and board members said an assistant category would mirror allied health models — allowing trained assistants to handle screening and preparatory tasks so audiologists can see more patients. Witnesses noted a statewide shortage (about 2,500 audiologists for nearly 39 million residents) and cited a recent survey in which 88% of responding audiologists said they would hire an assistant and most anticipated hiring multiple assistants.

Public commenters representing professional associations (California Speech Language Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology) expressed support for continued licensing and for development of the assistant license to address access issues.

Why it matters: Modernized licensing can speed applicant processing and enforcement, while a licensed assistant category could materially increase access to hearing services in underserved communities, according to testimony.

Next steps: The committee asked for additional information but did not vote on statutory changes or new license types during the hearing.