Senate panel approves reappointments to speech‑language pathology and audiology board

The Senate Medical Affairs Committee on the morning call‑to‑order moved favorably on statewide reappointments to the Board of Examiners in Speech‑Language Pathology and Audiology, approving Beth Findlay Montgomery and Sarah Davis Emery by voice vote.

Both nominees were sworn in before offering brief statements about their service. Beth Findlay Montgomery said she has served on the board since 2015 and currently serves as vice chair, and that board work has focused on improving access and creating training pathways for speech‑language pathology assistants. Sarah Davis Emery said it has been “an incredible honor and pleasure to serve the state of South Carolina” and described the board’s work across pediatric and adult care, from swallowing disorders in infants to post‑stroke rehabilitation.

Committee staff told members they had reviewed the nominees’ personal data questionnaires and statements of economic interest and found them complete; the nominees answered standard background questions on arrests, investigations and financial issues. No conflicts were disclosed during the vetting.

After committee questioning about the board’s scope and pipeline for new practitioners, a motion for a favorable report on both nominees was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote. The chair told the nominees that the next official communication regarding their status will come from the clerk of the Senate.

The committee’s favorable report moves the nominees forward in the Senate process; the appointment will be finalized according to the chamber’s calendar and notification procedures.