N.J. Stat. tit. 45, ch. 3B

N.J. Stat. tit. 45, ch. 3B
in effect

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-1 Legislative findings and declarations

The Legislature finds and declares that the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology needs to be regulated for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of this State. The Legislature further finds and declares that peer regulation and the creation of a new board of examiners to carry out the provisions of this act are not in the public interest and it has devised a regulatory mechanism which is consonant with the licensing policies of this State. L.1983, c. 420, s. 1, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-2 Definitions.

2. As used in P.L.1983, c.420 (C.45:3B-1 et seq.): a. "Audiologist" means any individual who practices audiology and who represents himself or herself to the public by title or by description of services, under any title incorporating such terms as "audiology," "audiologist," "audiological," "audiologic," "hearing clinic," "hearing clinician," "hearing therapist," or any similar title or descriptions of services, provided that the individual has met the eligibility requirements contained in section 8 of P.L.1983, c.420 (C.45:3B-8) and has been duly licensed under P.L.1983, c.420 (C.45:3B-1 et seq.). b. "Committee" means the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Committee. c. "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, association or other organization, except that only individuals may be licensed under P.L.1983, c.420 (C.45:3B-1 et seq.). d. "Practice of audiology" means the nonmedical and nonsurgical application of principles, methods, and procedures of measurement, testing, evaluation, consultation, counseling, instruction, and habilitation or rehabilitation related to hearing, its disorders, and related communication impairments for the purpose of nonmedical diagnosis, prevention, identification, amelioration, or modification of these disorders and conditions in individuals or groups of individuals with speech, language, or hearing disabilities, or to individuals or groups of individuals for whom these conditions must be ruled out. e. "Practice of speech-language pathology" means the nonmedical and nonsurgical application of principles, methods, and procedures of measurement, prediction, nonmedical diagnosis, testing, counseling, consultation, habilitation, and rehabilitation and instruction related to the development and disorders of speech, voice, and language for the purpose of preventing, ameliorating, and modifying these disorders and conditions in individuals or groups of individuals with speech, language, or hearing disabilities, or to individuals or groups of individuals for whom these conditions must be ruled out. f. "Speech-language pathologist" means an individual who practices speech-language pathology and who represents himself or herself to the public by title or by description of services under any title incorporating such terms as "speech-language pathology," "speech-language pathologist," "speech pathology," "speech pathologist," "speech correction," "speech correctionist," "speech therapy," "speech therapist," "speech clinic," "speech clinician," "logopedist," "communicologist," "language therapist," "communication disorders specialist," "communication therapist," or any similar titles of description of services, provided that the individual has met the eligibility requirements contained in section 8 of P.L.1983, c.420 (C.45:3B-8) and has been duly licensed under P.L.1983, c.420 (C.45:3B-1 et seq.). g. "Dispensing and fitting hearing aids" means the evaluation or measurement of the power or range of human hearing by means of an audiometer or by any other means devised and the consequent selection, prescribing, ordering, adaptation, or sale of hearing aids intended to compensate for hearing loss, including the making of an impression of the ear. L.1983, c.420, s.2; amended 2017, c.131, s.181; 2019, c.41, s.2; 2025, c.25, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-3 Audiology and speech-language pathology advisory committee; creation

There is created in the Division of Consumer Affairs of the Department of Law and Public Safety an Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Committee which shall serve as an advisory body to the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs with respect to the licensure of audiologists and speech-language pathologists. L.1983, c. 420, s. 3, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-4 Members; appointment; qualifications

The committee shall consist of nine residents of this State who shall be appointed by the Governor. Four members shall be audiologists or speech-language pathologists who shall fulfill the licensure requirements of this act, but not more than three of these members may represent the area of audiology or speech-language pathology. Two members shall be persons who are licensed to practice medicine and surgery by this State, one who is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and one who is a diplomate of the American Osteopathic Board of Otolaryngology. Two members shall be public members and one member shall be a State representative. L.1983, c. 420, s. 4, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-5 Terms of office; vacancies

Each member of the committee, except the members first appointed, shall serve for a term of 5 years and shall hold office until the appointment and qualification of his successor. The initial appointments to the committee shall be two members for a term of two years, two members for terms of three years, two members for terms of four years and three members for terms of five years. The audiologist and speech-language pathologist members of the first committee shall be deemed to be and shall become licensed practicing audiologists and speech-language pathologists immediately upon their appointment and qualification as members of the committee, provided that they have met the requirements for licensure under this act. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term only. No member may be appointed for more than two consecutive terms. L.1983, c. 420, s. 5, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-6 Oath; officers; meetings

The members of the committee, before entering the discharge of their duties, and within 30 days after their appointment, shall take and subscribe to an oath before an officer authorized to administer oaths in this State for the faithful performance of their duties and file the oath with the Secretary of State. The members of the committee shall annually elect from their number a chairman and a secretary-treasurer each of whom shall hold office for 1 year and until his successor shall have been elected and qualified. Regular meetings of the committee shall be held at such times and places as it prescribes and special meetings may be held upon the call of the chairman or the director. At least one regular meeting shall be held each year. L.1983, c. 420, s. 6, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-7 Powers and duties

The committee may have the following powers and duties as delegated by the director: a. To determine and secure publication of education and continuing education requirements for licensing as audiologists and speech-language pathologists; b. To evaluate the qualifications of all applicants for licensing as audiologists and speech-language pathologists, supervise the examination of applicants and make recommendations to the director concerning the licensure of qualified individuals; c. To establish or recommend to the director standards of professional conduct for licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists; d. To do any and all other things which may be appropriate to achieve the objectives contemplated by this act, or which may be useful in executing any of the duties, powers, or functions of the committee. L.1983, c. 420, s. 7, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-8 License; eligibility and qualifications

To be eligible for a license to practice audiology or speech-language pathology, an applicant shall: a. Possess at least a master's degree or its equivalent in the area of audiology or speech-language pathology from an accredited college or university acceptable to the Department of Higher Education; b. Submit to the director transcripts from one or more accredited educational institutions evidencing the completion of specific requirements which shall be determined and published by the director in consultation with the committee and the Department of Higher Education. These requirements shall not be substantially inconsistent with current nationally recognized professional standards and shall include both academic courses and clinical practice; c. Submit to the director evidence of the completion of a clinical internship in the professional area for which the license is sought. The clinical internship shall not be substantially inconsistent with currently recognized national professional standards. Clinical internship shall be under the direct supervision of a person licensed to practice speech-language pathology or audiology, as appropriate, by this State or by another state which has standards substantially equivalent to those of this State; or a person in a state without licensure laws, provided that the supervisor shows evidence of credentials equivalent to the requirements for licensure under this act; or a person in this State practicing in an exempt setting, provided that the supervisor shows evidence of credentials equivalent to the requirements for licensure under this act. d. Pass a written examination approved by the director in consultation with the committee. An examination shall be given at least once each year. L.1983, c. 420, s. 8, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-9 Issuance; duration; renewal

The director, in consultation with the committee, shall issue a license to practice audiology or speech-language pathology to all applicants who meet the established qualifications. Licenses shall be effective for a period not to exceed 2 years and may be renewed biennially. Licensure shall be granted independently in audiology or speech-language pathology. A person may be licensed in both areas if he is qualified. L.1983, c. 420, s. 9, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-10 Licensure

In lieu of the examination given to other applicants for licensure the director, in consultation with the committee, may issue a license to an individual who presents bona fide proof to the director that he was actively engaged in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology, or both, in this State for three of the last five years immediately preceding the enactment of this act, and has a master's degree or its equivalent in speech-language pathology or audiology, and meets the currently recognized national professional standards in speech-language pathology or audiology. The application shall be made to the director within one year of the enactment of this act. Prior to the licensure of an individual under this section, the director shall require that the applicant demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of current developments and procedures in his area of specialization. L. 1983,c.420, s.10; amended by L. 1987,c.332,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-11 Issuance without examination to persons actively engaged in practice prior to Jan. 1, 1970

In lieu of the examination given to all other applicants for licensure the director, in consultation with the committee, may issue a license to an individual who presents bona fide proof to the director that he was actively engaged in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology, or both, prior to January 1, 1970, and who has practiced in this State for 3 of the 5 years immediately preceding the enactment of this act and meets the currently recognized national professional standards in speech-language pathology or audiology. The application shall be made to the director within one year of the enactment of this act. Prior to the licensure of an individual under this section, the director shall require that the applicant demonstrates satisfactory knowledge of current developments and procedures in his area of specialization. L.1983, c. 420, s. 11, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-12 Provisional licenses

The director, in consultation with the committee, may issue a provisional license to any person who has received a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university acceptable to the Department of Higher Education and who presents bona fide proof that he was actively engaged in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology or both, in this State for 3 of the last 5 years immediately preceding the enactment of this act, and who is working toward fulfilling the requirements for licensure as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist. Provisional licensees shall work only under the supervision of a licensed audiologist or speech-language pathologist who shall be responsible for the actions of the provisional licensee. Provisional licenses shall be in effect for a period of 2 years and may be renewed once. No provisional licenses shall be issued after 5 years from the effective date of this act. The application shall be made to the director within 1 year of the enactment of this act. L.1983, c. 420, s. 12, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-13 Reciprocity

The director, in consultation with the committee, shall accept in lieu of a written examination proof that an applicant for licensing holds a current license in a State which has standards substantially equivalent to those of this State. L.1983, c. 420, s. 13, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-14 Temporary license

a. The director, in consultation with the committee, may issue a temporary license to any person who has recently become a resident of this State, who has applied for licensing as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist, or both, as the case may be, and who has been licensed by the state of his former residence. The temporary license shall be effective for a period not to exceed one year, and shall not be renewed. b. The director, in consultation with the committee, shall issue a temporary license to any person who has applied for licensure as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist, or both, as the case may be; who has satisfactorily met the licensing requirements of subsections a. and b. of section 8 of P.L.1983, c. 420 (C. 45:3B-8); and who is participating in a clinical internship required for licensure pursuant to subsection c. of section 8 of P.L.1983, c. 420 (C. 45:3B-8). The temporary license shall be effective only during the clinical internship period not to exceed 18 months, and shall not be renewed. L. 1983,c.420, s.14; amended by L. 1987,c.332,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-15 Prohibition of representation as practitioner by unlicensed person

No person shall practice or hold himself out as being able to practice audiology or speech-language pathology in this State unless he is licensed in accordance with the provisions of this act. L.1983, c. 420, s. 15.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-16 Practice without licensure if licensed practitioners employed

Nothing in this act shall prohibit any person from engaging in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology without licensure if he employs licensed individuals in the direct practice of audiology or of speech-language pathology. Such a person shall file a statement with the director, on a form approved by the director that he submits himself to the rules and regulations of the director and the provisions of this act which are applicable to him. L.1983, c. 420, s. 16, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-17 Inapplicability of act to certain activities and services

The provisions of this act do not apply to: a. The activities and services of any person who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery by this State, or a person under the direct supervision and control of a physician, engaged in his practice, providing such a person is not referred to as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist; b. The activities, services, and use of an official title on the part of a person in the employ of a federal agency, as such services are part of the duties of his office or position with that agency; or any person certified by the State Board of Examiners as a speech correctionist; c. The activities and services of a student, fellow, trainee in audiology or speech-language pathology pursuing a course of study of an accredited university or college, or working in a recognized training center, if these activities and services constitute a part of his course of study under a supervisor licensed in audiology or speech-language pathology; d. The activities and services within the scope of practice of any person licensed by this State as a hearing aid dispenser pursuant to P.L.1973, c. 19 (C. 45:9A-1 et seq.); or any person who is registered, certified or licensed in this State under any other law to engage in the profession or occupation for which he is registered, certified or licensed; e. No person shall be exempt under subsection b. of this section for that portion of his time spent as a private practitioner of audiology or speech-language pathology. If he does any work as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist for which a fee may be paid by a recipient of the service or as part of a private practice apart from his position with the government agency, he shall hold a valid and current license. L.1983, c. 420, s. 17, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-18 Continuing education requirements

All applicants for license renewal shall submit to the director evidence of satisfactory completion of such continuing education requirements as are determined and published by the director. The director shall notify each licensed individual of any failure to comply with this requirement, and shall further notify him that upon continued failure to comply within 3 months of the date of the notice, the director in consultation with the committee, may, in his discretion, take action, pursuant to section 20 of this act, to suspend or revoke the license. L.1983, c. 420, s. 18, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-19 Names and office addresses; notice to director; lists

Every licensed audiologist and speech-language pathologist commencing to practice in this State shall notify the director of his office address. Every licensed audiologist and speech-language pathologist shall promptly notify the director of any change in his office address. The director shall annually publish complete lists of the names and office addresses of all audiologists and speech-language pathologists licensed and practicing in this State. The list shall be arranged alphabetically by name and also by the names of the municipalities in which the various offices are situated. L.1983, c. 420, s. 19, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-20 Fees; limitations; disposition of revenues

a. All applicants for licenses, temporary licenses or renewals under this act shall pay a fee for the issuance or renewal which shall be determined by the director in consultation with the committee. The revenue generated from these fees shall not exceed the operating costs of the director and the committee under this act. b. All fees and any fines imposed by the director shall be forwarded to the State Treasurer and shall be deposited in the General Fund. All expenditures deemed necessary to carry out the provisions of this act shall be paid by the State Treasurer from the funds collected and forwarded by the director subject to, and within the limits of, appropriation made pursuant to law, but expenditures shall not exceed revenues from the operation of this act during any fiscal year. L.1983, c. 420, s. 20, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-22 Restoration after revocation

A license may be restored after 1 year from the date of its revocation by the director, in consultation with the committee. L.1983, c. 420, s. 22, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-23 Violations; penalties; enforcement

Any person who violates the provisions of this act shall be subject to a penalty of $200.00 for the first offense and $500.00 for each subsequent offense, to be sued for and recovered by and in the name of the director pursuant to the provisions of the "penalty enforcement law" (N.J.S. 2A:58-1 et seq.). If any person practices without a valid license or holds himself out as being able to practice audiology or speech-language pathology in violation of section 15 of this act, each day during which the violation continues shall constitute an additional and separate and distinct offense for the purposes of this section. L.1983, c. 420, s. 23, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-24 Regulations

The director shall adopt, amend or repeal such regulations, consistent with the policy and objectives of this act, as he may deem desirable or necessary for the public interest, provided that the regulations shall be adopted, amended and repealed in accordance with the provisions of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.). L.1983, c. 420, s. 24, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 45:3B-25 Audiologists, certain, permitted to dispense, fit hearing aids.

1. An audiologist licensed to practice pursuant to P.L.1983, c.420 (C.45:3B-1 et seq.), may select, prescribe, order, dispense, and fit hearing aids if he has successfully completed a program of coursework and clinical training in the selection, prescribing, ordering, dispensing, and fitting of hearing aids which meets the requirements established by the committee from an institution of higher education that is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, or any other organization, as may be approved by the committee. L.2019, c.41, s.1; amended 2025, c.25, s.2.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026

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