54.1-2600 - Definitions.
§ 54.1-2600. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Audiologist" means any person who engages in the practice of audiology.
"Board" means the Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
"Practice of audiology" means the practice of conducting measurement,testing and evaluation relating to hearing and vestibular systems, includingaudiologic and electrophysiological measures, and conducting programs ofidentification, hearing conservation, habilitation, and rehabilitation forthe purpose of identifying disorders of the hearing and vestibular systemsand modifying communicative disorders related to hearing loss including butnot limited to vestibular evaluation, electrophysiological audiometry andcochlear implants. Any person offering services to the public under anydescriptive name or title which would indicate that audiology services arebeing offered shall be deemed to be practicing audiology.
"Practice of speech-language pathology" means the practice of facilitatingdevelopment and maintenance of human communication through programs ofscreening, identifying, assessing and interpreting, diagnosing, habilitatingand rehabilitating speech-language disorders, including but not limited to:
1. Providing alternative communication systems and instruction and trainingin the use thereof;
2. Providing aural habilitation, rehabilitation and counseling services tohearing-impaired individuals and their families;
3. Enhancing speech-language proficiency and communication effectiveness; and
4. Providing audiologic screening.
Any person offering services to the public under any descriptive name ortitle which would indicate that professional speech-language pathologyservices are being offered shall be deemed to be practicing speech-languagepathology.
"Speech-language disorders" means disorders in fluency, speecharticulation, voice, receptive and expressive language (syntax, morphology,semantics, pragmatics), swallowing disorders, and cognitive communicationfunctioning.
"Speech-language pathologist" means any person who engages in the practiceof speech-language pathology.
(1972, c. 181, § 54-83.1:5; 1974, c. 534; 1988, c. 765; 1992, c. 706.)