S.B. No. 905 amends the Occupations Code to enhance the licensing and regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists in Texas. Key changes include the removal of references to specific advisory boards in the rules for hearing instruments, allowing the commission to adopt rules for sales of hearing instruments without the input of the previously mentioned boards. The bill also updates the educational requirements for licensing, specifying that applicants for audiology must hold either a master's degree conferred before December 31, 2007, or a doctoral degree in audiology or a related field. Additionally, it mandates that degrees must be obtained from accredited programs recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The bill introduces new provisions regarding the sale of hearing instruments to minors, requiring a written statement from a physician confirming the medical evaluation of the minor's hearing loss. It also emphasizes that, whenever possible, this evaluation should be conducted by a specialist in ear diseases. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that provisional licenses issued before the effective date of the act will remain valid until expiration, but the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will not renew or extend these licenses after the act's effective date. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 401.2021, Occupations Code 401.308, Occupations Code 401.404, Occupations Code 402.1021 (Occupations Code 402, Occupations Code 401)
Senate Committee Report: Occupations Code 401.2021, Occupations Code 401.308, Occupations Code 401.404, Occupations Code 402.1021 (Occupations Code 402, Occupations Code 401)
Engrossed: Occupations Code 401.2021, Occupations Code 401.304, Occupations Code 401.308, Occupations Code 401.404, Occupations Code 402.1021 (Occupations Code 402, Occupations Code 401)
House Committee Report: Occupations Code 401.2021, Occupations Code 401.304, Occupations Code 401.308, Occupations Code 401.404, Occupations Code 402.1021 (Occupations Code 402, Occupations Code 401)
Enrolled: Occupations Code 401.2021, Occupations Code 401.304, Occupations Code 401.308, Occupations Code 401.404, Occupations Code 402.1021 (Occupations Code 402, Occupations Code 401)