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 the Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers Advisory Board, allowing the commission to adopt rules for hearing instrument sales with the assistance of an advisory board. The bill specifies that applicants for licensure must possess a master's degree in audiology or a doctoral degree in audiology or related hearing science, with the requirement that degrees must be obtained from accredited programs recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Additionally, it introduces a new subsection that mandates the degree to be from an accredited program.

The bill also revises the requirements for selling hearing instruments to minors, stipulating that a licensed audiologist cannot sell to individuals under 18 without a written statement from a physician confirming the medical evaluation of the minor's hearing loss. Furthermore, it establishes that the commission must adopt rules for hearing instrument sales, ensuring that contracts and trial period information are presented in plain language. The provisions of the bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and it includes transitional measures for provisional licenses issued before this date.

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)