Licensing Exceptions

The following are exceptions to licensing by this Board to practice speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensing in the state of Nevada, or treat persons in Nevada:

Audiology Assistants

Per NAC 637B.0442 (effective June 20, 2024, LCB File #R108-23) a licensed audiologist or hearing aid specialist in the state of Nevada may assume responsibility for and delegate duties to an unlicensed audiology assistant.

Students

Speech-Language Pathology

Per NRS 637B.073, a speech-language pathology student is not required to hold a license if they are "an unlicensed student who engages in the practice of speech-language pathology under the supervision of a supervising speech-language pathologist pursuant to NRS 637B.245." Please note that Board regulations in NAC 637B/LCB File R026-25 establish supervision rules for unlicensed students by Supervising SLPs.

Audiology

Per NRS 637B.080(3), an audiology student is not required to hold a license if they are "a student enrolled in a program or school approved by the Board, is pursuing a degree in audiology and is clearly designated to the public as a student."

Public School Employees

Per NRS 637B.080(1) and NAC 637B.014 (LCB File R026-25, Sec. 17), only a person who meets the following criteria is exempt from the Board's laws & regulations in school-based settings:

A person holding a current license issued by the Nevada Department of Education with an endorsement issued per NAC Chapter 391 on or before 9/30/2026 to provide audiology or speech-language pathology services only while working as an employee, and not engaging in private practice or as an independent contractor within the scope of that credential in a public school setting per NRS 637B.080 and NAC 637B.014, including public school districts or state- or district-sponsored public charter schools.

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) issues licenses and endorsements to teach and provide services in public educational settings in Nevada per NAC Chapter 391, but a Board license is required to practice in a school-based setting as an independent contractor (non-employee), regardless of holding the NDE license & endorsement.

Many individuals hold a license with both NDE and this Board, and any private or contracted practice outside of employment in public school setting is considered unlicensed practice and subject to administrative action by the Board. Persons seeking school-based employment and licensure may visit the Nevada Department of Education, Educator Licensing website or contact license@doe.nv.gov.

Federal Government Employees

Any person employed by the Federal Government who engages in the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology within the scope of that employment is exempt from Board licensure per NRS 637B.080.

Persons Conducting Newborn or School-Based Hearing Screenings

NRS Chapter 442 covers standards of care and newborn screenings facilitated by the Nevada Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program, which allows any person to be trained by EDHI-contracted audiologists to conduct non-diagnostic newborn and school-based hearing screenings. EDHI also ensures that infants and children are referred to qualified hearing professionals for follow-up if screening indicates potential hearing loss.

Businesses

The Board only issues licenses to individuals and does not license or have authority over businesses.