36-24-12.1. Authority of Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers and Audiologists. The board may:

(1) Authorize all disbursements necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter;

(2) Administer, coordinate, and enforce the provisions of this chapter, establish licensure fees, evaluate the qualifications of applicants, and issue and renew licenses;

(3) Prepare, administer, conduct, and supervise the qualifying examinations to test the knowledge and proficiency of hearing aid dispensers, and provide facilities necessary to carry out these examinations;

(4) Revoke, suspend, refuse to issue or renew a license, issue a letter of reprimand or concern, require restitution of fees, or impose probationary conditions in the manner provided in this chapter;

(5) Issue subpoenas, examine witnesses, administer oaths, conduct hearings and, at its discretion, investigate allegations of violations of this chapter and impose penalties if such violations of this chapter have occurred;

(6) Maintain a list of persons currently licensed and registered under the provision of this chapter and the clock hours of continuing education submitted by each person;

(7) Employ personnel as determined by its needs and budget;

(8) Request legal advice and assistance, as needed, from the Attorney General's Office;

(9) Enter into contracts as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this chapter;

(10) Hire legal counsel, if necessary;

(11) Establish a budget;

(12) Submit reports of its operations and finances as requested by the Department of Health;

(13) Adopt an official seal by which it may authenticate its proceedings, copies of proceedings, records, acts of the board, and licenses;

(14) Communicate disciplinary actions to relevant state and federal authorities and to other state audiology licensing authorities as necessary;

(15) Establish continuing education requirements;

(16) Establish peer review committees within each discipline for review purposes.Source: SL 1997, ch 221, § 18; SL 2003, ch 272 (Ex. Ord. 03-1), § 36.