How Audiologist Licensing Board Complaints Work in Louisiana (and How to Defend Your License)
A clear, supportive guide to understanding the complaint process with the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and protecting your professional license
What do you need help with?
Choose the situation that best matches what you're experiencing.
Select your situation, profession, and state to continue.
New Louisiana procedural protection (effective August 1, 2026)
Louisiana Act 939 of 2026 amended La. R.S. 37:21 to add a mechanism that may limit a licensing board's ability to assess its attorney fees and costs against a licensee. During a disciplinary proceeding, a licensee may make a written offer of judgment. If the board rejects it and the final outcome is as favorable or more favorable to the licensee than the offer, or the matter is dismissed or resolved without an adverse finding, the licensee may be treated as the "prevailing party," and the board generally may not assess fees or costs it incurred after the offer.
The statute has specific rules for comparing outcomes such as suspension, probation, and fines (for some comparisons, one day of suspension equals 15 days of probation). This does not mean the board pays your attorney fees. These offer-of-judgment rules are in subsection D, which is separate from the general procedural limits in subsection A, and some boards are excluded from subsection A. If you are weighing a Louisiana consent agreement, settlement, or hearing, La. R.S. 37:21(D) may be worth discussing with an attorney. This is general information, not legal advice.
Source: Louisiana State Legislature, La. R.S. 37:21 and Act 939 (2026). Current as of October 5, 2026.
If you've received notice of a complaint filed with the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, you're likely feeling anxious, confused, or even scared. That's completely understandable. A licensing board complaint can feel like a threat to everything you've worked for.
Here's what's important to know: receiving a complaint doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. Many complaints are administrative in nature, stem from misunderstandings, or are resolved without any disciplinary action.
This guide will walk you through what to expect, help you understand the process, and give you the clarity you need to respond thoughtfully. It also explains early, practical steps professionals use to begin defending themselves and protecting their license. You're not alone in this.
If you received a written notice from a board investigator, you may also want to review our guide on responding to licensing board investigation letters. Understanding how the investigation process works can also help you prepare.
What Triggers Complaints Against Audiologists in Louisiana
Administrative Issues
These are often paperwork or compliance matters that can typically be resolved without formal discipline.
- Annual license renewal lapses (LA audiology licenses renew yearly by December 31)
- Continuing education deficiencies (10 CE hours per year, including ethics)
- Failure to report criminal convictions or out-of-state discipline (LRS 37:2659)
- Hearing aid dispensing permit not maintained or improperly delegated to an unlicensed assistant
- Audiology Assistant supervision documentation gaps
Conduct-Related Concerns
These involve clinical practice or professional behavior and require careful, thoughtful responses.
- Hearing aid sales misrepresentation, fitting without real-ear verification, or failure to honor the 30-day Louisiana trial/return period
- Improper cerumen management or scope-of-practice violations (e.g., medical diagnosis)
- Inadequate audiologic evaluation documentation (audiogram, speech, immittance)
- Sexual misconduct or boundary violations
- Medicare/Medicaid or insurance billing fraud
- Practicing while impaired
- Failure to refer for medical evaluation when red-flag findings are present (FDA red-flag rules)
What Happens After a Complaint Is Filed with the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Understanding the process can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for each step.
Complaint Filed with LBESPA
Complaints are filed directly with the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Investigation
Board investigator gathers records, may interview the licensee and complainant. The audiologist receives written notice and an opportunity to respond.
Informal Conference
Many cases are resolved through an informal conference before the Investigating Committee or Board.
Formal Complaint / Notice of Hearing
Unresolved matters proceed to a Notice of Hearing under the Louisiana Administrative Procedure Act (LRS 49:950 et seq.).
Adjudicatory Hearing
Hearing held before the Board or a hearing officer; sworn testimony and exhibits presented.
Decision and Order
Board issues findings, conclusions, and order. Appeals go to the 19th Judicial District Court (East Baton Rouge Parish).
Note: This process overview is based on typical procedures under Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 37, Chapter 35. Your specific case may vary.
Begin protecting your license and organizing your response.
Responding to the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Response Deadline
The Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology often specifies a response deadline (commonly around 30 days), but the exact timeframe varies by case. Check your specific notice for the deadline.
Possible Outcomes
Outcomes vary significantly based on the nature of the complaint, the evidence, and how you respond. Here are typical possibilities:
Dismissal
No violation found or insufficient evidence.
Letter of Concern
Non-disciplinary advisory.
Consent Order
Negotiated public discipline.
Civil Penalty
Monetary fine; statutory range under LRS 37.
Probation
Practice continues subject to supervision, CE, or audit.
Suspension
Time-limited loss of license.
Revocation
Loss of Louisiana audiology license.
Every case is unique. These outcomes are general possibilities, not predictions about your specific situation.
Your case details stay private, by design
BoardWise uses Zero Sensitive Data Retention. Your documents, answers, and drafts are processed on your device and are never stored on our servers.
BoardWise keeps your sensitive case details isolated on your device from start to finish.
Not Ready to Sign Up Yet?
Take our free calming checklist for responding to the Board; it'll help you stay grounded and organized.
The Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Process
The Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (LBESPA) regulates audiologists under LRS Title 37, Chapter 35. LBESPA is an independent Board with full authority to investigate complaints, conduct hearings, and impose discipline. Formal proceedings follow the Louisiana Administrative Procedure Act (LRS 49:950 et seq.).
What Makes This Process Unique
LBESPA is an independent, self-governing board dedicated to speech-language pathology and audiology regulation, it is not housed within a larger health-licensing umbrella.
Louisiana requires a doctoral degree (AuD or equivalent) for audiology licensure, plus passing the Praxis exam in Audiology.
Hearing aid dispensing by audiologists is regulated under the same audiology license: Louisiana does NOT require a separate Hearing Aid Dealer license for audiologists (LRS 37:2658).
Louisiana law mandates a 30-day trial/return period for hearing aid sales (LRS 37:2502), with specific written disclosure requirements.
Louisiana is a member of the ASLP Interstate Compact, discipline is reported to the Compact Commission and may suspend privileges in other compact states.
Final orders are public and reported to the HIPDB/NPDB where applicable; revocation is searchable on the LBESPA license verification site.
Tips for Responding
- Submit your written response within the deadline specified in the Board's letter (commonly 30 days). Track delivery with certified mail.
- For hearing aid complaints, compile the complete fitting record: audiogram, real-ear measurements, informed consent, 30-day trial agreement, and follow-up notes.
- Document FDA red-flag screening and any referrals to ENT/physician evaluation.
- If an Audiology Assistant was involved, produce written supervision logs and the scope-of-duties document.
- Before signing a Consent Order, confirm the reporting consequences for ASLP Compact privileges and the NPDB.
- Consult a Louisiana professional licensing defense attorney before responding to any formal complaint. Many professionals view this stage as a key part of their overall license defense strategy.
Helpful Resources
Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (LBESPA)
Board portal for licensure, renewal, CE, and complaints.
LRS Title 37, Chapter 35
Louisiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act.
LRS 37:2502 (Hearing Aid Sales)
Trial period, written disclosure, and return requirements.
ASLP Interstate Compact
Multi-state privilege framework and discipline reporting.
