How Audiologist Licensing Board Complaints Work in North Carolina (and How to Defend Your License)
A clear, supportive guide to understanding the complaint process with the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and protecting your professional license
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If you've received notice of a complaint filed with the North Carolina 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 North Carolina
Administrative Issues
These are often paperwork or compliance matters that can typically be resolved without formal discipline.
- Failure to renew license on time
- Incomplete continuing education requirements
- Address or name change not reported
- Practicing with an expired or lapsed license
Conduct-Related Concerns
These involve clinical practice or professional behavior and require careful, thoughtful responses.
- Providing audiological services outside scope of practice
- Improper fitting or dispensing of hearing aids
- Failure to make appropriate medical referrals
- Inadequate documentation of patient evaluations
- Unprofessional conduct or ethical violations
- Misleading advertising or billing irregularities
What Happens After a Complaint Is Filed with the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Understanding the process can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for each step.
Complaint Receipt and Intake
The Board receives and logs the complaint, assigning it a case number for tracking.
Initial Review
Staff reviews the complaint to determine if it falls within the Board's jurisdiction and warrants further investigation.
Investigation
If warranted, an investigator may gather documents, interview witnesses, and request your response.
Response Request
You may receive a letter asking for your written response to the allegations.
Committee Review
The case may be reviewed by enforcement staff and legal counsel to determine next steps.
Resolution
The case concludes with dismissal, informal resolution, or formal proceedings.
Note: This process overview is based on typical procedures under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 90, Article 22. Your specific case may vary.
Begin protecting your license and organizing your response.
Responding to the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Response Deadline
The North Carolina 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
The complaint is closed with no action if the investigation finds insufficient evidence or no violation.
Letter of Concern
An informal advisory that does not affect your license but is noted in your file.
Continuing Education
You may be asked to complete additional training or coursework.
Probation
Your license remains active with conditions and monitoring requirements.
License Suspension or Revocation
In serious cases, the Board may suspend or revoke your license, though this is less common.
Every case is unique. These outcomes are general possibilities, not predictions about your specific situation.
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The North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Process
The North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists (NCBESLPA) regulates audiologists under N.C. Gen. Stat. Ch. 90, Article 22 (§ 90-292 et seq.). NCBESLPA is an occupational licensing board with full investigative authority. Contested cases follow the North Carolina Administrative Procedure Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. Ch. 150B), with formal hearings before the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) when not resolved by consent.
What Makes This Process Unique
NCBESLPA is a self-governing occupational board separate from the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
Hearing aid dispensing by audiologists is regulated under the same audiology license; a separate hearing aid specialist license exists for non-audiologist dispensers under N.C. Gen. Stat. Ch. 93D.
Doctoral degree (Au.D. or equivalent) is required for audiology licensure under 21 NCAC 64.
North Carolina has enacted the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) (S.L. 2022-46), enabling compact privilege practice.
Tips for Responding
- Submit your written response within the deadline stated in the Board's letter (commonly 30 days). Confirm the exact date in your notice.
- Provide complete clinical records: case history, audiometric data, real-ear measurements, counseling notes, and any hearing aid trial/return documentation.
- If the complaint involves dispensing, document compliance with FDA OTC hearing aid rules (effective Oct. 2022) and applicable medical clearance/waiver procedures.
- NCBESLPA frequently resolves matters by consent order. Have a licensing defense attorney review terms before signing. Many professionals view this stage as a key part of their overall license defense strategy.
- Consult an attorney experienced with NCBESLPA and N.C. Gen. Stat. Ch. 150B contested case procedure before responding. Many professionals view this stage as a key part of their overall license defense strategy.
Helpful Resources
N.C. Gen. Stat. Ch. 90, Article 22
Statutory authority for SLP and audiology licensure and discipline in North Carolina.
21 NCAC 64
Administrative rules of NCBESLPA covering scope, CE, and disciplinary procedures.
N.C. Gen. Stat. Ch. 150B
North Carolina Administrative Procedure Act governing contested cases and OAH hearings.
NCBESLPA
Official Board website with complaint forms, disciplinary actions, and licensee resources.
