How Audiologist Licensing Board Complaints Work in Washington (and How to Defend Your License)
A clear, supportive guide to understanding the complaint process with the Washington Board of Hearing and Speech and protecting your professional license
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If you've received notice of a complaint filed with the Washington Board of Hearing and Speech, 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 Washington
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 Washington Board of Hearing and Speech
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 Revised Code of Washington Chapter 18.35. Your specific case may vary.
Begin protecting your license and organizing your response.
Responding to the Washington Board of Hearing and Speech
Response Deadline
The Washington Board of Hearing and Speech often specifies a response deadline (commonly around 20 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.
What the Washington Data Shows
Published reporting can add helpful context about how Washington Board of Hearing and Speech handled matters involving audiologists and other licensees during the period shown.
- Closed Without Investigation ~75%
- Complaint closed at intake or screening without a full investigation (approximately 24,212 of 32,441)
- Investigated, No Discipline ~20%
- Investigation completed but did not result in formal disciplinary action
- Disciplinary Action Taken ~5%
- Resulted in informal disposition, agreed order, default order, final order, or cease & desist (approximately 1,213 dispositions across the biennium)
Source: Washington State Department of Health — 2023–2025 Uniform Disciplinary Act Report (32,441 complaints; 8,229 investigations completed; ~5% disciplinary action rate). These figures describe past reported activity across all licensees covered by the report. They are not a prediction about your own matter.
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The Washington Board of Hearing and Speech Process
The Washington Board of Hearing and Speech regulates audiologists under RCW Chapter 18.35. The Board operates within the Department of Health (DOH). Complaints are investigated by DOH's Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) division. Washington uses a 20-day response window for most licensing complaints, which is shorter than many states.
What Makes This Process Unique
Washington uses a 20-day response window for licensing complaints, shorter than the 30-day standard in most states.
The Board is titled 'Hearing and Speech' rather than 'Audiology and SLP,' reflecting a focus on the services provided.
HSQA investigators handle complaints and may consult with audiology experts.
Washington requires a doctoral degree for audiology licensure.
The state participates in the ASLP Interstate Compact.
Tips for Responding
- Submit your written response within 20 days of receiving the Board's notice. Washington uses a shorter deadline than many states.
- HSQA investigators handle complaints across many health professions. Provide clear, accessible explanations.
- If the complaint involves hearing aid dispensing, compile all fitting records, verification data, and patient communication records.
- The Board may offer a stipulated agreement before formal hearing. Have an attorney review all terms. Many professionals view this stage as a key part of their overall license defense strategy.
- Consult an attorney experienced in Washington health care licensing defense, especially given the shorter response timeline. Many professionals view this stage as a key part of their overall license defense strategy.
