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Commonly Asked Questions by Licensees
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Q: I'm not sure that I reported my hours correctly and since I received my license I am assuming that everything was ok. Is that a good assumption?
A: No, that is not a safe assumption. You may have listed the correct number of hours but unless you were audited, we may have assumed that the activities you reported were approved. If you submitted activities that are not specifically listed under OAR 335-070-0030 and you did not seek special approval, then you will want to make some changes.
Here are the tips provided to those licensees that were selected for the audit:
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If you earn more than the required hours of professional development, select the activities that have the best supporting documentation. For example, if the activity falls under #1 of OAR 335-070-0030, i.e. ASHA approved, be sure to submit documentation showing that it was, in fact, ASHA approved.
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Verify that the dates on the report form match the dates on the supporting documentation. Also verify that the activity took place during the last licensing period, not prior.
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Submit the closest number of hours to the number requested but record the exact number of hours that matches the documentation.
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As you attend activities request a certificate or proof of attendance and verify that the information on the certificate clearly shows the relation to OAR 335-070-0030 #1-9 or that special Board approval has been obtained.
Q: I have been receiving brochures from various companies that offer continuing education and they state the number of hours that can be earned. How would I know if the activities are acceptable to the Board?
A: Refer to the rules, specifically the list of nine approved activities under OAR 335-070-0030. Very few companies have requested approval from the Board for their activities so don't assume that because it is a well-known company it has been approved. (Don't assume that since you reported it this last round that it was approved either! See the preceding Q and A.)
Q: Can I get a copy of the Report of Professional Development Hours form?
A: Yes, you can get it on the forms page
Q: What kind of programs can an SLPA receive PD credit for?
A: SLPAs can be given credit for any activity that falls under the PD rule or any activity that has been given special approval by the Board for SLPs.
Q: Some colleagues and I have a study / case review group that meets every week. Can we get PD approval for this? What do we need to submit?
A: Here's what we'll need to review and approve the study group PD request.
You'll need to fill out the Professional Development Group Activity Special Approval form, you can find it on the forms page
For each meeting planned, you’ll need to list:
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The proposed date
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The discussion leader, or if someone outside of the group, that presenter’s name and qualifications
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The proposed topic of the discussion, and a goal or objective
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The estimated length of time in hours. Be sure to notify the Board if this changes after approval is given.
You'll need to request for at least the next 3 months worth of meetings; however, if you have a whole year lined up you can request up to 12 months worth of activities.
Only one person needs to request approval. Everyone in the group can claim the credit (if approved) under the approval number given by this Board. If you are audited will will need to submit an attendance list.
Q: When will the list of "Professional Development Activities given special approval by the board" list be updated to reflect approved?
A: The list is updated as activities get requested by licensees and approved by the Board. It is an ongoing process. There is no list that is carried over from licensing period to the next. However the activities that were approved after 1/30 of the renewal year still count for the current licensing period.
Q: I received my initial licensure part way through the licensing period. Do I need to provide the same amount of PD hours as someone who was licensed the whole period or is the requirement prorated?
A: The requirement is prorated by how much time is remaining in the licensing period that you received your license during. Look up your initial licensure date on the licensee directory, and then consult the chart below (taken from OAR 335-070-0060):
| Initially Licensed: | Professional Development Due at Renewal |
| Before 7/30 of even-numbered year | Full number of required hours |
| 8/1 of even-numbered years through July of odd-numbered years | Half of required number of hours |
| After 7/31 if odd-numbered years | No report is required |
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