The Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists interprets the words "reasonable degree of professional skill and care in the delivery of professional services" used in G.S. 90-301(5) to require the following actions to be performed before beginning treatment:

1. (1) Obtain a history of patient's hearing complaints;
2. (2) Examine the patient's ear canal;
3. (3) Recommend and document referral to a physician if there is any ear canal obstruction other than cerumen, or if there is a sore, discharge, or history of sudden hearing loss, dizziness or balance problem; and
4. (4) Test the patient's hearing with properly calibrated equipment in an environment that meets current ANSI standards, except when performed for screening purposes.

History Note: Authority G.S. 90-304(a)(3);
Eff. June 29, 2006;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. October 4, 2016.