Practices of speech-language pathology and audiology; removing certain limitation on appointees to the Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Effective date.

SB 1042 amends Oklahoma law to remove a limitation preventing the Governor from considering recommendations from professional organizations when appointing members to the Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The bill allows the Governor to factor in suggestions from groups like the Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association when selecting board members, who must include three licensed professionals (with specific specialty requirements), one otolaryngologist, and one lay member. This procedural change, effective November 1, 2025, streamlines the appointment process without altering licensing standards or public-facing policies.