[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6627134,"mediaKeyId","2730160-756f3966fb47c8281f9bdcda6781b786","parentId",2730160,"title","Speech‑language board hears petition from licensed SLP Arturo Avina for early termination of probation; decision deferred","audioSeconds",2295,"startMs",6650000,"endMs",8945000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730160-756f3966fb47c8281f9bdcda6781b786&start=6650&end=8945","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730160-756f3966fb47c8281f9bdcda6781b786/thumbnail_6650000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6627134/California/Speechlanguage-board-hears-petition-from-licensed-SLP-Arturo-Avina-for-early-termination-of-probation-decision-deferred","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627134-c251d9335df0ffb7b6d91f3342403317/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156132&Signature=NUgwsuTswTy6lsMIgmiE7HdrL2vQsWSKyBV7w2Bnj2YSFes0Usjs-9LUE~EoFkqvfKmqXMACprWy2lfFD6pD3N~XaVfAp2TUUAqU7RrSPxhRr-w5w~nwUUzUZh9UXOiPWTAQZj1ojei166L2G5iYNUURn6Pl0r7Zzc~xS0CsYRvDVyTMHMrFtCLCAxTzerhnWFDCWilQNH6Pqz8baPaKLc5ZjuunqXV7N3UkLYNL3SjstlPdkOyadW5OxXSIxv-k7Hqcy2JyOGM~Q9XM454P7BfuYCWdwUciUtENymPo-hACQueN2nLAFclJNkPEMBG32TyBo2Eoa75i~r11Z7QbBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Respiratory Care Board of California","date","2025-03-21T21:19:16.487Z","article","The Speech‑Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board on Feb. 21 heard a petition from licensed speech‑language pathologist Arturo Frank Avina (license SP27490) asking for early termination of a five‑year probation imposed following criminal convictions in 2019. The board took testimony, admitted documentary exhibits and recessed for closed‑session deliberations; no decision was issued at the public hearing and the board notified parties the decision will be mailed.

Why it matters: Avina is a licensed clinician who seeks to return to unrestricted practice. The board’s decision will determine whether he remains subject to the existing probation conditions — including drug testing and periodic psychotherapy requirements — or is restored to an unrestricted license sooner than the current order allows.

The hearing was conducted before Administrative Law Judge Wim Van Rooyen of the Office of Administrative Hearings. Deputy Attorney General Jason Ahn told the board his office would recommend denying the petition and requiring Avina to complete the remainder of his probation, which Ahn said currently is scheduled to end in May 2027. Ahn summarized the board’s earlier findings about the underlying conduct and emphasized the board’s public‑protection mandate.

Petitioner’s counsel Kevin Murphy argued the evidence shows Avina has “become fully rehabilitated” since a medication‑associated manic episode in late 2018–2019 and asked the board to restore the license without restrictions. Murphy said Avina has completed required continuing education, paid restitution and submitted favorable psychological evaluations. Murphy told the board, “the evidence is gonna show you that denial of this petition would be purely punitive under the facts of this case and that it is unnecessary to protect the public safety.”

Avina testified under oath and described treatment and rehabilitation steps. He said he completed an intensive outpatient program at Sharp Hospital in 2019, has been in ongoing psychotherapy (most recently with Dr. Summer Silva since Dec. 2020), and has submitted to drug testing required by probation. Avina told the board he stopped taking antidepressant medication on Sept. 23, 2020, and that he has paid full restitution to the board ($3,336.25, paid November 2021). He said he volunteers in speech‑language services and in mental‑health peer support work with NAMI and is seeking to return to paid practice to support his family.

The board admitted exhibits 1–8 into the record, including the petition packet, probation compliance reports, letters from treating providers and recent probation monitoring documents. The transcript reflects discussion about the age of some clinical opinions, the board’s prior decision (the administrative law judge proposed a three‑year probation that the board increased to five years), and the standard of proof required for a petition to terminate probation.

After testimony and argument from both sides, the board recessed to closed session to deliberate. Judge Van Rooyen reminded the parties that the board would not issue a decision at the hearing and that the petitioner would receive the board’s decision by mail.

Key factual details from the hearing:
- Underlying convictions and findings that led to probation relate to events from Dec. 2018–Mar. 2019; an ALJ had proposed three years of probation but the board imposed five years effective Sept. 26, 2021.
- The board’s current end date for the probation (after tolling) is May 5, 2027, per filings in the hearing packet.
- Avina testified he has completed required continuing education and additional certifications (including augmentative and alternative communication), has received favorable probation compliance reports, has completed required drug testing, and paid restitution of $3,336.25.
- Treating providers’ letters in the record (submitted as exhibits) state opinions about stability and treatment engagement; the attorney general emphasized that some opinion evidence in the record dates to 2020–2021 and noted one expert’s statement that the chance of recurrence was 50/50.

What the hearing did not resolve: The board did not announce a final disposition at the public meeting. The matter was submitted for the board’s closed‑session deliberation and the board indicated it will mail the decision to the petitioner.

Provenance: The hearing began with agenda item 6 at the public meeting; testimony and exhibits were admitted on the record and the hearing closed for deliberation.

Next steps: The board will deliberate in closed session and issue a written decision by mail to the petitioner. Any change to Avina’s license status will be reflected in the board’s formal order and, if applicable, in a subsequent public record of disciplinary action.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Speech Language Pathology And Audiology And Hearing Aid Dispensers Board- Board Meeting- 2/21/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Speech‑Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board on Feb. 21 heard a petition from licensed speech‑language pathologist Arturo Frank Avina (SP27490) seeking early termination of a five‑year probation; the board admitted exhibits, heard testimony and recessed to closed session, with the decision to be mailed.","taxTitle","Respiratory Care Board of California, Boards and Commissions, Executive, California","taxId",76751,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6627120,"Board adopts legislative proposal for omnibus bill; rolls and votes recorded",10450,110000,10560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730160-756f3966fb47c8281f9bdcda6781b786&start=110&end=10560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730160-756f3966fb47c8281f9bdcda6781b786/thumbnail_110000.jpg","/articles/6627120/California/Board-adopts-legislative-proposal-for-omnibus-bill-rolls-and-votes-recorded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627120-1bebc90d38c27b5d51bff9453dc0ff1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156132&Signature=gyPk9xwrB8GuGnwqxmhIUk4W0AvUl90wAgWWC0xYZt886P5RiPlpg9qfIsJqiwTn0mhyogny1T1eSwdgXREtN3qlESawrBdysByMw9Mo-tlnJA3eUCfwFv9IPaRT5S81qOjEHTEmt~UmtFqfYdUnBnUd0drzEZ1YxnGm-RjHd-3BO9Tqd2r-K3XhSmd7-N~IedUhtr2HpzfMjmtzsxg3kpa8QxmPr7LAOsiXIrhyR4E2BuX2mR~o6pJS12QBj36epQN9g2UVI0TwPMbfLunfgMd8rn63~ssmlPPHNOZiEa7-WeWLof3ahh1nZqoXU9-uHm8U2TkLpcZFdxbJAdSiiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Speech‑Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board on Feb. 21 voted to adopt a legislative omnibus proposal and authorized staff to take necessary steps to submit the proposal to the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development.

The proposal the board adopted contained nonsubstantive and technical updates to the practice act and related code sections the committee asked be handled through the board’s sunset review for some specific sections; board staff explained the committee recommended pulling certain sections for consideration in the sunset process. The board’s motion — moved and seconded on the record — passed by roll call; the meeting transcript records ayes from Chair Gilda Dominguez, Dr. Amy White, Mr. Todd Borges, Dr. Tamara Chambers, Dr. Charles Sanders and Ms. Karen Chang.

Earlier in the meeting the board also reviewed and approved the Dec. 5–6, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (the board noted a clarifying edit to one paragraph regarding a past‑tense reference). The chair called for a roll call vote on the minutes; staff recorded ayes from the same members and the motion carried.

Votes at a glance:
- Approval of Dec. 5–6, 2024 meeting minutes (as amended): Roll‑call vote recorded; outcome — approved.
- Adoption of legislative omnibus proposal and authorization for staff to submit it: Roll‑call vote recorded; outcome — approved.

Staff were directed to proceed with submission of the legislative proposal and to work with the interim executive officer or designee to complete the process. The board received no public comments on the motion at the time of the votes.

","The board voted to adopt and submit a legislative omnibus proposal to the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development. The board also approved the December 5–6, 2024 meeting minutes earlier in the session; both votes were taken by roll call and carried.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6627125,"SLP board interim executive officer warns of higher attorney‑general costs, outlines CE audits and licensing gains",440,9091000,9531000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730160-756f3966fb47c8281f9bdcda6781b786&start=9091&end=9531","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730160-756f3966fb47c8281f9bdcda6781b786/thumbnail_9091000.jpg","/articles/6627125/California/SLP-board-interim-executive-officer-warns-of-higher-attorneygeneral-costs-outlines-CE-audits-and-licensing-gains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627125-ae5b64e9e5b07cdbd7b3b722164c03c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156132&Signature=Kw5znl4J4e~~Dn8Bppu3Iwsvk6kQJZpJ6b5hppfaVSs4NgT904EoWBjssixXWGpoRJzGHrYv033Np-SWgVW1CBOgHUqMTF9PxyyjG9BFdhnBn3jCdYgujTeZvgKAv3fCKX68zb389nRVfYVarGBx2~qE308UYd5VDt43cA8qnqPzg6oDREAGdbWoKd4p4-l-MBBecGAVwjdHYMIPbja3-wOAPcSTOA1SGLF1LWPyLfu6ymNPpukgmk4JLua6o1IozSa92R5I0GKENVnhBouXhBmkd96Mft6FIR7XDuQKpWGGIdihRBjiYU2o5EAwVA0hDfPPKV~ujjUi3ovlfKzbCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Interim Executive Officer Melissa Burns reported to the Speech‑Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board on Feb. 21 that the board expects increased attorney‑general and Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) expenditures this fiscal year and is preparing a budget augmentation to avoid a negative fund balance.

Burns told members the board’s surplus has declined and, without augmentation, the board could dip into a negative fund balance because of a cluster of complex enforcement cases and associated AG/OAH costs. She said augmentation requests are submitted to the Department of Finance and — when approved — come from the board’s licensing fund (not the state general fund). Burns estimated a single contested hearing can cost the AG’s office in the range of $6,000–$8,000 and described the proposed augmentation as sized to keep the fund reserve at roughly 1.7–2 percent rather than allowing a deficit.

On licensing operations, Burns said the board’s online application and process improvements have substantially reduced processing times and increased throughput; licensing volume is up and reserves are stable in the near term (she cited roughly seven months in reserve rising toward nine months over two years in the fund condition projections).

On continuing professional development (CE/CPD) compliance, Burns reported the board’s new CECPD auditor conducted a January 2024 audit of 38 randomly selected renewals (about 5% of the renewals that month). Of those selected, 21 passed, 14 did not pass the initial audit, and 2 qualified for exemptions. Burns described common audit findings: documentation missing or out of the renewal period, too many self‑study hours where live hours were required, and misunderstandings about which providers or activities qualify. The auditor is continuing audits of February–March renewals; the board’s target audit selection rate is approximately 5% of renewals each period.

Burns also summarized enforcement activity: 39 complaints received in the reported period, 8 citations and fines issued, 10 formal discipline cases pending at the attorney general’s office, and 16 licensees currently on monitoring (7 with required drug/alcohol testing and 4 in tolled status).

Board members asked questions about the augmentation process, how cost recovery interacts with enforcement, how audits are selected and handled, and whether the board could increase the audit rate. Burns said augmentations are typically approved in her experience and that cost recovery can be limited — some enforcement costs may not be recouped if an ALJ reduces cost assessments or if a licensee does not seek reinstatement.

","Interim executive officer Melissa Burns told the board the agency expects higher attorney‑general and OAH hearing costs this fiscal year and is planning an augmentation request to keep the board fund healthy; staff also reported continuing reductions in licensing processing times and the first round of continuing education (CE/CPD) audits.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6627129,"DCA tells SLP board about wildfire fee relief, proposed housing reorganization and Form 700 filing change",431,363000,794000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730160-756f3966fb47c8281f9bdcda6781b786&start=363&end=794","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730160-756f3966fb47c8281f9bdcda6781b786/thumbnail_363000.jpg","/articles/6627129/California/DCA-tells-SLP-board-about-wildfire-fee-relief-proposed-housing-reorganization-and-Form-700-filing-change","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627129-5a18f8dbbac25c3c8119071c25e681a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156132&Signature=FNw2EAxRZQQaMcpCkKzIJgxdp~16uEzY1WksBdcxtjKVknatQ8wRem9l5lRX7TpcvSReDfjhLawYVrDEMT9HIZM236BiaowiUErroFxDrDk0bIOow2iXusngzE7hBg7mqysx5LF9c857rWQwleN~H2CUOrT3xrotTuAoL1KGSg~zCqu0o2oQg2sjc5JO9IAhVJpQ3S1W9GiVGzhgC2jyj34qVKO3O5mRFETmgR30XPloN8OjQ7iqquO8TZm5sG09J535UgBBY8GnNLb0utNa3H3h4inYOX0ijp5ksH7ysWD9niFQLw9CKVwDsfTOgmj44XOIMQ2nIrffGUk3yW0CDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Melissa Geer, deputy director for board and bureau relations at the California Department of Consumer Affairs, briefed the Speech‑Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board on state actions and resources on Feb. 21.

Geer said Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N‑15‑25, which provides temporary relief for licensees in ZIP codes affected by recent Los Angeles‑area wildfires. Under the executive order as described to the board, licenses with expiration dates between Jan. 1 and July 1, 2025, for affected addresses will receive a one‑year postponement of renewal fee payment; duplicate or replacement licenses/wall certificates will be furnished free of charge until Jan. 7, 2026; and delinquency fees for impacted licensees are suspended through July 1, 2025. DCA is providing outreach materials and a disaster help center webpage (dca.ca.gov) and a dedicated toll‑free number and email for survivors.

Geer also summarized items in the governor’s proposed 2025‑26 budget relevant to DCA, including eight budget change proposals for boards and bureaus and a reorganization proposal to combine consumer protection entities into a dedicated California consumer protection agency within the governor’s cabinet. She said the proposed reorganization will be reviewed by the Little Hoover Commission and the Legislature in the spring and that the department will keep boards apprised as the process develops.

Geer told the board that AB 1170 (signed by the governor) requires board members to file Form 700 conflict‑of‑interest statements electronically through the Fair Political Practices Commission’s portal; paper filing and the older NetFile portal are no longer options. She reminded members the 2025 annual Form 700 deadline is April 1 and provided the FPPC contact information via DCA channels.

Geer closed with administrative reminders: speakers for board orientation (BMOT) are scheduled March 26, June 18 and Oct. 22, 2025 (virtual), and DCA continues to work with the governor’s office on filling board vacancies. She expressed appreciation for board service and invited questions; none were received from the public during the meeting.

","Melissa Geer of the Department of Consumer Affairs updated the board on Gov. Newsom’s executive order providing fee deferrals for licensees in wildfire‑impacted ZIP codes, a proposed state reorganization to create a consumer protection agency, and a change requiring board members to file Form 700s via the FPPC portal.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Speech‑language board hears petition from licensed SLP Arturo Avina for early termination of probation; decision deferred

Board adopts legislative proposal for omnibus bill; rolls and votes recorded

SLP board interim executive officer warns of higher attorney‑general costs, outlines CE audits and licensing gains

DCA tells SLP board about wildfire fee relief, proposed housing reorganization and Form 700 filing change