What does the term "Board" refer to in the context of speech-language pathology in North Carolina?

In the context of speech-language pathology in North Carolina, the term "Board" specifically refers to the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists. This board serves as the regulatory authority that oversees the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology within the state. It is responsible for issuing licenses, setting professional standards, and ensuring that practitioners adhere to ethical guidelines.

This board is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the profession, protecting public health and safety, and providing a framework for resolving complaints against practitioners. The options that reference groups of professionals, or organizations for students, do not capture the official oversight and regulatory functions that the Board fulfills in relation to licensed practitioners and the legal practice of speech-language pathology and audiology in North Carolina. Similarly, choosing a licensing body that applies only to audiologists overlooks the broader scope of the Board's responsibility, which includes both speech-language pathologists and audiologists.