An applicant who claims a speech impairment shall submit a written request to the Board: With the applicant's initial licensure application; or Within 1 year of development of the impairment. The Board retains the right to waive the 1-year time limit. An applicant may claim a speech impairment only if: A speech impairment exists; and The Board: Was properly notified of the impairment at the time of initial licensure; or Determines that a medical or surgical event created the impairment after licensure. If an applicant has a properly claimed and documented speech impairment, the Board may grant or renew a license only if the applicant is able to effectively communicate with health care providers and patients. The Board recognizes the following as proof of the applicant's ability to communicate effectively: Documentation from: A speech-language pathologist who is currently licensed to practice speech pathology in the United States indicating that the applicant can communicate in a professionally competent manner with patients and other health care providers; or Three Maryland licensed podiatrists that attest to the fact that the applicant can communicate in a professionally competent manner with patients and other health care providers; and A personal hearing before the Board during which the applicant relays the manner in which the applicant would: Obtain a history; Conduct a physical examination; Order additional tests; Obtain consultations; and Relay the results of the examination and treatment plan to a patient.