Analysis

Topic: Licensure of hearing aid dealers, salespersons and trainees.

Sponsor: Representative Andrew Richner

Committee: Committee on Health Policy

Description of the Bills:
Since the Board of Hearing Aid Dealers was dissolved as a result of Executive Order 1996-2, the bill eliminates all references to the board. Instead, all oversight references solely name the Department of Consumer and Industry Services.

As a condition of license renewal, the bill also requires the hearing aid dealer or hearing aid salesperson to successfully complete 24 clock hours of continuing education. Active trainees must complete 12 clock hours of continuing education. The continuing education courses shall meet the following minimum requirements:

A.  Be not less than 2 clock hours in length.

B.  Be completed at any time following the expiration of the licensee's previous license and the time the licensee applies for renewal.

C.  Be designed to maintain and improve the licensee's skill, knowledge, and competency in the practice of selling or fitting a hearing aid.

D.  Be approved by the Department of Consumer and Industry Services under section 314.