SB 198

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing law, the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists and Hearing Aid Dispensers Licensure Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of hearing aid dispensers by the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. A violation of the act is a crime. Under existing law, an applicant for a hearing aid dispenser license is required to take and pass a written examination and a practical examination. Existing law requires hearing aid licensees to complete at least 12 hours of continuing education, as provided. Existing law defines the "practice of fitting or selling hearing aids" as those practices used for the purpose of selection and adaptation of hearing aids, including direct observation of the ear, testing of hearing in connection with the fitting and selling of hearing aids, taking of ear mold impressions, fitting or sale of hearing aids, and any necessary postfitting counseling. Under existing law, hearing tests conducted are required to include those that are in compliance with the Food and Drug Administration Guidelines for Hearing Aid Devices and those that are specifically covered in the licensing examination prepared and administered by the board. This bill would include cerumen management and tympanometry for patients 18 years of age and older in the practice of fitting or selling hearing aids. The bill would make a licensed hearing aid dispenser who has passed his or her licensing examinations eligible to sit for a board-approved examination assessing techniques and patient safety measures in cerumen management or tympanometry. The bill would require the board to apply board-approved courses in cerumen management and tympanometry to the continuing education requirement. The bill would require the administration of cerumen management by a licensed hearing aid dispenser to occur under physician and surgeon supervision. The bill would require a licensed hearing aid dispenser to immediately refer a patient to an appropriate physician or surgeon under certain circumstances in the process of cerumen management. Because a violation of these requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.