AB 780

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 within the Department of Consumer Affairs. A violation of the act is a crime. Existing law defines the practice of fitting or selling hearing aids for purposes of the licensure provisions, specifies the types of tests authorized to be conducted, and prohibits a hearing aid dispenser from conducting diagnostic hearing tests. This bill would prohibit a licensed hearing aid dispenser from testing a prospective hearing aid user or dispensing a hearing aid if the licensee determines that the prospective hearing aid user has one of specified conditions, including pain or discomfort in the ear. The bill would authorize the board to issue an advanced practice certificate to a licensed hearing aid dispenser who meets specified requirements, including that the licensee has at least 2 years of practice as a licensed hearing aid dispenser and the licensee and the licensee's supervising mentor or trainer attest under penalty of perjury that the licensee has received direct supervised training from the supervising licensee sufficient to ensure the safe administration of cerumen management. By expanding the crime of perjury, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would authorize a licensee with an advanced practice certificate to perform cerumen management and tympanometry, as those terms are defined, in accordance with specified guidelines and requirements. The bill would authorize the board to revoke the advanced practice certificate of a licensee who violates the laws regulating hearing aid dispensers. Existing law provides for a trainee license to be issued by the board for a period of 6 months, subject to satisfaction of specified requirements, authorizes a trainee licensee to fit or sell hearing aids under the supervision of a licensed hearing aid dispenser, and authorizes a trainee to take the hearing aid dispenser's licensure examination, subject to compliance with specified requirements. This bill would also provide for the issuance of an apprentice hearing aid dispenser license to applicants who satisfy specified requirements, including submitting to the board a written statement by a licensed hearing aid dispenser that the licensee agrees to act as the applicant's apprentice sponsor, as specified, and payment of a fee established by the board. The bill would establish that the duration of the apprenticeship is 18 months and would establish requirements for an apprentice to sit for the practical examination required for licensure as a hearing aid dispenser, including completion of a specified course and at least 12 months of directly supervised practicum training. The bill would require the board, by regulation, to establish a list of approved courses for an apprentice hearing aid dispenser training program, as specified. Because a violation of the bill's 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.