SB 1721

Abstract

Amends the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act. Defines terms. Makes changes of references to "hearing instruments" to "hearing aids" when referring to the instrument or device. Provides that all hearing instruments or hearing aids must be dispensed or sold in accordance with Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission regulations governing the dispensing and sale of personal sound amplification products or hearing aids. Provides that a person age 17 or younger must be evaluated in person by either a licensed audiologist or a physician before receiving a prescription for a hearing aid. Provides requirements for a hearing aid prescription for individuals age 17 or younger. Provides that a person age 18 or older must be evaluated by a hearing instrument professional in person or via telehealth before receiving a prescription for a hearing aid. Provides requirements for a hearing aid prescription for individuals age 18 or older. Provides that hearing aid dispensing technicians are exempt from licensure under this Act but are otherwise subject to the practices and provisions of this Act. Provides that a trainee may be supervised by more than one licensed hearing instrument professional. Provides that hearing aid dispensing technicians may be employed by a hearing instrument professional to assist in the dispensing and servicing of hearing instruments without a license. Provides for duties of a hearing aid dispensing technician. Provides that continuing education credit per licensing period must include a minimum of (1) 2 hours in Illinois law and ethics, (2) one hour in sexual harassment prevention training, and (3) one hour in implicit bias awareness (rather than just a minimum of 2 hours in Illinois law and ethics). Makes other changes. Makes a corresponding change to the Public Utilities Act. Effective January 1, 2024. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 225 ILCS 50/4.6 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Further amends the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act. Provides that a hearing instrument professional shall not sell a prescription hearing aid to anyone under 18 years of age unless the prospective user has presented to the hearing instrument professional a written statement, signed by a licensed physician, that states that the patient's hearing loss has been medically evaluated and the patient is considered a candidate for a hearing aid. Provides that a person age 18 or older must be evaluated by a hearing instrument professional in person or via telehealth before receiving a prescription for a hearing aid. Provides that a person age 18 or older may not waive evaluation by a hearing instrument professional unless he or she is replacing a lost or stolen hearing aid that is subject to warranty replacement. Defines terms. Effective January 1, 2024. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes: Provides that before dispensing a hearing aid by mail or over the Internet to a resident of this State, an organization shall inform (i) the parent or guardian of a person age 17 or younger that he or she must obtain a prescription issued by a licensed audiologist or licensed physician that meets specified requirements or (ii) a person age 18 or older that he or she must obtain a prescription issued by a hearing instrument professional that meets specified requirements. Makes changes to provisions concerning hearing aids dispensed by prescription to persons age 17 or younger and prescription hearing aids for persons age 18 or older. Changes references from "hearing instrument dispenser" to "hearing instrument professional". Effective January 1, 2024.