SB390 Summary

• Removes specific dollar amounts for licensing fees and authorizes the Board of Hearing Instrument Dealers to establish fees by administrative rule, with a range of $25 to $1,000 per fee type and annual increases capped at 20 percent.

• Requires apprentices to work under direct supervision of a licensed hearing instrument dispenser and allows apprentice permits to be renewed for one additional year, with no second permit issuable within a five-year period.

• Clarifies reciprocity requirements by specifying that applicants must hold current licenses, meet equivalent standards, have tests within the past 12 months, be in good standing, and have reciprocity agreements on file with the board.

• Revises defined terms and adopts international standardized test procedures for qualifying examinations, including specific practical examination areas such as pure tone audiometry, masking, and audiogram interpretation.

• Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.