SB445 Summary

• Removes specific dollar amounts for licensing and renewal fees, authorizing the Board of Hearing Instrument Dealers to establish fees by administrative rule instead (ranging from $25 to $1,000).

• Revises definitions to create "hearing aid specialist" as a new license category requiring indirect supervision, and clarifies that apprentices must work under direct supervision of a licensed dispenser.

• Adopts international standardized test procedures (National Institute of Hearing Instrument Studies examination) as the minimum acceptable standard for licensing examinations.

• Clarifies reciprocity requirements for applicants from other states, including verification that licensing authority scores meet board standards and that applicants have no pending complaints.

• Deletes antiquated language regarding "dealer" licenses (which expired in 1996) and makes technical corrections throughout the licensing statute.