House Bill 20-1218 Summary

• Extends the sunset date for hearing aid provider licensing from September 1, 2020 to September 1, 2031, implementing recommendations from the 2019 Department of Regulatory Agencies sunset report.

• Requires hearing aid providers to maintain financial assurance through a $10,000 surety bond, $1 million professional liability policy, or director-approved alternative before licensure.

• Mandates 8 hours of annual continuing education for licensed hearing aid providers on subjects related to their scope of practice.

• Removes the requirement for a physician's prescription before dispensing hearing aids to adults, while maintaining requirements for children under 18 and allowing adults to waive medical evaluation based on religious or personal beliefs.

• Establishes comprehensive deceptive trade practice regulations including 30-day rescission periods for hearing aid purchases, specific receipt requirements, and prohibitions on surgically implanted device services unless the provider is an audiologist or physician.