SB0767 Summary

• Amends the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act to establish separate regulatory frameworks for prescription hearing aids (requiring involvement of licensed professionals) and over-the-counter hearing aids (available without professional involvement).

• Defines new categories including "prescription hearing aids," "over-the-counter hearing aids," and "personal sound amplification products," with requirements for disclaimers on non-hearing aid devices.

• Requires persons age 18 or older to receive in-person or telehealth evaluation by a hearing instrument professional before receiving a prescription hearing aid, with limited exceptions for replacement of lost or stolen devices.

• Establishes minimum prescription hearing aid requirements including documentation of hearing assessment results, type and style of aid, and medical necessity of recommended features, with prescriptions valid for one year.

• Updates terminology throughout the Act from "hearing instrument dispenser" to "hearing instrument professional" and modifies consumer protection provisions including 30-business day return privileges and mail order/internet sales regulations for hearing aids.