SB1721 Summary

• Changes terminology throughout the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act from "hearing instruments" to "hearing aids" and updates references to align with Federal Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission regulations

• Establishes new categories of hearing aids: "prescription hearing aids" (requiring professional involvement) and "over-the-counter hearing aids" (available without professional supervision), with separate dispensing requirements for each

• Requires medical evaluation by a physician for persons under age 17 seeking prescription hearing aids, but allows persons age 18 and older to receive evaluation by any licensed hearing instrument professional (audiologist, dispenser, or physician) in person or via telehealth

• Creates "hearing aid technician" position exempt from licensure to assist licensed professionals with limited duties including packaging, repairs, cleaning, and patient instruction, but prohibits them from performing fitting or testing

• Expands the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Board from 6 to 7 members and requires continuing education to include sexual harassment prevention training and implicit bias awareness in addition to existing Illinois law and ethics requirements