NC S654

Eliminates the requirement that audiologists hold both a doctoral degree in Audiology and a license under Article 22 of Chapter 90 to be exempt from hearing aid dealer/fitter licensure; now only a valid unrestricted license as an audiologist, audiology assistant, or certified technician is required

Requires sellers of "locked hearing aids" (devices using proprietary or restricted programming software) to provide purchasers with written disclosure in 12-point type that the device can only be serviced at specific facilities, signed by the purchaser before sale

Mandates written receipts for locked hearing aid sales containing sale date, device make/model/serial number, new/used status, licensee information, business address and hours, and warranty terms

Requires licensees and audiologists to maintain sale records including signed disclosures, receipts, audiologic test results, and written recommendations for at least seven years

Effective October 1, 2025, except the dual licensure elimination provision which takes effect upon becoming law