§30-32-10a. Application for licensure; qualification for licensure; examination.

(a) Each person desiring to obtain a license from the board to engage in the practice of dealing in or fitting of hearing aids shall make application to the board. The application shall be made in such manner and form as prescribed by the board and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. The application shall state under oath that the applicant:

(1) Is a resident of this state;

(2) Is free of a felony conviction bearing a rational nexus to the profession pursuant to §30-1-24 of this code

(3) Is 18 years of age or older;

(4) Has an education equivalent to a four-year course in an accredited high school; and

(5) Is free of chronic infectious or contagious diseases.

(b) The board, after first determining that the applicant is qualified and eligible to take the examination, shall notify the applicant that he or she has fulfilled all of the qualifications and eligibility requirements as required and shall advise him or her of the date, time, and place for him or her to appear to be examined as required by the provisions of this article and the regulations promulgated by the board pursuant to this article. The board may promulgate rules relating to the frequency of examinations and other such related topics pursuant to §29A-3-1 of this code.

(c) Before obtaining a license to engage in the practice of dealing in or fitting of hearing- aids, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

(1) The applicant must pass the International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals, prepared by the International Hearing Society, or an equivalent examination selected by the board.

(2) The applicant must pass a practical examination, which shall be a nationally recognized test selected by the board, or a test designed by the board to test the applicant’s proficiency in the following techniques as they pertain to the fitting of hearing aids:

(A) Pure tone audiometry, including air conduction testing;

(B) Live voice or recorded voice speech audiometry, including speech reception threshold testing and speech discrimination testing; and

(C) Masking when indicated and effective masking.

(3) The applicant must pass an examination, which shall be developed by the board, to test an applicant’s competency in the following subjects:

(A) Ability to counsel the person or family who will receive the hearing aid relative to the care and use of the instrument;

(B) Knowledge regarding the medical and rehabilitative facilities for hearing-handicapped children and adults in the area being served;

(C) Knowledge and understanding of the grounds for revocation, suspension, or probation of a license as outlined in this article or in rule; and

(D) Knowledge and understanding of criminal offenses relating to the profession.

(d) The board may promulgate rules to implement the requirements of this section, including emergency rules promulgated pursuant to the provisions of §29A-3-1 of this code.

(e) The provisions of this section will take effect upon the sunset or termination of the Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Fitters, which in no event will be later than July 1, 2023.