SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1250

BYHouse Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Prentice, Sayan, G. Fisher, Braddock and Jones;by request of Department of Licensing)

Changing licensing provisions for hearing aid fitters and dispensers.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 16, 1989; March 22, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators West, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Johnson, Kreidler, Niemi, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  March 23, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, MARCH 22, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Examinations for licensure as a hearing aid fitter and dispenser are given during the second full week in January and the third full week in July annually.  The license is renewable on December 31 annually, although a grace period of 30 days is allowable without penalty.

Agents must be registered for a period of four years to accept service of process for violations of licensure provisions.  Service of process may also be served upon the Director of Licensing when no registered agent for the licensee is designated.  A security deposited with the director must be returned within four years after license expiration, unless disciplinary action was taken.

Provisions indicating conditions and time limitations for return of a hearing aid by a purchaser to the seller for repair, modification or refund are specified in law.

There is no provision for limitation of terms for members of the Council on Hearing Aids.

SUMMARY:

Examinations for licensure as a hearing aid fitter and dispenser are to be held twice annually, in May and November.  The license is renewable on his or her next birthdate.  Re-examination is required for licensees who do not apply within three years of examination.  The 30-day grace period for relicensure is repealed.

Registered agents may be released from the responsibility to receive service of process one year after the expiration of a license.  Service of process upon the Director of Licensing is no longer authorized.

The ownership of sales records is declared to be that of the establishment.  Security deposits must be returned within one year after the establishment has ceased business, unless legal action has been taken.  The provisions for returning hearing aids for refund, repair or modification are clarified.  Additional specifics on time limitations are included.

Members of the Council on Hearing Aids are limited to two consecutive terms.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 24, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Jim Boldt, Washington Hearing Aid Society (pro); Chris Rose, Department of Licensing (pro)