FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 2688
C 142 L 98
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Modifying the educational requirements for licensure as a hearing instrument fitter/dispenser.
Sponsors: By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Skinner, Cody, Backlund, Conway and Anderson).
House Committee on Health Care
Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care
Background: Hearing instrument fitters/dispensers are licensed by the Department of Health and regulated by the Board of Hearing and Speech. The board also regulates certified audiologists and certified speech-language pathologists.
An applicant for licensing must have at least six months of apprenticeship training approved by the board, but the board may waive part or all of the training for any formal education in fitting and dispensing recognized by the board. Applicants receive one-year permits as hearing instrument fitters/dispensers permit holders to work under the direct supervision of licensees for apprenticeship training.
The department issues interim permits to applicants for certification as audiologists and speech-language pathologists to permit the applicant to receive the postgraduate professional experience needed as a prerequisite of certification.
Applicants for licensing must be at least 21 years of age.
Summary: After December 31, 2002, an applicant for licensing as a hearing instrument fitter/dispenser must satisfactorily complete a minimum of a two-year degree program in hearing instrument fitter/dispenser instruction approved by the Board of Hearing and Speech. The apprenticeship training program for permit holders under licensees is repealed.
Permits for applicants for certification as audiologists and speech-language pathologists are defined as interim permits.
The minimum age for applicants for licensing is repealed.
Votes on Final Passage:
House960
Senate450(Senate amended)
House950(House concurred)
Effective:June 11, 1998
January 1, 2003 (Sections 1 through 14 and 16 through 20)