HOUSE BILL REPORT
EHB 1379
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed House:
February 28, 2007
Title: An act relating to the qualifications of an applicant for licensure as a hearing instrument fitter/dispenser.
Brief Description: Revising the qualifications of an applicant for licensure as a hearing instrument fitter/dispenser.
Sponsors: By Representatives Hinkle, Green, Campbell, Cody and Morrell.
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/13/07, 2/15/07 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/28/07, 96-1.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Condotta, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
A license from the Department of Health (Department) is required to practice as a hearing
instrument fitter/dispenser. The practice includes duties related to selecting hearing
instrument systems, taking impressions for ear molds, and using nondiagnostic procedures
and equipment to determine the appropriate fit of an instrument. Applicants for a license to
become a hearing instrument fitter/dispenser must: (1) complete a minimum two-year
education program; (2) not have committed unprofessional conduct; and (3) either complete
an examination or hold a license in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent
standards to Washington's.
Summary of Engrossed Bill:
An alternative to meeting the education requirement for obtaining a hearing instrument
fitter/dispenser license is established. An applicant may use the alternative if he or she
demonstrates to the Department that he or she holds a current license from another
jurisdiction, has been actively practicing in that jurisdiction for at least 48 of the previous 60
months, and submits proof of completion of advanced certification from the International
Hearing Society or the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. In
addition, applicants using this method of obtaining a license must pass the hearing instrument
fitter/dispenser examination.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill will allow well-qualified individuals who are licensed in other states
and have passed advanced certification courses to sit for the Washington examination.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Richard Giles and Lisa Thatcher, Washington Hearing Society.