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.

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness
Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

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 those of Washington.

Summary:

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.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   96   1
Senate   48   0

Effective: July 22, 2007