FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1250

                                  C 198 L 89

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

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

A license, issued by the Department of Licensing, is required in order to fit and dispense hearing aids.  Applicants for licensure must obtain surety bond coverage and successfully complete an examination.  Examinations are given annually during the second full week in January and the third full week in July.  The license is renewable on December 31 annually, although a grace period of 30 days is allowed without penalty.  Licensees are required to keep records of all services rendered to the public.

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

Agents of licensees must be registered with the Department of Licensing for a period of four years to accept service of process for licensees.  Service of process may also be served upon the Director of Licensing.  A security deposited with the director, in lieu of a surety bond, must be returned to the licensee within four years after license expiration, absent any disciplinary action.

A purchaser has a right to rescind the purchase of a hearing aid within 30 days of the purchase.

SUMMARY:

Hearing aid establishments must be bonded as a requirement for the licensure of their employees or owners as hearing aid dealers.  But the requirement of obtaining surety bonds for applicants for licensure is deleted.

Examinations for licensure to fit and dispense hearing aids are to be held twice annually in May and November.  Re-examination is required for licensees who do not apply within three years of examination.  A license is renewable on the licensee's next birthdate.  The 30-day grace period for renewal of licensure is deleted.

The ownership of sales records is declared to be that of the establishment and their records, or copies, are required to remain with the establishment.

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

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

Security deposits must be returned within one year after the establishment has ceased business, absent any legal action, upon notice to the Department of Licensing.  Action upon the bond or security must be commenced within one year of notice of a discontinuation of service or change in ownership.

A purchaser has seven working days to pick up a hearing aid, or return it for repair, before the 30 day period to rescind the purchase commences.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 95   0

      Senate    47     0

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989