S-175                 _______________________________________________

                                                   SENATE BILL NO. 3585

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State of Washington                              49th Legislature                              1985 Regular Session

By Senator Goltz

Read first time 2/5/85 and referred to Committee on Ways and Means.

AN ACT Relating to hearing aids; and amending RCW 18.35.020, 82.08.0283, and 82.12.0277.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

        Sec. 1.  Section 2, chapter 106, Laws of 1973 1st ex. sess. as amended by section 2, chapter 39, Laws of 1983 and RCW 18.35.020 are each amended to read as follows:

          No person shall engage in the fitting and dispensing of hearing aids or imply or represent that he or she is engaged in the fitting and dispensing of hearing aids unless he or she holds a valid license issued by the department as provided in this chapter.  No person shall engage in fitting and dispensing of hearing aids unless he or she has been provided by the hearing aid user with a medical clearance and recommendation from a person licensed under chapters 18.25, 18.57, or 18.71 RCW.  The owner or manager of a hearing aid establishment is responsible under this chapter for all transactions made in the establishment name or conducted on its premises by agents or employees of the establishment engaged in fitting and dispensing hearing aids.  Every establishment shall have in its employ at least one licensed fitter-dispenser at all times, and shall annually submit proof that all audiometric equipment at that establishment has been properly calibrated.

        Sec. 2.  Section 48, chapter 37, Laws of 1980 as amended by section 1, chapter 86, Laws of 1980 and RCW 82.08.0283 are each amended to read as follows:

          The tax levied by RCW 82.08.020 shall not apply to sales of insulin; prosthetic and orthotic devices prescribed for an individual by a person licensed under chapters 18.25, 18.57, or 18.71 RCW; ostomic items; ((and)) medically prescribed oxygen; and hearing aids furnished by a person authorized to fit and dispense hearing aids under RCW 18.35.020.

        Sec. 3.  Section 75, chapter 37, Laws of 1980 as amended by section 2, chapter 86, Laws of 1980 and RCW 82.12.0277 are each amended to read as follows:

          The provisions of this chapter shall not apply in respect to the use of insulin; prosthetic and orthotic devices prescribed for an individual by a person licensed under chapters 18.25, 18.57, or 18.71 RCW; ostomic items; ((and)) medically prescribed oxygen; and hearing aids furnished by a person authorized to fit and dispense hearing aids under RCW 18.35.020.