HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1250

BYRepresentatives 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

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Braddock, Chair; Day, Vice Chair; Brooks, Ranking Republican Member; Cantwell, Chandler, Morris, Prentice, D. Sommers, Sprenkle, Vekich and Wolfe.

House Staff:John Welsh (786-7133)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE FEBRUARY 6, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Examinations for licensure as a hearing aid fitter and dispenser are given during the second full week in January and the third full week in July annually.  The license is renewable on December 31 annually, although a grace period of 30 days is allowable without penalty.  There is no provision for limitation of terms for members of the Council on Hearing Aids.  Registered agents must be registered for a period of four years to accept service of process for licensees.  Service of process may also be served upon the director.  A security deposited with the director must be returned within four years after license expiration, absent any disciplinary action.

SUMMARY:

SUBSTITUTE BILL: Examinations 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, and is renewable on the licensee's next birthdate.  The 30 day grace period for re-licensure is repealed. The ownership of sales records is declared to be that of the establishment.  Members of the Council are limited to two consecutive terms.  Registered agents for service of process may be released after one year after the expiration of a license, and 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 legal action.

SUBSTITUTE BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  Examination dates are changed to May and November.  A purchaser has seven work days to pick up hearing aid, return for repair, before the 30 day recision period recommences.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 24, 1989.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    John Swannack, Department of Licensing.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    These housekeeping amendments are necessary for the smooth operation of the regulatory program and clarifying consumer rights.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.