Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 050 - Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers
Here's an overview of the Arkansas Administrative Code – Agency 050 (Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers):
🧾 Overview
The Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers (ABHID) oversees the licensing, regulation, and practice standards for professionals who fit and dispense hearing instruments in Arkansas. Its mission is to protect the public by ensuring that practitioners meet established qualifications and adhere to ethical standards. The Board operates under the authority of Arkansas Code §17-84-201 et seq. (regulations.justia.com, law.justia.com)
🧑⚖️ Board Composition
The Board consists of seven voting members appointed by the Governor, subject to Senate confirmation, for three-year terms:(law.justia.com)
At least four members must be licensed hearing instrument dispensers with a minimum of three years of experience.
One member must be an audiologist holding a master's or doctoral degree in audiology.
Two members represent consumers and must not be actively engaged in or retired from the practice of dispensing hearing instruments.(law.justia.com, law.justia.com)
Additionally, there is one nonvoting advisory member appointed by the Governor. (codes.findlaw.com)
📝 Licensing & Examination
To become licensed as a hearing instrument dispenser in Arkansas, candidates must:
Complete a Board-approved internship under a licensed dispenser.
Pass a qualifying examination that includes written, audiometric, earmold, and law/practice components.
Meet educational requirements, such as two years of college education or certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences.
Submit a surety bond, if required by the Board. (codes.findlaw.com, regulations.justia.com)
Temporary and provisional licenses may be issued upon receipt of the application and required documentation, valid for 90 days or until the Board makes a decision. (regulations.justia.com)
💰 Fees (as per Arkansas Code §17-84-203)
The Board is authorized to set the following fees:(law.justia.com)
Application Fee: Up to $250
Examination Fees:
Written: Up to $300
Earmold Practicum: Up to $50
Audiometric Practicum: Up to $50
Law and Rules Practicum: Up to $50
Reexamination Fee: Same as the examination fee for the portion being retaken
Permanent Registration Fee: Up to $75
Annual License Fee: Up to $250
Late Renewal Penalty: 10% if paid within 30 days after expiration
License Reinstatement Fee: 1.5 times the annual license fee if renewal is not paid within the 30-day grace period
Internship Fee: Up to $250
Endorsement to Another State: Up to $20
License Replacement Fee: Up to $25
Insufficient Funds Fee: Up to $25
Continuing Education Unit Approval Fee: Up to $250 (codes.findlaw.com, law.justia.com)
📅 License Renewal & Continuing Education
Annual License Renewal is due by June 30 each year.
Delinquent Renewals: A 10% penalty applies if paid within 30 days after expiration.
Reinstatement: If renewal is not paid within 30 days, the license is considered revoked and can be reinstated upon payment of the required fee and satisfaction of all other requirements.
Continuing Education: Licensees must complete Board-approved continuing education programs during the preceding year. Up to two hours may be earned via internet courses, subject to Board approval. (law.cornell.edu)
🏥 Standards of Practice & Recordkeeping
Patient Records: Licensees must maintain records of patient complaints, questionnaires, tests administered, results observed, adjustments made to hearing instruments, and recommendations.
Record Retention: Records must be maintained for a period of five years.
Record Access: Licensees must provide copies of patient records upon request within a reasonable period, not exceeding 30 days. A reasonable fee may be charged for copying records.
Unethical Conduct: Licensees and interns must avoid acts regarded as unethical practices as defined by the Board. (casetext.com)
🚐 Mobile Units
Notification: Persons engaging in the practice of dispensing hearing instruments via mobile units must notify the Board 30 days in advance, including dates, times, and locations of operation.
Compliance: Mobile units must meet all Board requirements and are subject to inspection during regular hours of operation. (codes.findlaw.com)
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