Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia Department 276 - GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF HEARING AID DEALERS AND DISPENSERS
Georgia State Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers (Department 276) — Overview
This Board regulates the licensing, practice, and conduct of hearing aid dealers and dispensers in Georgia to ensure public safety, professionalism, and ethical conduct in dispensing hearing aids.
Key Areas Covered in the Rules and Regulations:
1. Procedures, Equipment, Calibration, and Records
Hearing aid dispensers must perform proper hearing tests before selecting and fitting hearing aids. Tests include air and bone conduction, speech discrimination, masking as needed, and determining the most comfortable loudness levels.
All tests must be recent (within six months) and documented.
Equipment used for testing must be properly calibrated annually, and calibration records must be kept for six years.
Dispensers must maintain detailed records of tests, fittings, sales (bills of sale), and equipment calibrations.
These records are subject to inspection to ensure compliance.
2. Definitions and Practice Locations
Defines what qualifies as an established office or dispensing location for conducting hearing aid business.
Battery-only stores or temporary locations generally do not qualify.
Licensees must notify the Board when changing or relocating their business address within seven days.
3. Licensing and Training Permits
Applicants must obtain a license to dispense hearing aids legally.
A training permit can be issued to individuals undergoing supervised training.
Training permit holders must work under direct supervision of a licensed dispenser.
Supervisors can only have one trainee at a time and must keep supervision records.
Training permits are valid for six months and can be renewed.
4. Continuing Education
Licensees are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their licenses.
These hours must include:
At least 2 hours of medical education (in-person).
At least 2 hours on ethics or jurisprudence.
At least 2 hours on patient management.
The remaining hours may focus on product knowledge or other relevant topics.
Licensees must retain proof of continuing education for at least four years.
The Board randomly audits licensees to verify compliance.
5. Unprofessional Conduct
Dispensing hearing aids without a proper client relationship or required tests is prohibited.
Failure to supervise trainees properly, improper signage, and failure to wear license badges during practice are considered unprofessional conduct.
Violations may result in disciplinary action, including fines, suspension, or revocation of licenses.
6. Renewal and Reinstatement
Licenses expire every two years on December 31 of odd-numbered years.
To renew, licensees must submit proof of continuing education and pay renewal fees.
Late renewal is allowed until January 31 of the following even-numbered year with a 50% penalty fee.
Licenses not renewed by this deadline are revoked by law.
To reinstate a revoked license within one year, applicants must submit a reinstatement application, fees, and proof of continuing education.
After one year of revocation, applicants must also pass written and practical examinations.
The Board may consider special provisions for active licensees from other states seeking reinstatement in Georgia.
7. General Provisions
Dealers must provide clear and accurate bills of sale to customers.
The Board oversees complaints and disciplinary actions.
All licensees must conduct business in accordance with ethical standards to protect consumers.
Summary
The Georgia State Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers ensures that hearing aid dealers and dispensers are qualified, ethical, and accountable by regulating:
Proper testing and fitting procedures,
Licensing and supervised training,
Mandatory continuing education,
Defined standards for professional conduct,
Strict renewal and reinstatement processes,
Proper maintenance of records and equipment.
These rules promote consumer protection, professional competence, and public trust in hearing aid services across Georgia.
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