SB69 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Dick Brewbaker

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Board of Hearing Instrument Dealers, to provide further for definitions, remove specific fees and authorize board to set by rule, Secs. 34-14-1 to 34-14-9, inclusive, 34-14-11, 34-14-30, 34-14-32, 34-14-33 am'd.

Summary

SB69 would reform the Board of Hearing Instrument Dealers by updating definitions, moving to rule-based fees, expanding reciprocity, adopting international testing standards, and creating a supervised apprenticeship program for hearing instrument fitters.

What This Bill Does

It updates defined terms and adds new definitions. It removes fixed dollar amounts for fees and lets the board set fees by administrative rule, with a new schedule specifying minimums and maximums for various items. It clarifies reciprocity requirements for endorsements and licenses by reciprocity and adopts international standardized test procedures. It creates an apprentice permit requiring direct supervision by a licensed dispenser, including 80 hours of instruction, a one-year permit (renewable once), and a limit of four apprentices per dispenser; the sponsor is responsible for supervision and the apprentice can progress to a fitter's license after passing exams. It also requires continuing education for license renewals.

Who It Affects

• Licensed hearing instrument fitters and dispensers in Alabama (and applicants), as definitions, license/renewal fees, and reciprocity rules would change and continuing education would be required.
• Apprentices and their sponsoring dispensers, since a new apprentice permit program would require supervised training, specify training hours, renewal rules, and supervision limits.

Key Provisions

• Definition updates: revises and adds terms such as APPRENTICE, APPRENTICE PERMIT, DIRECT SUPERVISION, DISPENSER, FITTER, HEARING INSTRUMENT, and related concepts.
• Fees by rule: removes specific statutory fee amounts and authorizes the board to set fees by administrative rule; creates a new fee schedule with ranges (not less than $25 and not more than $1,000) for items like initial applications, licenses, renewals, examinations, and related services; no refunds of fees.
• Reciprocity and endorsements: clarifies requirements for licensure by reciprocity and certificates of endorsement, including proof of current licensure in good standing, equivalent requirements, and testing standards.
• International testing: adopts international standardized test procedures for licensing and eligibility.
• Apprentice program: establishes an apprentice permit with eligibility to practice under direct supervision for one year (renewable once) after 80 hours of supervised instruction; requires IIHIS distance learning after initial supervision; sponsor is fully responsible for the apprentice.
• Supervision limits: a dispenser cannot supervise more than four apprentices at any one time.
• Progression to fitter license: an apprentice or applicant who completes the fitter’s examination may obtain a fitter’s license to continue work under direct supervision.
• Continuing education and board governance: the board must establish continuing education requirements for license renewal; outlines board structure, meetings, and authority to enforce rules; funds and accounts are specified to support administration.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Hearing Instrument Dealers, Board of