SB445 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim McClendon

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Hearing Instrument Dealers, definitions revised, fees to be determined by rule of board, testing of applicants revised, Sec. 34-14-34 added; Secs. 34-14-1 to 34-14-9, inclusive, 34-14-11, 34-14-30, 34-14-32, 34-14-33 am'd.

Summary

SB445 would update definitions for hearing instrument dealers, shift fee setting to board rule, adopt international testing standards, require direct supervision of apprentices, and add a new section detailing board-set fees.

What This Bill Does

Revises defined terms and adds new definitions for roles like apprentice, dealer, fitter, and dispenser within the hearing instrument field. Eliminates fixed dollar amounts for fees and authorizes the Board to set fees by administrative rule, including a new §34-14-34 listing fee types and permissible ranges. Adopts international standardized test procedures and clarifies reciprocity requirements for licensing across states. Requires apprentices to be under direct supervision of a licensed dispenser and outlines supervision/training responsibilities for sponsors and supervisors.

Who It Affects

• Applicants and licensees (apprentices, fitters, hearing aid specialists, dispensers, and dealers) who would face revised definitions, new testing approaches, board-controlled fees, and updated reciprocity rules.
• Licensed dispensers and other sponsors who supervise apprentices and fitters, with responsibilities for supervision limits, training, and potential disciplinary action related to oversight.

Key Provisions

• Definitions revised and new definitions added (including apprentice, apprentice permit, direct supervision, indirect supervision, fitter, and dispenser).
• Fees to be set by rule rather than fixed amounts; new §34-14-34 authorizes the board to establish various fees (initial applications, licenses, renewals, permits, exams, late fees, reinstatements, duplicate/replacement certificates, verifications, mailing lists, etc.) within a 25 to 1,000 dollar range and rules finalize amounts.
• Adoption of international standardized testing procedures and clarified reciprocity/endorsement provisions for licensure from other states, including requirements for endorsements and equivalent standards.
• Apprentice requirements strengthened: an apprentice must be under direct supervision, with limits on the number of apprentices per dispenser, and sponsor responsibilities defined; ongoing supervision and training obligations are specified.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Hearing Instrument Dealers, Board of