TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
BOARD FOR HEARING AID SPECIALISTS AND OPTICIANS
Proposed Regulation
Title of Regulation: 18VAC80-20. Hearing Aid Specialists Regulations (amending 18VAC80-20-10, 18VAC80-20-30, 18VAC80-20-40, 18VAC80-20-50, 18VAC80-20-80, 18VAC80-20-90, 18VAC80-20-140, 18VAC80-20-220, 18VAC80-20-230, 18VAC80-20-250, 18VAC80-20-270; repealing 18VAC80-20-20, 18VAC80-20-100 through 18VAC80-20-130, 18VAC80-20-150, 18VAC80-20-160, 18VAC80-20-210, 18VAC80-20-240).
Statutory Authority: § 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Public Hearing Information:
June 3, 2025 - 10:25 a.m. - Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 200, Board Room One, Richmond, VA 23233.
Public Comment Deadline: July 4, 2025.
Agency Contact: Kelley Smith, Executive Director, Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-8590, FAX (866) 245-9693, or email hasopt@dpor.virginia.gov.
Basis: Section 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians to promulgate regulations necessary to ensure continued competency and prevent deceptive or misleading practices by practitioners and to effectively administer the regulatory system.
Purpose: The board protects the public welfare in part by establishing through regulation (i) the minimum qualifications of applicants for licensure, provided that all qualifications are necessary to ensure either competence or integrity to engage in the profession or occupation; (ii) minimum standards to ensure continued competency and to prevent deceptive or misleading practices by practitioners; and (iii) requirements to effectively administer the regulatory system administered by the board. To the extent that any provision of this chapter is not necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, or not necessary to effectively administer the licensure program, the board proposes to eliminate or reduce the burden of the requirement.
Substance: The proposed amendments:
1. Revise and remove definitions.
2. Revise subjects for training and experience as qualification for licensure.
3. Add registered apprenticeship as a new training option for licensure.
4. Revise requirements for disclosure of prior criminal history to reduce the stringency of the current criminal history disclosure requirement.
5. Revise provisions for temporary permits, including (i) extending the term of such permits to 18 months, (ii) allowing a registered apprenticeship under the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement (VDWDA) to be considered a temporary permit, and (iii) adding stipulations that sponsors cannot refer permit holders for the license examination until the permit holder has accrued six months of experience.
6. Revise provisions related to individuals licensed as a hearing aid specialist in another jurisdiction, including (i) replacing the term "reciprocity" with the term "endorsement" to describe the licensure of such individuals and (ii) providing that individuals who can demonstrate active engagement in the profession for the preceding five years need only take the rules and regulations portion of the license examination.
7. Increase to four the number of attempts a temporary permit holder has to pass any section of the license examination before the temporary permit automatically expires and clarify components of the examination.
8. Provide that licenses expire two years from the effective date and that the board may use email to send renewal notices.
9. Revise provisions related to reinstatement of licenses, including consolidating reinstatement provisions.
10. Repeal provisions requiring certain disclosures to a purchaser or prospective purchaser when first contact is established.
11. Remove vague requirements pertaining to compliance with various federal and state statutes and regulations, disclosures on hearing aid containers, charging of nonrefundable fees, and a requirement to disclose hearing aid warranty.
12. Remove a requirement that a hearing aid specialist ascertain whether a child has been examined by an otolaryngologist prior to fitting.
13. Repeal requirements that a regulant must (i) recommend that an adult client obtain a written statement from a licensed physician that the patient's hearing loss has been medically evaluated or (ii) obtain a waiver from the client in the event the client declines such recommendation.
14. Clarify that air conduction tests and bone conduction tests must be performed in accordance with American National Standards Institute standards.
15. Revise prohibited acts to (i) remove a prohibited act relating to advertising of hearing aids and (ii) reduce reporting requirements for criminal convictions.
Issues: This action offers several advantages for both the regulated community (i.e., applicants and licensees) and the public. The action allows registered apprentices to qualify for licensure, providing more avenues for individuals to enter the profession; reduces the stringency of criminal conviction disclosure requirements; and removes burdensome requirements in the standards of practice and conduct. One advantage to the public is that the action better ensures minimum competency by allowing temporary permit holders to have minimum experience requirements before taking the license examination. The proposed amendment may have potential disadvantages for the regulated community, including that temporary permit holders may experience a delay in taking the licensing exam due to the new experience requirement. Additionally, some stakeholders may view the removal of requirements in standards of practice and conduct as weakening protections for the public. There are no identifiable advantages or disadvantages to the agency or Commonwealth.
Department of Planning and Budget Economic Impact Analysis:
The Department of Planning and Budget (DPB) has analyzed the economic impact of this proposed regulation in accordance with § 2.2-4007.04 of the Code of Virginia and Executive Order 19. The analysis presented represents DPB's best estimate of the potential economic impacts as of the date of this analysis.1
Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. The Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians (board) proposes to (i) reduce the stringency of licensure by endorsement for those who have been active in the profession during the past five years, (ii) change the expiration date of licenses, (iii) afford one more chance to temporary permit holders to pass any part of the license examination, (iv) reduce the stringency of disclosure of criminal convictions, and (v) allow a post office box as a secondary address.
Background. This regulation governs those who engage in the practice of fitting or dealing in prescription hearing aids. DPOR states that to comply with Executive Directive Number One (2022), the board reviewed discretionary requirements imposed on regulated parties. The proposed amendments to the regulation discussed below reflect the board's consideration in eliminating current substantive requirements that are not deemed necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare, or to effectively administer the licensure program.
Estimated Benefits and Costs: One of the proposed changes would reduce the requirements associated with the licensing examination. The examination is composed of three sections (with the associated fees in parentheses) as follows: written ($250), practical ($90), and rules and regulations ($35). Currently, license applicants by reciprocity or endorsement may be required to take certain sections if the licensing state did not administer that section of the examination. The board would instead stipulate that individuals licensed as hearing aid specialists in another jurisdiction who have been actively engaged in the profession for the past five years would be only required to take the rules and regulations section. According to DPOR, in the past four years, 17 of 59 reciprocity candidates were required to take the practical section, and 10 of 59 were required to take the written section. Under the proposed change, such applicants would only be required to take the rules and regulations section. Thus, the expected annualized fee savings to regulants amounts to $382.50 from the practical section (17 candidates multiplied by $90 exam fee per four years), $625 from the written section (10 candidates multiplied by $250 exam fee per four years) and the time, travel, and other expenses to take these examinations. The written examination fees are collected by a vendor while the practical examination fees are collected by DPOR. Hence, the estimated written and practical examination fee savings to the regulants would also represent a revenue reduction for both the vendor and DPOR, respectively. The board also proposes to change the expiration date of all licenses from December 31 on an even-numbered year to two years after the effective date. For example, under the current regulation if someone received a license on August 1, 2022, it would expire on December 31, 2022. As a result, they would only have the license for four months before needing to pay for a renewal. The proposed change would extend the duration of the initial license, thereby reducing early renewal costs to the licensees and associated revenues to DPOR. According to DPOR, 112 license renewals were issued between February 1, 2023, and September 2024 that expired before two years of the issuance date. Another proposed change would allow a temporary permit holder four successive examinations, rather than three, to achieve a passing score on any section of the licensing examination in order to avoid expiration of the temporary permit and the need to request an extension. This change would afford one more chance to pass any part of the examination to become fully licensed and likely reduce the number of extension requests. DPOR reports that over the past four years, 29 out of 237 temporary permit holders requested an extension. This equates to an average of seven extension requests per year. Under the proposal, the average extension requests should be fewer than seven per year. The board also proposes changes involving convictions. One change would reduce the look-back period for misdemeanor convictions involving sexual offense or physical injury from within five years prior to application for licensure to three years. Additionally, the board proposes to limit the required disclosure of felony convictions to those involving sexual offense, physical injury, drug distribution, or that involve the practice of fitting or dealing in hearing aids; currently, any felony conviction must be disclosed. Both of these disclosure requirements are less stringent and may increase the number of individuals applying who may have previously been discouraged from applying based on their criminal history. Additionally, the use of less stringent criminal disclosure requirements may reduce the number of cases the board may have to consider, given that criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify an applicant from obtaining a license and are decided on a case-by-case basis by the board. Finally, this action would allow an applicant to provide a post office box as a secondary address, providing more administrative flexibility.
Businesses and Other Entities Affected. According to DPOR, as of February 1, 2025, there were 917 hearing aid specialists and 56 temporary permit holders in the Commonwealth. None of the affected entities appear to be disproportionately affected. The Code of Virginia requires DPB to assess whether an adverse impact may result from the proposed regulation.2 An adverse impact is indicated if there is any increase in net cost or reduction in net benefit for any entity, even if the benefits exceed the costs for all entities combined.3 No longer requiring the written part of the exam for certain applicants is expected to reduce vendor revenues by $625 per year. Thus, an adverse impact on the written exam vendor is indicated.
Small Businesses4 Affected.5 The vendor for the written exam is likely a small business.
Types and Estimated Number of Small Businesses Affected: There is a single vendor that conducts the written exams.
Costs and Other Effects: The vendor would likely see approximately $625 per year in exam revenue reduction.
Alternative Method that Minimizes Adverse Impact: There are no clear alternative methods that both reduce adverse impact and meet the intended policy goals.
Localities6 Affected.7 The proposed amendments do not introduce costs for localities nor do they disproportionately affect any locality.
Projected Impact on Employment. The use of less stringent disclosure requirements may expand the pool of potential applicants. However, the impact on total employment is not known, but would likely be small if any.
Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property. Although many licensed hearing aid specialist professionals are likely owners or employees of business entities, the proposed rules apply to licensed individuals. The asset value of the written exam vendor may be negatively affected due to moderate revenue loss. No impact on real estate development costs is expected.
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1 Section 2.2-4007.04 of the Code of Virginia requires that such economic impact analyses determine the public benefits and costs of the proposed amendments. Further the analysis should include but not be limited to: (i) the projected number of businesses or other entities to whom the proposed regulatory action would apply, (ii) the identity of any localities and types of businesses or other entities particularly affected, (iii) the projected number of persons and employment positions to be affected, (iv) the projected costs to affected businesses or entities to implement or comply with the regulation, and (v) the impact on the use and value of private property.
2 Pursuant to § 2.2-4007.04 D: In the event this economic impact analysis reveals that the proposed regulation would have an adverse economic impact on businesses or would impose a significant adverse economic impact on a locality, business, or entity particularly affected, the Department of Planning and Budget shall advise the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules, the House Committee on Appropriations, and the Senate Committee on Finance. Statute does not define "adverse impact," state whether only Virginia entities should be considered, nor indicate whether an adverse impact results from regulatory requirements mandated by legislation.
3 Statute does not define "adverse impact," state whether only Virginia entities should be considered, nor indicate whether an adverse impact results from regulatory requirements mandated by legislation. As a result, DPB has adopted a definition of adverse impact that assesses changes in net costs and benefits for each affected Virginia entity that directly results from discretionary changes to the regulation.
4 Pursuant to § 2.2-4007.04, small business is defined as "a business entity, including its affiliates, that (i) is independently owned and operated and (ii) employs fewer than 500 full-time employees or has gross annual sales of less than $6 million."
5 If the proposed regulatory action may have an adverse effect on small businesses, § 2.2-4007.04 requires that such economic impact analyses include: (i) an identification and estimate of the number of small businesses subject to the proposed regulation, (ii) the projected reporting, recordkeeping, and other administrative costs required for small businesses to comply with the proposed regulation, including the type of professional skills necessary for preparing required reports and other documents, (iii) a statement of the probable effect of the proposed regulation on affected small businesses, and (iv) a description of any less intrusive or less costly alternative methods of achieving the purpose of the proposed regulation. Additionally, pursuant to § 2.2-4007.1 of the Code of Virginia, if there is a finding that a proposed regulation may have an adverse impact on small business, the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules shall be notified.
6 "Locality" can refer to either local governments or the locations in the Commonwealth where the activities relevant to the regulatory change are most likely to occur.
7 Section 2.2-4007.04 defines "particularly affected" as bearing disproportionate material impact.
Response to Economic Impact Analysis: The Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians concurs with the economic impact analysis prepared by the Department of Planning and Budget.
Summary:
The proposed amendments (i) update and revise definitions, (ii) update entry requirements, (iii) reduce the stringency of licensure by endorsement for those who have been active in the profession during the past five years, (iv) revise renewal and reinstatement provisions, (v) update standards of practice and conduct, (vi) change the expiration date of licenses to two years after the effective date, (vii) afford one more chance to temporary permit holders to pass any part of the license examination, (viii) reduce the stringency of disclosure of criminal convictions, and (ix) allow a post office box as a secondary address.
18VAC80-20-10. Definitions.
A. The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in § 54.1-1500 of the Code of Virginia:
"Audiologist"
"Board"
"Hearing aid"
"Licensed hearing aid specialist"
"Licensed physician"
"Practice of audiology"
"Practice of fitting or dealing in hearing aids"
"Prescription hearing aid"
"Sell" or "sale"
"Temporary permit"
B. The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Audiologist" means any person who engages in the practice of audiology as defined by § 54.1-2600 of the Code of Virginia.
"Board" means Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians.
"ANSI" means the American National Standards Institute.
"Department" means the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
"Endorsement" means a method of obtaining a license by a person who is currently licensed in another state.
"Hearing aid specialist" means a person who engages in the practice of fitting or dealing in hearing aids or who advertises or displays a sign or represents himself as a person who practices the fitting or dealing in hearing aids.
"Licensed sponsor" means a licensed hearing aid specialist who is responsible for training one or more individuals holding a temporary permit.
"Licensee" means any person holding a valid license issued by the Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians for the practice of fitting or dealing in hearing aids, as defined in § 54.1-1500 of the Code of Virginia.
"Otolaryngologist" means a licensed physician specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders.
"Reciprocity" means an agreement between two or more states to recognize and accept one another's regulations and laws.
"Reinstatement" means having a license restored to effectiveness after the expiration date has passed.
"Renewal" means continuing the effectiveness of a license for another period of time.
"Temporary permit holder" means any person who holds a valid temporary permit under this chapter.
18VAC80-20-20. Explanation of terms. (Repealed.)
Each reference in this chapter to a person shall be deemed to refer, as appropriate, to the masculine and the feminine, to the singular and the plural, and to the natural persons and organizations.
18VAC80-20-30. Basic qualifications for licensure.
A. Every applicant for a license shall must provide information on his an application establishing that:
1. The applicant is at least 18 years of age.
2. The applicant has successfully completed high school or a high school equivalency course.
3. The applicant has training and experience that covers the following subjects as they the subjects pertain to hearing aid fitting and the sale of hearing aids, accessories, and services:
a. Basic physics of sound;
b. Basic maintenance and repair of hearing aids;
c. The anatomy and physiology of the ear;
d. Introduction to psychological aspects of hearing loss;
e. d. The function of hearing aids and amplification;
f. e. Visible disorders of the ear requiring medical referrals;
g. f. Practical tests utilized for selection or modification of hearing aids;
h. Pure g. Audiometric testing, including pure tone audiometry, including air conduction, and bone conduction, and related tests speech reception threshold testing, and speech discrimination testing;
i. Live voice or recorded voice speech audiometry, including speech reception threshold testing and speech discrimination testing;
j. h. Masking when indicated;
k. i. Recording and evaluating audiograms and speech audiometry to determine the proper selection and adaptation of hearing aids;
l. j. Taking earmold impressions;
m. k. Proper earmold selection;
n. l. Adequate instruction in proper hearing aid orientation;
o. m. Necessity of proper procedures in after-fitting checkup; and
p. n. Availability of social service resources and other special resources for the hearing impaired.
4. The applicant has provided one of the following as verification of completion of training and experience as described in subdivision 3 of this subsection:
a. A statement on a form provided by the board signed by the licensed sponsor certifying that the requirements have been met and the applicant has completed at least six months of experience under the temporary permit; or
b. A certified true copy of a transcript of courses completed at an accredited college or university, or other notarized documentation of completion of the required experience and training; or
c. An apprenticeship completion form from the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement reflecting completion of a registered apprenticeship, including all required related instruction, or an equivalent out-of-state registered apprenticeship.
5. The applicant has not been convicted or found guilty of any crime directly related to the practice of fitting or dealing in hearing aids, regardless of the manner of adjudication, in any jurisdiction of the United States. Except for misdemeanor marijuana convictions and misdemeanor convictions that occurred five or more years prior to the date of application, with no subsequent convictions, all criminal convictions shall be considered as part of the totality of the circumstances of each applicant. The applicant review of prior convictions shall be subject to the requirements of In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia. Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for purposes of this subdivision, each applicant must disclose the following information regarding criminal convictions in Virginia and all other jurisdictions:
a. Misdemeanor convictions that occurred within three years of the date of application involving sexual offense or physical injury; and
b. Felony convictions involving sexual offense, physical injury, or drug distribution or felony convictions involving the practice of fitting or dealing in hearing aids.
6. The applicant is in good standing as a licensed hearing aid specialist in every jurisdiction where licensed. The applicant must disclose if he the applicant has had a license as a hearing aid specialist that was suspended, revoked, or surrendered in connection with a disciplinary action or that has been the subject of discipline in any jurisdiction prior to applying for licensure in Virginia. At the time of application for licensure, the applicant must also disclose any disciplinary action taken in another jurisdiction in connection with the applicant's practice as a hearing aid specialist. The applicant must also disclose whether he has been previously licensed in Virginia as a hearing aid specialist.
7. The applicant has disclosed his the applicant's physical address. A post office box is not acceptable may be provided as a secondary address.
8. The nonresident applicant for a license has filed and maintained with the department an irrevocable consent for the department to serve as service agent for all actions filed in any court in Virginia.
9. The applicant has submitted the required application with the proper fee as referenced in 18VAC80-20-70 and signed, as part of the application, a statement that the applicant has read and understands Chapter 15 (§ 54.1-1500 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and this chapter.
B. The board may make further inquiries and investigations with respect to the qualifications of the applicant or require a personal interview or both. The board may refuse initial licensure due to the applicant's failure to comply with entry requirements. The licensee is entitled to a review of such action. Appeals from such actions shall, which will be in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Process Act, Chapter 40 (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia).
18VAC80-20-40. Temporary permit.
A. Any individual may apply for a temporary permit, which is to be used solely for the purpose of gaining the training and experience required to become a licensed hearing aid specialist in Virginia. The licensed sponsor shall must be identified on the application for a temporary permit, and the licensed sponsor shall must comply strictly with the provisions of subdivisions B D 1 and B D 2 of this section.
1. A temporary permit shall will be issued for a period of 12 months and may be extended once for not longer than six 18 months. After a period of 18 months an extension is no longer possible and, the former temporary permit holder shall must sit for the examination in accordance with this section.
2. The board may, at its discretion, extend the temporary permit for a temporary permit holder who suffers serious personal illness or injury, or a death in his the permit holder's immediate family, or for obligation of military service or service in the Peace Corps, or for other good cause of similar magnitude approved by the board. Documentation of these circumstances must be received by the board no later than 12 months after the date of the expiration of the temporary permit or within six months of the completion of military or Peace Corps service, whichever is later.
B. A registered apprenticeship under the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement is held to be a board-approved temporary permit.
C. Every applicant for a temporary permit shall must provide information upon application establishing that:
1. The applicant for a temporary permit is at least 18 years of age.
2. The applicant for a temporary permit has successfully completed high school or a high school equivalency course.
3. The applicant has not been convicted or found guilty of any crime directly related to the practice of fitting or dealing in hearing aids, regardless of the manner of adjudication, in any jurisdiction of the United States. Except for misdemeanor marijuana convictions and misdemeanor convictions that occurred five or more years prior to the date of application, with no subsequent convictions, all criminal convictions shall be considered as part of the totality of the circumstances of each applicant. Review of prior convictions shall be subject to the requirements of In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia. Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for purposes of this subdivision, each applicant for a temporary permit must disclose the following information regarding criminal convictions in Virginia and all other jurisdictions:
a. Misdemeanor convictions that occurred within three years of the date of application involving sexual offense or physical injury; and
b. Felony convictions involving sexual offense, physical injury, or drug distribution or felony convictions involving the practice of fitting or dealing in hearing aids.
4. The applicant for a temporary permit is in good standing as a licensed hearing aid specialist in every jurisdiction where licensed. The applicant for a temporary permit must disclose if he the applicant has had a license as a hearing aid specialist that was suspended, revoked, or surrendered in connection with a disciplinary action or that has been the subject of discipline in any jurisdiction prior to applying for licensure in Virginia. At the time of application, the applicant for a temporary permit must also disclose any disciplinary action taken in another jurisdiction in connection with the applicant's practice as a hearing aid specialist. The applicant for a temporary permit must also disclose whether he has been licensed previously in Virginia as a hearing aid specialist.
5. The applicant for a temporary permit has disclosed his the applicant's physical address. A post office box is not acceptable may be provided as a secondary address.
6. The applicant for a temporary permit has submitted the required application with the proper fee referenced in 18VAC80-20-70 and has signed, as part of the application, a statement that the applicant has read and understands Chapter 15 (§ 54.1-1500 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and this chapter.
C. D. The licensed hearing aid specialist who agrees to sponsor the applicant for a temporary permit shall must certify on the application that as sponsor, he the licensed hearing aid specialist:
1. Assumes full responsibility for the competence and proper conduct of the temporary permit holder with regard to all acts performed pursuant to the acquisition of training and experience in the fitting or dealing of hearing aids;
2. Will not assign the temporary permit holder to carry out independent field work without on-site direct supervision by the sponsor until the temporary permit holder is adequately trained for such activity;
3. Will personally provide and make available documentation, upon request by the board or its representative, showing the number of hours that direct supervision has occurred throughout the period of the temporary permit; and
4. Will return the temporary permit to the department should the training program be discontinued for any reason; and
5. Will not refer the temporary permit holder for testing until the temporary permit holder has completed at least six months of training under the permit.
D. E. The licensed sponsor shall must provide training and shall must ensure that the temporary permit holder under his the licensed sponsor's supervision gains experience that covers the following subjects as they pertain to hearing aid fitting and the sale of hearing aids, accessories, and services:
1. Basic physics of sound;
2. Basic maintenance and repair of hearing aids;
3. The anatomy and physiology of the ear;
4. Introduction to psychological aspects of hearing loss;
5. 4. The function of hearing aids and amplification;
6. 5. Visible disorders of the ear requiring medical referrals;
7. 6. Practical tests utilized for selection or modification of hearing aids;
8. Pure 7. Audiometric testing, including pure tone audiometry, including air conduction, and bone conduction, speech reception threshold testing, and related tests speech discrimination testing;
9. Live voice or recorded voice speech audiometry, including speech reception threshold testing and speech discrimination testing;
10. 8. Masking when indicated;
11. 9. Recording and evaluating audiograms and speech audiometry to determine the proper selection and adaptation of hearing aids;
12. 10. Taking earmold impressions;
13. 11. Proper earmold selection;
14. 12. Adequate instruction in proper hearing aid orientation;
15. 13. Necessity of proper procedures in after-fitting checkup; and
16. 14. Availability of social service resources and other special resources for the hearing impaired.
E. F. The board may make further inquiries and investigations with respect to the qualifications of the applicant for a temporary permit or require a personal interview, or both.
F. G. All correspondence from the board to the temporary permit holder not otherwise exempt from disclosure, shall must be addressed to both the temporary permit holder and the licensed sponsor and shall must be sent to the business address of the licensed sponsor.
18VAC80-20-50. Qualifications for licensure by reciprocity endorsement.
A. Every applicant for Virginia licensure through reciprocity endorsement who is currently licensed as a hearing aid specialist in good standing in another jurisdiction shall must provide information upon application establishing that the requirements and standards under which the license was issued are substantially equivalent to and not conflicting with the provisions of this chapter. The applicant shall must file the application for reciprocity endorsement with, and pay a fee to, the board, and must successfully complete the specified sections of the examination.
B. Every applicant for Virginia licensure through endorsement that can demonstrate active engagement in the profession for the preceding five years will only be required to take the rules and regulations portion of the examination.
18VAC80-20-80. Examinations.
A. All examinations required for licensure shall must be approved by the board and administered by the board, a testing service acting on behalf of the board, or another governmental agency or organization.
B. The candidate for examination shall must follow all rules established by the board with regard to conduct at the examination. Such rules shall include any written instructions communicated prior to the examination date and any instructions communicated at the site, either written or oral, on the date of the examination. Failure to comply with all rules established by the board with regard to conduct at the examination shall will be grounds for denial of the application.
C. Applicants for licensure shall must pass a two part examination, of which Part I is a written examination and Part II is a, a rules and regulations examination, and all portions of the practical examination exam.
1. The applicant shall must pass each section of the written and practical examination administered by the board. Candidates failing one or more sections of the written or practical examination will be required to retake only those sections failed.
2. Any candidate failing to achieve a passing score on all sections in two years from the initial test date must reapply as a new applicant for licensure and repeat all sections of the written and practical examination examinations.
3. If the temporary permit holder fails to achieve a passing score on any section of the examination in three four successive scheduled examinations, the temporary permit shall will expire upon receipt of the examination failure letter resulting from the third fourth attempt.
18VAC80-20-90. License renewal required.
A. Licenses issued under this chapter shall will expire on December 31 of each even-numbered year as indicated on the license two years from the license effective date.
B. The board will mail or email a renewal notice to the licensee at the last known address. Failure to receive this notice does not relieve the licensee of the obligation to renew. Prior to the expiration date shown on the license, each licensee desiring to renew a license must return to the board all required forms and the appropriate fee as outlined in 18VAC80-20-70.
C. Licensees will be required to renew a license by submitting the proper fee made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. Any licensee who fails to renew within 30 days after the license expires will be required to apply for reinstatement.
D. The board may deny renewal of a license for the same reasons as the board may refuse initial licensure as set forth in Part II (18VAC80-20-30 et seq.) of this chapter or discipline a licensee as set forth in Part V (18VAC80-20-180 et seq.) of this chapter. The licensee is entitled to a review of such action. Review of such actions will be in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).
18VAC80-20-100. Procedures for renewal. (Repealed.)
The board will mail a renewal application form to the licensee at the last known address. Failure to receive this notice shall not relieve the licensee of the obligation to renew. Prior to the expiration date shown on the license, each licensee desiring to renew his license must return to the board all required forms and the appropriate fee as outlined in 18VAC80-20-70 of this chapter.
18VAC80-20-110. Fees for renewal. (Repealed.)
Licensees shall be required to renew their license by submitting the proper fee made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. Any licensee who fails to renew within 30 days after the license expires shall be required to apply for reinstatement.
18VAC80-20-120. Board discretion to deny renewal. (Repealed.)
The board may deny renewal of a license for the same reasons as it may refuse initial licensure as set forth in Part II or discipline a licensee as set forth in Part V of this chapter. The licensee is entitled to a review of such action. Appeals from such actions shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Process Act, Chapter 40 (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia.
18VAC80-20-130. Qualifications for renewal. (Repealed.)
Applicants for renewal of a license shall continue to meet the standards of entry as set forth in 18VAC80-20-30 A 2, 18VAC80-20-30 A 3 and, 18VAC80-20-30 A 5 through 18VAC80-20-30 A 9.
18VAC80-20-140. Reinstatement required.
A. If a licensee fails to meet the requirements for renewal and submit the renewal fee within 30 days after the expiration date on the license, the licensee must apply for reinstatement on a form provided by the board.
1. Applicants for reinstatement shall continue to meet the standards of entry in 18VAC80-20-30 A 2, 18VAC80-20-30 A 3 and 18VAC80-20-30 A 5 through 18VAC80-20-30 A 9.
2. 1. Applicants for reinstatement shall must submit the required fee referenced in 18VAC80-20-70.
3. 2. Two years after the expiration date on the license, reinstatement is no longer possible. To resume practice as a hearing aid specialist, the former licensee must apply as a new applicant for licensure, meeting all educational, examination, and experience requirements as listed in the regulations current at the time of reapplication.
4. Any hearing aid specialist activity conducted subsequent to the expiration date of the license may constitute unlicensed activity and may be subject to prosecution by the Commonwealth under §§ 54.1-111 and 54.1-202 of the Code of Virginia.
B. The board may deny reinstatement of a license for the same reasons as it may refuse initial licensure or discipline a licensee. The licensee is entitled to a review of such action, which will be in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).
C. When a license is reinstated, the license will continue to have the same license number and will be assigned an expiration date two years from the previous expiration date of the license, which is the expiration date assigned to all licenses at the time of reinstatement.
D. A licensee who reinstates a license will be regarded as having been continually licensed without interruption. Therefore, the licensee shall remain under the disciplinary authority of the board during the entire period and may be held accountable for activities during this period. Nothing in this chapter will divest the board of authority to discipline a licensee for a violation of the law or regulations during the period of licensure.
18VAC80-20-150. Board discretion to deny reinstatement. (Repealed.)
The board may deny reinstatement of a license for the same reasons as it may refuse initial licensure or discipline a licensee. The licensee is entitled to a review of such action. Appeals from such actions shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Process Act, Chapter 40 (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia.
18VAC80-20-160. Status of license during the period prior to reinstatement. (Repealed.)
A. When a licensee is reinstated, the license shall continue to have the same license number and shall be assigned an expiration date two years from the previous expiration date of the license, which is the expiration date assigned to all licenses at the time the license is reinstated.
B. A licensee who reinstates his license shall be regarded as having been continually licensed without interruption. Therefore, the licensee shall remain under the disciplinary authority of the board during the entire period and may be held accountable for his activities during this period. Nothing in this chapter shall divest the board of its authority to discipline a licensee for a violation of the law or regulations during the period of licensure.
18VAC80-20-210. Measures to take when first contact is established with any purchaser or prospective purchaser. (Repealed.)
A. When first contact is established with any purchaser or prospective purchaser outside the hearing aid specialist's principal place of business, the licensee shall provide a disclosure form prescribed by the board containing information that the purchaser or prospective purchaser will need to obtain service/maintenance. The disclosure form shall include:
1. Address and telephone number where the hearing aid specialist can be reached.
2. Days and hours contact can be made;
3. Whether service/maintenance will be provided in the office or in the home of the purchaser or prospective purchaser; and
4. If the hearing aid specialist has no principal place of business in Virginia, a clear statement that there is no principal place of business in Virginia.
B. When first contact is established with any purchaser or prospective purchaser the licensee shall:
1. Advise the purchaser or prospective purchaser that hearing aid specialists are not licensed to practice medicine; and
2. Advise the purchaser or prospective purchaser that no examination or representation made by the specialist should be regarded as a medical examination, opinion, or advice.
a. A statement that this initial advice was given to the purchaser or prospective purchaser shall be entered on the purchase agreement in print as large as the other printed matter on the receipt.
b. Exemption: Hearing aid specialists who are physicians licensed to practice medicine in Virginia are exempt from the requirements of this subsection.
18VAC80-20-220. Purchase agreement.
A. Each hearing aid shall must be sold through a purchase agreement that shall must:
1. Show the licensee's business address, license number, business telephone number, and signature;
2. Comply with federal and Virginia laws and regulations, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, the Virginia Home Solicitation Sales Act (Chapter 2.1 (§ 59.1-21.1 et seq.) of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia), and the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 17 (§ 59.1-196 et seq.) of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia);
3. 2. Clearly state, if the hearing aid is not new and is sold or rented, that it is "used" or "reconditioned," whichever is applicable, including the terms of warranty, if any. The hearing aid container shall be clearly marked with the same information contained in the purchase agreement;
4. 3. Identify the brand names and model of the hearing aid being sold, and the serial number of the hearing aid shall must be provided, in writing, to the purchaser or prospective purchaser at the time of delivery of the hearing aid;
5. 4. Disclose the full purchase price;
6. 5. Disclose the down payment and periodic payment terms in cases where the purchase price is not paid in full at delivery;
7. 6. Disclose any nonrefundable fees established in accordance with § 54.1-1505 of the Code of Virginia. Nonrefundable fees shall not be a percentage of the purchase price of the hearing aid;
8. Disclose any warranty;
9. 7. Explain the provisions of § 54.1-1505 of the Code of Virginia, which entitles the purchaser to return the hearing aid, in 10-point bold face type that is bolder than the type in the remainder of the purchase agreement; and
10. 8. Disclose that the licensee or temporary permit holder is not a physician licensed to practice medicine in Virginia and that no examination or representation made shall will be regarded as a medical examination, opinion, or advice.
B. Subdivision A 10 8 of this section shall will not apply to sales made by a licensed hearing aid specialist who is a physician licensed to practice medicine in Virginia.
18VAC80-20-230. Fitting or sale of hearing aids for children.
A. Any person engaging in the fitting or sale of hearing aids for a child under 18 years of age shall ascertain whether such child has been examined by an otolaryngologist or licensed physician within six months prior to fitting.
B. A. No child under younger than 18 years of age shall will be initially fitted with a hearing aid or hearing aids unless the licensed hearing aid specialist has been presented with a written statement signed by an otolaryngologist stating the child's hearing loss has been medically evaluated and the child may be considered a candidate for a hearing aid. The medical evaluation must have taken place within the preceding six months.
C. B. No child under younger than 18 years of age shall will be subsequently fitted with a hearing aid or hearing aids unless the licensed hearing aid specialist has been presented with a written statement signed by a licensed physician stating the child's hearing loss has been medically evaluated and the child may be considered a candidate for a hearing aid. The medical evaluation must have taken place within the preceding six months.
18VAC80-20-240. Physician statement regarding adult client's medical evaluation of hearing loss. (Repealed.)
A. Each licensee or holder of a temporary permit, in counseling and instructing adult clients and prospective adult clients related to the testing, fitting, and sale of hearing aids, shall be required to recommend that the client obtain a written statement signed by a licensed physician stating that the patient's hearing loss has been medically evaluated within the preceding six months and that the patient may be a candidate for a hearing aid.
B. Should the client decline the recommendation, a statement of such declination shall be obtained from the client over his signature. Medical waivers that are a part of purchase agreements shall be in a separate section, which shall be signed by the client indicating his understanding of the medical waiver. A separate, additional client signature space shall be provided in all purchase agreements for the client to sign acknowledging his understanding of the purchase terms and conditions established by 18VAC80-20-200.
1. Fully informed adult patients (18 years of age or older) may waive the medical evaluation.
2. The hearing aid specialist is prohibited from actively encouraging a prospective user to waive a medical examination.
C. The information provided in subsection A of this section must be made a part of the client's record kept by the hearing aid specialist.
18VAC80-20-250. Testing procedures.
It shall be is the duty of each licensee and holder of a temporary permit engaged in the fitting and sale of hearing aids to use appropriate testing procedures for each hearing aid fitting. All tests and case history information must be retained in the records of the specialist. The established requirements shall be are:
1. Air Conduction Tests A.N.S.I. conduction tests are to be made on every client using ANSI standard frequencies of 500-1000-2000-4000-6000-8000 Hertz. Intermediate frequencies shall must be tested if the threshold difference between octaves exceeds 15dB. Appropriate masking must be used if the difference between the two ears is 40 dB or more at any one frequency.
2. Bone Conduction Tests conduction tests are to be made on every client--A.N.S.I. using ANSI. standards at 500-1000-2000-4000 Hertz. Proper masking is to be applied if the air conduction and bone conduction readings for the test ear at any one frequency differ by 15 dB or if lateralization occurs.
3. Speech testings shall must be made before fittings and shall must be recorded with the type of test, method of presentation, and the test results.
4. The specialist shall must check for the following conditions and, if they are found to exist, shall must refer the client to a licensed physician unless the client can show that his the client's present condition is under treatment or has been treated:
a. Visible congenital or traumatic deformity of the ear.
b. History of active drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days.
c. History of sudden or rapidly progressive hearing loss within the previous 90 days.
d. Acute or chronic dizziness.
e. Unilateral hearing loss.
f. Audiometric air bone gap equal to or greater than 15 dB at 500 Hertz, 1000 Hertz, and 2000 Hertz.
g. Visible evidence or significant cerumen accumulation or a foreign body in the ear canal.
h. Tinnitus as a primary symptom.
i. Pain or discomfort in the ear.
5. All tests shall must have been conducted no more than six months prior to the fitting.
6. Post-fitting testing shall must be made and recorded with type of test, method of presentation and the test results.
18VAC80-20-270. Grounds for discipline.
The board may, in considering the totality of the circumstances, fine any temporary permit holder or licensee, and or suspend, place on probation, or revoke, or refuse to renew any temporary permit or license or deny any application issued under the provisions of Chapter 15 (§ 54.1-1500 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and this chapter. Disciplinary procedures are governed by the Administrative Process Act, Chapter 40 (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia). In exercising its disciplinary function, the board will consider the totality of the circumstances of each case. Any licensee is subject to board discipline for any of the following:
1. Improper conduct, including:
a. Obtaining, renewing, or attempting to obtain a license by false or fraudulent representation;
b. Obtaining any fee or making any sale by fraud or misrepresentation;
c. Employing to fit or sell hearing aids a person who does not hold a valid license or a temporary permit, or whose license or temporary permit is suspended;
d. Using, causing, or promoting the use of any misleading, deceptive, or untruthful advertising matter, promotional literature, testimonial, guarantee, warranty, label, brand, insignia, or any other representation, whether disseminated orally or published;
e. Advertising a particular model or type of hearing aid for sale when purchasers or prospective purchasers responding to the advertisement cannot purchase the advertised model or type;
f. e. Representing that the service or advice of a person licensed to practice medicine or audiology will be used in the selection, fitting, adjustment, maintenance, or repair of hearing aids when that is not true, or using the words "physician," "audiologist," "clinic," "hearing service," "hearing center," or similar description of the services and products provided when such use is not accurate;
g. f. Directly or indirectly giving or offering to give favors, paid referrals, or anything of value to any person who in his professional capacity uses his position to influence third parties to purchase products offered for sale by a hearing aid specialist; or
h. g. Failing to provide expedient, reliable, or dependable services when requested by a client or client's guardian.
2. Failure to include on the purchase agreement a statement regarding home solicitation when required by federal and state law.
3. Incompetence or negligence, as those terms are generally understood in the profession, in fitting or selling hearing aids.
4. Failure to provide required or appropriate training resulting in incompetence or negligence, as those terms are generally understood in the profession, by a temporary permit holder under the licensee's sponsorship.
5. Violating or cooperating with others in violating any provisions of Chapters Chapter 1 (§ 54.1-100 et seq.), 2 (§ 54.1-200 et seq.), 3 (§ 54.1-300 et seq.), and or 15 (§ 54.1-1500 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia or this chapter.
6. The licensee, temporary permit holder, or applicant has been convicted or found guilty of any crime directly related to the practice of fitting or dealing in hearing aids, regardless of the manner of adjudication, in any jurisdiction of the United States. Except for misdemeanor marijuana convictions and misdemeanor convictions involving sexual offense or physical injury that occurred five three or more years prior to the date of application, with no subsequent convictions, and all felony convictions involving sexual offense, physical injury, or drug distribution that occurred 10 or more years prior to the date of application with no subsequent convictions, all criminal convictions shall will be considered as part of the totality of the circumstances of each applicant. Review of prior convictions shall will be subject to the requirements of § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia. Any pleas of nolo contendere shall will be considered a conviction for the purpose of this subdivision. The record of a conviction authenticated in such form as to be admissible in evidence of the law of the jurisdiction where convicted shall will be admissible as prima facie evidence of such conviction or guilt.
VA.R. Doc. No. R24-7493; Filed April 15, 2025