Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
 
Board
Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians
 
chapter
Hearing Aid Specialists Regulations [18 VAC 80 ‑ 20]
Action Amendments to Board for Hearing Aid Specialists Regulations 2012
Stage NOIRA
Comment Period Ended on 3/14/2012
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3/9/12  3:13 pm
Commenter: Sally Elder-Christensen, AuD/CCC-A; Maico Audiological Services

Unnecessary for Audiologists to obtain dispenser's license!
 

Audiologists who hold master's degrees or clinical doctorate degrees are fully trained to diagnose and treat hearing disorders and are the ONLY ones fully trained to treat and diagnose all areas of audiology. In our training we have met all requirements of both ASHA and AAA no matter which state of training. Each state in the US recognize this training and with copies of our PRAXIS scores and college courses, one can obtain a license to practice audiology in ANY state. So for VA to have a mandated dispenser's license for audiologists reflects not only a lack of understanding of our extensive, complete training but also a lack of respect for the unique contributions we make to our community/patients via out training. Other states have recognized this and have corrected such as unfair and unnecessary law. The Commonwealth of VA must recognize this and correct it too.  

CommentID: 23469