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History
- Print number 4080a
- Amend (t) and recommit to consumer protection
- Referred to consumer protection
- Referred to consumer protection
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Authorizes certain audiologists and hearing aid dispensers to dispense hearing aids for a profit
In Assembly Committee · Higher Education · Sponsor David Buchwald
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to permitting certain audiologists and hearing aid dispensers to dispense hearing aids for a profit
Purpose
To allow audiologists and licensed hearing aid dispensers employed by an otolaryngologist to dispense hearing aids for profit to patients.
Summary of provisions
Section 1: Allows an audiologist or licensed hearing aid dispenser, employed by an otolaryngologist who has conducted a medical evaluation of a patient's hearing loss, to dispense hearing aids for a profit. This bill would require that any such audiologist or hearing aid dispenser provide a list of five other licensed hearing aid dispensers within their respective county, and also disclose that there will be profit made from the sale of the device to ensure consumers are aware of their options.
Section 2 states this act shall take effect immediately.
Justification
In 2009, Consumer Reports magazine reported the best providers of hearing aids (apart from Veteran Affairs facilities) are medical offices headed by otolaryngologists, better known as EarNose-and-Throat doctors(ENT's), that employ audiologists to fit and dispense hearing aids. However, under existing law, otolaryngologists/ENT's are not allowed to sell hearing aids to consumers unless they make no more than five percent profit. Conversely, independently practicing audiologists or hearing aid dispensers, including at big box stores, are allowed to dispense hearing aids at any rate of profit.
Individuals with hearing impairments visit ENTs, to be diagnosed and may be referred to an audiologist to conduct further hearing tests and to obtain hearing aids. Audiologists are often employed by otolaryngologists and have received significant training in providing services to hearing-impaired patients. Licensed hearing aid dispensers can also be employed by otolaryngologists and must register with the Department of State, pass exams and fulfill continuing education requirements. Accordingly, audiologists and licensed hearing aid dispensers should be allowed to dispense and repair hearing aids for a profit.
Currently, an independently practicing audiologist or hearing aid dispenser is allowed to dispense hearing aids for a profit. This bill would extend this same treatment to audiologists and licensed hearing aid dispensers who work in an otolaryngologists/ENTs offices. This will allow patients to see fewer doctors and specialists, saving them time, expenses and co-payments. Any otolaryngology office that employs an audiologist and/or licensed hearing aid dispenser and also sells hearing aids would be required to disclose a list of 5 other licensed hearing aid dispensers within their respective county as well as disclose that there will be a profit made from the sale of the device. This will ensure consumers are aware of their choices.
Legislative history
New Bill.
2014: A.10106 (Buchwald) - Referred to Consumer Affairs and Protection
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.