64B6-8.002: Qualifications for Trainees, Sponsors and Designated Hearing Aid Specialists
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed rule amendments are intended to require hearing aid specialist trainees to complete Stage I, the International Hearing Society Home Study Course, before beginning Stage II of the training program. The rule adopts and incorporates by reference the Sponsor Report Form and Training Program Continuation Request Form and provides a website to obtain the forms.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule amendments clarify the various stages of the training programs to be completed by hearing aid specialist trainees. In addition the relevant forms associated with the training programs are incorporated by reference in the rule.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: A statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared. The Board determined the proposed changes to the rule are not expected to have an impact on small business.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 484.044, 484.0445(1) FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 484.0445 FS.
IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN FAW.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Sue Foster, Executive Director, Board of Hearing Aid Specialists/MQA, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C08, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3258
THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:
64B6-8.002 Qualifications for Trainees, Sponsors and Designated Hearing Aid Specialists.
(1) The Department shall temporarily certify, until the next Board meeting, only those applicants who meet the following requirements, in addition to those imposed by law:
(a) No change;
(b) The applicant must complete the Training Program Registration Application, (Form DH-MQA 1158 (revised 10/08), hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, which can be obtained from the Board of Hearing Aid Specialists’ website at http://doh.state.fl.us/mqa/HearingAid/), application furnished by the Department and pay the appropriate fee; and
(c) No change.
(2) The Department shall temporarily certify as a sponsor, until the next Board meeting, only those persons who meet the following requirements, in addition to those imposed by law:
(a) The prospective sponsor must have possessed an active license and have been actively practicing for at least two (2) consecutive years immediately prior to sponsorship, and must be Board certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. (NBCHIS), except that audiologists who are also licensed hearing aid specialists licensed under Chapter 484, Part II, Florida Statutes, are not required to be NBCHIS certified. Compliance with national board certification will take effect three (3) years from the time this rule takes effect;
(b) through (c) No change.
(3) The sponsor may designate only those persons who meet the following requirements, in addition to those imposed by law, to assist in the training of a trainee pursuant to Section 484.0445, Florida Statutes, and this chapter:
(a) The designated person must have possessed an active hearing aid specialist license and have been actively practicing for at least two (2) consecutive years immediately prior to being designated to assist in a training program; and must be Board certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences, except that audiologists who are also licensed hearing aid specialists licensed under Chapter 484, Part II, Florida Statutes, are not required to be NBCHIS certified. Compliance with national board certification will take effect three (3) years from the time this rule takes effect; and
(b) The designated person must not have been disciplined during the past four (4) two (2) years.
Rulemaking Specific Authority 484.044, 484.0445 FS. Law Implemented 484.0445 FS. History–New 1-12-84, Formerly 21JJ-8.02, Amended 8-12-87, 9-13-90, Formerly 21JJ-8.002, Amended 12-6-94, Formerly 61G9-8.002, Amended 6-2-03, 3-4-08, __________.