California 2017-2018 Regular Session Status: In Committee

SB 198 — Hearing aid dispensers: cerumen: management: tympanometry.

Last action — Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed Assembly
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2017-2018 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Existing law, the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists and Hearing Aid Dispensers Licensure Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of hearing aid dispensers by the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. A violation of the act is a crime. Under existing law, an applicant for a hearing aid dispenser license is required to take and pass a written examination and a practical examination. Existing law requires hearing aid licensees to complete at least 12 hours of continuing education, as provided. Existing law defines the "practice of fitting or selling hearing aids" as those practices used for the purpose of selection and adaptation of hearing aids, including direct observation of the ear, testing of hearing in connection with the fitting and selling of hearing aids, taking of ear mold impressions, fitting or sale of hearing aids, and any necessary postfitting counseling. Under existing law, hearing tests conducted are required to include those that are in compliance with the Food and Drug Administration Guidelines for Hearing Aid Devices and those that are specifically covered in the licensing examination prepared and administered by the board. This bill would include cerumen management and tympanometry for patients 18 years of age and older in the practice of fitting or selling hearing aids. The bill would make a licensed hearing aid dispenser who has passed his or her licensing examinations eligible to sit for a board-approved examination assessing techniques and patient safety measures in cerumen management or tympanometry. The bill would require the board to apply board-approved courses in cerumen management and tympanometry to the continuing education requirement. The bill would require the administration of cerumen management by a licensed hearing aid dispenser to occur under physician and surgeon supervision. The bill would require a licensed hearing aid dispenser to immediately refer a patient to an appropriate physician or surgeon under certain circumstances in the process of cerumen management. Because a violation of these requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Bill Text

Action History

  1. Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.

  2. April 24 hearing postponed by committee.

  3. From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on B., P. & E.D.

  4. Set for hearing April 24.

  5. April 17 set for second hearing canceled at the request of author.

  6. Set for hearing April 17.

  7. March 27 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.

  8. Set for hearing March 27.

  9. Referred to Com. on B., P. & E.D.

  10. From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 2.

  11. Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Sponsors

  • Galgiani · Primary

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 121 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

  • Galgiani

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (121)

121 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 121 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Subjects

healthcare labor
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Frequently asked questions

What does SB 198 do?
Existing law, the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists and Hearing Aid Dispensers Licensure Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of hearing aid dispensers by the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. A violation of the act is a crime. Under existing law, an applicant for a hearing aid dispenser license is required to take and pass a written examination and a practical examination. Existing law requires hearing aid licensees to complete at least 12 hours of continuing education, as provided. Existing law defines the "practice of fitting or selling hearing aids" as those practices used for the purpose of selection and adaptation of hearing aids, including direct observation of the ear, testing of hearing in connection with the fitting and selling of hearing aids, taking of ear mold impressions, fitting or sale of hearing aids, and any necessary postfitting counseling. Under existing law, hearing tests conducted are required to include those that are in compliance with the Food and Drug Administration Guidelines for Hearing Aid Devices and those that are specifically covered in the licensing examination prepared and administered by the board. This bill would include cerumen management and tympanometry for patients 18 years of age and older in the practice of fitting or selling hearing aids. The bill would make a licensed hearing aid dispenser who has passed his or her licensing examinations eligible to sit for a board-approved examination assessing techniques and patient safety measures in cerumen management or tympanometry. The bill would require the board to apply board-approved courses in cerumen management and tympanometry to the continuing education requirement. The bill would require the administration of cerumen management by a licensed hearing aid dispenser to occur under physician and surgeon supervision. The bill would require a licensed hearing aid dispenser to immediately refer a patient to an appropriate physician or surgeon under certain circumstances in the process of cerumen management. Because a violation of these requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Who sponsors SB 198?
SB 198 is sponsored by Galgiani.
What is the current status of SB 198?
This bill died with 2017-2018 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track SB 198?
Track SB 198 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

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