Bill > S179

This bill aims to provide increased access to hearing aids by amending existing laws. The key provisions are: 1) Allowing otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists) and certain non-profit or charitable organizations to sell hearing aids that are dispensed by a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist, even if the audiologist or otolaryngologist had previously provided services to the patient. 2) Requiring audiologists and otolaryngologists who sell hearing aids to their patients to disclose the fees for the previous services and the terms of the hearing aid sale, including a written estimate of the total purchase price. 3) Clarifying that the prohibition on physicians selling hearing aids does not apply to otolaryngologists or certain non-profit/charitable organizations. The bill also establishes that a violation of the hearing aid-related laws would constitute a violation of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 93A).

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S179