Bill > S654

This bill modernizes audiology licensure statutes in North Carolina by eliminating dual licensure requirements and introducing new consumer protection measures for hearing aid sales. Specifically, the bill removes the previous requirement that audiologists must have both a doctoral degree and a permanent license, instead allowing those with an unrestricted license under Article 22 of Chapter 90 to be exempt from additional licensure. The bill also introduces comprehensive disclosure requirements for "locked hearing aids" - devices with proprietary or restricted programming software that can only be serviced at specific facilities. Both hearing aid fitters/dealers and audiologists must now provide patients with a written notice before selling a locked hearing aid, explaining the software restrictions, and create detailed written receipts including information about the device, seller, and service availability. These professionals must also maintain extensive records of each hearing aid transaction for at least seven years, including test results, signed notices, and receipts, which must be made available for board inspection. The new regulations aim to increase transparency for consumers purchasing hearing aids and reduce regulatory burdens on audiology professionals. The bill will become effective on October 1, 2025, giving providers time to adapt to the new requirements.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S654