Bill > S176

This bill aims to increase access to hearing aids by amending existing laws. It modifies Section 73 of Chapter 93 of the General Laws to clarify that physicians generally cannot sell hearing aids or have financial interests in businesses that sell them to patients they've treated, with exceptions for otolaryngologists (doctors specializing in ear, nose, and throat conditions) and non-profit organizations, provided hearing aids are dispensed by licensed professionals. The bill also requires audiologists and otolaryngologists who sell hearing aids to patients they've treated to disclose all service fees, sale terms, and provide a written estimate of the total purchase price, including accessories, and inform the patient of their right to buy elsewhere. Furthermore, it prohibits offering anything of value to physicians, otolaryngologists, or audiologists as an incentive to recommend hearing aid purchases. Additionally, Section 2 of the bill amends Section 197 of Chapter 112 of the General Laws, stating that starting July 1, 2000, only licensed hearing instrument specialists or audiologists can practice hearing aid dispensing, with exemptions for those who only repair or manufacture hearing aids or sell assisted listening devices but not hearing aids, and it clarifies that audiologists or hearing instrument specialists employed by or affiliated with an otolaryngologist can still dispense or sell hearing aids.