MA H195

Bill

To provide increased access to hearing aids

Introduced
01/23/2017

In Committee
05/24/2018

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
12/31/2018

Introduced Session

190th General Court

Bill Summary

Relative to the accessibility of hearing aids. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

AI Summary

This bill aims to increase access to hearing aids by making several changes to the existing laws in Massachusetts. It prohibits physicians from selling hearing aids or having a financial interest in businesses that sell hearing aids, with an exception for otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists) and certain non-profit or charitable organizations. The bill also requires audiologists and otolaryngologists who sell hearing aids to disclose the fees for related services and the total purchase price, and inform the customer of their right to obtain a hearing aid from a different source. Additionally, the bill clarifies that licensed audiologists and hearing instrument specialists can dispense hearing aids, even when employed by or affiliated with an otolaryngologist.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Labor and Employment

Sponsors (19)

Mike Barrett (D), Josh Cutler (D), Diana Dizoglio (D), Michelle DuBois (D), James Dwyer (D), Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D), Bill Galvin (D), Ken Gordon (D), Donald Humason (R), Jay Kaufman (D), Peter Kocot (D), Eric Lesser (D), David Linsky (D), Frank Moran (D), Alice Peisch (D), Angelo Puppolo (D), John Scibak (D), Steve Ultrino (D), Chris Walsh (D),

Last Action

No further action taken (on 01/01/2019)

Official Document

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H195

(9 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H195
Bill	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H195.pdf

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
H1628	To provide a hearing aid tax credit	Accompanied a study order, see H4244	Similar To
H2673	Relative to restricted vital records	Read second and ordered to a third reading	Similar To
H574	Providing coverage for hearing aids	Accompanied a study order, see H4778	Similar To
S1276	Resolve establishing an advisory committee on the accessibility of fresh food retail in communities throughout the Commonwealth	No further action taken	Similar To
S144	To provide increased access to hearing aids	Accompanied H195	Similar To
S1588	Establishing a tax credit for the purchase of hearing aids	Accompanied a study order, see S2497	Similar To
S2188	Relative to the accessibility and affordability of trade school education	Accompanied a study order, see S2497	Similar To
S614	To promote the accessibility, quality and continuity of care for consumers of behavioral health, substance use disorder and mental health services	Accompanied a study order, see S2535	Similar To
S635	To improve the accessibility and affordability of pharmaceutical drugs of public health concern	House concurred	Similar To

Bill > H195

MA H195

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (19)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

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