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Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for Hearing Aid Specialist Training Program.
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Requirements
A person must submit to the Department of Health a non-refundable $100.00 registration fee, a special fee of $5.00 to fund efforts to combat unlicensed activity (for a total of $105.00), and a completed Training Program Registration Application, including a completed Sponsor Registration Form (which is included as part of this application).
A training program shall be a minimum of six months in length and shall be divided into four stages. Following the completion of Stage I, the trainee shall be in training for the dispensing of prescription hearing aids for a minimum of twenty (20) hours each week totaling 480 hours during the six-month training period, and shall be under the direct supervision of the sponsor at all times when performing the functions of a hearing aid specialist.
Stage I – During this Stage, the trainee shall complete the International Hearing Society Distance Learning Course and shall submit proof of passing the distance learning course final examination to the Board Office before entering Stage II of the Training Program.
Stage II – 1 month: During this Stage, the trainee may perform audiometric tests, and make ear mold impressions and modifications, but the sponsor or hearing aid specialist designated by the sponsor shall be physically present, in the same room at all times when the trainee is performing these functions. The trainee may not recommend the selection of a prescription hearing aid, dispense a prescription hearing aid, or counsel a client.
Stage III – 2 months: During this Stage, the trainee may perform all tasks in Stage II, recommend the selection of a prescription hearing aid, and counsel a client, but the trainee shall be under the direct supervision of the sponsor or hearing aid specialist designated by the sponsor. The trainee may not deliver a prescription hearing aid.
Stage IV – 3 months: During this Stage, the trainee may perform all the tasks in Stages II and III and deliver prescription hearing aids, but the sponsor or hearing aid specialist designated by the sponsor shall be physically present in the same room at the time a prescription hearing aid is delivered to the client, and the receipt required by Section 484.051, F.S., must have the signature and license number of the sponsor or hearing aid specialist designated by the sponsor.
Requirements to qualify as the sponsor of a trainee:
- The prospective sponsor must have possessed an active license and have been actively practicing for at least two (2) consecutive years immediately before sponsorship, and must be Board certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. (NBCHIS), except that audiologists who are also licensed hearing aid specialists licensed under Chapter 484, Part II, F.S., are not required to be NBCHIS certified.
- The prospective sponsor must not have been disciplined during the past four (4) years, unless the discipline is for a minor violation under Rule 64B6-7.006, F.A.C., a citation, or a letter of concern, and all terms of any final order are satisfied; and
- A sponsor may not sponsor more than three (3) trainees at any one time.
Process
The Training Program is a minimum of six months in length and is divided into four stages pursuant to Rule 64B6-8.003, F.A.C.:
(a) Stage I – During this Stage, the trainee shall complete the International Hearing Society Home Study Course and shall submit proof of passing the home study course final examination. If the trainee passes the home study course final examination but fails the licensure examination, he or she will not have to repeat the home study course prior to the next available licensure examination.
(b) Stage II – 1 month: During this Stage, the trainee may perform audiometric tests, and make ear mold impressions and modifications, but the sponsor or hearing aid specialist designated by the sponsor shall be physically present, in the same room at all times when the trainee is performing these functions. The trainee may not recommend the selection of a prescription hearing aid, dispense a prescription hearing aid, or counsel a client.
(c) Stage III – 2 months: During this Stage the trainee may perform all tasks in Stage II, recommend the selection of a prescription hearing aid, and counsel a client, but the trainee shall be under the direct supervision of the sponsor or hearing aid specialist designated by the sponsor. The trainee may not deliver a prescription hearing aid.
(d) Stage IV – 3 months: During this Stage the trainee may perform all the tasks in Stages II and III and deliver prescription hearing aids, but the sponsor or hearing aid specialist designated by the sponsor shall be physically present in the same room at the time a prescription hearing aid is delivered to the client, and the receipt required by Section 484.051, F.S., must have the signature and license number of the sponsor or hearing aid specialist designated by the sponsor.
A trainee who is unsuccessful in their first examination attempt must immediately stop functioning as a trainee upon receipt of the examination result. However, a trainee may continue one time in Stage IV of the training program by submitting to the Board within 10 days of receiving the examination results from a Training Program Continuation Request Form. Failure to sit for or receive a passing score on the next scheduled licensure examination for which he or she qualifies will result in termination of trainee status and the ability to further perform services as a trainee within seven days of the posting of the examination results, but does not preclude submitting another application for examination as provided in Rules 64B6-2.003 and 64B6-2.005, F.A.C.
A trainee who is unsuccessful in their first examination attempt and does not submit a Training Program Continuation Request Form to the Board within 10 days of receiving the examination results may repeat the six (6) month Training Program one time by meeting the criteria in Rule 64B6-8.002, F.A.C., and taking the next available examination. After the second six (6) month Training Program, the trainee will no longer be allowed to train in the Training Program. However, the individual can continue to apply for and take the licensure examination as many times as necessary to pass the examination.
NOTE: Please refer to Rule 64B6-8.003, F.A.C. for more information regarding the Training Program.
Please see the webpage on application by examination or re-examination for more information regarding those processes.
Fees
| Application Fee | $105.00 (non-refundable) |
Make checks or money orders payable to the “Department of Health.” Applicants and licensees are responsible for the fees outlined in applicable board or department rule at the time an application is received.
Statutes and Rules
Click on Chapter or Section Number to View
Florida Statutes
You will be connected to the Florida Legislature website, which is the official custodian of the statutes.
Chapter 484, Part II, Title XXXII – Hearing Aid Specialist
Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 120: Administrative Procedure Act
Chapter 119: Public Records
Chapter 408: Health Care Administration
Chapter 112: Public Officers and Employees: General Provisions
Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)
You will be connected to the Florida Department of State: State Library and Archives of Florida website, which is the official custodian of the administrative codes.
Rules: Chapter 64B6: Board of Hearing Aid Specialists
Rules: Chapter 64B: Division of Medical Quality Assurance
Processing Times
Florida law provides that an initial application must be reviewed within 30 days. Below is the average number of days at which we are currently processing.
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