Ala. Admin. Code r. 445-X-1-.06

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 445-X-1-.06 - Requirements for Businesses

(1) Any established business with a business street address, may sell hearing instruments so long as only individuals properly licensed by the board are directly involved in fitting or selling of hearing instruments.

(2) All businesses which fit or sell hearing instruments shall submit annually, to the board, a Statement of Compliance, indicating the licensure of all hearing aid dispensers, apprentices, and hearing aid specialist employed by the business. The Statement of Compliance shall be in such form as the board directs, and must be signed by the proprietor, a general partner, or the chief executive officer of the business.

(3) All business entities which engage in fitting or selling hearing instruments shall submit a listing to the board annually of all licensed hearing aid dispensers, hearing aid specialist and apprentices directly or indirectly employed by them.

(4) Business entities shall submit the Statement of Compliance and the listing of hearing aid dispensers, hearing aid specialist and apprentices to the board not earlier than January 1 and not later than January 31 of each year.

(a) An additional written statement shall also be supplied to the board within 30 days of any changes in the roster of hearing aid dispensers, hearing aid specialist and apprentices employed by the business.

(5) Any individual or business engaging in the business of fitting or selling hearing instruments shall be equipped with proper physical facilities for conducting hearing tests and servicing hearing instruments.

(a) Proper equipment for servicing hearing instruments and testing shall be maintained and shall include audiometer, tubing, batteries, and impression material, and tools for servicing hearing instruments.

(b) Each individual or business shall maintain established business hours, which shall be clearly posted at any place of business so as to be readily visible to the public.

1. All clients shall have physical access and telephone access to the facility during all posted business hours.

2. Sufficient staff shall be available during posted business hours to adequately address client needs.

(c) Each individual or business shall maintain an established, permanent street address and telephone number which shall be completely spelled out on any business forms or cards which may be given to clients or potential clients.

(6) Any individual, corporation or business entity operating multiple locations must have a designated Hearing Aid Dispenser for each location with a physical address that fits and dispenses hearing instruments.

(a) The designated Hearing Aid Dispenser will display his or her current license at the location for consumer awareness and safety whether or not the Hearing Aid Dispenser regularly staffs that location.

(b) The designated Hearing Aid Dispenser may or may not be the supervising dispenser for any Apprentices or Hearing Aid Specialists on staff at that location, although the supervising dispenser may be the designated Hearing Aid Dispenser for the location.

(c) The designated Hearing Aid Dispenser should be noted on the Statement of Compliance submitted each year to the Hearing Instrument Dealers Board. This will be the contact person for the office should the Board not be able to reach the owner or corporate office.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 445-X-1-.06

New Rule: Filed November 17, 1994; effective December 22, 1994.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIV, Issue No. 10, July 29, 2016, eff. 8/25/2016.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVII, Issue No. 01, October 31, 2018, eff. 12/1/2018.

Author: Hearing Instrument Dealers Board

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-14-11(4).