Section 216-RICR-40-05-31.3 - Licensure Requirements31.3.1Qualifications of ApplicantsA. Qualifications and licensure requirements are in accordance with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-49-7.B. Issuance of Licenses 1. License by Examination: Issuance of licenses is in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-49-6. Any person who desires to engage in the practice of fitting and dealing in hearing aids must hold a license issued by the Department. Applicants for licensure shall submit the following:a. A completed application for a license submitted to the Department.b. The license fee as set forth in the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by the Department of Health (Part 10-05-2 of this Title).c. Verification of successful completion of the national examination approved by the Board,d. Successful completion of a practical examination approved by the Board.2. License by Endorsement: Licensure by endorsement is in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-49-6. Applicants for a license by endorsement shall submit the following: a. A completed application for a license submitted to the Department.b. The license fee as set forth in the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by the Department of Health (Part 10-05-2 of this Title).c. Verification that the applicant is in good standing in all states and territories where the applicant holds or has held a license or certification to engage in the practice of fitting and dealing in hearing aids.3. All Hearing Aid Dealer and Fitter licenses issued by the Department must be conspicuously posted in the hearing aid dealer and fitter office(s) or place(s) of business. Where more than one office is operated by the licensee, duplicate certificates shall be issued by the Department for posting in each location.4. Temporary Permits a. In addition to the requirements in R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-49-8, the following shall be required: (1) Twenty (20) hours per week of direct supervision for the first thirty (30) days of training;(2) Review of all audiograms, sales and other records for the second thirty (30) days of training; and(3) Periodic review of audiograms, sales and other records for the remainder of the training period.31.3.2Renewal of LicenseA. Licensed hearing aid dealers and fitters shall abide by all expiration and renewal of licensure requirements in R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-49-11. 1. All hearing aid dealer and fitter licenses shall expire on the 31st day of January of each even- numbered year, unless sooner suspended or revoked, and shall be renewed for the next ensuing two (2) years by the Department upon completion of a renewal application and payment of a biennial renewal fee as set forth in the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by the Department of Health for each such renewal.31.3.3License for Sale and Fitting of Hearing Aids.A. Requirements to sell or fit hearing aids are as set forth in R.I Gen. Laws § 5-49-2.B. Notice to Department of Place of Business 1. All licensed persons must notify the Department of the regular address of their place or places of business in accordance with the provisions of R.I Gen. Laws § 5-49-10.31.3.4Examination RequirementsA. Applicants for license by examination must meet the requirements in R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-49-7 and shall be examined by means of written and practical tests as required in R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-49-9 in order to demonstrate that he/she is qualified to practice the fitting and sale of hearing aids. 1. For written examination, the Board, or its designee, shall administer the current International Hearing Society or other national examination for hearing aid fitters and dealers, as may be approved by the Board.2. The Board shall adopt a practical examination that meets the requirements of R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-49-9(2).3. The Department shall issue to each person successfully passing the examinations, where an examination is required, and who otherwise satisfies the Department of his/her qualifications, a license entitling him/her to practice said business in this state for the biennial period stated in the license, or until the license shall be revoked or suspended, as hereinafter provided.4. In case of failure of any applicant to satisfactorily pass the examinations, such applicant shall be entitled to re-examinations. Any examination fees shall be resubmitted upon re-examination.5. An applicant who fails to pass the written and practical examinations twice shall not be eligible for further examinations until the applicant has satisfactorily completed additional preparation as directed and approved by the Board. This condition for eligibility also applies to each subsequent failure.31.3.5Scope of examinationA. In addition to the scope of examination requirements set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-49-9, the qualifying examination shall include:1. R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 6-45 (so-called "lemon law");2. Rules and regulations as contained in this Part.31.3.6Persons and Practices ExemptedPersons and practices exempted are pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-49-4.
216 R.I. Code R. § 216-RICR-40-05-31.3