Alabama Administrative Code Title 445 - ALABAMA BOARD OF HEARING INSTRUMENT DEALERS
Here’s a detailed overview of Title 445 – Alabama Board of Hearing Instrument Dealers (Chapter 445‑X‑1: Hearing Instrument Dealers) in the Alabama Administrative Code:
🔹 Chapter 445‑X‑1 – Hearing Instrument Dealers
1. §.01 General
Establishes statutory authority under Code of Ala. § 34‑14 and declares applicability to individuals and businesses fitting/selling hearing instruments in Alabama (admincode.legislature.state.al.us).
2. §.02 Definitions
Defines terms such as “hearing instrument”, “license”, “servicing”, “place of business”, and “apprentice permit” (admincode.legislature.state.al.us).
3. §.03 Licensing & Administration
Outlines applicant requirements: age ≥ 19, high-school diploma or GED, good moral character, citizenship or legal alien status, and disease-free (admincode.legislature.state.al.us).
Specifies license types (dispenser, specialist, apprentice), renewal periods, fees ($200–$400), grace periods, and grounds for suspension/denial (fraud, felony, etc.) (admincode.legislature.state.al.us).
4. §.04 Examinations for Licensure
Requires written, practical, and state law exams conducted at least three times annually. Practical exams are graded by board members (admincode.legislature.state.al.us).
5. §.05 Continuing Education
Mandates 20 hours every two years (10 hours/year) of approved continuing education—including 6 directed hours in medical, jurisprudence & ethics, and patient-care (admincode.legislature.state.al.us).
Courses must be pre-approved; certificates retained for four years (law.cornell.edu).
6. §.06 Requirements for Businesses
Businesses must employ only licensed individuals and submit an annual Statement of Compliance listing all employees between January 1–31 (admincode.legislature.state.al.us).
7. §.07 Prohibited Acts
Details numerous prohibited and unethical practices for licensees/businesses, including fraudulent behavior, misrepresentation, deceptive advertising, unlicensed activity, and failure to meet medical exam standards (admincode.legislature.state.al.us).
8. §.08 Investigations & Hearings
Board investigates complaints, may hold informal conferences or binding arbitration, issue cease-and-desist orders, and conduct formal hearings under the Alabama Administrative Procedures Act.
Penalties may include reprimands, suspensions, license revocation, and fines up to $1,000 per violation (admincode.legislature.state.al.us).
9. §.09 Consumer Protection
Individuals under 18 must obtain physician’s exam within six months; adults must sign a waiver if not examined (admincode.legislature.state.al.us).
Requires “Buyer’s Right to Cancel” notice for in-home solicitations and calibration records maintained per ANSI standards (admincode.legislature.state.al.us).
10. §.10 Receipts
Sellers must provide a receipt including licensee info, make/model, guarantee/warranty terms, sale conditions/return policy; used instruments must be clearly labeled (law.cornell.edu).
A manufacturer's user brochure must accompany each instrument (law.cornell.edu).
✅ Summary
This chapter comprehensively regulates licensing, education, business compliance, consumer protections, and disciplinary processes for hearing instrument dealers in Alabama, ensuring professional standards and public safety.
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