This bill amends the definition of "audiology" in Arkansas law to expand the scope of practice for audiologists. The new definition includes a range of activities such as evaluating, diagnosing, managing, and treating auditory or vestibular conditions, as well as prescribing, ordering, selling, dispensing, or fitting hearing aids and sound processors for individuals. Additionally, the bill specifies that audiology encompasses conducting health screenings, removing foreign bodies or cerumen from the external auditory canal, and ordering various types of medical tests and imaging, while explicitly excluding surgical procedures and the preparation or performance of radiographic imaging.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new definition for "sound processor," which is described as a nonsurgical, external unit that connects to an internal osseointegrated device or cochlear implant. This legislative change aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of audiologists, ensuring they can provide comprehensive care for individuals with hearing and balance disorders while delineating the boundaries of their practice.

Statutes affected:
SB 118: 17-100-103(2), 17-100-103