Assembly Bill 820 proposes significant changes to the practice of audiology in Wisconsin, including modifications to the definition of audiology, licensure requirements, and the composition of the Hearing and Speech Examining Board. The bill expands the definition of audiology to include the diagnosis, management, and treatment of auditory or vestibular conditions, as well as prescribing, ordering, selling, dispensing, and externally fitting hearing aids, sound processors, and cochlear implants. It also clarifies that certain surgical practices are excluded from the scope of audiology. Notably, the bill removes the requirement for a practical examination related to hearing aid fitting for licensure while maintaining other existing criteria.

Additionally, the bill reduces the board's membership from ten to nine by decreasing the number of licensed hearing instrument specialists from three to two. It also stipulates that one of the two public members on the board must be a user of hearing aids, osseo-integrated devices, or cochlear implants. Other provisions include the repeal of certain administrative rules and the removal of specific licensure requirements, streamlining the process for audiologists. The changes are set to take effect on the first day of the seventh month following publication.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 15.405(6m)(a), 15.405, 15.405(6m)(e), 459.24(3)(em), 459.24, 459.26(2)(b), 459.26, 459.26(2)(c), 459.26(3), 459.28(1)(b)1, 459.28