Senate Bill 860 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 the prescribing, ordering, selling, dispensing, and externally fitting of hearing aids, sound processors, and cochlear implants. It also removes the requirement for a practical examination related to hearing aid fitting for licensure, while maintaining other existing licensure 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 and specifies that one of the public members must be a user of hearing aids, osseo-integrated devices, or cochlear implants.

The bill repeals several existing provisions, including those related to temporary licenses and specific examination requirements, while amending others to align with the new definitions and requirements. Notably, it eliminates the provision that allowed for the termination of a temporary license if an applicant failed to take the required examination. The changes aim to modernize the practice of audiology, streamline the licensure process, and ensure that the board reflects the needs of the community it serves. The act is set to take effect on the first day of the seventh month following its 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