Legislation Modernizes Audiology Practice, Enhancing Patient Access to Hearing and Balance Healthcare
Little Rock, AR and Lexington, KY —The Arkansas Academy of Audiology (ArAA) and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) proudly announce the enactment of Senate Bill (SB) 118, groundbreaking legislation designed to modernize audiology practice across Arkansas. Learn more about SB 118.
The act codifies language affirming that audiologists are licensed to evaluate, diagnose, manage, and treat auditory and vestibular conditions, to prescribe and order prescription hearing aids, and to remove cerumen and foreign bodies from the human ear. The act also authorizes audiologists to order radiographic and non-radiographic imaging, blood tests, and cultures related to auditory and vestibular conditions.
Sponsored by Senator Clint Penzo and Representative Mary Bentley, SB 118 will empower audiologists to deliver comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative services that align with their education, training, and current national standards, and improve access to essential hearing and balance care for Arkansans.
ArAA and ADA are grateful to Senator Penzo, Representative Bentley, and members of the Arkansas House and Senate for the overwhelming bi-partisan support for SB 118. We also applaud Governor Sanders for swiftly signing the bill into law to ensure that Arkansans can get the audiologic care that they need, when they need it, and with fewer barriers.
"SB 118 will significantly improve access to audiology care throughout Arkansas," said Mary Chatelain, Au.D., President-elect of ArAA. "We thank policymakers from every corner of the state for recognizing the importance of modernizing laws governing the practice of audiology to better serve our citizens, particularly in rural and underserved areas."
"Passage of SB 118 will optimize patient outcomes by authorizing audiologists to practice to the full extent of their education and training," said ADA President, Amyn Amlani, Ph.D. “This landmark legislation marries evidence-based practices with patient-centered care to eliminate unnecessary delays in treatment and reduce the cost of care.”
View recent ArAA and ADA testimony summarizing the merits of SB 118:
- Dr. Hope Gillison
- Dr. Amyn Amlani
- Dr. Kelley Linton
- Dr. Mary Chatelain
- Ms. Blair Casey
- Ms. Stephanie Czuhajewski
About ArAA
The Arkansas Academy of Audiology (ArAA) is dedicated to providing the highest quality hearing and balance healthcare using established best practices. ARAA is active in providing continuing education for hearing and balance disorders and treatment, and increasing public awareness of the audiology profession. For more information, visit www.araudiology.org.
About ADA
The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) is dedicated to the advancement of practitioner excellence, high ethical standards, professional autonomy and sound business practices in the provision of quality audiologic care. Visit www.audiologist.org for more information.
