Licensure Remains Intact for Hearing Aid Specialists in Indiana After Substantial Opposition to HB 1006

LIVONIA, MI - Feb. 7, 2012 - Hearing aid specialists, dieticians, cosmetologists, barbers, security guards and private investigators claimed victory in Indiana when HB 1006, which would have deregulated these professions, was withdrawn from consideration by the bill sponsor Representative David Wolkins (R-District 18). The bill, introduced January 9, 2012, sought to implement recommendations made by the Regulated Occupations Evaluation Committee (ROEC) that were released in December 2011.

"This was an important victory for Indiana consumers and we are extremely pleased with the outcome," said Jane Bowman, BC-HIS, President of the Indiana Hearing Aid Alliance (IHAA) and member of the International Hearing Society. "As a licensed hearing aid specialist, I am required to uphold the highest level of standards when testing hearing and fitting customers with hearing devices. Without regulation, consumers' safety would be compromised."

Similar to the sunset review process used by many states, the ROEC evaluation calls for a systematic review of all professional licenses within a seven year period;according to the ROEC report. The Committee of Indiana Hearing Aid Dealers was one of the first seven committees being evaluated and one of four recommended to be eliminated.



Several hearing aid specialists, as well representatives from the other professions, attended a public hearing on January 20, 2012, held by the House Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee, to voice their opposition to the bill. Among those testifying were IHS members, West Virginia State Senator Clark Barnes, BC-HIS (R-Randolph), a hearing aid specialist licensed in West Virginia, and IHAA president, Jane Bowman, BC-HIS. Senator Barnes urged his legislative peers to vote against HB 1006 to preserve licensure and protect Indiana consumers. The outpouring of opposition to the bill led the sponsor and committee chair to recommend holding the vote until a later date. As a result of ongoing pressure by the public and opposition to the bill by several members of the committee, the bill was not taken up by the committee deadline and is no longer eligible for consideration.

The Indiana Hearing Aid Alliance is a chapter of the International Hearing Society (IHS). IHS is a professional association representing hearing healthcare providers worldwide. Founded in 1951, it has a long history of steadfast dedication to promoting and maintaining the highest possible standards for its members in the best interests of the hearing impaired it serves. For more information on IHS visit the web site at www.ihsinfo.org.