Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 050 - Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers
1. Arkansas Administrative Code (AAC)
The Arkansas Administrative Code is the collection of all rules adopted by Arkansas state agencies. These rules are made to implement and enforce laws passed by the Arkansas Legislature.
Statutes vs. Rules:
Statutes: Laws passed by the legislature (Arkansas Code).
Administrative rules: Detailed regulations created by agencies to explain how those laws are applied in practice.
Each agency has a number in the AAC, and the rules they adopt are organized under that number.
2. Agency 050 – Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers
Agency 050 refers specifically to the Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers.
This board is the state agency responsible for regulating the practice of dispensing hearing instruments, commonly known as hearing aids.
Mission of the Board:
Protect consumers who use hearing instruments by ensuring safe and competent practice.
License and regulate hearing instrument dispensers in Arkansas.
Enforce state laws and rules related to hearing instrument sales and services.
3. Scope of Agency 050 Rules
The rules adopted by the board are organized to regulate everything about hearing instrument dispensers. Typical areas include:
a. Licensing Requirements
Eligibility criteria for becoming a licensed hearing instrument dispenser:
Education and training requirements.
Examinations that must be passed.
Fees for initial and renewal licenses.
Renewal procedures and continuing education requirements.
b. Practice Standards
Rules for the proper fitting and selling of hearing instruments.
Recordkeeping requirements for client interactions.
Rules about patient examinations and assessments.
Ethical standards for professional conduct.
c. Consumer Protections
Requirements for contracts and disclosures to consumers.
Refund and warranty rules.
Prohibitions on deceptive or misleading advertising.
d. Disciplinary Actions
Circumstances under which a license can be suspended, revoked, or denied.
Procedures for hearings and appeals.
Penalties for violations of the rules.
e. Board Operations
How the board conducts meetings.
Procedures for rulemaking and public notice.
Handling complaints from the public about hearing instrument dispensers.
4. Authority
The board operates under the authority of Arkansas Code, Title 17, Chapter 87, which governs hearing instrument dispensers.
The rules in the AAC provide the detailed implementation of this law.
Any person or company dispensing hearing instruments must follow these rules to operate legally in Arkansas.
5. Importance of Agency 050
For Consumers: Ensures that hearing instruments are dispensed safely and ethically.
For Dispensers: Provides clear standards for licensing, ethical conduct, and practice.
For the State: Protects public health and ensures compliance with the law without needing constant legislative action.
✅ Summary:
The Arkansas Administrative Code, Agency 050 contains all rules that govern hearing instrument dispensers in the state. This includes licensing, practice standards, consumer protection, disciplinary actions, and board operations. These rules enforce the law passed by the Arkansas Legislature and ensure that hearing instruments are provided safely and ethically.
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