Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 064 - Hearing Aid Specialists, Board of
Overview
The Wyoming Board of Hearing Aid Specialists is a regulatory agency that oversees the practice of hearing aid specialists in the state. Its main responsibilities are:
Licensing hearing aid specialists.
Regulating the practice to ensure public safety.
Setting standards for education, examinations, and continuing professional development.
Enforcing disciplinary action against violations of rules or unethical practice.
The board operates under Agency 064 of the Wyoming Administrative Code.
1. Purpose and Authority
The board is authorized by Wyoming state law to regulate the profession of hearing aid specialists.
Its purpose is protecting the public from unsafe or incompetent practice.
It establishes rules regarding:
Licensing requirements
Professional conduct
Continuing education
Examinations
Disciplinary procedures
2. Definitions
The code provides clear definitions of key terms, such as:
Hearing Aid Specialist: A person who evaluates hearing loss and dispenses hearing aids but is not an audiologist or medical doctor.
Board: The Wyoming Hearing Aid Specialists Board.
License: Official permission to practice as a hearing aid specialist in Wyoming.
Apprenticeship/Training: A structured learning period under supervision of a licensed specialist, often required for initial licensure.
Definitions are critical because the rules only apply to these formally defined terms.
3. Licensing Requirements
The Board sets rules for obtaining and maintaining a license, including:
Application: Must submit a formal application to the board.
Education: Completion of required courses or training.
Examination: Passing a written and/or practical exam approved by the board.
Apprenticeship: Some candidates may need a supervised apprenticeship.
Fees: Payment of application, examination, and renewal fees.
Age & Legal Status: Must be of legal age and eligible to work in the U.S.
Licenses typically need renewal every 1–2 years, with proof of continuing education.
4. Continuing Education
To maintain licensure, the Board often requires:
Completion of a set number of continuing education hours each year or renewal period.
Courses must be relevant to hearing aid practice and approved by the Board.
Keeping records of completed education for inspection.
This ensures practitioners stay up-to-date with technological and professional changes.
5. Practice Standards
The rules define acceptable professional practices, including:
Proper evaluation and fitting of hearing aids.
Accurate record-keeping for patients.
Ethical marketing and advertising.
Maintaining a hygienic and safe environment.
Clear communication with patients about costs, limitations, and warranties.
These standards protect patients and ensure consistent quality of care.
6. Disciplinary Actions
The Board can take action against licensees who:
Engage in unprofessional or unethical conduct.
Misrepresent services or qualifications.
Fail to follow required standards.
Violate state law or Board rules.
Disciplinary actions can include:
Warnings or reprimands
Fines
Probation
Suspension or revocation of license
The Board holds hearings before major disciplinary action, giving the practitioner a chance to respond.
7. Board Organization
Composed of licensed hearing aid specialists appointed by the governor.
Members serve staggered terms.
Responsibilities include:
Reviewing applications
Setting rules
Conducting hearings
Advising on policy and education requirements
Meetings are typically open to the public to ensure transparency.
8. Fees and Financials
The Board sets fees for:
Application
Examination
License renewal
Late renewal or reinstatement
Fees are usually designed to cover administrative costs of regulation.
Summary
In short, Agency 064 – Wyoming Hearing Aid Specialists Board exists to:
Ensure only qualified individuals dispense hearing aids.
Protect the public from unsafe or unethical practices.
Require ongoing education and adherence to standards.
Handle licensing, complaints, and disciplinary matters in a structured, legal process.
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