Changes to Dual Licensure Requirements for AUD

On September 30^th, HB 296 passed both chambers of NC Legislature and was enacted into law, marking a solid step forward for transparency for patients and improved regulatory barriers in practice. This legislation eliminated dual licensure requirements for audiologists with master’s degrees—an unnecessary barrier for professionals who have been serving the field since before the new standard of doctoral-level training. The legislation also updated the references to audiology assistants that were conflicting in previous legislation. Audiology assistants are already regulated and practice under the supervision of licensed audiologists. Finally, this bill improves patient choice and health care knowledge in establishing that patients must be provided a written disclosure when purchasing a “locked” hearing aid.