2539.4. (a) To the extent not inconsistent with federal law, a licensed dispensing audiologist shall, before the consummation of a sale of a hearing aid that uses proprietary programming software or locked, nonproprietary programming software, provide the purchaser with a written notice in 12-point type or larger that states the following: “The hearing aid being purchased uses proprietary or locked programming software and can only be serviced or programmed at specific facilities or locations.” The written notice shall be signed by the purchaser before the sale. The licensed dispensing audiologist shall keep and maintain a copy of the notice in accordance with Section 2539.10.
(1) For purposes of this subdivision, the following definitions apply:
(A) “Proprietary programming software” means software used to program hearing aids that is supplied by a hearing aid distributor or manufacturer for the exclusive use by affiliated providers. This software is locked and inaccessible to nonaffiliated providers.
(B) “Locked, nonproprietary programming software” means software that any provider can render inaccessible to other hearing aid programmers.
(b) A licensed dispensing audiologist shall, upon the consummation of a sale of a hearing aid, deliver to the purchaser a written receipt, signed by or on behalf of the licensed dispensing audiologist, containing all of the following:
(1) The date of consummation of the sale.
(2) Specifications as to the make, serial number, and model number of the hearing aid or aids sold.
(3) The address of the principal place of business of the licensed dispensing audiologist, and the address and office hours at which the licensed dispensing audiologist shall be available for fitting or postfitting adjustments and servicing of the hearing aid or aids sold.
(4) A statement to the effect that the aid or aids delivered to the purchaser are used or reconditioned, as the case may be, if that is the fact.
(5) The number of the licensed dispensing audiologist’s license and the name and license number of any other hearing aid dispenser, temporary licensee, or audiologist who provided any recommendation or consultation regarding the purchase of the hearing aid.
(6) The terms of any guarantee or written warranty, required by Section 1793.02 of the Civil Code, made to the purchaser with respect to the hearing aid or hearing aids.
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 266, Sec. 3. (AB 435) Effective January 1, 2022.)