§ 5-49-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, except as the context may require:
(1) “Audiologist” means a person who has been awarded a certificate of competency by the American Speech and Hearing Association and who is duly licensed by the department.
(2) “Board” means the board of hearing aid dealers and fitters.
(3) “Department” means the department of health.
(4) “Hearing aid” means any wearable instrument or device designed for or offered for the purpose of aiding or compensating for impaired human hearing, and any parts, attachments, or accessories, including ear mold, but excluding batteries and cords.
(5) “License” means a license issued by the state under this chapter to hearing aid dealers and fitters.
(6) “Practice of fitting and dealing in hearing aids” means the evaluation and measurement of human hearing by means of an audiometer or by any other means solely for the purpose of making selections, adaptations, or sale of hearing aids. The term also includes the making of impressions for ear molds. This term does not include the making of audiograms for a physician or a member of related professions for use in consultation with the hard of hearing.
(7) “Sell” or “sale” means any transfer of title or of the right to use by lease, bailment, or any other contract, excluding wholesale transactions with distributors or dealers.
(8) “Temporary permit” means a permit issued while the applicant is in training to become a licensed hearing aid dealer and fitter.
History of Section.P.L. 1973, ch. 243, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 174, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 5 - Businesses and Professions
Chapter 5-49 - Hearing Aid Dealers and Fitters
Section 5-49-1. - Definitions.
Section 5-49-2. - License required to sell or fit hearing aids.
Section 5-49-2.1. - Certificates of need.
Section 5-49-2.2. - Records of transactions.
Section 5-49-2.3. - Penalty for violations of §§ 5-49-2.1 and 5-49-2.2.
Section 5-49-3. - Receipt required to be furnished to a person supplied with hearing aid.
Section 5-49-4. - Persons and practices exempted.
Section 5-49-6. - Issuance of licenses and certificates of endorsement.
Section 5-49-7. - License by examination.
Section 5-49-8. - Temporary permits.
Section 5-49-9. - Scope of examination.
Section 5-49-10. - Notice to department of place of business — Notice to holders of license.
Section 5-49-11. - Duration of license — Renewal of license — Fees — Effect of failure to renew.
Section 5-49-12. - Complaints — Grounds and proceedings for revocation or suspension of licenses.
Section 5-49-13. - Prohibited acts and practices.
Section 5-49-14. - Powers and duties of department.
Section 5-49-15. - Board — Creation — Composition — Appointment and terms.
Section 5-49-16. - Board — Duties.
Section 5-49-17. - Board — Meetings.
Section 5-49-18. - Disposition of receipts — Hearing aid revenues.
Section 5-49-19. - Penalty for violations.
Section 5-49-20. - Severability.
Section 5-49-21. - Rules and regulations.