Virginia Law

A. Every applicant for a license must provide information on an application establishing that:

1. The applicant is at least 18 years of age.

2. The applicant has successfully completed high school or a high school equivalency course.

3. The applicant has training and experience that covers the following subjects as the subjects pertain to hearing aid fitting and the sale of hearing aids, accessories, and services:

a. Basic physics of sound;

b. Basic maintenance and repair of hearing aids;

c. The anatomy and physiology of the ear;

d. The function of hearing aids and amplification;

e. Visible disorders of the ear requiring medical referrals;

f. Practical tests utilized for selection or modification of hearing aids;

g. Audiometric testing, including pure tone audiometry, air conduction and bone conduction, speech reception threshold testing, and speech discrimination testing;

h. Masking when indicated;

i. Recording and evaluating audiograms and speech audiometry to determine the proper selection and adaptation of hearing aids;

j. Taking earmold impressions;

k. Proper earmold selection;

l. Adequate instruction in proper hearing aid orientation;

m. Necessity of proper procedures in after-fitting checkup; and

n. Availability of social service resources and other special resources for the hearing impaired.

4. The applicant has provided one of the following as verification of completion of training and experience as described in subdivision 3 of this subsection:

a. A statement on a form provided by the board signed by the licensed sponsor certifying that the requirements have been met and that the applicant has completed at least six months of experience under the temporary permit;

b. A certified true copy of a transcript of courses completed at an accredited college or university, or other notarized documentation of completion of the required experience and training; or

c. An apprenticeship completion form from the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement reflecting completion of a registered apprenticeship, including all required related instruction, or an equivalent out-of-state registered apprenticeship.

5. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, each applicant must disclose the following information regarding criminal convictions in Virginia and all other jurisdictions:

a. Misdemeanor convictions that occurred within three years of the date of application involving sexual offense or physical injury; and

b. Felony convictions involving sexual offense, physical injury, or drug distribution or felony convictions involving the practice of fitting or dealing in hearing aids.

The record of a conviction authenticated in such form as to be admissible in evidence under the laws of the jurisdiction where convicted will be admissible as prima facie evidence of such conviction or guilt. The board has the authority to determine, based upon all the information available, including the applicant's record of prior convictions, if the applicant is unfit or unsuited to engage in the hearing aid specialist profession.

6. The applicant is in good standing as a licensed hearing aid specialist in every jurisdiction where licensed. The applicant must disclose if the applicant has had a license as a hearing aid specialist that was suspended, revoked, or surrendered in connection with a disciplinary action or that has been the subject of discipline in any jurisdiction prior to applying for licensure in Virginia. At the time of application for licensure, the applicant must also disclose any disciplinary action taken in another jurisdiction in connection with the applicant's practice as a hearing aid specialist.

7. The applicant has disclosed the applicant's physical address and email address. A post office box may be provided as a secondary address.

8. The nonresident applicant for a license has filed and maintained with the department an irrevocable consent for the department to serve as service agent for all actions filed in any court in Virginia.

9. The applicant has submitted the required application with the proper fee as referenced in 18VAC80-20-70 and signed, as part of the application, a statement that the applicant has read and understands Chapter 15 (§ 54.1-1500 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and this chapter.

B. The board may make further inquiries and investigations with respect to the qualifications of the applicant or require a personal interview. The board may refuse initial licensure due to the applicant's failure to comply with entry requirements. The licensee is entitled to a review of such action, which will be in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).