§ 788. Legislative intent. The legislature recognizes and acknowledges the value of hearing aids to many individuals with hearing loss and recognizes the valuable service provided by hearing aid dispensers and dispensing audiologists to such individuals by providing access to appropriate amplification devices and other valuable services related to their use. Due to the large number of individuals with hearing loss who do not use hearing aids, the legislature furthermore recognizes the positive benefits of the increased use of hearing aids. It is the intent of the legislature and this article to protect the hearing-impaired public by ensuring competent, honest and accountable dispensers of hearing aids who will protect the health, safety and welfare of the people of this state.

The legislature finds and declares that existing laws regulating the dispensing of hearing aids have been ineffective in providing adequate protection. To ensure against consumer abuses and thereby protect the public, the legislature determines that more rigorous education, training and business practice standards should be applied to those persons registered to dispense hearing aids pursuant to this article. It is the intention of the legislature to apply standards to more fully protect the general public, and to ensure continued consumer access to safe, reliable and appropriate hearing aid dispensing services.