Summary:
The Arkansas Academy of Audiology (ArAA) and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) celebrate the passage of Senate Bill 118, a new law that modernizes audiology practice in Arkansas by expanding audiologists’ scope of care.
Key Takeaways:
- Expanded Scope: SB 118 allows audiologists to evaluate, diagnose, manage, and treat auditory and vestibular conditions, including prescribing hearing aids and ordering diagnostic tests.
- Improved Access: The legislation aims to reduce care delays and improve access, especially in rural and underserved communities.
- Bipartisan Support: The bill received overwhelming bipartisan backing and was swiftly signed into law by Governor Sanders, reflecting strong political and public health support.
The Arkansas Academy of Audiology (ArAA) and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) announced the enactment of Senate Bill (SB) 118, legislation designed to modernize audiology practice across Arkansas. Learn more about SB 118.
The act codifies language affirming that audiologists are licensed to evaluate, diagnose, manage, and treat auditory and vestibular conditions, to prescribe and order prescription hearing aids, and to remove cerumen and foreign bodies from the human ear. The act also authorizes audiologists to order radiographic and non-radiographic imaging, blood tests, and cultures related to auditory and vestibular conditions.
Sponsored by Senator Clint Penzo and Representative Mary Bentley, SB 118 will empower audiologists to deliver comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative services that align with their education, training, and current national standards, and improve access to essential hearing and balance care for Arkansans.
Representatives for ArAA and ADA say they are grateful to Senator Penzo, Representative Bentley, and members of the Arkansas House and Senate for the overwhelming bi-partisan support for SB 118. They also applaud Governor Sanders for swiftly signing the bill into law to ensure that Arkansans can get the audiologic care that they need, when they need it, and with fewer barriers.
“Passage of SB 118 will optimize patient outcomes by authorizing audiologists to practice to the full extent of their education and training,” says ADA President Amyn Amlani, PhD. “This landmark legislation marries evidence-based practices with patient-centered care to eliminate unnecessary delays in treatment and reduce the cost of care.”
“SB 118 will significantly improve access to audiology care throughout Arkansas,” says Mary Chatelain, AuD, president-elect of ArAA. “We thank policymakers from every corner of the state for recognizing the importance of modernizing laws governing the practice of audiology to better serve our citizens, particularly in rural and underserved areas.”
View recent ArAA and ADA testimony summarizing the merits of SB 118:
- Dr. Hope Gillison
- Dr. Amyn Amlani
- Dr. Kelley Linton
- Dr. Mary Chatelain
- Ms. Blair Casey
- Ms. Stephanie Czuhajewski
About ArAA
The Arkansas Academy of Audiology (ArAA) is dedicated to providing the highest quality hearing and balance healthcare using established best practices. ARAA is active in providing continuing education for hearing and balance disorders and treatment, and increasing public awareness of the audiology profession. For more information, visit www.araudiology.org.
About ADA
The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) is dedicated to the advancement of practitioner excellence, high ethical standards, professional autonomy, and sound business practices in the provision of quality audiologic care. Visit www.audiologist.org for more information.
Featured image: Dreamstime
