CR_15-097 Designating a written examination for hearing instrument specialists

STATE OF WISCONSIN

Hearing and Speech Examining Board

IN THE MATTER OF RULE-MAKING PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE

HEARING AND SPEECH EXAMINING BOARD

ORDER OF THE HEARING AND SPEECH EXAMINING BOARD

ADOPTING RULES

(CLEARINGHOUSE RULE 15-097)

ORDER

An order of the Hearing and Speech Examining Board to repeal HAS 3.02 ; and to amend HAS 3.01(1) relating to a designat ion of a written examination for hearing instrument specialists.

Analysis prepared by the Department of Safety and Professional Services .

ANALYSIS

Statutes interpreted: s. 459.06 (2) (a) , Stats.

Statutory authority: ss. 15.08 (5) (b) and 459.12 (1)

Explanation of agency authority:

Each examining board shall promulgate rules for its own guidance and for the guidance of the trade or profession to which it pertains, and define and enforce professional conduct and unethical practices not inconsistent with the law relating to the particular trade or profession. s. 15.08 (5 )( b) , Stats.

The examining board may make rules not inconsistent with the laws of this state which are necessary to carry out the intent of this chapter. s. 459.12 (1) , Stats.

Related statute or rule: n/a

Plain language analysis:

This rule designates the International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals by the International Hearing Society as the written examination for hearing instruments specialists and deletes the provisions specifying the content areas of the written test.

Summary of, and comparison with, existing or proposed federal regulation: None

Comparison with rules in adjacent states:

Illinois : Illinois requires the written and practical International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professions or an examination approved, developed or sanctioned by the Department of Public Health .

Iowa : Iowa requires the national standardized licensing examination [International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals] by the International Hearing Society.

Michigan : Michigan requires examination prescribed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs .

Minnesota: Written examination approved by the commissioner of the Department of Health or a designee citing topic areas to cover.

Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies:

The Board received a presentation from the International Hearing Society and considered other state’s approach to examination.

Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business or in preparation of economic impact analysis :

This rule was posted for economic comments and none were received.

Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis:

The Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis is attached.

Effect on small business :

These proposed rules do not have an economic impact on small businesses, as defined in s. 227.114 (1) , Stats. The Department’s Regulatory Review Coordinator may be contacted by email at Jeff.Weigand @wisconsin.gov , or by calling (608) 26 7-2435 .

Agency contact person :

Sharon Henes , Administrative Rules Coordinator , Department of Safety and Professional Services , Division of Board Services, 1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 151, P.O. Box 8366 , Madison, Wisconsin 53708; telephone [phone] ; email at Sharon.Henes @wisconsin.gov .

TEXT OF RULE

Section 1. HAS 3.01 is amended to read:

HAS 3.01 Examinations. (1) Written Examination. An applicant for a hearing instrument specialist license shall pass a written examination designed to test the applicant’s knowledge in the subject areas described in s. HAS 3.02 the International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals .

Section 2. HAS 3.02 is repealed.

Section 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. The rules adopted in this order shall take effect on the first day of the month following publication in the Wisconsin administrative register, pursuant to s. 227.22 (2) (intro.) , Stats.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(END OF TEXT OF RULE)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------