South Dakota Licensing Requirements for Hearing Aid Dispensers
The profession of hearing aid dispenser is regulated at the state level and each state maintains its own standards for licensure or registration.
Initial Licensure Requirements
- be of good moral character
- be eighteen years of age or older
- be a high school graduate or the equivalent
- pass a written and practical exam
Reciprocity
The Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers and Audiologists (Board) may issue a hearing aid dispensing license or audiology license to an applicant holding a valid license from another state in the applicant's respective professional area who:
- shows proof of current valid professional licensure;
- holds a license from a state with equivalent licensure standards;
- is practicing hearing aid dispensing in the state in which the license was issued.
Temporary Licensure
The Board may issue a provisional hearing aid dispensing license valid until the Board receives the results from the next available administration of the examination, not to exceed a one year period, to provide hearing aid services only to a person who except for taking and passing an examination under this chapter, otherwise qualifies for a hearing aid dispensing license.
If a person who holds a provisional hearing aid dispensing license is unable to be present at the Board-specified examination, the provisional hearing aid dispensing license may not be renewed except for good cause shown to the satisfaction of the Board.
While the provisional hearing aid dispensing license is in effect, the holder may provide hearing aid services only while being trained under the supervision of a licensed hearing aid dispenser or licensed audiologist.
Continuing Education
Hearing aid dispensing licensees in this state shall attend a minimum of at least 12 hours of continuing education each calendar year and submit evidence of such attendance to the Board as a prerequisite to the approval of the annual renewal of their license.
Audiologist Dispensing
Audiologists may dispense under an audiology license.
Board Composition
The Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers and Audiologists shall consist of five members who have been residents of this state for at least one year prior to their appointment. Two members of the Board shall be audiologists who are currently practicing audiology or who have two years of experience practicing audiology and who hold active licensure for the practice of audiology in this state. Two members of the Board shall be persons with at least two years of experience in the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids and who hold an active hearing aid dispensing license. One member of the Board shall be a representative of the public who is not associated with or financially interested in the practice or business of hearing aid dispensing or audiology or who is not a member of a related profession or occupation.
Trial Period
A hearing aid trial period is not addressed in the law/regulations.
Mail Order/Internet Sales
Mail order dispensing and Internet sales are not addressed in the law/regulations.
Resources
The information contained herein was collected and summarized annually. For detailed information on hearing aid dispenser requirements, contact the state board and visit these websites:
Hearing Aid Dispenser Law
Hearing Aid Dispenser Regulations
Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.