Did you know?
16% of Florida's population has some form of hearing loss.
Current consumer protection action
Florida SB 7016: The measure relates to several health care issues.
Summary: The measure relates to several health care issues. Specific to hearing healthcare, the measure:
i. Enacts the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact and enacts the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact -specifies requirements for state participation, criteria for granting compact privilege, and conditions for licensees practicing in remote states for each compact.
Status: Final Enacted
Outlook: This measure was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis (R) on March 21.
This measure takes effect immediately.
The December 12, January 11, and January 18 amendments add several additional provisions related to health care.
January 19, 2024 outlook: https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/florida-senate-unanimously-passed-comprehensive-health-plan/ & https://www.floridadaily.com/florida-senate-unanimously-passes-comprehensive-legislation-to-grow-floridas-health-care-workforce/
Past consumer protection action
January 14, 2022. NAAG Responds to FDA’s Comment Request on New Over-The-Counter Hearing Aid Rules.
“In response to a request for comments from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding new rules regulating over-the-counter hearing aids, NAAG submitted comments encouraging the FDA to take the below steps to ensure that states maintain a role as regulators in this emerging market.”
Latest 2023 legislative news
HB 5001. This measure provides funding to create a Children’s Hearing Aid program within the Department of Health.
This measure provides $5,000,000 to create a Children’s Hearing Aid program within the Department of Health. This program must aid families with children 0 -18 years of age, who are residents of the State of Florida, and who have been diagnosed with hearing loss by a licensed physician or audiologist. The program will assist with the purchase of hearing aids, assistive listening devices, external cochlear implant processor replacements, and hearing aid batteries. (Pg. 134-135)