Did you know?
11% of New Jersey's population has some form of hearing loss.
Current consumer protection action
New Jersey AB 4115: This measure requires audiologists and speech-language pathologists to obtain state licensure
Summary: This measure requires audiologists and speech-language pathologists to obtain home state licensure for the privilege to practice. Home state licenses are recognized by each member state as authorizing the audiologist or speech-language pathologist to practice in each member state.
Member states are required to implement and utilize procedures for considering the criminal history records of applications for initial licensure. Applicants to practice under the compact are required to maintain licensure in their home state.
Upon application for the privilege to practice in a remote state, the licensing board in the remote state must be required to ascertain whether the applicant has ever held any encumbrances on their license or privilege to practice.
Member states may charge fees for granting compact privileges.
For the privilege to practice under the compact, audiologists and speech pathologists must be required to meet certain educational and experiential requirements and not be convicted or found guilty of a felony.
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are required to comply with the practice laws of the state in which the client is located at the time the service is provided.
Individuals not residing in a member state are continually able to apply for member states’ single-state licenses as provided under the laws of that member state.
Licensees who move from one member state to another member state are required to obtain home-state licensure in the new member state and terminate former home state licensure to continue practice under the compact.
If a licensee moves from a member state to a non-member state, they may no longer participate in the compact but may practice in member states by obtaining a single-state license to practice and the state and maintain former home state licensure.
If a home state license is encumbered, the licensee will lose compact privilege in any remote state until the license is no longer encumbered, two years have passed, and all other compact requirements are met.
Member states are required to recognize the rights of audiologists and speech-language pathologists from conducting services in another member state via telehealth.
Active duty military and their spouses are permitted to practice under the compact by designating a home state where the individual has a current license in good standing. The individual can retain their home state designation while the service member is on active duty.
Only home states may take adverse actions against licenses. Member states, however, may take adverse actions against privilege to practice and issue subpoenas.
Member states may take adverse actions based on the factual findings of a remote state.
The compact is administered by a joint public agency known as the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Commission.
The compact took effect upon adoption by 10 states and is currently in effect in Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
This measure takes effect immediately.
Status: 1st Chamber
Outlook: This measure has been introduced and referred to the Assembly Health Committee.
This measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
New Jersey AB 4091: The measure allows audiologists to prescribe and order hearing aids
Summary: The measure allows audiologists to prescribe and order hearing aids.
The measure allows audiologists to select, prescribe, and order hearing aids, given the audiologist has completed an accredited program of coursework and clinical training in the selection, prescribing, ordering, dispensing and fitting of hearing aids.
Additionally, the measure recognizes the new class of prescription hearing aids as approved by the FDA and incorporates prescribing into the scope of practice and training for licensed audiologists.
The measure takes effect 60 days after passage.
Status: 1st Chamber
Outlook: This measure has been introduced and referred to the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee. Bill text was recently introduced.
This measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
New Jersey SB 2874: The measure allows audiologists to prescribe and order hearing aids
Summary: The measure allows audiologists to prescribe and order hearing aids.
The measure allows audiologists to select, prescribe, and order hearing aids, given the audiologist has completed an accredited program of coursework and clinical training in the selection, prescribing, ordering, dispensing and fitting of hearing aids.
Additionally, the measure recognizes the new class of prescription hearing aids as approved by the FDA and incorporates prescribing into the scope of practice and training for licensed audiologists.
The measure takes effect 60 days after passage.
Status: 1st Chamber
Outlook: The measure was referred to the Senate Commerce Committee.
The measure awaits further consideration in the committee of referral.
New Jersey AB 3649: This measure expands Medicaid coverage regarding assistive hearing devices
Summary: This measure expands Medicaid coverage regarding assistive devices for hearing impaired under certain circumstances.
This measure provides that coverage under the Medicaid program includes expenses for unilateral or bilateral hearing aids, cochlear implants, or auditory osseointegrated devices, as well as any related accessories or services, provided that the devices accessories, and services are deemed to be medically necessary and are prescribed or recommended by a licensed physician or audiologist.
A “hearing aid” means an ear-level or body-worn electroacoustic device for amplifying sound whose basic components are a microphone, amplifier, and receiver.
A “cochlear implant” means a device that is implanted under the skin that picks up sounds and converts them to impulses transmitted to electrodes placed in the cochlea.
A “auditory osseointegrated device” means a device implanted in the skull that replaces the function of the middle ear and provides mechanical energy to the cochlea via a mechanical transducer.
This measure takes effect on the first day of the fourth month following enactment.
Status: 1st Chamber
Outlook: This measure has been introduced and referred to the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee.
This measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
This measure is a refile of AB2685 of the 2022-2023 Legislative Session.
New Jersey AB 2438 : This measure requires health insurers to provide coverage for hearing aids
Summary: This measure requires health insurers to provide coverage for hearing aids.
This measure requires hospital, medical and health service corporations, commercial insurers, health maintenance organizations, health benefits plans, and plans provided by the State Health Benefits Commission and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Commission to provide coverage for the medical expenses of purchasing a hearing aid. This measure establishes that this includes the purchase of one analog or digital hearing aid for each ear at least every 48 months. This measure requires the total cost-sharing responsibility of the covered person for the hearing aid, including any copayments or deductibles, to not exceed 15% of the cost of the hearing aid.
This measure will take effect on the 30th day after approval.
Status: 1st Chamber
Outlook: This measure has been introduced and referred to the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. Bill text was recently introduced.
This measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
This bill was introduced last session as AB 1686, where it failed in the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee upon adjournment.
This measure is the companion to SB 845.
New Jersey AB 2204 : This measure expands Medicaid coverage regarding assistive devices
Summary: This measure expands Medicaid coverage regarding assistive devices for hearing impaired under certain circumstances.
This measure provides that coverage under the Medicaid program includes expenses for unilateral or bilateral hearing aids, cochlear implants, or auditory osseointegrated devices, as well as any related accessories or services, provided that the devices accessories, and services are deemed to be medically necessary and are prescribed or recommended by a licensed physician or audiologist.
A “hearing aid” means an ear-level or body-worn electroacoustic device for amplifying sound whose basic
components are a microphone, amplifier, and receiver.
A “cochlear implant” means a device that is implanted under the skin that picks up sounds and converts them to impulses transmitted to electrodes placed in the cochlea.
A “auditory osseointegrated device” means a device implanted in the skull that replaces the function of the middle ear and provides mechanical energy to the cochlea via a mechanical transducer.
This measure will take effect on the first day of the fourth month next following the date of enactment, but the Commissioner of Human Services may take such anticipatory administrative action in advance as may be necessary for the implementation of this act.
Status: 1st Chamber
Outlook: This measure has been introduced and referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee. The bill text was recently made available.
This measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
This measure is the companion to SB1171.
New Jersey AB 1173: This measure requires insurers to cover any expenses incurred in the purchase of hearing aids
Summary: This measure requires insurers to provide coverage for any expenses incurred in the purchase of hearing aids, regardless of the person’s age. Additionally, this measure requires the School Employee’s Health Benefits Commission to ensure every contract meets this coverage requirement.
This measure takes effect 90 days after enactment.
Status: 1st Chamber
Outlook: This measure has been introduced and referred to the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. Bill text was recently introduced.
This measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
This measure is a refile of AB 2547 from the 2022-2023 legislative session, where it failed in the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee upon adjournment. This measure is the companion to SB 1254.
New Jersey SB 1254: This measure requires coverage for hearing aids purchases, regardless of age
Summary: This measure requires coverage for hearing aids purchases, regardless of age.
This measure applies to health insurers.
This measure requires insurers to provide coverage for any expenses incurred in the purchase of hearing aids, regardless of the person’s age. Additionally, this measure requires the School Employee’s Health Benefits Commission to ensure every contract meets this coverage requirement.
This measure will take effect 90 days after enactment.
Status: 1st Chamber
Outlook: This measure has been introduced and referred to the Senate Commerce Committee.
This measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
This measure is a refile of SB 2019 from the 2022-2023 Legislative Session, which did not receive consideration in the Senate Commerce Committee.
New Jersey SB 845: This measure requires health insurers to provide coverage for hearing aids
Summary: This measure requires health insurers to provide coverage for hearing aids.
This measure requires hospital, medical and health service corporations, commercial insurers, health maintenance organizations, health benefits plans, and plans provided by the State Health Benefits Commission and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Commission to provide coverage for the medical expenses of purchasing a hearing aid. This measure establishes that this includes the purchase of one analog or digital hearing aid for each ear at least every 48 months. This measure requires the total cost-sharing responsibility of the covered person for the hearing aid, including any copayments or deductibles, to not exceed 15% of the cost of the hearing aid.
This measure will take effect on the 30th day after approval.
Status: 1st Chamber
Outlook: This measure has been introduced and referred to the Senate Commerce Committee.
This measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
This measure was introduced during the 2022-2023 legislative session as SB 1969, where it failed in the Senate Commerce Committee upon adjournment.
New Jersey SB 164: This measure requires all insurers to provide benefits coverage of hearing aids and cochlear implants
Summary: This measure requires all insurers to provide benefits coverage of hearing aids and cochlear implants for insured individuals aged 21 or younger and requires coverage for services and accessories related to cochlear implants.
A hospital service corporation may limit the benefit to one hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every 24 months.
Insurance contracts are required to provide coverage for the costs of treatment related to cochlear implants, including procedures for the implantation of cochlear devices and costs for any parts or accessories of the device.
A covered person may choose a hearing aid that is priced higher than the benefit payable and may pay the difference between the price of the hearing aid and the benefit payable, without financial or contractual penalty to the provider of the hearing aid.
If a contract does not have in its network a provider who can provide any part necessary to the continued function of a preexisting cochlear implant, the contract shall cover the part, attachment, or accessory when purchased from and provided by an out-of-network provider, and shall only impose cost sharing as if the out-of-network provider were part of the provider network.
This measure takes effect 90 days after enactment.
Status: 1st Chamber
Outlook: This measure has been introduced and referred to the Senate Commerce Committee.
This measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
This measure was introduced during the 2022-2023 legislative session as SB 2535, which is awaiting action from Governor Phil Murphy (D).
New Jersey SB 682: This measure requires audiologists and speech-language pathologists to obtain home state licensure
Summary: This measure requires audiologists and speech-language pathologists to obtain home state licensure for the privilege to practice. Home state licenses are recognized by each member state as authorizing the audiologist or speech-language pathologist to practice in each member state.
Member states are required to implement and utilize procedures for considering the criminal history records of applications for initial licensure. Applicants to practice under the compact are required to maintain licensure in their home state.
Upon application for the privilege to practice in a remote state, the licensing board in the remote state must be required to ascertain whether the applicant has ever held any encumbrances on their license or privilege to practice.
Member states may charge fees for granting compact privileges.
For the privilege to practice under the compact, audiologists and speech pathologists must be required to meet certain educational and experiential requirements and not be convicted or found guilty of a felony.
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are required to comply with the practice laws of the state in which the client is located at the time the service is provided.
Individuals not residing in a member state are continually able to apply for member states’ single-state licenses as provided under the laws of that member state.
Licensees who move from one member state to another member state are required to obtain home-state licensure in the new member state and terminate former home state licensure to continue practice under the compact.
If a licensee moves from a member state to a non-member state, they may no longer participate in the compact but may practice in member states by obtaining a single-state license to practice and the state and maintain former home state licensure.
If a home state license is encumbered, the licensee will lose compact privilege in any remote state until the license is no longer encumbered, two years have passed, and all other compact requirements are met.
Member states are required to recognize the rights of audiologists and speech-language pathologists from conducting services in another member state via telehealth.
Active duty military and their spouses are permitted to practice under the compact by designating a home state where the individual has a current license in good standing. The individual can retain their home state designation while the service member is on active duty.
Only home states may take adverse actions against licenses. Member states, however, may take adverse actions against privilege to practice and issue subpoenas.
Member states may take adverse actions based on the factual findings of a remote state.
The compact is administered by a joint public agency known as the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Commission.
The compact took effect upon adoption by 10 states and is currently in effect in Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
This measure takes effect immediately.
Status: 1st Chamber
Outlook: This measure has been introduced and referred to the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee.
This measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
New Jersey SB 1171: This measure expands Medicaid coverage regarding assistive devices
Summary: This measure expands Medicaid coverage regarding assistive devices for hearing impaired under certain circumstances.
This measure provides that coverage under the Medicaid program includes expenses for unilateral or bilateral hearing aids, cochlear implants, or auditory osseointegrated devices, as well as any related accessories or services, provided that the devices accessories, and services are deemed to be medically necessary and are prescribed or recommended by a licensed physician or audiologist.
A “hearing aid” means an ear-level or body-worn electroacoustic device for amplifying sound whose basic
components are a microphone, amplifier, and receiver.
A “cochlear implant” means a device that is implanted under the skin that picks up sounds and converts them to impulses transmitted to electrodes placed in the cochlea.
A “auditory osseointegrated device” means a device implanted in the skull that replaces the function of the middle ear and provides mechanical energy to the cochlea via a mechanical transducer.
This measure will take effect on the first day of the fourth month next following the date of enactment, but the Commissioner of Human Services may take such anticipatory administrative action in advance as may be necessary for the implementation of this act.
Status: 1st Chamber
Outlook: This measure has been introduced and referred to the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee.
This measure is eligible for consideration in the committee of referral.
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
AB 1686. Sponsor: Assemblymember Annette Quijano (D)
This measure requires hospital, medical and health service corporations, commercial insurers, health maintenance organizations, health benefits plans, and plans provided by the State Health Benefits Commission and the School Employees' Health Benefits Commission to provide coverage for the medical expenses of purchasing a hearing aid. This measure establishes that this includes the purchase of one analog or digital hearing aid for each ear at least every 48 months. This measure requires the total cost sharing responsibility of the covered person for the hearing aid, including any copayments or deductibles, to not exceed 15% of the cost of the hearing aid.
This measure would be effective on the 30th day after approval.
AB 2547. Sponsor: Assemblymember Carol Murphy (D)
This measure requires coverage for hearing aids purchases, regardless of age.
This measure applies to health insurers.
This measure takes effect 90 days after enactment.
AB 2573. Sponsor: Assemblymember Carol Murphy (D)
This measure requires Medicaid coverage for hearing aids and other assistive devices for hearing impaired under certain circumstances.
AB 2685. Sponsor: Assemblymember Raj Mukherji (D)
This measure expands Medicaid coverage regarding assistive devices for hearing impaired under certain circumstances.
This measure takes effect on July 4, 2022.
AB 3488. Sponsor: Assemblymember Ronald Dancer (R)
This measure requires health care facilities to provide interpretation services for telemedicine and telehealth patients who are not proficient in the English language or patients who are deaf or hard of hearing.
This measure takes effect immediately.
AB 4048. Sponsor: Assemblymember Daniel Benson (D)
This measure increases the age, from 15 and under to 21 and under, for which coverage for hearing aids and cochlear implants are required. This measure also requires coverage for all services and accessories related to cochlear implants.
This measure takes effect 90 days after enactment.
SB 1969. Sponsor: Senator Anthony Bucco (R)
This measure requires health insurers to provide coverage for hearing aids.
This measure applies to insurers.
This measure would be effective on the 30th day after approval.
SB 2019. Sponsor: Senator James Beach (D)
This measure requires coverage for hearing aids purchases, regardless of age.
This measure applies to health insurers.
This measure takes effect 90 days after enactment.
SB 2535. Sponsor: Senator Vincent Polistina (R)
This measure increases the age, from 15 and under to 21 and under, for which coverage for hearing aids and cochlear implants are required. This measure also requires coverage for all services and accessories related to cochlear implants.
This measure takes effect 90 days after enactment.