Verification/Approval of Provider Continuing Education Programs and Activities

(1) For a program to be eligible for approval for continuing education hours, the course content shall directly relate to the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids and the educational objectives shall exceed a basic level of knowledge as it relates to fitting and dispensing hearing aids. The course work shall include the following subjects: (a) procedures in the selection and fitting of hearing aids; (b) pre and post fitting management of clients; (c) instrument circuitry and acoustic performance data; (d) ear mold design and modification contributing to improved client performance; (e) audiometric equipment or testing techniques which demonstrate an improved ability to identify and evaluate hearing loss; (f) auditory rehabilitation; (g) ethics; (h) federal and state statutes, regulations and rules; (i) assistive listening devices; and (j) business-related courses (maximum four credits in this subject per continuing education period). (2) Course work meeting the requirements of 265 CMR 5.03(1) and endorsed or sponsored by the following organizations shall be deemed approved for continuing education hours: (a) International Hearing Society; (b) National Institute of Hearing Instrument Studies; 5.03: continued (c) American Academy of Audiology; (d) Academy of Dispensing Audiologists; (e) American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery; (f) Massachusetts Hearing Society; (g) Massachusetts Speech and Hearing Association; or (h) American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (3) The Board may approve other continuing education course work that complies with 265 CMR 5.03(1) if the organization providing the course work submits to the Board the following information 90 days prior to commencement of the course: (a) name, date, and location of continuing education course work; (b) detailed description of the course content; (c) description of the educational objectives; (d) description of each instructor’s education, training, and experience background; and (e) continuing education hours offered for completing the course. The provider shall report any change in the course content or instructor to the Board prior to commencement of the course. (4) The Board shall revoke the approval of any continuing education course work for failure of the provider to comply with the provisions of 265 CMR 5.00.