Definitions

As used in this rule, the terms and acronyms shall have the following meanings ascribed to them. (1) Advertise - Informational communication to the public in any manner to attract attention to the practice as a hearing instrument specialist. This includes, but is not limited to, business solicitations with or without qualifications, in a card, sign, or device to any person; or the causing, permitting or allowing any signs or marking on or in any building or structure, or in any newspaper, or magazine or in any directory, or on radio or television or by advertising by any other means designed to secure public attention. (2) Applicant - An individual seeking licensure by the Council who has submitted the appropriate application and fees. (3) Apprentice - A person who is registered with the Council, engaged in an approved licensing program, and sponsored by a hearing instrument specialist duly licensed in Tennessee. (4) Apprentice license - A license issued for not longer than one (1) year by the Council to apprentices which authorizes the fitting and selling of hearing aids, pursuant to T.C.A. § 63- 17-208, under the direct supervision of a sponsoring licensed hearing instrument specialist. (5) Board - The Board of Communications Disorders and Sciences. (6) Consumer - That member of the public who seeks the services of a licensed hearing instrument specialist. (7) Council - The Council for Licensing Hearing Instrument Specialists. (8) Council Administrative Office - The office of the Unit Director assigned to the Council located at 665 Mainstream Drive, Nashville, TN 37243. (9) Council designee - Any person who has received a written delegation of authority from the Council to perform functions subject to review and ratification by the full Council where provided by these rules. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING HEARING INSTRUMENT SPECIALISTS CHAPTER 1370-02 (10) Clock hour - A clock hour represents (60 minutes) actual time in a continuing education activity. Providers who measure continuing education activities in “continuing education units” shall define CEU in clock hours. (11) Closed file - An administrative action which renders an incomplete, denied, or abandoned file closed. (12) Continuing education - Continuing education is considered to be education beyond the basic licensing education requirement and which is related to the practice of hearing instrument dispensing. (13) Direct supervision - The requirement of a sponsoring licensee to direct, coordinate, review, inspect, and approve each act of service performed by an apprentice licensee in connection with the practice of dispensing and fitting hearing instruments, but does not require the constant actual physical presence of the sponsoring licensee, pursuant to Rule 1370-02-.14. (14) Division - The Division of Health Related Boards, Tennessee Department of Health, from which the Council receives administrative support. (15) Examination fee - To be paid each time an examination or component of an examination is taken. (16) Fee - Money or anything of value including, but not limited to, a salary offered or received as compensation in return for rendering services. (17) Fitting and/or dispensing hearing instruments - The evaluation or measurement of human hearing by the use of an audiometer for the purpose of making selections, adaptations and/or sale of hearing instruments. The term also includes the sale of hearing instrument and the making of impressions for earmolds to be used as part of the hearing instrument. (18) HRB - When the acronym HRB appears in this rule, it is intended to mean the Division of Health Related Boards. (19) He/She - In these rules, all references to the masculine gender shall also apply to the feminine gender. (20) Hearing instrument (aid) - Any instrument or device designed for, or offered for the purpose of, aiding or improving impaired human hearing, and any parts, attachments or accessories of such an instrument or device. (21) Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) - A licensed person who engages in the fitting or selling of hearing instruments to an individual with impaired hearing. (22) IHS - When the acronym IHS appears in the rule, it is intended to mean International Hearing Society. (23) License - Document issued to an applicant who successfully completes the licensure process. The license takes the form of an “artistically designed” license as well as other versions issued bearing an expiration date. (24) Licensee - Any person who has been lawfully issued a license by the Council and Board to engage in the practice of dispensing and fitting hearing instruments. (25) NBC-HIS - When the acronym NBC-HIS appears in this rule, it is intended to mean the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING HEARING INSTRUMENT SPECIALISTS CHAPTER 1370-02 (26) Sell or sale - Any transfer of title or of the right to use by lease, bailment, or any other contract, either oral or written, excluding transactions with distributors or dispensers. (27) Sponsor - A licensed hearing instrument specialist who is responsible for training and supervision of an individual holding an apprentice license. (28) Supervision - To coordinate, direct, and inspect continuously and at first hand the actions of an apprentice. (29) Training - The instruction of an apprentice in the practice of dispensing and fitting of hearing instruments.