§ 788. Legislative intent. The legislature recognizes and acknowledges
the value of hearing aids to many individuals with hearing loss and
recognizes the valuable service provided by hearing aid dispensers and
dispensing audiologists to such individuals by providing access to
appropriate amplification devices and other valuable services related to
their use. Due to the large number of individuals with hearing loss who
do not use hearing aids, the legislature furthermore recognizes the
positive benefits of the increased use of hearing aids. It is the intent
of the legislature and this article to protect the hearing-impaired
public by ensuring competent, honest and accountable dispensers of
hearing aids who will protect the health, safety and welfare of the
people of this state.

The legislature finds and declares that existing laws regulating the
dispensing of hearing aids have been ineffective in providing adequate
protection. To ensure against consumer abuses and thereby protect the
public, the legislature determines that more rigorous education,
training and business practice standards should be applied to those
persons registered to dispense hearing aids pursuant to this article. It
is the intention of the legislature to apply standards to more fully
protect the general public, and to ensure continued consumer access to
safe, reliable and appropriate hearing aid dispensing services.