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LD 1413

An Act To Amend Laws Governing Hearing Aid Dealers And Health Insurance To Allow An Exception To Certain Hearing Examination Requirements

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donna Bailey and 9 co-sponsors

The bill creates a statutory exception to certain hearing-examination requirements for hearing aid dealers and related health-insurance provisions, allowing procedures to proceed u

Signed by Governor
#audiologists #hearingaidcalibrations #licensing
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Bill Summary · LD 1413

Summary — LD 1413 (132nd Maine Legislature)

Title: An Act To Amend Laws Governing Hearing Aid Dealers And Health Insurance To Allow An Exception To Certain Hearing Examination Requirements
Status: Signed by Governor (May 30, 2025)
Introduced: April 1, 2025
Committee: Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services
Committee Amendment: Committee Amendment “A” (S‑86) adopted

Purpose / Intent

LD 1413 creates a statutory exception to certain hearing examination requirements that currently apply to hearing aid dealers and related health insurance rules. The stated aim is to adjust the regulatory framework that governs when and how hearing examinations are required in connection with the sale, fitting or insurance coverage of hearing aids.

Key provisions (summary of bill intent and effects)

  • Establishes an exception to specified statutory hearing-examination requirements that apply to hearing aid dealers and to health-insurance-related provisions tied to hearing examinations.
  • Directs implementation of the exception through the existing regulatory structure for hearing aid dealers and providers (including actions by the Board of Speech, Audiology and Hearing).
  • As enacted, the bill was amended by Committee Amendment “A” (S‑86); that amendment was adopted prior to final passage.

Note: The public materials provided do not include the bill’s full text, so the summary above describes the subject and intent as reflected in legislative and fiscal documents rather than clause‑by‑clause statutory language.

Who is affected

  • Consumers seeking hearing aids (may encounter different exam or documentation requirements in certain circumstances).
  • Hearing aid dealers and dispensers (may be permitted to proceed under the exception instead of meeting a particular examination requirement).
  • Audiologists and other licensed hearing-health practitioners (may see procedural or documentation changes).
  • Health insurers (may need to recognize the exception for coverage/payment determinations).
  • Board of Speech, Audiology and Hearing (responsible for implementing or adjusting rules and procedures).

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal notes (preliminary and as amended) report a minor cost increase to Other Special Revenue Funds.
  • Additional costs are associated with the Board of Speech, Audiology and Hearing adopting the provisions of the law; those costs can be absorbed within the board’s existing budgeted resources.

Legislative actions / timeline (selected)

  • Referred to Committee: 04/01/2025
  • Work session and OTP‑AM recommendation: 04/23/2025 (reported out 05/15/2025)
  • Committee Amendment “A” (S‑86) adopted; bill passed both Chambers: 05/20–05/27/2025
  • Signed by Governor: 05/30/2025 (enacted)

Notes and caveats

  • This summary is based on legislative and fiscal documents provided (committee reports, fiscal notes, and legislative action history). The full statutory changes and detailed operative language are in the bill text and the adopted amendment; consult the enacted bill text for exact legal wording and any limits, conditions, or definitions that specify when the exception applies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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