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Bill

HB 1298

Health Occupations - Practice of Audiology - Definition

2025 Regular Session

Withdrawn bill that would have redefined audiology practice in Maryland's health occupations code; sponsor abandoned effort after multiple hearing cancellations.

Withdrawn by Sponsor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1298

Legislative bill overview

HB 1298 sought to modify Maryland's definition of audiology practice within the state's health occupations regulatory framework. The bill was introduced but ultimately withdrawn by its sponsor on April 2, 2025, after multiple scheduled hearings were canceled.

Why is this important

Definitional changes to regulated health professions can affect scope of practice, licensing requirements, and what services audiologists can legally provide. These modifications impact both healthcare providers seeking clearer professional boundaries and consumers accessing audiology services.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice boundaries - Changes to audiology definitions often trigger disputes between audiologists and competing professions (ENTs, speech-language pathologists) over who can perform specific services
  • Licensing and credential requirements - Expanded or narrowed definitions may require new training, certifications, or educational standards that affect existing practitioners
  • Access to care - Definitional shifts influence whether certain audiology services remain accessible, affordable, or available in underserved areas

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

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