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Bill

SB 904

Relating to the licensing and regulation of hearing instrument fitters and dispensers.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Charles Cunningham and 1 co-sponsor

Texas strengthens licensing and regulatory standards for hearing aid fitters and dispensers to ensure professional competence and consumer protection in the hearing healthcare industry.

Effective on 9/1/25
#health&humanservicescommission(v0177) #hearingdisorders(s0136) #occupationalregulation--healthoccupations(i0540)
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Bill Summary · SB 904

Legislative bill overview

SB 904 modifies Texas licensing requirements and regulatory standards for hearing instrument fitters and dispensers. The bill establishes new professional standards, continuing education requirements, and oversight mechanisms for individuals fitting and selling hearing aids and related devices in Texas.

Why is this important

Hearing aids are critical healthcare devices for millions of Texans with hearing loss, affecting quality of life, employment, and safety. Strengthened regulation ensures consumers receive properly fitted devices from qualified professionals and protects against fraud or incompetent service in an industry where fitting errors can cause physical harm or financial loss.

Potential points of contention

  • Professional scope of practice: Whether hearing instrument fitters should have expanded or restricted authority compared to audiologists and other hearing healthcare providers, and potential turf battles between professions
  • Continuing education burden: Increased training requirements may raise operational costs for small businesses and create barriers to entry, potentially reducing competition and consumer access to services
  • Consumer access vs. safety tradeoff: Stricter licensing could improve quality but may limit availability of hearing services in rural Texas areas where professionals are already scarce, or increase costs for budget-conscious consumers

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

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