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HB 406

State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists - Appointment of Hearing Aid Dispenser Members

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Bagnall Tudball and 20 co-sponsors

Maryland adjusts State Board of Examiners' hearing aid dispenser member appointments to modify professional licensing board composition and regulatory representation.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 739
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Bill Summary · HB 406

Legislative bill overview

HB 406 modifies the composition of Maryland's State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists by adjusting the appointment process and representation of hearing aid dispenser members on the board. The bill specifies how these professional members are selected and their roles in regulatory oversight.

Why is this important

Professional licensing boards directly affect consumer protection, market entry for practitioners, and the quality of services in healthcare fields. Changes to board composition influence who sets standards, conducts examinations, and enforces discipline within these professions, potentially affecting both practitioners seeking licensure and patients receiving care.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry representation concerns: Adjusting hearing aid dispenser representation could shift the board's balance between practitioner interests and public protection mandates, potentially favoring one stakeholder group over others
  • Appointment process transparency: Changes to how members are selected may affect whether the board reflects diverse geographic regions, practice settings, or consumer perspectives within Maryland
  • Regulatory authority scope: Modifications to board composition implicitly define which professional voice carries more weight in setting standards, potentially advantaging certain credential types or business models over others

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

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