1. Delegation authorized. This chapter may not be construed to prohibit an audiologist from delegating to an individual certain activities relating to the practice of audiology, as long as those activities are under the supervision and control of the audiologist. “Supervision and control” may not be construed to require the personal presence of the supervising and controlling audiologist at the place where those activities take place, unless a physical presence is necessary to provide patient care of the same quality as provided by the audiologist. The board may adopt rules identifying delegated activities and appropriate levels of supervision in the practice setting. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined by Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2?A. The activities delegated by an audiologist under this subsection may not include the assessment and treatment of hearing and balance disorders or the dispensing of hearing aids.

[PL 2009, c. 112, Pt. A, §23 (NEW).]

Terms Used In Maine Revised Statutes Title 32 Sec. 17104-A

  • Audiologist: means an individual who is licensed under this chapter and practices audiology and who by virtue of academic and practical training presents that person to the public by the title or description of services incorporating the words audiologist, hearing clinician, hearing therapist or a similar title or description of service. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 32 Sec. 17101
  • Audiology: means the application of theories, principles and procedures related to hearing and balance disorders for the purposes of assessment and treatment. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 32 Sec. 17101
  • Board: means the Board of Speech, Audiology and Hearing pursuant to section 17201. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 32 Sec. 17101
  • Supervision: means the direct observation of work and the assessment of written records of service by a licensed speech pathologist, licensed audiologist, licensed physician or licensed hearing aid dealer and fitter licensed under this chapter commensurate with the skills of the individual as determined by the supervisor. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 32 Sec. 17101
2. Responsibility. An audiologist who delegates activities as described in subsection 1 to an individual is legally and ethically responsible for all of the professional activities of that individual, and the individual in this relationship is considered the audiologist’s agent. This subsection may not be construed to apply to an individual acting under a separate license accepted by the State to render services independently.

[PL 2009, c. 112, Pt. A, §23 (NEW).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 2009, c. 112, Pt. A, §23 (NEW).