(a)  This chapter is not intended to prevent any person from engaging in the practice of measuring human hearing for the purpose of selecting hearing aids; provided, that the person or organization employing that person does not sell hearing aids or hearing aid accessories except in the case of ear molds made by an audiologist to be used only for the purpose of evaluation.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 5-49-4

  • Audiologist: means a person who has been awarded a certificate of competency by the American Speech and Hearing Association and who is duly licensed by the department. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-49-1
  • Hearing aid: means any wearable instrument or device designed for or offered for the purpose of aiding or compensating for impaired human hearing, and any parts, attachments, or accessories, including ear mold, but excluding batteries and cords. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-49-1
  • person: may be construed to extend to and include co-partnerships and bodies corporate and politic. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-6
  • sale: means any transfer of title or of the right to use by lease, bailment, or any other contract, excluding wholesale transactions with distributors or dealers. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-49-1

(b)  This chapter does not apply to a person who is a physician licensed to practice in Rhode Island, and an audiologist; provided, that the physician does not engage in the sale of hearing aids.

History of Section.
P.L. 1973, ch. 243, § 1.