The powers and duties of the council are to:

(1) Supervise and administer qualifying examinations to test the knowledge and proficiency of applicants for a license;

Terms Used In Tennessee Code 63-17-203

  • Board: means the board of communication disorders and sciences created by §. See Tennessee Code 63-17-201
  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Council: means the council for licensing hearing instrument specialists. See Tennessee Code 63-17-201
  • Hearing instrument: means any instrument or device designed for or represented as aiding, improving or correcting defective human hearing and any parts, attachments or accessories of such an instrument or device. See Tennessee Code 63-17-201
  • Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
(2) License persons who apply to the council and who are qualified to practice the fitting of hearing instruments;
(3) Purchase and maintain or rent audiometric equipment and facilities necessary to carry out the examination of applicants for license;
(4) Issue and renew licenses, under the name of the board;
(5) Deny, suspend or revoke licenses pursuant to this part;
(6) Appoint representatives to conduct or supervise the examination of applicants for license;
(7) Designate the time and place for examining applicants for license;
(8) Make and publish rules and regulations not inconsistent with the laws of this state that are necessary to carry out this part. All rules relating to hearing instrument specialists shall be initiated and adopted by a majority of the members of the council and then shall be approved by a majority of the members of the board;
(9) Require an annual calibration of audiometric equipment;
(10) Provide all examinations required by this part. The council may contract with organizations to conduct examinations;
(11) Establish minimum requirements of test procedure and test equipment to be used in the fitting of hearing instruments and also the retention of records of all fittings;
(12) Inspect the facilities or records, or both, of persons who practice the fitting and selling of hearing instruments, upon a showing of probable cause of a violation of this part;
(13) Require lists, set standards and approve programs for trainees as provided in § 63-17-207;
(14) Prescribe regulations requiring continuing education as a prerequisite for renewal of licenses to practice; and
(15) Employ a consultant to assist the council in its duties.