• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Maryland Department of Health
    Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists & Music Therapists

    ​​​

    ​​Licensure

    • ​How do I apply for a license?
      • ​Complete the fillable application found under the 'Apply for a License' tab. All applicable questions must be answered and signed by all parties. A completed background check report must be received from CJIS and all primary source verifications from ASHA and other States where a license is held must be received by the Board before an application is considered complete.
      • Applicants must submit their applications online. The applicant will receive an email notification from the Board with a link to complete a law exam and a status update of their application.
      • If additional information is needed, applicants will be able to upload missing documents by using the update request link sent within the initial notification email from the Board.

                          Apply for a License

    • ​​​​How do I complete a background check?
      • Applicant may complete their background check in-state by going to one on the approved locations listed on the Criminal Justice Information Services website. *Appointments are not required at the Reisterstown Plaza location in Baltimore
      • Out-of-State applicants must request a fingerprint card from the Board to complete their background check. A fingerprint card may be requested either at the time of application submission or in advance by completed a fingerprint card request form. Completed fingerprint cards must be mailed directly to CJIS for processing.

                   In State Instructions

                   Out-of-State Instructions

                   Out-of-State Fingerprint Card Requests

     

    • What is a PRA Form?
      • The PRA form is the Privacy Rights Act notification to all applicants completing a background check. Applicants must submit a signed form in order for their application to be considered complete.

                        Privacy Rights Act Form         

    • How do I complete a Law Exam?
      • Applicants will receive an email notification to complete their law exam once their application is under initial review. Please be sure to check your spam folder for emails from the Board. If you did not receive an email please contact Office Secretary Monica Wright for another link to be sent to you. Monicah.wright@maryland.gov.

     

    • How long does it take for my application to be approved?
      • Completed applications are approved within 3-5 business days. The approved license will then be ratified at the following Board meeting.

     

    • ​Why isn't my initial license a full two years.
      • The cycle dates are the same for all licensees. Therefore, licenses may not hold their initial license for an entire cycle. As a result, new licensees are eligible to complete a prorated number of CEUs.

                       Prorated CEUs


    • ​How can I change my supervisor?
      • ​CFs must submit an updated AS2 form indicating a change of supervision. Once the AS2 form is approved by the Board, the CF may begin working under the new supervisor.
      • SLPA's and HAD Limited licensees must submit a new Delegation agreement for each new supervisor. Once the delegation agreement has been approved the licensee may begin working under the new supervisor.

    ​                    Licensure Forms


    ​Continuing Education​

    • How many CEUs are required each cycle?
      • SLPs, AUDs, & HADs must complete 30 hours every two years.
      • SLPAs and AAs must complete 10 CEUs every two years
      • MTs must complete 40 hours every two years

     

    • Does the Board need to approve all CEU courses I attend in order to receive credit?
      • No. If a course is directly related to your profession prior approval from the Board is not required.

     

    • What if I did not complete my CEUs by the cycle end date?
      • Licensees will need to contact the Board's Deputy Director to request a CEU extension from the Board.

     

    • How many CEUs can I receive for coursework?
      • The Board award 5 CEUs per credit for directly related coursework.

     

    • How many CEUs can I receive for publications?
      • The Board awards 10 CEUs for first author, 8 CEUs for second author, 6 CEUs for third author and 4 CEUs for all other authors.​

    ​Miscellaneous

    • How can I update my contact information with Board?
      • Licensees may submit a change request form by completing the appropriate request form on our website under the 'Change Request' tab. A signature is required for the form to be processed.

     

    • How can I change the name on my license?
      • Please complete the Name Change request form under the 'Change Request' tab.
    • How can I order a replacement license?
      • Please complete the Replacement License request form under the 'Change Request' tab.

                    ​Change Requests


    ​Over-the-counter Hearing Aids

     

    Hearing Aid TypeOver the Counter (“OTC")Prescription (“Prescription")

    What are the differences?

    (For the full description of the different functions of OTC and prescription hearing aids please consult 21 CFR §800.30)

    		“OTC" Hearing Aids are intended to assist with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. 

    Prescription Hearing Aids are “prescription devices" that fall outside the definition of “OTC Hearing Aids". 

     

    How will I know if I'm purchasing an OTC Hearing Aid or Prescription Hearing Aid?

    (For the full description of the different packaging requirements for OTC and prescription hearing aids please consult 21 CFR §800.30)

    OTC hearing aids are required to carry outside package labeling containing warnings informing consumers that the hearing aid is for adults with signs of mild to moderate hearing loss. 

     

    OTC hearing aids are required to have warnings inside the package informing consumers that OTC hearing aids are only intended for use by individuals over 18 years of age.

     

    *This is not a complete list of packaging requirements for OTC hearing aids. The above is intended for informational purposes only to illustrate some of the ways consumers will know that they are in possession of an OTC hearing aid. 

    Prescription hearing aids are required to carry outside package warnings against use in individuals under 18 years of age without prior medical evaluation. 

     

    Prescription hearing aids are required to have warnings inside the package informing consumers that individuals under the age of 18 should have a recent medical evaluation.

     

    *This is not a complete list of packaging requirements for prescription hearing aids. The above is intended for informational purposes only to illustrate some of the ways consumers will know that they are in possession of an OTC hearing aid. 

    How can I get each type of hearing aid? 

    Beginning October 17, 2022 the Federal government has prohibited States from enacting any restrictions on who may sell or distribute OTC hearing aids.

    This includes prohibiting States from requiring individuals who wish to distribute OTC hearing aids to submit to any licensing standards. 

     

    An OTC hearing aid may be available to purchase without any prescription or other order. 

     

    Prescription hearing aids are considered “prescription devices" and may only be sold on the prescription or other order of a licensed individual. 21 CFR §801.109(a)(2)

     

    States are responsible for establishing licensing qualifications for individuals who wish to treat members of the public for hearing loss. 

     

    A licensed professional is able to order a prescription hearing aid based on your individual hearing impairment needs. 

    Can my audiologist provide me with each type of hearing aid?

    (For the full text of a licensed audiologist's scope of practice please consult Code of Maryland Annotated Health Occupations §2-101)

     

    At present there are no restrictions on who may or may not distribute OTC hearing aids and effective October 17, 2022, States are prohibited from enacting restrictions on individuals who wish to sell OTC hearing aids.

     

    The FDA's stated aim with the October 17, 2022 rule was to increase access to OTC hearing aids to treat perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. 

    Prescription hearing aids are considered “prescription devices" and are only sold on the prescription or other order of a licensed individual. 21 CFR §801.109(a)(2)

     

    States are responsible for establishing licensing qualifications for individuals who wish to treat members of the public for hearing loss.

     

    Audiologists in Maryland are individuals licensed by the Board to apply the principles, methods and procedures of evaluation, testing, counseling and consultation related to hearing disorders.

     

    Audiologists in Maryland are also licensed to fit and sell hearing aids. 

     

    Can a hearing aid dispenser provide me with each type of hearing aid?

    (For the full text of a licensed hearing aid dispenser's scope of practice please consult Code of Maryland Annotated Health Occupations §2-101)

    At present there are no restrictions on who may or may not distribute OTC hearing aids and effective October 17, 2022, States are prohibited from enacting restrictions on individuals who wish to sell OTC hearing aids.

     

    The FDA's stated aim with the October 17, 2022 rule was to increase access to OTC hearing aids to treat perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. 

    Prescription hearing aids are considered “prescription devices" and are only sold on the prescription or other order of a licensed individual. 21 CFR §801.109(a)(2)

     

    States are responsible for establishing licensing qualifications for individuals who wish to treat members of the public for hearing loss.

     

    Hearing aid dispensers in Maryland are individuals licensed by the Board who perform, conduct and interpret hearing assessment procedures to determine the type and extent of hearing loss for the purpose of selecting a suitable hearing instrument, including hearing aids.

     

    Hearing aid dispensers in Maryland are also licensed to sell hearing aids.

    I'm not certain which type of hearing aid I require. Can the Board assist me?

    The Board cannot assist individual consumers with respect to their own healthcare decisions. 

     

    OTC Hearing Aids may be purchased without any consultation from either a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dispenser. 

     

    OTC Hearing Aids are only intended to treat perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. 

     

    Members of the public who believe they require assistance from a licensed professional may seek care from an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser of their choice. Members of the public may work with a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dispenser to develop a treatment plan tailored to their needs that may or may not include the use of hearing aids to assist with hearing impairment. 

    The Board cannot assist individual consumers with respect to their own healthcare decisions. 

     

    OTC Hearing Aids may be purchased without any consultation from either a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dispenser. 

     

    OTC Hearing Aids are only intended to treat perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. 

     

    Members of the public who believe they require assistance from a licensed professional may seek care from an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser of their choice. Members of the public may work with a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dispenser to develop a treatment plan tailored to their needs that may or may not include the use of hearing aids to assist with hearing impairment.