Hearing Aid Instrument Dispensers and Fitters
The practice of fitting hearing aids shall mean the measurement of human hearing by means of an audiometer or by other means approved by the board solely for the purpose of making selections, adaptations, or sale of hearing aids. The term also includes the making of impressions for earmolds. A dispenser, at the request of a physician or a member of related professions, may make audiograms for the professional’s use in consultation with the hard-of-hearing.
To qualify for licensure as a Hearing Aid Instrument Dispenser and Fitter based on examination you must submit:
- A completed
application;
- Licensure fee
- An official transcript (official means issued and sealed by the issuing institution) showing completion of a four-year course of study from an accredited high school; or An official copy (official means issued and sealed by the issuing institution) of a diploma or certificate from an accredited high school or its equivalent;
- Official documentation of passing the International Hearing Society’s (IHS) examination for hearing aid instrument dispensers and fitters administered by the Department and the Nebraska Practical examination with the following scores:
- The passing score for the written comprehensive examination (National) is determined by using the Modified Nedelsky Method; and
- The practical examination passing scores shall be at least 70% in each subject examined.
- A notarized copy of a driver’s license or an official birth or marriage certificate to show evidence of having attained at least the age of twenty-one (21).
To qualify for licensure as a Hearing Aid Instrument Dispenser and Fitter based on a license issued in another jurisdiction, you must submit the following:
- A completed
- Licensure fee;
- A notarized copy of a driver’s license or an official birth or marriage certificate to show evidence of having attained at least the age of at least the age of twenty-one (21); and; have the licensing or certifying agency submit to the Department:
- A certification that the applicant is duly licensed or certified, that his or her license or certificate has never been suspended or revoked, and that so far as the record of the agency is concerned, the applicant is entitled to its endorsement on a form provided by the Department or on a form provided by the other state licensing office. (Certifications from each jurisdiction or state where applicant is currently or previously licensed are required.) Such certification shall include:
- The nature of disciplinary actions, if any taken against the applicant’s license or certificate;
- The date of the applicant’s license or certificate;
- The name of the examination on which licensure was based;
- The score attained on the examination; and
- Documentation of the requirements for licensure or certification in the other jurisdiction which are currently in effect and which were in effect at the time the license was issued.
In addition, if the jurisdiction does not provide the examination and education information on their certification, you must submit the following:
5. An official transcript (official means issued and sealed by the issuing institution) showing
completion of a four-year course of study from an accredited high school; or An official
copy (official means issued and sealed by the issuing institution) of a diploma or certificate
from an accredited high school or its equivalent;
- Official documentation of passing an examination which consists of a written and practical examination.
To qualify for temporary licensure as a Hearing Aid Instrument Dispenser and Fitter, you must submit the following:
- A completed
- Licensure fee;
- An official transcript (official means issued and sealed by the issuing institution) showing completion of a four-year course of study from an accredited high school; or An official copy (official means issued and sealed by the issuing institution) of a diploma or certificate from an accredited high school or its equivalent;
- A notarized copy of a driver’s license or an official birth or marriage certificate to show evidence of having attained at least the age of twenty-one (21); and
- Name of a Nebraska licensed hearing aid instrument dispenser and fitter who has agreed to be the applicant’s supervisor (space is provided on the
The qualifying examination for Hearing Aid Instrument Dispensers and Fitters is administered by the Department. The practical examination is developed by the State of Nebraska and the written examination is developed by the International Hearing Society (IHS).
To apply to take the examination, please contact:
Hearing Aid Dispensers/Fitters
Licensure Unit
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
(402) 471-2299
These forms may be completed online, however, they cannot be submitted via e-mail due to the fact that all applications and forms require original signatures. If you complete the form online, you must print the form and mail it to the address below.
Fees (if applicable) are payable to the "Licensure Unit".
Licensure Unit
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
All Hearing Aid Instrument Dispensers and Fitters licenses expire December 31 of each even-numbered year. Licensing & Regulatory Affairs will send all active license holders a renewal notice at least thirty (30) days before December 31 of each even-numbered year to the license holder’s last address of record.
The licensee must choose one of the following options during the renewal period:
- Pay the renewal fee and return the completed renewal notice along with the continuing education affidavit; or
- Place his/her license on inactive status by selecting the inactive option and returning the completed renewal notice; or
- Place his/her license on lapsed status by selecting the lapsed option and returning the completed renewal notice. Failure to select any of the aforementioned options within the regular renewal period or during the 30 days grace period will result in licensure revocation. People who placed their license on inactive or lapsed status during the last renewal period or during prior renewal periods will not be sent a renewal notice.
Inactive means that you cannot practice but may represent yourself as having an inactive license. To change from inactive to active status you must meet renewal requirements which are in effect at the time status change is requested.
Lapsed means that you cannot practice nor represent yourself as a licensed person. To change from Lapsed to Active status, you must make application and meet requirements for initial licensure which are in effect at the time status change is requested.
All Temporary Hearing Aid Instrument Dispensers and Fitters licenses will expire 12 months from the date of issuance. Licensing & Regulatory Affairs will send all active temporary license holders a renewal notice at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of his/her license to the licensees last address of record. If the Licensee chooses to renew they must pay the renewal fee for an additional year. The temporary license holder can practice on a temporary license for a total of 24 months.
Continuing education means planned, organized learning activities designed to maintain, improve, or expand a licensee’s knowledge and skills in order for the licensee to develop new knowledge and skills relevant to the enhancement of practice, education, or theory development to improve the safety and welfare of the public. Click
To renew the license, all Hearing Aid Instrument Dispensers and Fitters must have completed twenty–four (24) contact hours of approved continuing education within the two years proceeding the renewal period.
Subject matter acceptable for continuing education credit is described as follows:
- Approved programs at State and National Meetings, i.e., Nebraska Hearing Aid Society and/or the National Hearing Aid Society;
- Formal education courses which relate directly to the practice of Hearing Aid Instrument Dispensing and Fitting;
- University sponsored courses in continuing education;
- Any other types of activity that may be approved by the Board of Hearing Aid Instrument Dispensers and Fitters; and
- Licensee acting as essayist, or lecturer to licensed Hearing Aid Instrument Dispensers and Fitters.
The Board shall evaluate
- The program must be at least sixty minutes in duration;
- The program’s objectives must relate directly to the theory or clinical application of theory pertaining to the practice of Hearing Aid Instrument Dispensing and Fitting;
- The presenter of the program must be qualified by education, experience, or training; and
- Programs must be open to all Hearing Aid Instrument Dispensers and Fitters licensed in Nebraska.
The provider must submit to the Board an
- A description in detail of program content;
- A description of program objectives;
- A description of the qualifications of each presenter;
- The number of hours for which approval is requested;
- The name, address, and telephone number of the provider and its administrator or operating officer;
- A description of the process the provider uses to verify attendance by the licensee;
- A sample copy of the documentation the provider issues to the licensee as proof of attendance at the program; and
- Date, time and place of program.
To request an address change, you can call (402) 471-2299. If you wish to change your name on your Licensing & Regulatory Affairs record, you must mail a
Licensure Unit
HAID&F
PO Box 94986
Lincoln NE 68509-4986
Duplicates: A duplicate large license or small license card may be requested at the time of initial licensure. A $10.00 fee, per document, is required.
Reissue: A large license and/or small license card may be reissued when the licensee requests: additional documents; replacement of original document(s) due to loss, mutilation or destruction; or replacement of document(s) due to a name change.
To request a reissued license, you must submit a
Licensure Unit
HAID&F
PO Box 94986
Lincoln NE 68509-4986
Rules and Regulations/Statutes
Office Address:
Mailing Address Physical Address Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Licensure Unit
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986Nebraska State Office Building
301 Centennial Mall South
14th and M Streets
3rd Floor
Lincoln, NebraskaPhone: (402) 471-2115
Fax: (402) 471-3577Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (central time)
Monday through FridayHAID&F Licensing Questions:
Diane Hansmeyer
Section Administrator
Phone: (402) 471-2299
e-mail: diane.hansmeyer@dhhs.ne.govDelores James
Licensing Coordinator
Phone: (402) 471-2299Michelle Humlicek
Health Licensing Specialist
(402) 471-4914
email: michelle.humlicek@dhhs.ne.govHAID&F Scope of Practice, Continuing Education & Board Related Questions:
Delores James
Licensing Coordinator
Phone: (402) 471-2299
e-mail: delores.james@dhhs.ne.govHAID&F Scope of Practice Questions
Diane Hansmeyer, Section Administrator
Phone: (402) 471-2299
e-mail: diane.hansmeyer@dhhs.ne.gov
The Board of Hearing Aid Instrument Dispensers and Fitters advises the Department of Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure on all issues related to the regulation of Hearing Aid Instrument Dispensing and Fitting. Board member composition and length of terms follows:
Membership: 3 HAID&F’s
1 Otolaryngologist
1 Audiologist
1 Public MemberLength of Term: 4 years, no more than 2 consecutive full 4-year terms. Professional Requirements: Been actively engaged in practice of his/her profession in the State of Nebraska, under a license issued in this state, for a period of 5 years just preceding his/her appointment. Public Member:
- Be a resident of this state who has attained the age of majority;
- Represent the interests and viewpoints of consumers; and
- Not be a present or former member of a credentialed profession, an employee of a member of a credentialed profession, or an immediate family or household member of any person presently regulated by such board.
The Board of Hearing Aid Instrument Dispensers and Fitters meets at least 1 time per year - see Board meeting Schedule for meeting dates and times. Meetings are open to the public, with the exception of investigational matters. Minutes of meeting are available here or by contacting Delores James at (402) 471-2299 or by e-mail at delores.james@dhhs.ne.gov
Certification and Verification information can be obtained by checking the website at: www.dhhs.ne.gov/lis/lisindex.htm
OR
To request either a certification or verification or your license to be sent to another Licensing & Regulatory Affairs/state licensing agency, send your request in writing along with the proper fee to the our office. Checks should be made payable to Licensure Unit, State of Nebraska.
Certification
- Fee - $25.00
- Certification includes:
- Name
- Profession
- License number
- Issuance date
- Expiration date
- Whether the license was granted by examination, waiver, or reciprocity
- Examination information, if available
- Whether disciplinary action has been taken against the license. If so, the type(s) and date(s) of the action will be included.
- SEAL of the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services
Verification
- Fee - $5.00
- Verification includes:
- Name
- Profession
- License Number
- Expiration Date
- Department Staff Signature
A verification does not include the SEAL of the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services nor information relating to discipline, school, or examination.
The Licensee Assistance Program (LAP) is an assessment, education, referral, case management, and monitoring service designed to help licensees, certificate holders, and registrants of the State of Nebraska work through substance abuse/addiction problems.
The LAP services are free. However, in some cases treatment from a community resource agency may be needed. If further assistance is needed, the LAP Coordinator will help refer the Licensee to the most appropriate agency. When a treatment referral is made, those expenses become the responsibility of the Licensee.
This program was established by
LAP telephone number: (800) 851-2336 or (402) 354-8055. You may also visit their website at www.lapne.org.
How do I file a complaint? To file a complaint, see the Investigations Division web site: www.dhhs.ne.gov/reg/investi.htm
What activities must be reported by a licensee, certificate holder, or registrant?
Every credentialed person who has first-hand knowledge of unlicensed, illegal or unethical activities is required to report (includes self-reporting) within 30 days of the occurrence. Failure to report may result in discipline. To view additional information relating to mandatory reporting, click on the options below:
- Mandatory Reporting Forms
Mandatory Reporting shall not apply:
- to the spouse of the person,
- to a practitioner who is providing treatment to such person in a practitioner-patient relationship concerning information obtained or discovered in the course of treatment unless the treating practitioner determines that the condition of the person may be of a nature which constitutes a danger to the public health and safety by the person's continued practice, or
- when a credentialed person who is chemically impaired enters the Licensee Assistance Program authorized by
How is a complaint reviewed, and what is the disciplinary process? The following provides information relating to the complaint, investigative, and disciplinary process.
- Investigations web site www.dhhs.ne.gov/reg/investi.htm
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