The Georgia State Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers is a seven-member board appointed by the Governor to protect, promote and preserve the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Georgia. The Board is composed of four licensed, practicing hearing aid dispensers, a licensed medical doctor, a licensed audiologist and a consumer member. The Board reviews applications, administers examinations, licenses qualified applicants and regulates the practice of licensees throughout the state. Complaints are investigated and, if warranted, disciplinary action may be taken by the Board. Board meetings are held approximately four times each yearat the Secretary of State’s office in Macon and are open to the public. Persons wishing to bring matters for the Board’s consideration should submit a written request to the office.

Licensed hearing aid dispensers are individuals who shall dispense hearing aid instruments or devices to an individual client. Licensed hearing aid dealers are the offices, stores or locations which employ licensed hearing aid dispensers to dispense hearing aid instruments or devices to an individual client. Hearing aid dispensers are considered for licensure after meeting specific work experience requirements and examination. Hearing aid dealers are considered for licensure after submission and review of business related information as prescribed by the practice act.

On June 11, 2009, the spread of the H1N1 flu virus caused the World Health Organization to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6, the highest level. Georgia officials are currently preparing for the H1N1 influenza campaign and the seasonal influenza campaign that will be conducted during fall and winter. The Department of Community Health is asking all health professionals to serve as emergency response volunteers by signing up to assist with the 2009-2010 novel H1N1 vaccine immunization plan. For more information and to sign up for the online volunteer pool at www.servga.org.