Georgia State Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
(478) 207-2440 phone
(866) 877-7127 fax
www.sos.ga.gov/plb/hearingaid/

Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards:
PLB is working diligently to become one of the most technologically advanced licensing agencies in the country.  Throughout this year we have continued to review our business processes and implement technology to increase our performance levels and customer service for our licensees and the general public.

This quarter we have continued to make improvements to the licensure process by implementing the first online applications.  We currently have online applications available for 23 license types with plans to add more throughout the remainder of the year.  There are many advantages to online applications, including ensured completion, decreased paper use, a higher degree of accuracy, and a faster application process. You can visit our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb to see a complete list of online applications.

Finally, during the third quarter we made significant progress in the outsourcing of the PLB Examination section.  Outsourcing the exam function of PLB allows us to offer more testing locations for some license types, more testing opportunities and overall budget savings for the State of Georgia.  More information will be available in the coming weeks as all outsourcing contracts are finalized.

PLB is committed to continually seeking and implementing initiatives to enable us to provide you with the best service possible.  We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the very near future.

Regards,
Randy Vaughn
Director of the Professional Licensing Boards

The Georgia State Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers consists of seven members: four hearing aid dealers or dispensers, one certified (or eligible for certification) by the American Board of Otolaryngology, one audiologist, and one consumer member. The Board is appointed by the Governor to protect, promote and preserve the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Georgia. The Board reviews applications, administers examinations, licenses qualified applicants and regulates the practice of licensees throughout the state. Typically, the Board meets quarterly for regular business and holds additional meetings as needed. Board meetings are open to the public with the exception of the executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary actions, and applications are discussed.

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.

Minutes from the Board meetings may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/hearingaid/.

Board Members:

Jeffrey Fargason, ACA, BC-HIS, Chair
Vaughn G. Bray, BC-HIS, CCCA, Vice-Chair
Dr. Donald N. Cote, M.D.
Ralph T. Jackson, Jr.
Henry Clayton Williams, Jr., B.A., BC-HIS
Kadyn Ochs Williams, Au.D.

Board Staff:

Brig Zimmerman
Executive Director
Georgia State Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers

2009 Meetings:

December 1, 2009 at 8:30 a.m

The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon.

Number of Active Licensees:

Actions Taken by the Georgia State Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers

September: The Board voted to revoke the license of the following individual:
• Fred Dyer, Union City

License Renewals:

Licenses expire as follows:

Hearing Aid Dealers and/or Dispensers – December 31 of odd numbered years

You may not practice as a Hearing Aid Dealer or Dispenser after the expiration date if you have not renewed your license by the expiration date.

How do I renew my license? 

You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the License Renewal icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been arrested, convicted of a crime or received a board sanction since the last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license.

The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at (478) 207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at (404) 463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice.

Disciplinary Issues:

The Board resolved a number of disciplinary issues this year, including substandard care and failure to perform client services. Addressing these issues on a case-by-case basis, the Board takes these matters very seriously and applies sanctions to those who violate the Georgia HADD Board’s Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/hearingaid/.

All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia State Board of Accountancy website.

Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-20-16 and at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19. State laws and Board rules may be found on the Georgia State Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers.

Georgia State Board of Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers Complaint Process Information:

Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or be submitted on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence indicating a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rules.

Investigations:

The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority.

Notification Process:

While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which are found on the Board website. Public disciplinary actions may be found on our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/publicorders/ .

Frequently Asked Questions:

A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440.