The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation proposes changes to the rules at 16 TAC, Chapter 112, Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers. The Department requests comments on the proposed rule changes and information related to the cost, benefit, or effect of the proposed rule changes, including any applicable data, research, or analysis.
What are the proposed rule changes?
The proposed rule changes:
- Require first-time renewal applicants for hearing instrument fitter and dispenser licenses to complete 20 hours of continuing education;
- Remove the requirement that the Department Commission adopt rules with assistance from both the Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers Advisory Board and Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Advisory Board;
- Eliminate the exception that allowed renewal for licensees who did not meet continuing-education requirements within their first 24 months of licensure;
- Allow hearing instruments to be sold to a minor with a written statement signed by any licensed physician, not only one specializing in ear diseases;
- Remove language that would require the six-year terms of three members of the advisory board to expire on February 1 of each odd-numbered year;
- Change the advisory board’s presiding officer’s term from one year to two years.
When and where can I review the proposed rule changes?
The proposed rule changes will be published in the Proposed Rules section of the Texas Register on May 8, 2026. To locate these proposed rule changes on or after that date just follow these steps:
- Click this link to the Texas Register.
- Select html or pdf format for the “Current Issue” if the date shown is the date published, or under “Previous Issues” if more than a week has passed since publication. (The Texas Register is published each Friday.)
- Scroll down and click on “Proposed Rules.”
- Look for the heading “Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation” and click the subheading “Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers.”
How and where can I submit comments and information on the proposed rule changes?
Comments and information on the proposed rule changes may be submitted online; by facsimile to (512) 475-3032; or by mail to Monica Nuñez, Legal Assistant, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711.
Any information that is submitted must include an explanation of how and why the submitted information is specific to the proposed rule changes. Please do not submit copyrighted, confidential, or proprietary information.
The Department will accept comments and information on the proposed rule changes until June 8, 2026.