The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation adopted amendments to existing rules at 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 112, Subchapter B, §112.12 and §112.13; Subchapter D, §112.32; and Subchapter H, §112.70, regarding the Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers program.
The adopted rules implement Senate Bill (SB) 904 and SB 2075, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025), and update and clarify existing rules. The adopted rules remove the requirement that three advisory board members’ six-year terms all expire on February 1 of odd numbered years; extend the advisory board presiding officer’s term from one year to two years; require first-time renewal applicants for a hearing instrument fitter and dispenser license to complete 20 hours of continuing education; remove the exception that allowed license renewal for licensees who did not meet the continuing education requirements during their first 24 months of licensure; update and clarify the rules regarding the sale of hearing instruments; and add a provision that allows hearing instruments to be sold to a minor with a written statement from any licensed physician, not just a physician specializing in diseases of the ear.
The adoption justification was published in the August 28, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 5787). The updated rule chapter will be available in the Texas Administrative Code upon its effective date of September 1, 2026.