Rule 276-13-.01 - Unprofessional ConductO.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19 and 43-20-16 authorize the Board to take disciplinary action against licensees for unprofessional conduct or committing any professionally immoral act. Unprofessional conduct shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) Dispensing a hearing aid device or instrument in the absence of an appropriate dispenser/client relationship. An appropriate dispenser/client relationship exists when: 1. The licensed dispenser assumes the responsibility for the dispensing of a hearing aid device or instrument and exercises the judgment necessary regarding conducting testing, determining the suitability for use of a hearing aid, assisting with the selection of suitable aids to properly compensate the hearing condition, to fit aids to the client and to counsel and instruct in the use of the hearing aid device or instrument;2. The licensed dispenser has a sufficient knowledge of the client to initiate at least a general or preliminary determination of a hearing deficiency. This means that the dispenser has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the client by virtue of a proper examination and/or by appropriate and timely follow-up evaluation; and3. The dispenser is readily available for follow-up care in case of the failure of the device or instrument.(b) Failure of a licensed Georgia hearing aid dispenser to supervise an apprentice or training permit holder with regard to the minimum requirements stipulated for a Georgia licensed hearing aid dispenser supervisor as defined in rule 276-9-.01 and 276-9-.02.(c) Failure of a licensed Dealer to post office signage indicating training and apprentice permit holders are present and may be involved in the fitting and dispensing of hearing aid devices when utilizing training or apprentice permit holders.(d) Failure of a licensed dispenser, training or apprentice permit holder to wear a tag or badge identifying the license or permit held. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 276-13-.01
O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-20-6, 43-20-16.
Original Rule entitled "Unprofessional Conduct and Professionally Immoral Acts" adopted. F. Jan. 2, 2004; eff. Jan. 22, 2004.Amended: Rule retitled "Unprofessional Conduct". [The title was the only change to Rule.] F. June 9, 2008; eff. June 29, 2008.Amended: F. Jan. 29, 2015; eff. Feb. 18, 2015.Amended: F. Mar. 16, 2016; eff. Apr. 5, 2016.