As used in this chapter, unless
the context requires otherwise:
(1) "Assistive listening device or system" means an
amplification system that is specifically designed to improve the
signal to noise ratio for the listener, reduce interference from
noise in the background, and enhance hearing levels at a distance
by picking up sound from as close to source as possible and
sending it directly to the ear of the listener, excluding hearing
instruments as defined in this chapter.
(2) "Licensed audiologist" means a person who is licensed by
the department to engage in the practice of audiology and meets
the qualifications in this chapter.
(3) "Audiology" means the application of principles,
methods, and procedures related to hearing and the disorders of
hearing and to related language and speech disorders, whether of
organic or nonorganic origin, peripheral or central, that impede
the normal process of human communication including, but not
limited to, disorders of auditory sensitivity, acuity, function,
processing, or vestibular function, the application of aural
habilitation, rehabilitation, and appropriate devices including
fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments, and cerumen
management to treat such disorders.
(4) "Board" means the board of hearing and speech.
(5) "Department" means the department of health.
(6) "Establishment" means any permanent site housing a
person engaging in the practice of fitting and dispensing of
hearing instruments by a hearing instrument fitter/dispenser or
audiologist; where the client can have personal contact and
counsel during the firm's business hours; where business is
conducted; and the address of which is given to the state for the
purpose of bonding.
(7) "Facility" means any permanent site housing a person
engaging in the practice of speech-language pathology and/or
audiology, excluding the sale, lease, or rental of hearing
instruments.
(8) "Fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments" means
the sale, lease, or rental or attempted sale, lease, or rental of
hearing instruments together with the selection and modification
of hearing instruments and the administration of nondiagnostic
tests as specified by RCW 18.35.110 and the use of procedures
essential to the performance of these functions; and includes
recommending specific hearing instrument systems, specific
hearing instruments, or specific hearing instrument
characteristics, the taking of impressions for ear molds for
these purposes, the use of nondiagnostic procedures and equipment
to verify the appropriateness of the hearing instrument fitting,
and hearing instrument orientation. The fitting and dispensing
of hearing instruments as defined by this chapter may be equally
provided by a licensed hearing instrument fitter/dispenser or
licensed audiologist.
(9) "Good standing" means a licensed hearing instrument
fitter/dispenser, licensed audiologist, or licensed
speech-language pathologist whose license has not been subject to
sanctions pursuant to chapter 18.130 RCW or sanctions by other
states, territories, or the District of Columbia in the last two
years.
(10) "Hearing instrument" means any wearable prosthetic
instrument or device designed for or represented as aiding,
improving, compensating for, or correcting defective human
hearing and any parts, attachments, or accessories of such an
instrument or device, excluding batteries and cords, ear molds,
and assistive listening devices.
(11) "Hearing instrument fitter/dispenser" means a person
who is licensed to engage in the practice of fitting and
dispensing of hearing instruments and meets the qualifications of
this chapter.
(12) "Interim permit holder" means a person who holds the
permit created under RCW 18.35.060 and who practices under the
supervision of a licensed hearing instrument fitter/dispenser,
licensed speech-language pathologist, or licensed audiologist.
(13) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.
(14) "Licensed speech-language pathologist" means a person
who is licensed by the department to engage in the practice of
speech-language pathology and meets the qualifications of this
chapter.
(15) "Speech-language pathology" means the application of
principles, methods, and procedures related to the development
and disorders, whether of organic or nonorganic origin, that
impede oral, pharyngeal, or laryngeal sensorimotor competencies
and the normal process of human communication including, but not
limited to, disorders and related disorders of speech,
articulation, fluency, voice, verbal and written language,
auditory comprehension, cognition/communication, and the
application of augmentative communication treatment and devices
for treatment of such disorders.
[2005 c 45 § 1; 2002 c 310 § 1; 1998 c 142 § 1; 1996 c 200 § 2; 1993 c 313 § 1; 1991 c 3 § 80; 1983 c 39 § 1; 1979 c 158 § 38; 1973 1st ex.s. c 106 § 1.]
NOTES:
Effective date -- 2002 c 310: "This act takes effect January 1, 2003." [2002 c 310 § 27.]
Effective date -- 1998 c 142 §§ 1-14 and 16-20: "Sections 1 through 14 and 16 through 20 of this act take effect January 1, 2003." [1998 c 142 § 21.]