RCW 18.35.240
Violations -- Surety bond or security in lieu
of surety bonds.
(1) Every individual engaged in the fitting and
dispensing of hearing instruments shall be covered by a surety
bond of ten thousand dollars or more, for the benefit of any
person injured or damaged as a result of any violation by the
licensee or permit holder, or their employees or agents, of any
of the provisions of this chapter or rules adopted by the
secretary.
(2) In lieu of the surety bond required by this section, the
licensee or permit holder may deposit cash or other negotiable
security in a banking institution as defined in chapter 30.04 RCW
or a credit union as defined in chapter 31.12 RCW. All
obligations and remedies relating to surety bonds shall apply to
deposits and security filed in lieu of surety bonds.
(3) If a cash deposit or other negotiable security is filed,
the licensee or permit holder shall maintain such cash or other
negotiable security for one year after discontinuing the fitting
and dispensing of hearing instruments.
(4) Each invoice for the purchase of a hearing instrument
provided to a customer must clearly display on the first page the
bond number covering the licensee or interim permit holder
responsible for fitting/dispensing the hearing instrument.
(5) All licensed hearing instrument fitter/dispensers,
licensed audiologists, and permit holders must verify compliance
with the requirement to hold a surety bond or cash or other
negotiable security by submitting a signed declaration of
compliance upon annual renewal of their license or permit. Up to
twenty-five percent of the credential holders may be randomly
audited for surety bond compliance after the credential is
renewed. It is the credential holder's responsibility to submit
a copy of the original surety bond or bonds, or documentation
that cash or other negotiable security is held in a banking
institution during the time period being audited. Failure to
comply with the audit documentation request or failure to supply
acceptable documentation within thirty days may result in
disciplinary action.
[2002 c 310 § 24; 2000 c 93 § 2; (2000 c 93 § 1 expired January 1, 2003); 1998 c 142 § 18; 1996 c 200 § 30; 1993 c 313 § 11; 1991 c 3 § 85; 1989 c 198 § 10; 1983 c 39 § 18.]
NOTES:
Effective date -- 2002 c 310: See note following RCW 18.35.010.
Expiration date -- 2000 c 93 §§ 1 and 3: "Sections 1 and 3 of this act expire January 1, 2003." [2000 c 93 § 45.]
Effective date -- 2000 c 93 §§ 2 and 4: "Sections 2 and 4 of this act take effect January 1, 2003." [2000 c 93 § 46.]
Effective date -- 1998 c 142 §§ 1-14 and 16-20: See note following RCW 18.35.010.