LITTLE ROCK, AR & LEXINGTON, KY — The Arkansas Academy of Audiology (ArAA) and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) today announced the enactment of Senate Bill (SB) 118, legislation designed to modernize audiology practice and improve access to hearing and balance healthcare across Arkansas.
The new law affirms that audiologists in the state are licensed to evaluate, diagnose, manage, and treat auditory and vestibular conditions. It also explicitly authorizes audiologists to prescribe and order prescription hearing aids, as well as to remove cerumen and foreign bodies from the human ear. In addition, SB 118 grants audiologists the authority to order radiographic and non-radiographic imaging, blood tests, and cultures related to auditory and vestibular care.
Sponsored by Senator Clint Penzo and Representative Mary Bentley, the legislation supports audiologists in delivering comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative services aligned with their education, training, and national standards. The measure is expected to increase access to timely audiologic care, particularly in rural and underserved communities throughout the state.
ArAA and ADA expressed their gratitude to the bill’s sponsors and to members of the Arkansas General Assembly for the strong bipartisan support behind SB 118. The organizations also commended Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for signing the bill into law swiftly.
“SB 118 will significantly improve access to audiology care throughout Arkansas. We thank policymakers from every corner of the state for recognizing the importance of modernizing laws governing the practice of audiology to better serve our citizens, particularly in rural and underserved areas.”
–Mary Chatelain, Au.D., President-elect of ArAA
“Passage of SB 118 will optimize patient outcomes by authorizing audiologists to practice to the full extent of their education and training,” said ADA President, Amyn Amlani, Ph.D. “This landmark legislation marries evidence-based practices with patient-centered care to eliminate unnecessary delays in treatment and reduce the cost of care.”
View recent ArAA and ADA testimony summarizing the merits of SB 118:
- Dr. Hope Gillison
- Dr. Amyn Amlani
- Dr. Kelley Linton
- Dr. Mary Chatelain
- Ms. Blair Casey
- Ms. Stephanie Czuhajewski
About ArAA
The Arkansas Academy of Audiology (ArAA) is dedicated to providing the highest quality hearing and balance healthcare using established best practices. ARAA is active in providing continuing education for hearing and balance disorders and treatment, and increasing public awareness of the audiology profession. For more information, visit www.araudiology.org.
About ADA
The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) is dedicated to the advancement of practitioner excellence, high ethical standards, professional autonomy and sound business practices in the provision of quality audiologic care. Visit www.audiologist.org for more information.
Source: ADA, ArAA
