Rhode Island General Laws Title 5. Businesses and Professions § 5-49-1. Definitions

(1) “ Audiologist” means an individual licensed to practice audiology by the department of health.

(2) “ Board” means the board of hearing aid dealers and fitters.

(3) “ Department” means the department of health.

(4) “ Hearing aid” means any wearable instrument or device designed for or offered for the purpose of aiding or compensating for impaired human hearing, and any parts, attachments, or accessories, including ear molds, but excluding batteries and cords.

(5) “ License” means a license issued by the state under this chapter to hearing aid dealers and fitters.

(6) “ Practice of fitting and dealing in hearing aids” means the evaluation and measurement of human hearing by means of an audiometer or by any other means solely for the purpose of making selections, adaptations, or sale of hearing aids, including ordering the use of hearing aids. The term also includes the making of impressions for ear molds. This term does not include the making of audiograms for a physician or a member of related professions for use in consultation with the hard of hearing.

(7) “ Sell” or “ sale” means any transfer of title or of the right to use by lease, bailment, or any other contract, excluding wholesale transactions with distributors or dealers.

(8) “ Temporary permit” means a permit issued while the applicant is in training to become a licensed hearing aid dealer and fitter.