State Licensure

The primary purpose of professional regulation is consumer protection, which is performed at the state level through licensure laws. Audiology licensure is now required in all 50 states**. Each state establishes its own licensing Statutes, Rules, and Regulations. Many states still require a separate Hearing Aid Dispenser license for audiologists to dispense hearing aids. ADA encourages its members to advocate for legislative action in those states to include dispensing under the audiologist license and to do away with the unnecessary dual licensure.

The following State Licensure table (below) is provided to assist audiologists in locating state licensing boards and to identify which states require dual licensure. It is always advisable to contact your state's licensure board for current licensure requirements.

Model Licensing Law - Time for Change
There is a major trend for state audiology licenses to update their statutes to recognize and mandate the Au.D. degree as a requirement for all new licensees. State license laws are typically reviewed periodically, and it is essential for audiologists to actively advocate for requiring the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree as the minimum educational requirement for all first-time licensees. The ADA has developed a model license law to assist with such advocacy:

» View Model Licensure Statute

DISCLAIMER: The foregoing information is provided as a resource for audiologists. ADA makes no warranty or recommendation as to the accuracy or suitability of the information for your particular situation. Neither ADA, nor any of its officers, directors, agents, employees, committee members or other representatives shall have any liability for any claim, whether founded or unfounded, of any kind whatsoever, including, but not limited to, any claim for costs and legal fees, arising from the use of these opinions.