37-16-405. Trainee license. (1) An applicant who fulfills the requirements of 37-16-402 and who has not previously applied to take the practical examination under 37-16-403 may apply to the board for a trainee license.
     (2) On receiving an application under subsection (1), accompanied by a fee fixed by the board and commensurate with the cost of administering the license and related functions of the board and verification that the applicant has passed the written portion of the examination with a passing score as determined by board rule, the board shall issue a trainee license that entitles the applicant to engage in a 180-day training period during which the applicant:
     (a) is required to pass the practical examination administered by the board before being issued a hearing aid dispenser's license; and
     (b) shall work under the direct supervision of the sponsoring licensed hearing aid dispenser. During this time the applicant may do the testing necessary for proper selection and fitting of hearing aids and related devices and make necessary impressions. However, the delivery and final fitting of the hearing aid and related devices must be made by the trainee and the supervisor.
     (3) The training period must consist of a continuous 180-day term. Any break in training requires application for another trainee license under rules that the board may prescribe.
     (4) A trainee license may not be issued unless the board has on file an unrevoked statement from a qualified licensed hearing aid dispenser accepting responsibility for the trainee. Every licensed hearing aid dispenser supervising a trainee license holder shall submit a report every 90 days of the trainee's activities and training assignments, on forms furnished by the board. The supervisor is responsible for all hearing aid fittings of the trainee. A supervisor may terminate any responsibilities to the trainee by mailing by certified mail written notice to the board and the trainee.
     (5) (a) If a person who holds a trainee license takes and fails to pass the practical examination during the training period, the board may authorize the department to renew the trainee license for a period of 180 days, during which the provisions of subsection (2)(b) apply. In no event may more than one renewal be permitted.
     (b) The fee for renewal must be set by the board commensurate with the cost of administering the license and related functions of the board.
     (6) A person licensed as an audiologist under the provisions of Title 37, chapter 15, or a person practicing pursuant to 37-1-305 is exempt from the 180-day training period but is required to pass the examinations prescribed in this chapter.
     (7) A licensed hearing aid dispenser who sponsors a trainee is directly responsible and accountable under the disciplinary authority of the board for the conduct of the trainee as if the conduct were the licensee's own.
     (8) For the purposes of this section, "direct supervision" means the direct and regular observation and instruction of a trainee by a licensed hearing aid dispenser who is available at the same location for prompt consultation and treatment.

     History: En. Sec. 14, Ch. 204, L. 1969; amd. Sec. 299, Ch. 350, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 66-3014; amd. Sec. 41, Ch. 345, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 444, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 404, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 155, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 72, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 21, Ch. 481, L. 1997.