Health Occupations – Practice Audiology – Definition

This bill updates the legal definition of "practice audiology" in Maryland to clarify the specific duties and procedures that fall under the scope of the profession. The changes allow audiologists to evaluate, diagnose, manage, and treat auditory and vestibular conditions, as well as prescribe, order, sell, dispense, or fit hearing aids, sound processors, and cochlear implants. However, the legislation explicitly excludes surgical procedures, such as those involving lasers or scalpels, and the preparation or performance of radiographic imaging from the definition of audiology practice. These updates aim to modernize the regulatory framework for audiologists without altering the existing requirements for their licensure.