Sec. 16801.

(1) As used in this part:

(a) "Audiologist" means an individual licensed under this article to engage in the practice of audiology.

(b) "Practice of audiology" means the nonmedical and nonsurgical application of principles, methods, and procedures related to disorders of hearing, including all of the following:

(i) Facilitating the conservation of auditory system function.

(ii) Developing and implementing hearing conservation programs.

(iii) Preventing, identifying, and assessing hearing disorders of the peripheral and central auditory system.

(iv) Selecting, fitting, and dispensing of amplification systems, including hearing aids and related devices, and providing training for their use.

(v) Providing auditory training, consulting, education, and speech reading to individuals with hearing disorders.

(vi) Administering and interpreting tests of vestibular function and tinnitus in compliance with section 16809 and in adherence to the mandate of subsection (2).

(vii) Routine cerumen removal from the cartilaginous portion of the external ear in otherwise healthy ears except that if the audiologist, while engaged in routine cerumen removal, discovers any trauma, including, but not limited to, continuous uncontrolled bleeding, lacerations, or other traumatic injuries, he or she shall, as soon as practically possible, refer the patient to a person licensed in the practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

(viii) Speech and language screening limited to a pass-fail determination for the purpose of identification of individuals with disorders of communication.

(2) Practice of audiology does not include the practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine and surgery or medical diagnosis or treatment.

(3) In addition to the definitions in this part, article 1 contains general definitions and principles of construction applicable to all articles in this code and part 161 contains definitions applicable to this part.

History: Add. 2004, Act 97, Imd. Eff. May 7, 2004 Popular Name: Act 368