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MaineLD 1413132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Amend Laws Governing Hearing Aid Dealers to Allow an Exception to Certain Hearing Examination Requirements

Sponsored By: Richard A. Bennett (Independent)

Became Law

LICENSINGLICENSING - AUDIOLOGISTS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

No-exam replacement for ill hearing-aid users

A dealer may replace your hearing aid without a recent exam in narrow cases. This applies at any age, only if federal law does not bar it. The new aid must match the old aid’s specifications. You must already use a hearing aid and be replacing one that was recently lost, stolen, or failing. You must also be too ill or infirm to attend an exam safely.

Religious objection exempts hearing exam

You do not have to get an ear or hearing exam if you object on religious grounds. The objection must be because the exam conflicts with the tenets and practices of your church or denomination.

Exam first when listed ear conditions

Dealers must delay fitting your hearing aid when they observe or are told you have a board‑listed medical condition. You must first get an ear or hearing exam from an otolaryngologist (ENT) or an audiologist. The exam must lead to a written recommendation for a hearing aid. The Board lists and defines the qualifying conditions by rule.

Stricter exam rules for kids' hearing aids

Dealers cannot sell or give a hearing aid to anyone 18 or younger without a signed note from a physician trained in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). The note must confirm an ear or hearing exam happened within the last 90 days and that a hearing aid is recommended.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Richard A. Bennett

    Independent • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Anne Graham

    Democratic • House

  • David Haggan

    Republican • Senate

  • Donna Bailey

    Democratic • Senate

  • Joseph M. Baldacci

    Democratic • Senate

  • Marianne Moore

    Republican • Senate

  • Matthea E. L. Daughtry

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rachel Henderson

    Republican • House

  • Samuel Zager

    Democratic • House

  • Scott Cyrway

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 166

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    5/27/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/27/2025House

  4. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-86).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/22/2025House

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-86) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-86).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    5/20/2025Senate

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/1/2025House

  7. Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    4/1/2025Senate

Bill Text

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