- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Reston Today
By the People, for the People
Kentucky Considers Expanding Audiology Scope of Practice
Proposed legislation aims to modernize audiology services and improve access to care.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Kentucky legislature is considering House Bill 444 (HB 444), which would update the scope of practice for audiologists in the state. The bill would allow audiologists to evaluate auditory and vestibular conditions, prescribe hearing aids, conduct health screenings, perform cerumen management, order certain tests, and prescribe topical medications. The American Academy of Audiology has submitted a letter to the state's House Standing Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations, emphasizing the importance of ensuring patients have access to comprehensive hearing healthcare while recognizing the need for statutory frameworks to keep pace with current clinical standards.
Why it matters
The proposed changes to Kentucky's audiology scope of practice are intended to modernize existing laws and reduce administrative barriers that can delay care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This is an important issue as access to comprehensive hearing healthcare services remains a challenge in many parts of the state.
The details
HB 444 would expand the scope of practice for audiologists in Kentucky, allowing them to perform a wider range of services. The bill would enable audiologists to evaluate auditory and vestibular conditions, prescribe hearing aids, conduct health screenings, perform cerumen management, order certain laboratory tests and non-radiographic imaging, and prescribe topical otologic pharmaceuticals. Supporters of the bill argue that these updates are necessary to modernize existing laws and improve patient access to care.
- The Kentucky legislature is currently considering HB 444.
The players
American Academy of Audiology
A professional organization representing audiologists in the United States, the American Academy of Audiology has submitted a letter to the Kentucky legislature regarding HB 444.
Kentucky House Standing Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations
The legislative committee in the Kentucky House of Representatives that is responsible for reviewing HB 444 and other bills related to licensing and occupational regulations.
What’s next
The Kentucky House Standing Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations will continue to review and consider HB 444 as the legislative process moves forward.
The takeaway
The proposed updates to Kentucky's audiology scope of practice have the potential to improve access to comprehensive hearing healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas of the state. As the legislative process continues, it will be important to balance the need for modernized regulations with ensuring patient safety and quality of care.
