Licensing Board Conference 2024 (Recorded)-Licensing Board Conference 2024 Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The 2024 Licensing Board Conference, led by Christine Seitz, Manager of Government Affairs, focused on various pressing issues and updates in the hearing aid dispensing profession. The conference aimed to engage participants in discussions on best practices, solutions, and ideas pertinent to the profession. Attendees were encouraged to use the platform for active participation and to complete surveys related to hearing aid specialist licensure. <br /><br />Speakers included Seitz, Ciara Sharp, IHS’s Director of Professional Development, and Peter Mihalik, Health Policy and Advocate Director. Ciara Sharp highlighted updates on the International Licensing Examination (ILE) and the new practical exam for hearing health professionals. She shared pass rate data, indicating an increase in first-time success rates due to improved preparation and transparency. Challenges regarding exam logistics and approaches to enhancing candidate preparation were discussed.<br /><br />The conference also addressed governmental and legislative issues. Discussions centered around managing and addressing employment gaps, reciprocity agreements between states, and managing conflicts of interest on mixed boards. Participants shared their state-specific challenges and solutions, such as implementing or enhancing apprenticeship programs and maintaining ethical practices on mixed professional boards. <br /><br />Peter Mihalik discussed potential impacts of the 2024 U.S. federal elections on state policies, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring of federal changes affecting state regulations. The open forum provided attendees an opportunity to share experiences, raise questions, and discuss legislative efforts to make hearing aids more accessible. The conference concluded with a call for ongoing communication and collaboration among licensing boards, with an invitation to use IHS as a resource for future guidance.

Keywords

Licensing Board Conference

Christine Seitz

hearing aid dispensing

best practices

hearing aid specialist licensure

Ciara Sharp

International Licensing Examination

Peter Mihalik

governmental issues

employment gaps

federal elections