The powers and duties of the Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers are:
(1) To authorize all disbursements necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter and to receive and account for all fees;
(2) To furnish a list of study materials for applicants to use in preparing for qualifying examinations;
(3) To ensure that at least one (1) time each year a qualifying examination based on nationally accepted norms to test the knowledge and proficiency of applicants is administered;
(4) To register, issue, and renew licenses and internships to persons qualified under this chapter and to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew licenses and internships pursuant to this chapter;
(5) To make rules not inconsistent with the laws of this state that are necessary for the enforcement and orderly administration of this chapter. However, no rule shall be promulgated that in any manner serves to restrict the number of licenses that may be issued in any city, town, or county of this state;
(6)
(A) To require the periodic inspection and calibration of audiometric testing equipment and tympanometers and to carry out the periodic inspection of facilities of persons who practice the fitting or selling of hearing instruments.
(B) The board may inspect an established place of business during regular hours of operation;
(7) To employ and retain the services of attorneys, accountants, and other necessary assistants in carrying out the provisions of this chapter;
(8) To require, if the board deems necessary, an applicant, dealer, or licensee to furnish a surety bond in an amount fixed by the board for the benefit of any person damaged as the result of a violation of this chapter. All requirements pertaining to the surety bond may be promulgated by rule of the board;
(9) To set the following fees:
(A) An application fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250);
(B) An examination fee not to exceed:
(i) Three hundred dollars ($300) for the written examination; and
(ii) Fifty dollars ($50.00) each for the earmold practicum, the audiometric practicum, and the law and rules practicum;
(C) A reexamination fee not to exceed the fee under subdivision (9)(B) of this section for the portion of the examination being retaken;
(D) A permanent registration fee not to exceed seventy-five dollars ($75.00);
(E) An annual license fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250);
(F) A late penalty of ten percent (10%) of the annual license fee if paid within thirty (30) days after expiration;
(G) A license reinstatement fee of one and one-half (1 ½) times the annual license fee, if the renewal fee is not paid within the thirty-day grace period;
(H) An internship fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250);
(I) A fee for an endorsement to another state not to exceed twenty dollars ($20.00);
(J) A license replacement fee or a duplicate license fee not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00);
(K) An insufficient funds fee not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00); and
(L) A continuing education unit approval fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250);
(10)
(A) To request the use of Department of Health investigators, issue subpoenas, and perform all activities necessary to effectively investigate claims and pursue disciplinary action against licensees.
(B) The board may inspect or may authorize the Department of Health investigators to inspect an established place of business during regular hours of operation; and
(11) To establish the standards of practice for hearing instrument dispensers in the State of Arkansas.