Wisconsin Bill Seeks to Update Audiology Scope of Practice

Earlier this year, the Wisconsin legislature introduced Assembly Bill 820 (AB 820), which is scheduled for a public hearing on January 14. AB 820 updates the existing statute by:

1. Adding explicit diagnosis, management, and treatment authority to the definition of audiology
2. Authorizing audiologists to perform cerumen removal and foreign body removal
3. Allowing audiologists to order cultures, bloodwork, imaging, genetic testing, and prescription medications as part of patient care
4. Establishing clear exclusions related to surgery and imaging interpretation, ensuring appropriate safeguards and professional boundaries

The Academy supports policies that allow audiologists to practice at the top of their education, training, and licensure to improve patient access to high-quality hearing and balance care. Wisconsin Assembly Bill 820 seeks to modernize the statutory definition of the practice of audiology to the benefit of the public. We are supportive of these efforts, so long as appropriate patient and practitioner safeguards are established.