Rhode Island § 5-49-15 - Hearing Aid Dealers and Fitters
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 5-49-15 — Hearing Aid Dealers and Fitters, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-49-15. Hearing Aid Dealers and Fitters
R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-49-15
§ 5-49-15. Board — Creation — Composition — Appointment and terms.
(a) There is established a board of hearing aid dealers and fitters that guides, advises, and makes recommendations to the department.
(b)(1) Members of the board shall be residents of the state.
(2) The board shall consist of three (3) hearing aid dealers and fitters; one otolaryngologist; one audiologist; and one lay member who shall be a user of hearing aids and not employed in the practice of fitting and dealing in hearing aids.
(3) Each hearing aid dealer and fitter on the board shall have no less than five (5) years’ experience and hold a valid license as a hearing aid dealer and fitter, as provided under this chapter.
(4) Excepted shall be the hearing aid dealers and fitters of the first board appointed, who have no less than five (5) years of experience and fulfill all qualifications under § 5-49-7 as provided under this chapter.
(c) All members of the board shall be appointed by the governor.
(d) The term of office of each member shall be three (3) years; except that of the members of the first board appointed under this chapter, two (2) shall be appointed for two (2) years; two (2) shall be appointed for three (3) years; and two (2) shall be appointed for four (4) years.
(e) Before a member’s term expires, the governor shall appoint a successor to assume his or her duties on the expiration of his or her predecessor’s term. Upon expiration of the term of office, a member shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified.
(f) A vacancy in the office of a member shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term.
(g) A majority of seats filled shall constitute a quorum.
(h) The members of the board shall annually designate one member to serve as chair and another to serve as secretary-treasurer.
(i) No member of the board who has served two (2) or more full terms may be reappointed to the board until at least one year after the expiration of their most recent full term of office.
(j) Members of the board shall not be compensated for their services on the board.
History of Section.
P.L. 1973, ch. 243, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 117, art. 21, § 15;
P.L. 2025, ch. 134, § 8, effective June 24, 2025; P.L. 2025, ch. 135, § 8, effective
June 24, 2025.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 5-49-15
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 5-49-15 cover?
Section 5-49-15 ("Hearing Aid Dealers and Fitters") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 5-49-15?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 5-49-15" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 5-49-15 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.