Georgia CommonsHR 1106: Audiology Practice Modernization Act; urge state-wide support for passage
Last action February 25, 2026 · House Committee Favorably Reported
A Georgia House resolution urges statewide support for a proposed 'Audiology Practice Modernization Act' that would update the legal scope of audiology practice, without itself changing any law.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds.
In plain language
This is a House resolution, not a bill that changes Georgia law by itself. It expresses the Georgia House of Representatives' support for future passage of a separate measure called the 'Audiology Practice Modernization Act,' which would update the legal definition of what audiologists are allowed to do. The resolution cites statistics on hearing loss in Georgia and nationally, and states that updating the scope of audiology practice could improve patient access to hearing care, patient safety, and workforce efficiency, and reduce healthcare costs. It directs the Clerk of the House to send copies to the Governor, the Commissioner of Insurance, the commissioner of public health, the commissioner of community health, and all members of the General Assembly. It does not itself enact any changes to audiology licensing or scope of practice law.
What the bill does
- Declares the House of Representatives' support for statewide passage of a future 'Audiology Practice Modernization Act.'
- States a legislative position that the legal scope of audiology practice should be updated to reflect changes in healthcare, technology, and service delivery.
- Directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the Governor and several state health commissioners.
- Does not amend, create, or repeal any existing Georgia statute or licensing requirement on its own.
Who it affects
Audiologists, audiology assistants, hearing aid dispensers, hearing instrument specialists, and otolaryngologists in Georgia, along with the roughly 15 percent of Georgians the resolution says have some form of hearing loss, especially in rural areas.
Why it matters
Because this is a resolution rather than a bill, it carries no legal force by itself; it signals political support for a future law that could change what audiologists and related providers are permitted to do, which could affect how quickly Georgians can access hearing healthcare services.
Key provisions
- States findings on hearing loss prevalence in Georgia, noting over 15 percent of Georgians have some hearing loss, with higher rates in rural areas.
- Formally resolves that House members urge statewide support for passage of the 'Audiology Practice Modernization Act.'
- Directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies to the Governor, the Commissioner of Insurance, the commissioner of public health, and the commissioner of community health.
From the bill
“the members of this body urge state-wide support for passage of the "Audiology Practice Modernization Act," to modernize the scope of the practice of audiology.”
“clarifying the scope of the practice of audiology will increase patient access to hearing healthcare services, ensure patient safety, uphold high standards of care, improve workforce efficiencies, and reduce healthcare costs”
Status timeline
- House Committee Favorably Reported (House)
- House Second Readers (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Kim Schofield (D, HD-063)
- Viola Davis (D, HD-087)
- Sandra Scott (D, HD-076)
- Billy Mitchell (D, HD-088)
- Jasmine Clark (D, HD-108)
Topics
- audiology
- hearing healthcare
- medical licensing
- scope of practice
- rural healthcare