HR 1106: Audiology Practice Modernization Act; urge state-wide support for passage

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

• 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.

1. 2026-02-25House Committee Favorably Reported (Cámara de Representantes)
2. 2026-02-02House Second Readers (Cámara de Representantes)
3. 2026-01-29House First Readers (Cámara de Representantes)
4. 2026-01-28House Hopper (Cámara de Representantes)

• Kim Schofield (D, HD-063)Patrocinador principal
• Viola Davis (D, HD-087)
• Sandra Scott (D, HD-076)
• Billy Mitchell (D, HD-088)
• Jasmine Clark (D, HD-108)

• audiology
• hearing healthcare
• medical licensing
• scope of practice
• rural healthcare