Press Release

HPC and HAC launch joint consultation on standards and qualification entry level for hearing aid audiologists/dispensers

Tuesday, July 15 2008

Today the Health Professions Council (HPC) and the Hearing Aid Council (HAC) have launched a joint consultation on the standards of proficiency and the threshold level of qualification for entry to the Hearing Aid Audiologists/Dispensers part of the HPC register.

In 2005, the Government announced that the Hearing Aid Council was to be abolished and its registration and regulation functions transferred to the Health Professions Council.

In preparation for the transfer the HPC and HAC are consulting together in recognition of the role each organisation plays as statutory regulators and the expertise of each organisation in developing standards.

Marc Seale, Chief Executive for the HPC, commented, "We are looking forward to listening to stakeholder views on the standards of proficiency and the threshold level of qualification entry for hearing aid dispensers/audiologists parts of the HPC register.

"The HPC is experienced in taking on new professions and setting standards for registrants by collaborating with our stakeholders and ensuring that they are robust and fit for purpose. We very much want to hear the views of different stakeholders before any decisions are taken.

"We are looking forward to the results of this consultation and to continuing to work effectively and in collaboration with HAC and stakeholders from this profession. The HAC continue to be supportative about the transfer and we're confident it will be a smooth transition in spring 2009".

When the Hearing Aid Council is abolished and its functions are transferred to the HPC, the HAC code of practice and standards of competence will be replaced by Standards of Proficiency: and the threshold qualification within the Standards of Education and Training. Dispensers will also be required to meet the HPC’s standards of conduct, performance and ethics: standards that are common to all professionals regulated by the HPC.

Sandra Verkuyten, Chief Executive for the HAC, commented, "The HAC strongly supports the transfer to the HPC which we believe will be good for consumers and good for the industry.  We are working closely with our stakeholders, especially the HPC, to make sure the handover is a success and I would urge everyone to have their say on these standards by participating in the consultation". 
 
Although the legislative process to transfer the regulation of hearing aid audiologists/dispensers has begun, the necessary legislation has yet to be passed. However, both the HPC and HAC believe that it is important to start work as early as possible to allow enough time to benefit from the input of stakeholders and therefore have launched this three month public consultation.