N.Y. General Business Law § 788: Legislative intent

§ 788. Legislative intent. The legislature recognizes and acknowledges

the value of hearing aids to many individuals with hearing loss and

recognizes the valuable service provided by hearing aid dispensers and

dispensing audiologists to such individuals by providing access to

appropriate amplification devices and other valuable services related to

their use. Due to the large number of individuals with hearing loss who

do not use hearing aids, the legislature furthermore recognizes the

positive benefits of the increased use of hearing aids. It is the intent

of the legislature and this article to protect the hearing-impaired

public by ensuring competent, honest and accountable dispensers of

hearing aids who will protect the health, safety and welfare of the

people of this state.

The legislature finds and declares that existing laws regulating the

dispensing of hearing aids have been ineffective in providing adequate

protection. To ensure against consumer abuses and thereby protect the

public, the legislature determines that more rigorous education,

training and business practice standards should be applied to those

persons registered to dispense hearing aids pursuant to this article. It

is the intention of the legislature to apply standards to more fully

protect the general public, and to ensure continued consumer access to

safe, reliable and appropriate hearing aid dispensing services.