The Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario
Hearing Instrument Specialist H.I.S.
1.0 Policy & Criteria
Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario – By-Laws, Article III, Section 3.1.1, defines Hearing Instrument Specialist (H.I.S.) as “Those who have met the educational requirements leading to a provincial certificate or diploma in the field of audiometric evaluation and hearing instrument provision and have successfully completed the international licensing examination (ILE) effective July 1, 2007 and who abide by the Code of Professional Conduct. The applicant must furnish a copy of their certificate or diploma. The applicant shall have successfully completed one thousand hours (1,000) of Internship as established in policy and governed by the Association. The Hearing Instrument Specialist H.I.S shall be certified in the practice of testing hearing, selection, fitting, counseling and dispensing of hearing instruments and associated devices, and the removal of cerumen from the external ear canal where a member’s practice includes it. Hearing Instrument Specialists whose practice includes the removal of cerumen from the external ear canal shall have successfully completed the educational requirements of AHIP for the removal of cerumen from time to time. Those who have met the previous educational requirements established by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Assistive Devices Program will also be eligible for certification.”
2.0 Process (Out of Province)
2.1 Membership application can be obtained from the AHIP office or the AHIP website.
2.2 The completed application, supporting documentation, past education and experience is to be sent to the AHIP office.
2.3 The AHIP office will send the information to the Chair of Membership who will bring forth his/her recommendations at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting.
3.0 Process (Current H.I.D. Members)
3.1 If the individual is already an H.I.D. member, the AHIP office will confirm the following:
- A copy of the individual’s provincially recognized certificate or diploma as per Appendix A.
- Proof of successful completion of the AHIP H.I.S. Internship program
- Proof of professional liability insurance for minimum of $2,000,000
- Proof of twelve (12) hours of AHIP approved continuing education units per calendar year
- Payment in the amount as determined by the Board
3.2 The Chair of Membership, at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting, will provide the names of the new H.I.S. members to be recorded in the minutes.
3.3 All certified members will be furnished with an appropriate H.I.S. certificate, evidencing such certification, which shall remain the property of AHIP and must be returned upon request by the Association.
Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario
Hearing Instrument Dispenser H.I.D.
1.0 Policy & Criteria
Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario – By-Laws, Article III, Section 3.1.2, defines Hearing Instrument Dispenser (H.I.D.) as “Those who have achieved a level 1 as outlined in the amalgamation proposal of O.H.A.A. and A.H.A.D. October 17, 1987 and have met the educational requirements as established by the Ontario Ministry of Health, Assistive Devices Program, or those who have met the educational requirements leading to a provincial and AHIP recognized certificate or diploma in the field of hearing instrument dispensing and abide by the Code of Professional Conduct. The applicant must furnish a copy of their certificate or diploma. The Hearing Instrument Dispenser H.I.D. shall be certified in the practice of fitting, counseling and dispensing of hearing instruments and associated devices, and the removal of cerumen from the external ear canal where a member’s practice includes it. Hearing Instrument Dispensers whose practice includes the removal of cerumen from the external ear canal shall have successfully completed the educational requirements of AHIP for the removal of cerumen from time to time.”
2.0 Process
2.1 Membership application can be obtained from the AHIP office or the AHIP website. 2.2 The application must be completed and sent to the AHIP office with the following:
- A copy of the individual’s provincially recognized certificate or diploma as per Appendix A
- Proof of professional liability insurance for minimum of $2,000,000
- Payment in the amount as determined by the Board
2.3 If the application is not complete or documents are missing the AHIP office will request such information from the individual.
2.4 When all documentation is complete and verified, the AHIP office will send a welcome letter and an AHIP binder on behalf of the Chair of Membership.
2.5 The Chair of Membership, at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting, will provide the names of the new H.I.D. members to be recorded in the minutes.
2.6 All certified members will be furnished with an appropriate H.I.D. certificate, evidencing such certification, which shall remain the property of AHIP and must be returned upon request by the Association.
Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario
Inactive Member
1.0 Policy & Criteria
Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario – By-Laws, Article III, Section 3.2, defines Inactive Member as; “A person who has been an active certified member who became inactive in his/her respective field and has, in writing requested inactive membership. Inactive members may remain inactive for a maximum of two (2) years. If, within two (2) years such an inactive member wishes to become actively engaged in the practice of providing hearing instruments, and has continued in the interval to meet the continuing education requirements as set out in Article IX 9.1.1, the inactive member shall apply in writing to the Membership Committee to be reinstated as an active certified member. The Committee shall consider on such application at its next meeting and if approved acceptable, the applicant shall be required to pay full dues as imposed on each member, such payment to be due at once and to be pro-rated from the date of granting such active membership to the end of the current fiscal year. Failure to apply for reinstatement as an active member within the two (2) years from the time inactive status was granted shall be reason for revocation of certification. Inactive members have no voting privileges.”
2.0 Process (Requesting Inactive Status)
2.1 Active certified members are required to request inactive membership status in writing, addressed to the Chair of Membership and sent to the AHIP office.
2.2 The AHIP office will forward the request to the Chair of Membership.
2.3 The Chair of Membership will review the request. If the Chair requires additional information, the AHIP office will contact the member to obtain such information.
2.4 The Chair of Membership will, at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting, make the appropriate motion.
2.5 If the motion is passed the AHIP office will issue correspondence to the member verifying this fact on behalf of the Chair of Membership.
2.6 Inactive members may remain inactive for a maximum of two (2) years and are required to obtain twelve (12) hours of AHIP approved continuing education units per calendar year.
2.7 If the motion is denied the AHIP office will issue correspondence to the member verifying this fact on behalf of the Chair of Membership.
3.0 Process (Re-instatement as an Active Certified Member)
3.1 If within two (2) years, an inactive member would like to be re-instated as an active certified member he/she must apply, in writing, to the AHIP office along with providing the following:
- Proof of professional liability insurance for a minimum of $2,000,000
- Proof of twelve (12) hours of AHIP approved continuing education units per calendar year
- Payment in the amount as determined by the Board
3.2 The AHIP office will confirm the supporting documentation and forward the request to the Chair of Membership.
3.3 If the Chair of Membership requires additional information, the AHIP office will contact the member to obtain such information.
3.4 The Chair of Membership will, at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting, make the appropriate motion.
3.5 If the motion is passed the AHIP office will issue correspondence to the member verifying this fact on behalf of the Chair of Membership.
3.6 If the motion is denied the AHIP office will issue correspondence to the member verifying this fact on behalf of the Chair of Membership.
Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario
Student Member
1.0 Policy & Criteria
Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario – By-Laws, Article III, Section 3.5, defines Student Member as “Those persons working to achieve Hearing Instrument Dispenser H.I.D. or Hearing Instrument Specialist H.I.S. certification, but have not met all the requirements of the terms as set out in sections 3.1.1 and 3.1.2 of the By-laws. Student members have no voting privileges.”
2.0 Process
2.1 A student enrolled any program listed in Appendix A can request a student membership application form via an AHIP representative visit to the class, from the AHIP office or the AHIP website.
2.2 The student membership application must include:
- Mailing address and e-mail address
- Signature and date on affidavit
- Name of educational institution currently enrolled
- Payment in the amount as determined by the Board
2.3 The application is sent to the AHIP office. The AHIP office will forward the names of the students applying for membership to the Chair of Membership.
2.4 Correspondence will be sent to the new student member on behalf of the Chair of Membership.
2.5 The Chair of Membership will, at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting, provide the names of the new student members to be recorded in the minutes.
Note:
Student members are not required to obtain a minimum of twelve (12) hours of AHIP approved continuing education units until the next calendar year begins, post graduation.
Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario
Re-certification Hearing Instrument Specialist H.I.S.
1.0 Overview
The re-certification program is only applicable to previously full or inactive members of AHIP who have been non-AHIP members for a maximum of five (5) years.
2.0 Policy
Individual must complete one hundred (100) monitored hours for every year of default, plus twelve (12) hours of AHIP approved continuing education units for every year of default. The continuing education units are not to exceed six (6) hours yearly by any one manufacturer.
3.0 Criteria
Clinical experience must be monitored by a Hearing Instrument Specialist (H.I.S.) who is an AHIP member in good standing; and/or an Audiologist, Reg. CASLPO member in good standing. The above noted Monitors must also have a minimum of two (2) years experience as a Hearing Instrument Specialist or an Audiologist.
The monitored hours must involve:
- Testing Protocol as outlined in section 1.0 of the AHIP Standards of Practice Policy, audiograms must be signed by the Monitor(s)
- Clinical experience with the hard of hearing representing a wide range of case management and follow-up care
- Selection and fitting of hearing aids as outlined in Section 2.0 of the AHIP Standards of Practice Policy
- Understanding the H.I.S. Scope of Practice and restrictive activities as outlined in section 3.0 and 4.0 of the AHIP Standards of Practice Policy
- Following Clinical Placement and Continuing Competency requirements as outlined in sections 5.0 and 6.0 of the AHIP Standards of Practice Policy
- Compliance with the AHIP Infection Control Policy
4.0 Process
4.1 Individual to request in writing to the Chair of Membership, detailing the rationale as to why he/she would like to re-enter the profession.
4.2 The Chair of Membership will review the request and will advise the Board of Directors of the individual’s intent at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting.
4.3 If the Board agrees to allow the individual to enter the re-certification program he/she will be sent a re-certification application form to be completed and returned to the AHIP office.
The application must include:
- Date of application
- Individual’s name, signature, address and contact information
- Monitors’ name, signature, address and contact information
- Location where re-certification will take place
4.4 When the application is received and verified, the AHIP office will provide the individual with correspondence outlining Board specific requirements and monthly monitor log forms.
4.5 Once the allotted monitored hours and continuing education units have been completed within the specified time frame, the individual will submit all documentation to the AHIP office.
4.6 The Chair of Membership will contact the Monitor(s) to determine if the Criteria as outlined in section 3.0 of this policy has be successfully completed. The Chair may also utilize a survey to be given to the Monitor(s) and/or Intern to assist in his/her assessment.
- If satisfied, the Chair of Membership will motion, at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting, to recognize successful completion of the re-certification program and to accept the individual as a full H.I.S. member (pending: payment of dues, re-certification fee and proof of professional liability insurance)
- The AHIP office will provide a confirmation letter to the individual and Monitor(s) on behalf of the Chair of Membership of successful completion of the re-certification program and obtaining full H.I.S. membership status
- If the Chair of Membership is not satisfied, the AHIP office will issue the individual verification of the fact on behalf of the Chair of Membership
Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario
Re-certification Hearing Instrument Dispenser H.I.D.
1.0 Overview
The re-certification program is only applicable to previously full or inactive members of AHIP who have been non-AHIP members for a maximum of five (5) years.
2.0 Policy
Individual must complete one hundred (100) monitored hours for every year of default, plus twelve (12) hours of AHIP approved continuing education units for every year of default. The continuing education units are not to exceed six (6) hours yearly by any one manufacturer.
3.0 Criteria
Clinical experience must be monitored by a Hearing Instrument Specialist (H.I.S.) who is an AHIP member in good standing; and/or an Audiologist, Reg. CASLPO member in good standing. The above noted Monitors must also have a minimum of two (2) years experience as a Hearing Instrument Specialist or an Audiologist.
The monitored hours must involve:
- Clinical experience with the hard of hearing representing a wide range of case management and follow-up care
- Understanding the H.I.D. Scope of Practice and restrictive activities as outlined in section 3.0 and 4.0 of the AHIP Standards of Practice Policy
- Following Clinical Placement and Continuing Competency requirements as outlined in sections 5.0 and 6.0 of the AHIP Standards of Practice Policy
- Compliance with the AHIP Infection Control Policy
4.0 Process
4.1 Individual to request in writing to the Chair of Membership, detailing the rationale as to why, he/she would like to re-enter the profession.
4.2 The Chair of Membership will review the request and will advise the Board of Directors of the individual’s intent at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting.
4.3 If the Board agrees to allow the individual to enter the re-certification program he/she will be sent a re-certification application form to be completed and returned to the AHIP office.
The application must include:
- a) Date of application
- b) Individual’s name, signature, address and contact information
- c) Monitors’ name, signature, address and contact information
- d) Location where re-certification will take place
4.4 When the application is received and verified, the AHIP office will provide the individual with correspondence outlining Board specific requirements and monthly monitor log forms.
4.5 Once the allotted monitored hours and continuing education units have been completed within the specified time frame, the individual will submit all documentation to the AHIP office.
4.6 The Chair of Membership will contact the Monitor(s) to determine if the criteria as outlined in section 3.0 of this policy has be successfully completed. The Chair of Membership may also utilize a survey to be given to the Monitor(s) and/or Intern to assist in his/her assessment.
- If satisfied, the Chair of Membership will motion, at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting, to recognize successful completion of the re-certification program and to accept the individual as a full H.I.D. member (pending: payment of dues, re-certification fee and proof of professional liability insurance)
- The AHIP office will provide a confirmation letter to the individual and Monitor(s) on behalf of the Chair of Membership of successful completion of the re-certification program and obtaining full H.I.D. membership status
- If the Chair of Membership is not satisfied, the AHIP office will issue verification of the fact to the individual on behalf of the Chair of Membership
Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario
Membership Fees & Registration Renewal
1.0 Policy
Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario – By-Laws, Article V – Members Fees, Section 5.1 states:
“The fees payable by a Hearing Instrument Specialist H.I.S., Hearing Instrument Dispenser H.I.D., Inactive Member, Associate Member, Student Member, or Retired Member, shall be those fees established by the Board and set out in a schedule to these By-Laws from time to time.”
2.0 Membership Fees
The Association’s membership runs from January 1st to December 31st.
A member can obtain a current listing of the amounts and categories of annual membership fees from the AHIP office or the AHIP website.
3.0 Registration Renewal
3.1 Members will be sent a membership renewal application in the mail during the month of October. Please advise the AHIP office if you have any changes to your name, mailing address, e-mail address or phone number.
3.2 Members are required to submit to the AHIP office a completed membership renewal application along with supporting documentation and payment by December 31st.
3.3 Supporting documentation to be sent to the AHIP office with the completed membership renewal application are:
- Payment in the amount specified on the application
- Proof of professional liability insurance for a minimum of $2,000,000
- Proof of twelve (12) hours of AHIP approved continuing education units per calendar year (unless otherwise submitted to the AHIP office throughout the year)
3.4 Renewal applications that are incomplete, missing documentation or insufficient payment will not be processed.
3.5 Seals and receipts for membership payments will not be issued until all documentation and payment have been confirmed.
3.6 If by December 31st payment and supporting documentation are not received then a late fee of $100 will be issued. No exceptions.
3.7 Failure to submit a completed renewal form, the required documents or payment by February 1st will result in automatic membership suspension with AHIP.
3.8 On February 2nd notification of the suspension will be issued to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care – Assistive Devices Program. The Assistive Devices Program upon receipt will suspend the authorizer and/or dispenser status with the program.
3.9 To be re-instated as a member in good standing of AHIP, suspended members will be required to submit missing documentation and/or required payment. A $500 re instatement fee will be charged. No exceptions.
Appendix A
AHIP recognizes the following educational certificate or diploma from the following provincial institutions:
George Brown College – H.I.S. Program , Ontario
Conestoga College – H.I.S. Program, Ontario
MacEwan University – H.I.P. Program , Alberta
Rosemont College – Audioprothesiste Program, Quebec
Douglas College – H.I.P. Program, British Columbia
Cegep de La Pocatiere – Audioprothesiste Program, Quebec
Humber College – H.I.S. Program, Ontario