§ 8-604. Hearing aid loans.

   (a) In general. -- The Program shall lend a suitable hearing aid to a parent or legal guardian of an eligible child on receipt of:

   (1) A prescription from an otolaryngologist or a licensed audiologist; and

   (2) Any documents required by the Program to prove that the child is an eligible child.

(b) Loan period. --

   (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the loan period shall be for not more than 6 months.

   (2) The Program may extend the original loan period for additional 3-month periods if, prior to each extension, the Program determines that:

      (i) The child does not have immediate access to another hearing aid under Medicaid, the Maryland Children's Health Program, or private health insurance;

      (ii) The child's parent or legal guardian currently does not have the financial means to obtain immediate access to another hearing aid; and

      (iii) The child's parent or legal guardian is making reasonable efforts to obtain access to another hearing aid.

(c) Responsibility of parent or legal guardian of child. -- A parent or legal guardian who borrows a hearing aid for an eligible child shall:

   (1) Be the custodian of the hearing aid;

   (2) Return the hearing aid immediately to the Loan Bank on the expiration of the loan period or receipt of a suitable permanent hearing aid, whichever occurs first;

   (3) Be responsible for the proper care and use of the hearing aid;

   (4) Be responsible for any damage to or loss of the hearing aid; and

   (5) Sign a written agreement provided by the State Superintendent that states the term and conditions of the loan.

(d) Instruction about proper care and use of hearing aid. -- The Program shall ensure that the eligible child's otolaryngologist or licensed audiologist instructs the parent or legal guardian about the proper care and use of a hearing aid provided under the Program.

HISTORY: 2011, chs. 539, 540.