LEGISLATION
To find the most updated information regarding regulations and legislative efforts in California, please visit the Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board by clicking here: https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/board_activity/lawsregs/index.shtml. You will find information regarding:
- Current Laws
- Current Regulations
- Law Books
- Proposed Legislation and Legislative Updates
- Proposed Regulations and Regulatory Updates
Legislative Update – April 1, 2026
From HHP/CA Legislative Director Joseph Bartlett, BC-HIS, ACA
Below is a summary and update of specific bills and other advocacy efforts of interest.
I. Major Legislative Mandates
- AB 224 & SB 62 (Expanded Coverage): Signed into law by Governor Newsom on October 13, 2025, this legislation integrates hearing health into California’s Essential Health Benefits (EHB) benchmark plan.
- Effective Date: January 1, 2027.
- Scope: Applies to all individual and small-group health insurance policies.
- Mandated Benefits: Includes annual hearing exams for all ages and one hearing aid per ear every three years.
- SB 1368 (Licensing & Reporting): This bill updates the 2025–2026 session requirements for providers operating multiple locations.
- Branch Office Licensing: Providers practicing at more than one location must now secure a specific "Branch Office License" for each site, replacing the "duplicate license" system.
- "Temporary Basis" Defined: Practice at secondary or temporary facilities without a branch license is permitted only on a "temporary basis," defined as a non-repeating, short-term period.
- Address Reporting: Licensees must notify the Board in writing of all practice addresses. Any change in business address must be reported within 30 days of commencing practice at the new location.