How many members on the committee must hold a hearing aid dispenser license and appropriate certification for at least three years prior to appointment?

• A. One
• B. Three
• C. Five
• D. Seven

Answer: (B)

Having experienced practitioners on a regulatory committee helps ensure decisions are grounded in real-world practice and protect the public interest. The rule specifies a minimum number of committee members who must hold a hearing aid dispenser license and the appropriate certification for at least three years before they can be appointed. This requirement guarantees that the committee includes members with substantial, current practice experience and familiarity with professional standards, ethics, and the regulatory landscape. It also helps balance expert input with other perspectives on the panel.

If there were fewer than this threshold, the committee might lack sufficient professional insight to oversee licensing, discipline, and standards effectively. The number isn’t intended to be large or arbitrary; it’s set as a practical minimum to ensure credibility and informed governance. The other options don’t fit because they either fall short of or exceed the statutorily mandated minimum, whereas the statute specifies this specific threshold for license-holders with the stated experience.