2013 Maryland Code
EDUCATION
§ 8-604 - Hearing aid loans.

§8-604.

(a) 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) (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) 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) 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.