HCPC launches consultation on standards of proficiency for hearing aid dispensers

The standards of proficiency are the threshold standards for safe and effective practice in the UK and play a key role in public protection. They are divided into generic standards (which apply to all of the 16 professions the HCPC regulate) and standards specific to each profession. They are used when an individual professional applies for or renews their registration, or when concerns are raised about their competence. They are also used to approve education and training programmes.

The review of the profession-specific standards is an opportunity to make sure the standards of proficiency are relevant to each profession. No relevant or useful standards will be lost, but the language used may change to ensure the standards are appropriate and applicable to individual professions. Where it is appropriate to do so, the HCPC will aim to maintain as much consistency as possible in the standards between different professions.

Director of Policy and Standards Michael Guthrie commented:

“We are reviewing the standards of proficiency for hearing aid dispensers to ensure they continue to be set at an appropriate level for entry to the HCPC Register and are reflective of current practice. In developing the proposed standards, we have carefully considered initial feedback from the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists and are now seeking the views of a wide range of stakeholders.

“After the consultation, we will analyse the responses to decide if any further changes are needed. We will then publish the final standards as approved by our Council and will work with education and training providers to phase in the standards.”

The consultation will be of particular interest to education and training providers, employers, the professional body, and those who use the services of hearing aid dispensers.

The consultation will run from Monday 13 January to Friday 4 April 2014.