It’s Time to Modernize
Audiology Licensing in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s audiology statute was written in 1989—the same year Field of Dreams premiered. More than three decades later, the profession has transformed. Audiologists now complete a four-year doctoral degree, a 12-month externship, and more than 1,800 hours of supervised clinical training. Yet our state law still limits audiologists to a scope of practice that no longer reflects their education or the needs of Wisconsin residents.

The Wisconsin Academy of Audiology’s Government Affairs Committee has spent over two years working with state legislators to update this outdated framework and to ensure patients across Wisconsin—especially seniors, veterans, and rural residents—have faster, safer, more affordable access to hearing and balance care.

A new draft bill, LRB-5698/1, has now been introduced for co-sponsorship. It is authored by Rep. Cindi Duchow, Rep. Lisa Subeck, and Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, who are inviting all legislators to join them in supporting this important modernization effort.

This proposal does not expand audiologists’ scope beyond what is already recognized by federal programs such as Medicare and the VA. Instead, it clarifies, updates, and streamlines Wisconsin law to match current training standards, improve patient access, and eliminate unnecessary barriers.

Everything you need to understand the bill—including what it changes, why it matters, and how it benefits patients—is provided in the four resources linked below.

Please educate yourself, then contact your state legislators and urge them to co-sponsor LRB-5698/1.