<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<chapter num="07" heading="Cerumen Management" title_num="10" subtitle_num="41">
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Scope.">
    <text>These regulations govern persons licensed as audiologists in the State.</text>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Definitions.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>Terms Defined.</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>“Cerumen management” means the removal of cerumen which may affect the successful completion of audiological procedures.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>“Medical liaison” means a cooperative arrangement for consultation with a physician, preferably an otolaryngologist.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>“Universal precautions” has the meaning stated in COMAR 10.06.01.02B(10).</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Limitations.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>Before the removal of cerumen, the licensee shall obtain the informed consent of the patient, or legally responsible adult, and maintain documentation.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>During cerumen removal, the licensee shall comply with the principles of universal precautions.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Training, Knowledge, and Skills.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>The licensee shall be responsible for obtaining the training, knowledge, and skills necessary to perform cerumen management.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>Failure to obtain the training before performing cerumen management may subject the licensee to disciplinary action.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="C.">
      <text>The licensee shall obtain training that includes:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Principles of cerumen management including the anatomy of the ear canal and the ear drum and classification of cerumen;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Use of instruments;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>Techniques for cerumen removal;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(4)">
        <text>Recognition of complications;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(5)">
        <text>Recognition of contraindications including but not limited to:</text>
        <paragraph num="(a)">
          <text>Only hearing ear;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(b)">
          <text>Perforated tympanic membrane;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(c)">
          <text>Inflammation, tenderness, or drainage from the ear canal or middle ear;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(d)">
          <text>Ear surgery within the past 6 months or tympanostomy tubes;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(e)">
          <text>Diabetes mellitus, HIV infection, bleeding disorder, or other medical contraindications;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(f)">
          <text>Actual or suspected foreign body;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(g)">
          <text>Stenosis or bony exostosis of the ear canal;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(h)">
          <text>Dizziness occurring during cerumen removal;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Cerumen impaction that totally occludes the ear canal; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(6)">
        <text>Clinical experience gained under the direct supervision of a qualified professional.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="D.">
      <text>The licensee shall maintain documentation evidencing the satisfactory completion of the required training.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Precautions.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>The licensee shall have established a medical liaison as defined in Regulation .02B of this chapter before performing cerumen removal.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>The licensee shall refer patients to or consult with as needed the medical liaison for patients requiring cerumen removal who exhibit contraindications.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <annotations>
    <annotation type="Authority">Health Occupations Article, §§2-101(n) and 2-205(a)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: December 18, 1995 (22:25 Md. R. 1962)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .05B amended effective January 6, 2005 (31:26 Md. R. 1863)</annotation>
  </annotations>
</chapter>