<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" citation="COMAR 13A.05.12.03" title_num="13A" subtitle_num="05" chapter_num="12" heading="Administration.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Application. A parent or legal guardian of an eligible individual who has no immediate access to a hearing aid may submit a request for hearing aids, language and communication videos, or other resources on a form developed by the Department that includes:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The individual’s residential address;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A copy of the individual’s hearing evaluation from a licensed audiologist;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A copy of the individual’s medical clearance for hearing aids from an otolaryngologist;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>A statement from the parent or legal guardian explaining why the family is experiencing delays in acquiring hearing aids or needs a loan of hearing aids; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>The individual’s date of birth.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Loan Period. Except as provided in §C of this regulation, the Department may approve a loan of hearing aids for a period of not more than 1 year.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Loan Extension.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>On the request of a parent or legal guardian, the Department may extend a loan of hearing aids for an additional 1-year period.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Prior to each extension period, the Department shall consider the following factors to determine whether to extend the loan:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Insurance coverage or Medical Assistance eligibility;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The circumstances that necessitated the loan of hearing aids;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The parent or legal guardian’s plan to obtain access to another hearing aid; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>The number of previous extensions granted to the individual.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Loaned Hearing Aid Accountability.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A parent or legal guardian who borrows a hearing aid from the loan bank for an eligible individual shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Be the custodian of the hearing aid;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>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;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Be responsible for the proper care and use of the hearing aid;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Be responsible for any damage to or loss of the hearing aid; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Sign a written agreement provided by the State Superintendent that states the terms and conditions of the loan.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If the parent or legal guardian of an eligible individual receives a hearing aid on loan from the Loan Bank, the Department shall ensure that the eligible individual’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.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Language and Communication Videos. A parent or legal guardian of an eligible individual may download from a Department website language and communication videos and resources that offer:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Information about language and communication options to use with their deaf or hard of hearing child; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Resources to teach them the language or other means of communication that they choose to use with their deaf or hard of hearing child.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>