(a) It shall be considered a violation of Arkansas Code § 17-84-101 et seq., to fit a child under the age of eighteen (18) years of age with a hearing instrument for the first time unless:
- (1) The child has had, in the past six (6) months, a medical examination by an otolaryngologist and an audiological examination by an audiologist holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence; and
- (2) Such examination indicates the need for a hearing instrument.
- (b) No child under the age of eighteen (18) years who has been fitted with a hearing instrument shall be fitted with a different hearing instrument unless a medical examination by an otolaryngologist and an audiological examination by an audiologist holding the certificate of clinical competence has been performed within the past two (2) years.