Editor’s note: The following commentary has been released for publication by the office of State Rep. Scott Johnson.

Rep. Scott Johnson, R-Jefferson, of the 33rd Assembly District voted in favor of Assembly Bill 431 which would allow hearing instrument specialists/hearing practitioners to engage in cerumen management, otherwise known as earwax removal.

What may seem one small part of an overall medical practice, this service is crucial to allowing practitioners to be able to collect on services they provide and allow patients to have an all-in-one type experience. As it is currently, if a patient is impacted with wax, they must be sent to a licensed audiologist or an ENT (ear, nose, throat doctor.) This current way of doing things draws out the process into weeks and months due to scheduling and lack of licensed professionals in our workforce.

AB 431 will provide patients who are the consumers, the ability to have a choice in their care rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

“I am confident this will go to the governor’s desk and will get signed into law. Some may see this as a small bill, but I see its effect to be enormous in a much needed, positive way. For those reasons, I was proud to work with my friend, Rep. Donna Rozar on this legislation and greatly appreciate her bringing this issue to the forefront of discussion in the People’s House,” Johnson said. 

The 33rd Assembly District, represented by Scott Johnson, R-Jefferson, includes the communities, in part or full, of Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Milton, Helenville, Hebron, Sullivan, Oakland and Palmyra. A portion of the city of Whitewater, which resides in Jefferson County, also is included.