Encroachment Article Clarification
The 2006–2008 Vice President for Professional Practices in Speech-Language Pathology Coordinating Committee submitted four articles on encroachment that were combined into one ASHA Leader article in the Dec. 15, 2009, issue. The topic was potentially controversial, but the committee determined that members should be informed about the views expressed by colleagues. Based on reader feedback, the committee wishes to clarify the following:
- The original article title was "Encroachment and Speech-Language Pathology," not "Role Ambiguity and Speech-Language Pathology." We regret the title change.
- The sentence, "It is ASHA's position that we don't own the scope..." should have read, "ASHA does not take a position on the scope of practice for our colleagues in other professions." ASHA stands behind the competency of its member SLPs to render services within their scope of practice; other professional organizations must do the same.
- ASHA members were concerned that "role ambiguity" might be interpreted as SLPs not knowing "what they are supposed to do." The committee intended to communicate the need for a working environment in which team members respect one another's expertise. An SLP is challenged to maintain a professional identity while functioning on a team—particularly when questions are raised about overlapping skills.
- The committee believes that SLPs must advocate and educate about how their knowledge and skills contribute to team effectiveness and high-quality services. ASHA offers resources that support SLPs' role and participation across the broad scope of practice.
The committee encourages continued discussion on this challenging topic.
Brian B. Shulman, chair
Suzanne Ducharme
Maureen Lefton-Greif
Sherry Sancibrian
Genncis Rosado
Lemmietta McNeilly, ex-officio
Employer Demands
Regarding the April 6 article, "Meeting Focuses on Skilled Nursing Facility Concerns," I would like to say "bravo" to ASHA for finding a diplomatic way to raise this issue of unreasonable employer demands with the firm representing the interests of rehab agencies. Balancing the needs of the membership with the financial liquidity of the organization is no small feat. Now that ASHA has cleared this hurdle, I hope it will continue the discussion, seeking tangible results.
I have concerns about some of the recommendations directed to SLPs on how to address employer demands. Although policies may be written to protect "whistleblowers," a company's first priority is to protect itself. Upon reviewing ASHA's Code of Ethics, previous employers have not hesitated to tell me that they "do not answer to ASHA" and that they "are not bound to follow ASHA's policy statements."
Perhaps if these employers knew that their practices were being scrutinized, they would think twice about strong-arming clinicians into having to make a choice between engaging in unethical/illegal practices vs. losing their jobs.
Recently, I sent a letter and copies of personal correspondence (writers' privacy protected) to Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York. Appearing recently on Meet the Press, he discussed how reducing health care fraud would effectively provide the funds to implement many of the proposed reforms. Sen. Schumer hasn't responded yet, but I hope he takes this message to heart. Perhaps I'll send him a copy of this article.
Denise Rogers
Greenville, S.C.
Accent Modification Resource
I agree with Patricia Cecil-Reed that accent modification truly is "the number-one best-kept secret" for speech-language pathologists, as mentioned in Judy Kuster's "Internet" column in the April 27 issue. I am embarking on a second career in this field and I have found it to be very challenging and rewarding. However, the article did not mention the excellent evaluation instrument by Lorna Sikorski, Proficiency in Oral English Communication (POEC). My clients expect a detailed analysis of their speech and a specific plan of instruction. This evaluation delivers the information needed to get started.
Vicki Hopgood
Rolla, Mo.