2007 brought about a number of legislative changes beneficial to audiologists and speech-language pathologists across the country related to professional licensure, insurance coverage for hearing aids, audiology doctoral degrees, addition of endoscopy procedures included in SLP scope of practice, and salary supplements. Some of this year's victories are listed below.
Professional Licensure
- District of Columbia - As a result of a collaborative effort between the District of Columbia (DC) Speech-Language-Hearing Association (DSHA) and ASHA, the District of Columbia City Council passed licensure regulations for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists that were signed into law by the Mayor Adrian Fenty early this year. With the passage of this legislation, all 50 states plus the District of Columbia regulate audiologists and 47 states plus the District of Columbia license SLPs.
- Maryland - The Maryland Legislature approved two bills, SB 340 and HB 326, requiring audiologists and speech-language pathologists to hold state license regardless of practice setting. Governor O'Malley signed the bill into law in May, 2007 and it becomes effective on October 1st. ASHA worked closely with the Maryland Licensure Board and Maryland Speech-Language-Hearing Association to ensure passage of this most important legislation. Maryland becomes the 12th state to require school-based practitioners to comply with state licensure requirements.
- Michigan - Michigan is closer to passing legislation that would require SLPs who practice in the state to retain a professional license. SB 493 would license SLPs in all settings but would exempt individuals who meet state Board of Education requirements and practice in educational settings. As of this writing, SB 493 is awaiting a decision by the Committee on Health Policy.
For more information on state licensing requirements check out ASHA's state resource guide which includes links to ASHA's model licensing bills.
Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids
- New Mexico - New Mexico joins 8 other states in mandating hearing aid coverage for children. Governor Richardson signed legislation in April that mandates hearing aid coverage for children birth-18 and 18-21 year-olds still in school. This comprehensive law which went into effect in July requires health insurance policies and health care plans to provide the cost of one hearing aid per ear of up to $2,200 for children with hearing impairments.
- Maine - SB 537 which was signed into law on June 28, 2007 requires insurers to provide coverage for the purchase of hearing aids of up to $1,400 per aid for individuals from birth-18. Coverage mandates require full compliance by 2010.
Doctoral Degree in Audiology
- Minnesota - In anticipation of ASHA's mandatory requirement for a doctoral degree in Audiology in 2012, state legislatures have begun to change their licensure laws to reflect these changes. Joining Ohio, New Mexico, Indiana, and Oklahoma, Alabama, and Georgia, Minnesota enacted legislation (SB26) in May, 2007; requiring audiologists to obtain a doctoral degree from a CAA accredited program or its equivalent by August, 2007.
Endoscopy Procedures included in SLP Scope of Practice
- Tennessee - SLPs in Tennessee scored a major victory with the passage of SB 1168 which includes the use of endoscopy procedures for the purpose of functional assessment of swallowing and communication disorders in the SLP scope of practice. A sustained and coordinated advocacy effort by TAASLP was required to ensure passage.
Salary Supplements
- Oregon - Oregon enacted legislation on July 27, 2007 via HB 3141 which is intended to attract and retain SLPs in educational settings. This comprehensive bill directs the state Department of Education to increase the number of qualified SLPs and Speech-language pathology assistants (SLPA) through a program which awards from $2,000-$9,000 grants to students studying to become licensed SLPs and SLPAs. The bill also authorizes the Department to award stipends to licensed SLPs who agree to provide training for SLP and SLPA students.
- Nevada - The Nevada Speech-Language-Hearing Association worked tirelessly throughout this past session to reinstate the salary bonus of 5% for SLPs in educational settings. With the passage of HB 565, SLPs can be assured of a bonus intended to recruit and retain qualified professionals in the Nevada schools.
- Rhode Island - Rhode Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association (RISHA) was successful in persuading Governor to reinstate the $1,750 annual stipend back into the 2007 budget. It is unclear, however, if funds will be available in the 2008 budget.
Expanded Outreach with Recognized State Associations
To encourage more proactive and supportive relationships with recognized state associations, a staff liaison from ASHA's State Advocacy Team will be assigned to one of four regions across the country. Each state will have a primary point of contact from the team to help enhance communication and collaboration with the state's volunteer leaders and to provide resources and technical assistance on legislative and regulatory issues. While this model will not be fully operational until 2008, members of the team will begin contact with state associations in the near future.
Janet Deppe serves as ASHA's Director of State Advocacy. Team members include Eileen Crowe, Director of State Association Relations, Janice Brannon, Director of State Special Initiatives, and Rend Al-Mondhiry, Director of State Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy. For more information, please contact Janet Deppe at jdeppe@asha.org.
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