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ASHA is seeking widespread comment on the revised draft model bill to assist states with implementing legislation, regulations, or voluntary compliance plans for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs. The original state model bill, first developed in 2000 with revisions in 2002 and 2004, was intended to be a cafeteria style bill where EHDI advocates can choose provisions most appropriate for their state.
Since 1998, the number of states with EHDI legislation has dramatically grown from 12 to 40, plus the District of Columbia. However, as states have implemented their EHDI laws, some have found that certain sections of their laws need to be strengthened—particularly in the coverage, reimbursement, and coordination of appropriate intervention services, as well as family support services. You may have found from your experiences in your own state that further changes are needed to help EHDI programs become more effective.
We would appreciate receiving your comments by Friday, May 9, 2008. Comments may be submitted online on the peer review section of ASHA's Web site or by sending your written comments to the attention of Rend Al-Mondhiry, ASHA's Director of State Legislative and Regulatory, by e-mail at ral-mondiry@asha.org, by fax at 301-296-8577, or postal mail, at 2200 Research Boulevard #220, Rockville, Maryland 20850.
For further information, questions or to submit comments, please contact Rend Al-Mondhiry via e-mail or by phone at 800-498-2071, ext. 5665. Or, please visit ASHA's EHDI Action Center.
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