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These are the issues that ASHA members discussed with their U.S. Representatives and Senators last month in Washington, DC.
Direct Access to Audiologists
Cosponsors are needed for the "Hearing Health Accessibility Act of 2003"-S. 1647 in the Senate and H.R. 2821 in the House-which would give Medicare beneficiaries the option of going directly to a qualified audiologist for hearing and balance diagnostic tests.
Retention of "Highest Qualified Provider" Language in IDEA
Grassroots advocacy is needed to preserve the "highest qualified provider" standard or its statutory equivalent for school-based SLPs and audiologists in any legislation reauthorizing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). A bill passed by the House, H.R. 1350, eliminates qualifications standards found in current law. This could result in unqualified or under-qualified individuals delivering school services. The Senate's qualified provider language in S. 1248 is an improvement over H.R. 1350, but still falls short of the qualification standards in current law.
Medicare Audiologic Rehabilitation (AR)
Cosponsors are needed for H.R. 3464, "The Medicare Audiologic Rehabilitation Act of 2003," introduced by Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA). This bill would allow Medicare coverage for audiologic rehabilitation and treatment services provided by qualified audiologists.
Separation of Speech-Language Pathology From Physical Therapy in Medicare Law
Cosponsors are needed for S. 568, which would make a vital technical correction to the Medicare Part B outpatient statute by separating speech-language pathology and physical therapy services in the law. Correcting this error would remove regulatory financial and paperwork burdens that restrict the ability of SLPs to bill Medicare from outpatient private practice settings.
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