What is Specialty Recognition?
Specialty Recognition is a means by which audiologists or speech-language pathologists with advanced knowledge, skills and experience beyond the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-A or CCC-SLP) can be recognized by consumers, colleagues, referral and payor sources, and the general public. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) initiated the Specialty Recognition Program in 1995.
Who operates the Specialty Recognition Program for audiologists and speech-language pathologists?
ASHA' s Council for Clinical Specialty Recognition (CCSR) reviews and votes on petitions to establish Specialty Boards in specific areas of clinical practice. Once approved, a Specialty Board is responsible for operating the specialty recognition program in that area, including the review of individual applications and the conferring of specialist status on qualified applicants. The CCSR monitors the Specialty Board' s adherence to their approved program through ongoing communications and an annual report.
How can I locate a specialist?
Please contact the Specialty Board in Fluency or Swallowing.
What are the key components of ASHA's Specialty Recognition Program?
- Completely voluntary -- the program is predicated on the expectation that the majority of ASHA members will continue to practice as generalists.
- Non-exclusionary -- holding specialty recognition in an area is not required in order to practice in that area.
- Member-driven -- the establishment of Specialty Boards in areas of specialized clinical practice depends on the initiative of groups of ASHA members to submit petitions to the CCSR.
How does a Specialty Board in a particular area become established?
Establishing a Specialty Board is a two-stage process.
- Stage I -- a Petitioning Group defines the proposed specialty area, including the consumer population, and documents that the Petitioning Group is composed of practitioners who provide services in that area.
- Stage II -- the Petitioning Group details the plan by which they will verify that individuals meet the specified requirements for advanced knowledge, skills, and experience to be recognized as specialists in the specialty area.
Each stage involves a period of public comment during the application process. This is announced in ASHA communication vehicles for the purpose of seekinginput in support of or in opposition to the proposed specialty area/requirements. The CCSR may also seek additional input via independent verification.
How can I tell if someone holds Specialty Recognition?
Individuals who hold specialty recognition identify themselves as a "Board Recognized Specialist in ___________". It is similar in concept to medical specialists who are "Board Certified". To identify specialists in an area of clinical practice or to verify if an individual currently holds specialty recognition, contact the Specialty Board in that area of practice.
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