Advocacy Wins for Audiologists and SLPs in 2023

January 24, 2024

Advocacy by ASHA members helped secure important policy victories in 2023 for audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). ASHA thanks you for your passion and commitment to improving the lives of individuals with hearing, balance, speech, language, swallowing, and cognition related disorders.

View 2023 Advocacy Wins

Advocacy on ASHA's 2023 Capitol Hill Day

More Efficient Service Delivery and Better Access to Care

Added 7 states to the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, for a total of 30
Successfully opposed policy proposals that could have limited access to gender-affirming voice therapy

Better Coverage of Services Expertly Provided by Audiologists and SLPs

Developed and valued new procedure codes for auditory osseointegrated device services and caregiver training under a therapy plan of care
Secured the most ever cosponsors on legislation to expand Medicare coverage of audiology services

Increased Support for a More Robust Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Workforce

Shaped Department of Education grant guidance to address shortages of educational audiologists and school-based SLPs and ensure the perspective of members who work in schools informs the Department’s needs assessments and data collection
Collected compelling data from members on the impact of telehealth and payment changes that helped maintain Medicare coverage of telehealth services at the same payment rates as in-person services through 2024

For a more complete overview of ASHA’s policy accomplishments, check out our 2023 ASHA Advocacy Successes infographic [PDF].

What’s Next?

See ASHA’s 2024 Public Policy Agenda for an overview of this year’s advocacy priorities. Visit ASHA’s Advocacy page to learn more about the key issues we’re working on and how you can build on this progress in 2024.