Prioritizes certain issues in profession for the year to come
ASHA’s recently approved Public Policy Agenda attempts to identify and prioritize the top issues within audiology and speech-language pathology for 2021.
As you can imagine, following a year like 2020 the list of agenda items is quite extensive, and covers issues that impact everyone associated with the profession, from professionals and caregivers to students and even patients and their families.
Designed for each of these entities, the Agenda endeavors to address numerous professional issues while reflecting the concerns and ongoing commitment of ASHA to serving each population.
Some highlights of the newly approved Agenda:
- Advocate for expanded coverage of audiology and speech-language pathology services delivered by means of telepractice, and support reimbursement parity between telepractice and in-person services.
- Advocate for comprehensive coverage and equitable reimbursement for audiology and speech-language pathology services, including early intervention services.
- Advocate for public policies that promote equitable access to school-based audiology and speech-language pathology services, multiple models of service delivery, and telepractice technology.
- Advocate for public policies that support school-based audiologists and speech-language pathologists in acquiring materials, technology, and training to deliver services effectively and equitably across multiple models of service delivery.
- Advocate for evidence-based public health policies that support a safe working environment, such as the provision of adequate and appropriate PPE, flexible working hours, additional paid sick leave, and telepractice technology.
- Advocate for public policies that support the licensure and certification standards of audiologists and speech-language pathologists, and their ability to practice at the top of their license at all times.
ASHA encourages each of its members to become involved in not only the Association but also the future of policymaking and the formulation of future Agendas. “By working together, we can most effectively educate, inform, and persuade lawmakers, policymakers, and other decision makers to take actions that benefit the professions as well as the patients, clients, and students we serve,” read an item on the ASHA website.
SOURCE: ASHA
