Legislative NewsA recent change the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) made to the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual jeopardizes access to care for Medicare beneficiaries and undermines state laws designed to regulate provisional licensees such as speech-language pathology clinical fellows (CFs). It also threatens the livelihood of CFs whose employment relies on the ability to submit claims to payers like Medicare. Further, we have been informed that CMS is not conducting audits to recoup funds for services that were delivered by CFs in recent years under the outdated guidance not updated by CMS. The goal is to Ensure that CMS develops a definition of licensure that recognizes the significant achievement of CFs including, but not limited to, graduating from a masters or doctoral program, and obtaining a state license (under which the scope of practice between a CF and "full" SLP is not different). To reach that goal, ASHA is advocating for CMS to update its qualified provider requirements and has asked to meet with CMS staff to walk through the relevant federal and state legislative and regulatory history, explain why provisional licensure must be included in federal personnel qualifications for SLPs, and strongly advocate for their inclusion in Medicare. Keep an eye on ASHA Advocacy News for updates. You can also send an email to [email protected] if you have questions about Medicare policy and advocacy. By joining MSLHA, you are taking part in advocacy for Maine Speech Language Pathologists, Audiologists, and Assistants. We will work closely with ASHA to continue to provide updates as we receive them through email and social media. There are things you can do today to push for change. First, please sign this petition by June 25 to join us in imploring CMS to revise its interpretation of the term "licensure" to include the provisional licensure states issue to new graduates in the process of completing their supervised clinical mentorship. Moving forward, stay informed. Read more about this issue in a Q&A from ASHA on Medicare Part B Updates to stay in the know. The ASHA Advocacy webpage will you keep you informed of all the latest changes regarding this issue and many others. Further, you can always visit the ASHA website for advocacy opportunities that are as easy as clicking a button. We know that this is a confusing, time and there is not a lot of information yet to determine what this means for our Clinical Fellows and their supervisors. We are asking you to not only help us through signing the petition, but also updating us on social media or through email with resources to send out to membership and verified information. We have learned that change comes through working together and supporting each other. Thank you for standing with us. Together we rise, MSLHA Executive Council
New England's Interstate Compact PassedMaine became the 29th state to pass the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact! The ASLP-IC will allow audiologists and SLPs who have a license in a member state to obtain a privilege to practice in other member states. This will benefit audiologists, speech-language pathologists, consumers and states by:
The ASLP-IC is expected to start issuing privileges to practice in 2024 contingent on implementation of a data system to connect the Commission with state licensing boards. In the meantime, the Commission is still meeting and developing rules, bylaws, and policies. Once the compact is operational there will be information on the website on how to apply for a privilege to practice. Susan Adams, Esq., CAE Director, State Legislative & Regulatory Affairs American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
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Maine Speech Language Hearing Association | [email protected] |
The mission of the Maine Speech Language Hearing Association (MSLHA) is to serve speech-language pathologists, audiologists, students and other communication specialists by providing resources, information, advocacy, networking, educational programs, and public awareness to deliver the highest quality of care for the individuals they serve. MSLHA is a 501 (c) 6 non-profit.
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