The SAA’s advocacy updates are designed to provide key updates regarding advocacy news and initiatives as identified from the SAA Public Outreach Committee. We know everyone is busy, so we’ve specially formatted the information to be a quick and easy way to get the information that is most relevant to you so you can get out there and advocate! Download a PDF version of the most recent newsletter or scroll down to read the latest update! Past advocacy updates can be found at the bottom of the web page.
January 2023
Legislative Updates
The Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act
The Academy is working with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) on legislation that will reclassify audiologists as “practitioners”. This reclassification will provide additional opportunities under Medicare, such as allowing patients direct access to audiologists and expand audiological services to include treatment. Read the Academy’s Issue Brief on the Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act.
The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act
This legislation would make scholarships/stipends available to students typically underrepresented in audiology as well as occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and physical therapy. The Academy worked to include language that includes ACAE accredited programs as eligible educational entities and specifies the Academy as an organization charged with the disbursement of funds. This legislation passed the House of Representatives in the 116th Congress and will be reintroduced imminently.
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For more information regarding national SAA and advocacy, or for questions, comments, and suggestions, contact Kelly Schroeder, SAA public outreach committee chair, kellyschroeder.saa@gmail.com