SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

Jeanne McMillan, VP SLP

Committee members are very busy preparing for the new legislative session.   In conjunction with ISHA’s lobbyist, Mark Scherer, committee members are working diligently to prepare ISHA’s response to the following:

1. An anticipated proposal/bill by Indiana’s occupational therapists regarding the addition of dysphagia to their scope of practice.   Thank you to committee members, Mary Jo Germani, Dee Combs, Dawn Wetzel, Melissa McGrath, Elizabeth Baldwin and Teresa McClain who have all put in many hours towards this issue.   
2. HB 1051 in regard to credentialing of Music Therapists in Indiana.
3. In addition, a task force is forming to develop information regarding emergency permits for those serving students in the schools. This task force is headed by Rachel Ross-Kroemer, ISHA president elect.

ISHA takes a very active role in monitoring and responding to legislative issues that have potential to directly or indirectly impact our profession in the state of Indiana.  We work closely with ASHA for assistance and guidance.  Should you wish to become involved in this process, do not hesitate to contact Jeanne McMillan, ISHA VP of Speech Language Pathology or Ruth Ann Morrell, ISHA President.

 

 

MARKETING

Susan Latham, VP Marketing

To the world you may be one person,

but to one person, you may be the world!

Help our future professionals by participating in
ISHA's new mentoring initiative!

ISHA is launching a mentoring program. Student members of ISHA are paired with speech language pathologists and audiologists who provide guidance, feedback and support for career development in a meaningful, one-to-one relationship. Get involved as a mentor or mentee. Sign up at ISHA convention in April. If you are interested in helping to coordinate the mentoring program, please contact Susan Latham at slatham@saintmarys.edu.

The Marketing Committee is still searching for volunteers to participate in "Share Your Stories Indiana!" By sharing your human interest stories you make our professions accessible and real to the public. Tell us why you decided to become a speech language pathologist or audiologist. Tell us the powerful stories of how you have made a difference in the lives of children and families or have your clients/patients share their stories. We want to share your stories on our website. You can submit a written essay or we can send someone to film your story. Contact Susan Latham at slatham@saintmarys.edu to schedule a date for filming. You may submit your written essay anytime to the same email address.

 

ISHA has followed with great interest the development of the Indiana Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education (CDHHE).

 

You can access the proposal CDHHE Transition Plan 2012 and more information about this transition process through the ISHA website.

 

ISHA encourages you to take time to read over this information and respond with your comments. Perhaps you were a member of the stakeholder group, if so we would love to hear your feedback. ISHA represents a diverse group of professionals and the development of the CDHHE touches many of us.

 

Replies requested by Friday, January 25, 2013.

 

SMAC stands for ASHA’s State Medicare Administrative Contractor Network.  It was developed to enhance advocacy, leadership and communication of ASHA members at the State level to influence administrative and public policy decisions impacting Medicare coverage and reimbursement.  SMAC can work directly with the MAC’s (Medicare Administrative Contractors), Medicare regional office officials, state health agencies and consumer groups.

 

If you or your agency has questions or concerns regarding compliance with local and national Medicare coverage and/or payment policies, you can contact our Indiana SMAC.  With continual implementation and changes with the Therapy Cap or with the new Functional Reporting Implementation in 2013 this network can provide guidance and assistance.

 

STAR stands for ASHA’s State Advocates for Reimbursement Network.  STARS advocate in their states for improved health care coverage and reasonable reimbursement.  They target decision-makers in private and public agencies and the state legislature.

 

Both networks meet monthly with other STAR and SMAC members from all around the country to effect positive changes in private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.

 

For any reimbursement, policy or advocacy concerns and/ or to volunteer to assist in these areas, please contact our ISHA STAR and SMAC representative Susan Rockafellow @ srockafellow@hancockregional.org or @ 317-468-4664.

Happy New Year!

 

As the New Year approaches there are several items important for all ISHA members to be aware of. 

• The state legislature will be back in session in January.  If you are willing to support legislative efforts, or you wish to participate in a legislative day, please be sure to contact Central Office.  At the time of this writing, we don’t know what bills may be introduced that affect those in our profession and those we service.  As always, our lobbyist, Mark Scherer, will be monitoring all proposed legislation to keep us up-to-date.  There have been many changes in the make up of the legislature and the various committees, so we will need to be sure to monitor the process closely this year.
• A task force is being formed to develop information concerning emergency permits for those serving students in the schools.  This task force will be compiling information to be dispensed to several groups in an attempt to be sure all are aware of the ramifications of having those who do not have adequate preparation working without the appropriate supervision.  If you have concerns about this process or would be interested in being a part of this task force, please contact Central Office.
• A link has been added on the webpage to PACE, which is an evaluation tool that was developed by ASHA that can be adapted for use in the school systems.  It has a great deal of background information and research into the Value Added Assessment process in relation to speech pathologists.
• Please be sure to notify Central Office if you are willing to serve ISHA as a volunteer on a committee or as an officer.  As in many organizations, it appears that people are less willing to volunteer their time.  ISHA is not just a means of achieving CEUs.  It is an organization that advocates for you, so please consider how you can be a part of ISHA fulfilling that mission to benefit you and other members.
• Mark the dates of April 4 through 6 to attend the annual convention. The convention committee has been working since the conclusion of the last convention to procure speakers and plan other events. 

My hope for all of you is that the coming year is one which brings you fulfillment, as little stress as possible, laughter and love. 

Does anyone know where I can get some good information on Clinical Fellow supervision in the school system?

ASHA has recommended PACE- in response to the new evaluation system that the public school SLP is facing.  Does ISHA have recommendations or an example of a workable evaluation for accountability?  Time is of the essence in regards to information. 

Does anyone know why there are no caseload caps for public school SLPs?  Indiana is one of the LAST states to address this issue.  Check out the ASHA website to confirm this.  I love working in the schools.  I like the service we offer and the potential for helping students in a meaningful way.  Unfortunately with huge caseloads and new documentation programs every 2 -4 years, the job is becoming overwhelming.  Just wondered if anyone else has a thought on the subject. Thanks!