The 2008 Vice President for Legislation is Julie Pratt   Legislative  questions and comments can be directed to the MSHA office or directly to Julie at jypratt@yahoo.com   The 2008 Membership Annual Report can be viewed at legislative report

MSHA Legislative Day 2008 - May 14 at the State Capitol in Lansing - Join Us!

 Here are some of Julie's recent articles from the MSHA newsletter et cetera.

2007 MSHA Legislative Day a Big Success!

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Dear MSHA members:

Please send letters supporting our licensure to 1) The Governor; 2) the House  and Senate Health Policy Chairs; and 3) Your own Representative.   

The Address for the Governor is:  State Capitol, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Michigan 48909

The Address for State Representatives is:  State Capitol, P.O. Box  30014, Lansing, MI 48909

Here is a sample letter (this was sent to Governor Granholm by MSHA President Sandra Glista):

May 1, 2006

Dear Governor Granholm:

On behalf of the Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association representing speech-language pathologists who work with people who have communication and/or swallowing impairments, I am writing to you to urge support  bills to license speech-language pathologists in the state of Michigan.

Consumers of speech-language pathology professional care deserve protection from individuals providing substandard services. Speech-language pathologists treat individuals so they may achieve the best communication possible.  Speech-language pathologists in medical and clinical settings are educated to treat swallowing disorders (dysphagia).  Patients with dysphagia often make up over 50% of the caseload speech-language pathologists treat.  We are educated and trained in the evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders that can include procedures such as video-fluorography and other processes, some of which involve invasive procedures by the speech-language pathologist.

Licensing of speech-language pathologists is necessary. When licensure of speech-language pathologists is passed in Michigan, we will join 47 other states where our work in assessing and treating people of all ages with communication and swallowing disorders in legislated. Citizens of Michigan will be protected and know they will be served by clinicians who have been specially   educated to treat their communication and swallowing problems and who will maintain their knowledge with continuing education. Without licensure, our most vulnerable citizens, those who cannot speak, will be left without recourse when others who are not qualified attempt to deliver substandard services in school, medical, and long-term care settings.

I look forward to answering questions you may have about our two licensure bills, the roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists, and/or issues related to communication and swallowing disorders affecting citizens of Michigan.  I am confident you understand the seriousness of the nature of our work and that you will agree to sign legislation licensing speech-language pathologists once the House and Senate approve the bills.

Respectfully submitted

Sandra Glista, M.S., CCC-SLP

Past-President, Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association  

Why would the Representative or Senator be interested in meeting with me?

Because you vote for your Representative and Senator, and they depend on you for their reelection.  They also get their information from their constituents.  They depend on you to tell them how legislation effects you in your work and the people you serve.  They do not know of problems in specific professions or how to improve things until people like you tell them about it.

 What should I say ?

Read the information in the Advocates packet provided by your MSHA Legislative team.  Ask your Legislative team members for assistance if you have questions before the meeting.

You  should be able to explain the issues of the day to the legislators and their staff.  You should also tell your legislators and/or their staff about what you do and why it is important to the Representative’s/Senator’s constituents (for Consumer protection). You should also explain how the legislation will specifically impact you and your students/patients.

 Please remember to ask for the legislator to do something such as cosponsor  or at least vote favorably to pass our bill.

 If your Senator or Representative has already cosponsored the legislation, please remember to thank him/her for their support.

 Ask for a business card of the person you meet with before you leave.  (Also read ‘the Legislative Visit In A Nutshell ‘ )

 How long should the meeting be ?

The meeting can often be completed in 15 minutes, although they may go as long as 30 minutes.

 What should I bring with me ?

The MSHA Legislative team will provide folders for you to leave with your Representative/Senator at each meeting.  If someone else has already dropped off a folder make your visit expressing your opinion to whomever you meet.

 You may also bring your business cards (or MSHA has business cards on which you can print your information.  When meeting with Legislators of Districts of where you vote make sure you use your voting address.  When visiting with Legislators of where you work/attend school use that address.

 Bring a camera and ask for a picture with the Legislator/ Staff member at the end of the meeting.

Usually someone in the office will take the picture.

 What should I wear ?

You should dress business casual and wear comfortable shoes. You may do a lot of walking and standing.

 What follow-up should I do ?

Write a thank you note from the meeting. (cards will be available at the event. )  Legibly complete one for each Legislator’s office you visited. Make sure you identify the person you are writing both inside the note and on the envelope. Include you contact information after your signature or insert a business card.  

About two weeks after the meeting, call the Legislative Assistant (LA) to see if the Representative/Senator has decided to cosponsor and/or support the legislation. 

  The Legislative Visit In A Nutshell

Read all materials provided prior to the meeting.

Bring business cards and any interesting / relevant materials to leave. 

Identify yourself beginning with the person you meet walking in the Legislator’s office.

Identify your subject  Focus on one or two points. 

 State your position clearly and concisely. 

 Express your views reasonably. Do not argue.  

 If you are asked a question you are unsure of ask to get back with them with the answer.  Keep your visit to 15 minutes or less unless the  Legislator / Legislative Assistant (LA) have questions or issues- but watch for cues that they have completed the meeting.  

If you brought a camera, get a picture of you with the Legislator/LA before you leave.  

It is polite to have it out at the beginning of the meeting so there is awareness and time for the photo-op.

Michigan is one of only 3 states that do not regulate Speech-Language Pathology. Help us change this!!!

MSHA has made several attempts in the past years to achieve licensure, however has been unsuccessful due to the political climate at the time of those attempts.

 To prepare us for future efforts, we need the help of you and those you serve.  Please do the following:

·   Ask the individuals you serve and their families to forward letters to MSHA in support of the services you provided to them;

·   Report instances of services provided by non-certified professionals, or by those who are not speech-language pathologists and are posing as such.  Of particular importance are instances resulting in harm to the individual served;

·   Report instances of fraud or abuse relating to Medicaid or other insurance providers;  

·   Identify individuals you have served who would be willing to provide testimony in future hearings related to legislation;

·   Establish frequent contact with your State Legislators to open the lines of communication.  They need to know who you are NOW if you expect them to listen LATER.

Forward all correspondence to the MSHA office, Attn: V-P Legislation  

The following is a generic letter that you may use to write  your State Representative or Senator regarding his/her stand on licensure.

Dear Representative/Senator:

I am a speech-language pathologist who works with people who have communication and/or swallowing impairments. I am writing to you to urge you to support our bills to license speech-language pathologists in the state of Michigan:  HB 4810 and SB 493.

Consumers of such services deserve protection from those providing substandard services. It concerns me, however, that in Michigan we do not have licensing for persons in speech-language pathology.  We are one of only 3 states that does not license our profession.

It is known that speech-language pathologists help individuals achieve the best communication functions possible.  Most speech-language pathologists in clinical settings are also trained to treat swallowing disorders that can include over 50% of the people they serve.  Speech-language pathologists have become trained in evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders which can include x-ray studies, some of which involve invasive procedures by the speech-language pathologist.

We hope that all speech-language pathologists activity is performed safely.  However, there are some activities potentially more harmful than others.  

It is my intention to let my clients know of your position on this important licensing issue. Please help give the consumer state access to express concern to and to protect themselves. Again, my clients are interested in the increased protection afforded by licensure.

Thank you for your consideration and timely response to the question.  Should you have questions please contact me at my address below.

(Optional) Should you wish to know about the professional services in the field of speech-pathology, I have enclosed some information.

Yours Truly,

(Include your name, home address, phone number and/or email address)

Current State Bills: House Bill 4810 and Senate Bill 493.

Licensure for Audiology is now law!  Governor Granholm signed SB 206 into law on May 20, 2004.  See the Audiology section of this website for up-to-date info on this.  We will keep you apprised on any forthcoming information.

For recent information on any specific legislation, click to access the Michigan Legislature website. Look up and contact your Michigan Senator or your Michigan Representative about any of these issues.

 Federal Issues            

   TAKE ACTION

• Action Needed to Halt Restart of Therapy Caps

• ASHA Informs State Legislators of Policy Goals at Annual NCSL Meeting 
• Aftermath of Katrina Stresses Portability of the CCC 
• SEALs & State Advisory Groups Plan Meetings for ASHA Annual Convention

• House & Senate Put Forward Pay-For-Performance Legislation 
• TRICARE Announces Expanded Coverage of Hearing Aids
• CMS Relaxes Health Program Requirements in Response to Hurricane
• Medicare Payments Stay Healthy in 2006 for Nursing Homes
• Medicare Requires HIPAA Compliant Billing Starting October 1
• Substantial Increases Proposed for Audiology in 2006 Outpatient Hospital Rates
• Proposed Cut in 2006 Medicare Fee Schedule Payments
• CDC Offers New EHDI "Questions to Ask the Audiologist" Brochure for Parents
• Senate Appropriators Restore EHDI, SLP & Audiology Education Funds
• Rehabilitation Hospitals to Receive 3.4 % Increase in Medicare Payments in 2006

• ED Striving Readers Grants Available
• ED Release Guidance on Alternate Assessments
• ED Announce Grants for Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need

MSHA supports ASHA’s efforts to promote our professions at the national level.  Get the latest information and take action by accessing ASHA.
 

Contact Us            

Please contact the MSHA Office for more information.

·   Provide recent information on legislation

·   Report contacts with legislators

·   Become involved with the Legislative committee