Volume Fifty, Number Two, Marh 2024
2022-23 Executive Board and Advisory Assembly
MSHA Executive Board:
President: Rosalyn Davis, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
President-Elect: Heather Ferguson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Past President: D'Jaris Coles-White, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Secretary: Lisa Register, M.A., CCC-SLP
Treasurer: Tammy Shilling, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
VP for Advocacy: Kelli Pierce, M.A., CCC-SLP
VP for Membership: Ashley Gutowski, M.A., CCC-SLP
VP for Diversity & Inclusion: Derek Daniels, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
VP for Professional Dev & Education: Justine Walker, M.S., CCC-SLP
VP Elect for Prof Dev & Education: Leslie DeNardis M.A., CCC-SLP
VP for Public Relations: Sarah Killinger, M.A., CCC-SLP/BCBA
VP for SLP/Healthcare: Ana Claudia Harten, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
VP for SLP/Public Schools: Diane Katakowski, M.A., CCC-SLP
MSHA Advisory Assembly:
Communications and Networking: Marissa Swanson, M.A., CCC-SLP/BCaBA
Continuing Education: Lauren Evans, M.S., CCC-SLP
Ethics & Standards: Heather Balog, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Private Practice: Courtney Joesel, M.A., CCC-SLP
SLP Healthcare: Ramya Konnai, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
SLP Public School:OPEN
Student Affairs: OPEN
MSHA Members-at-Large
S.E. Michigan: Courtney Halbower, M.A., CCC-SLP
S.W. Michigan: Allison Mezo, M.A., CCC-SLP
N.E. Michigan: Beth La Framboise, M.A., CCC-SLP
N.W. Michigan: Jessica Higgins, M.A., CCC-SLP
Upper Peninsula: Wanda Kiiskila, M.A., CCC-SLP
Member-at-Large Representing Students: Mariko Ito, B.A.
ASHA Committee of Ambassadors: Ramya Konnai, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
ASHA StAMP Representative: Rosalyn Davis,, M.S., CCC-SLP
ASHA STAR Representative: Julie Pratt, M.S., CCC-SLP
ASHA SEAL Representative: Courtney Halbower, M.A., CCC-SLP
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University Updates
Western Michigan University
- An interdisciplinary group of researchers from Western Michigan University and Michigan State University has received an National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator grant to make voice-activated artificial intelligence (AI) more accessible to those who stutter or have other speech differences. To read the full article please click here.
- WMU would like to recognize the 10 recent undergraduate receipients of the Fred & Michelle Minturn Scholarship and the Raymond R. and Beverly K. Shevchik Endowed Scholarship: Sophia Bianchi, McKinlee Codron, Isabella Lopez, Margaret Lorenz, Faith Novak, Claire Polelle, Chloe Scribner, Genevieve Stocker, Aeryn Uganski, & Brianna Vestal.
Student Posters deadline extension!
Praxis Bowl
Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to come together to talk about and explore various aspects of the field of speech-language pathology. To see the flyer click here!
2024 MSHA Conference Program Changes
* For more details and information about sessions, please review the Preliminary program here!
- Dr. Derek Daniels, Ph.D.D., CCC-SLP, will be presenting a Mini-seminar on Stuttering on Thursday morning.
- Dr. Maryam Naghibolhosseini, Ph.D., will be presenting a Double MIni-seminar on Voice, Hearing, and Machine Learning on Thursday Morning.
- Dr. Laura DeThorne, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, will be presenting at the Awards Lunch on Friday.
- Double Mini-Seminar on Friday morning by Pablo Antonio Ysunza, M. D., Ph. D., CCC - SLP, CNIM-® has been canceled.
Delegate for the 2024-27 term of the Special Education Advisory Committee.
Diane Katakowski, MA, CCC-SLP Are you interested in having a voice in the education of children with disabilities in Michigan Schools?
Do you have a child with a disability, or have a disability yourself?
MSHA Code of Ethics Revision
Heather L. Balog, Ph.D., CCC-SLP The Ethics and Standards Committee has been working on an updated version of the MSHA Code of Ethics. Members are encouraged to review the proposed changes ahead of the annual conference. During the conference, members will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed revision at the Business Meeting. Please do no hesitate to contact Heather Balog (heather.balog@balogspeechlang.com) with any questions.
To review the documents here.
Save the Dates: Upcoming MSHA Conferences
MSHA Conference 2024:
Aprl 18-20, 2024
Vandyk Mortgage Convention, Muskegon
MSHA Conference 2025:
March 13-15, 2025
Radisson Plaza Hotel, Kalamazoo
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From the President
Rosalyn Davis, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Greetings MSHA Members,
I am so excited to learn and network with you at our 2024 Annual MSHA Conference: Igniting Innovations across the Lifespan, April 18-20, 2024 at the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center in Muskegon, Michigan. I hope you are planning to attend and bring an SLP colleague with you.
The Executive Board as been very busy in 2024 preparing for our Annual MSHA Conference, preparing to transition to Dykema Gossett PLLC, and answering questions regarding MSHA’s advocacy efforts given the recent #FixSLP movement on social media platforms. While MSHA has not taken a stance for or against the requirement of the ASHA CCC to practice in the state of Michigan, we want to make sure that our members are informed with accurate information regarding the CCC-requirement in the State of Michigan, licensure, and our current advocacy efforts. Please share this information with SLPs in your network that may not be MSHA members and encourage them to consider joining MSHA as we are advocating for all SLP in Michigan.
Michigan does not require ASHA CCC’s to be licensed as an SLP. Having your CCC's is one avenue for licensure in Michigan. Alternatively, you can submit transcripts, PRAXIS scores, and evidence that you completed the CF requirements. More information can be found using this link to the State of MI SLP licensing FAQs: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/bpl/SLP/Licensing-Info-and-Forms/Speech-Language-Pathologist-Licensing-Guide.pdf?rev=53fd24d4ccfa445d844ef40d0a9d92fa&hash=696D6AC41184F51350A9B4B6D95AB5DD
Per the Medicaid Provider Policy Manual, Michigan Medicaid requires SLP’s to have their CCCs to bill for outpatient and nursing facilities. We were able to confirm that SLPs providing services under the Medicaid School Based Service program are not required to have their ASHA CCC certification, only Michigan Licensure. This is because schools are not able to establish their own provider qualifications, but they can require additional items, such as the CCC, as long as the provider minimally meets Medicaid’s qualifications as well.
Medicaid follows Federal Medicaid statue 42 CFR § 440.110. Questions related to its phrasing or differences in the statue’s requirements between audiologists and SLPs should be directed to CMS. However, we encourage Michigan SLPs to navigate through MSHA as we have SLPs in place as part of our advocacy efforts to make sure that we are meeting the needs of all SLPs in the state of Michigan as well as the individuals we service. Additionally, payers/programs under Medicaid have the authority to set the provider qualification standards for reimbursement. These can vary across State Medicaid programs. At this time, Michigan Medicaid has chosen to require the conditions outlined within 42 CFR § 440.110 (2)(i), full CCC certification, in addition to State licensure. As your state association, we are open to conversations regarding advocacy efforts to change this requirement, but we are asking that when you contact us, that you also provide proposed solutions that would benefit SLPs across the state of Michigan to allow for a productive discussion on this topic.
Additionally, student Interns and Educational Limited Licensees (Clinical Fellows) are not enrollable Medicaid providers. Medicaid requires services performed by these individuals to be reviewed, co-signed, and billed under their appropriately credentialed supervising speech-language pathologist. SLP policy related to student interns and limited licenses can be found within the Medicaid Provider Manual, Therapy Services Chapter, Section 4.3- Speech Language Therapy.
The language embedded in many policies regarding SLP requirements for practice and reimbursement is unclear and can be confusing. School districts and employers may require CCCs as a condition of employment, and many insurers require CCCs to enroll as a provider. However, the statement that "Michigan requires CCCs" is not true in all situations, and is not a requirement of licensure. The ability to address the variation across school districts and employers is currently beyond our capabilities as a state association for several reasons, including decreased member involvement in advocacy efforts.
As your state association, we have sent email blasts containing notices of proposed policy changes that have been released for public comments. We encourage our members to read all information that is being published by MSHA so that you are informed and are able to provide input regarding the changes that impact our profession and the individuals we serve. We are working to disseminate more information through our social media platforms.
We are in need of members across the state to join MSHA and become actively involved in our state association by joining committees that align with their clinical and professional interests to address concerns and brainstorm ideas, propose solutions, and engage in advocacy efforts that will benefit SLP across the state of Michigan. Currently, each committee has been working to identify the needs that were identified by SLPs through a survey that we sent to all SLPs in the state of Michigan in 2022 through ASHA. This survey asked Michigan SLPs to share their concerns regarding being involved in their state association and what changes they would like to see from MSHA. Implementing these changes requires manpower and resources. MSHA membership matters and we ask that our MSHA members encourage an SLP to consider joining MSHA and become an active member of any of our committees. We welcome concerns, proposed solutions to initiate the conversation, and resources to continue our advocacy efforts for Michigan SLPs.
Rosalyn Davis, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
President, Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2024 Annual Conference
Justine Walker, M.S., CCC-SLP
We are only one month away from the annual MSHA conference! The theme for this year is Igniting Innovations Across the Lifespan. The program board has been working hard to set a program full of speakers who will share about the ways that they are igniting innovations in the field of speech pathology. In addition to continuing education courses on a variety of treatment topics, courses will be offered during the conference that meet all required CEUs for both ASHA certification and state licensure.
For more information about the conference and to view the conference highlights visit https://www.michiganspeechhearing.org/annual_conference.php . We look forward to seeing you April 18-20, 2024 at the Van Dyk Mortgage Convention Center in Muskegon!
2024 Conference Highlights
MSHA members will soon receive the Conference mailing with details for the 2024 MSHA Annual Conference: Igniting Innovations Across the Lifespan, April 18-20, 2024 at the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center in Muskegon.
We are pleased to be able to offer all the required courses for your State License (LARA) and ASHA Certification. These required courses will be on Thursday, April 18, 2024 and will include Pain Management, Human Trafficking, Implicit Bias, Ethics and Supervision.
MSHA is offering an incredible line-up of speakers this year which you can see in the highlights below:
Thursday, April 18th
Arlena Henry, M.A., CCC-SLP, Neuroplasticity of the Brain and It’s Application in Speech-Pathology Intervention
Malileda Tome, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Incorporation of Myofunctional Treatment to Enhance Speech Sound Production Outcomes
Friday, April 19th
Teresa Thomspon M.A., CCC-SLP, AAC and Difficult Conversations: A Practical Course for Speech-Language Pathologists
Stacey Pavelko, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, will present two Short Courses the first on Friday afternoon titled SUGAR: A Sweet introduction to Language Sampling and on Saturday morning SUGAR Cubes: The Building Blocks of Language Analysis.
Jennifer Hall, M.A., CCC-SLP, Pediatric Dysphagia : Assessment and Treatment of Infant Feeding and Swallowing.
AAC Panel
Saturday, April 20th
Alice Silbergleit, Ph.D, CCC-SLP, Meira Abidov, M.S., CCC-SLP and Christy Schweitzer, M.A., CCC-SLP, Beyond Slurred Speech: A How-To-Guide to the Differentail Diagnosis of Motor Speech Disorders in Adults and Children.
Karen Dunholter, MSW, Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and Moral Injury
Siva Priya Santhanam, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Pathways to Self-Advocacy: Speech-Language Pathologist as Allies for Austistic Individuals.
You won't want to miss the great speakers we have for our luncheons! Katie Strong, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow will speak at the SLP Medical Forum Lunch and Karen Dunholter, MSW will speak at the Public School Forum Lunch. Both lunches offer ASHA CEUs!
For more conference information and descriptions of these presentations, please see the preliminary program at https://www.michiganspeechhearing.org/annual_conference.php
Understanding MSHAs Partnership with ASHA
Rosalyn Davis, Ph.D., CCC-SLP As your state association, we wanted to inform our members on our partnership with ASHA to continue without mission of increasing our transparency to our members. As the ASHA recognized state association, MSHA has made sure to keep positions for state positions filled on ASHA's State-Based Advocacy Networks. These positions include the State Education Advocacy Leaders (SEALs), State Advocates for Medicare Policy (StAMPs), and State Advocates for Reimbursement (STARs). The positions are held by MSHA members who are also ASHA members. Their roles are to partner with ASHA staff while engaging with other ASHA members from various states to advocate for SLPs in the State of Michigan.
MSHA has welcomed Diane Katakoski, to our board as the interim VP of Public Schools. As Diane continues to navigate this new role, she will be in contact with our ASHA SEAL representative to meet the needs of Michigan SLPs working in school settings. Our school committee is currently working on modifying the state guidelines resource, a need that has been expressed by you, our members. Our SEAL representative has access to ASHA and is able to seek guidance as needed to support our school based SLPs.
Our ASHA StAMP representative is currently in a dual role as President of MSHA. In this role, Dr. Davis has access to Sarah Warren who is the ASHA Liaison who has orchestrated disseminating information to the states to increase education and awareness of healthcare reform and Medicaid reform. As members seek guidance from our SLP Healthcare committee, Dr. Davis is able to fact check information and reach out to ASHA as needed for clarification or guidance as not to provide misinformation.
Our STAR representative is actively meeting with Caroline Bergner from ASHA and MDHHS on Medicaid Reimbursement under the State of Michigan's Medicaid program. Through this partnership, we were able to reinstitute quarterly meetings where we invite MSHA members to provide agenda items and attend meetings with ASHA in attendance that address coverage and the delivery of services under Michigan's Medicaid program. Reimbursement issues are currently being discussed through conversations between ASHA, MSHA, MSHA's lobbyist, and legislators in the Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan Senate.
Additionally, our President, VP for Advocacy- Kelli Pierce, and our Lobbyist, have met with Susan Adams from ASHA to engage in strategic planning on how to reintroduce legislation to join the Interstate Compact.
In regard to our advocacy efforts to extend the Educational Limited License for Clinical Fellows, we have not needed to include ASHA in those conversations at this time. Should we need assistance, our President is able to seek guidance from Doanne Ward-Williams at ASHA for assistance or to be transitioned to an ASHA staff member most equipped to provide this.
We hope that this summary provides you with insights into our partnership with ASHA as a state association and avenues we have in place to support SLPs in the state of Michigan. We encourage our members to invite an SLP colleague to join MSHA and get involved with advocacy efforts that align with their interests so that we can continue to best support SLPs in the state of Michigan.
Advocacy Committe
Kelli Pierce, M.A., CCC-SLP MSHA's Advocacy Committee has been working diligently over the several years, and particularly the last few weeks, to implement changes to the educational limited license for clinical fellows in the state of Michigan. HB 4101 was introduced in early 2022. This proposed change extends the educational limited license from a 12-month non-renewable license to a 24-month license with the option to renew for up to 12 months. The proposed bill allows for flexibility in the completion of the required 1,260 supervised hours needed for a full speech-language pathology license within the state.
HB4101 passed through the House of Representatives on February 21, 2024 and was subsequently referred to the Senate Health Policy Committee. Kelli Pierce, VP for Advocacy, testified at the Senate Health Policy Committee meeting on February 28, 2024, urging the committee to refer the bill to the Senate for a full vote. The Senate Health Policy Committee expects to vote this bill out of their committee in the coming weeks. Once this bill moves through the committee, it will go to the Senate for a full vote.
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