FY 2010 Year-to-Date Committee Accomplishments
AudiologyNOW! Program Committee
- Planned and finalized the invited sessions.
- Reviewed submissions for Learning Modules, Exhibitor Courses, Student Hands-On Labs, Industry Updates, Research Pods, and Research and Clinical Posters.
- Developed special events and on-site activities.
- Planned educational activities for San Diego outreach.
Business Enhancement Strategies & Techniques (BEST) Committee
- Worked on updating several member resources to include The BEST Way: Reaching Physicians, Frontline Office Training Kit, Audiogram of Familiar Sounds, and Hearing Aid Checklist.
- Developed and contributed to a column in Audiology Today on practice management.
Coding and Reimbursement Committee
- Participated in CMS meeting regarding the new bundled and current single vestibular codes with representatives from ASHA and AAO-HNS.
- Submitted responses to the proposed and final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rules.
- Fielded questions from members and provided updates to FAQs for Web site.
- As members of the Audiology Quality Consortium, continue to provide education for members for the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative.
- Researched Medicare Opt Out issue, resulting in report to Executive Committee, Board and member education article.
- Participated in meetings with other audiology associations and in anti-trust training.
Education Committee
- Continued ongoing discussion on next steps related to the Gold Standards Summit outcomes.
- Created Research in Audiology Education Subcommittee to focus on the development of evidenced-based instruction in AuD education.
- Created education column in Audiology Today.
- Recommended the development of a JAAA supplement on evidence-based instruction.
- Clinical Education Subcommittee promoted and further developed the Externship Registry.
Ethical Practices Committee
- Revised the Guidelines for Financial Relationships with Manufacturers of Hearing Devices in preparation for peer review.
- Initiated revision of the Ethics in Audiology (Green) book.
- Responded to a multitude of inquiries from members.
Government Relations Committee
- Continued to push for direct access, gaining 53 cosponsors during the 65 days Congress was in session since its introduction.
- Created a public policy resolution on pediatric audiology.
- Developed Key Contacts training materials and resources.
- Hosted a Virtual Advocacy Day to promote direct access.
Honors Committee
- Received and reviewed a total of 13 nominations; selected eight honorees for 2010.
International Committee
- Submitted nomination packages for the International Award in Hearing.
- Supported the recommendation that Dr. John Durrant from the University of Pittsburgh represent the Academy and ASHA at the Affiliated Societies meeting of the International Society of Audiologists.
- Supported the travel expenses of Academy representative to the Pan-American Society of Audiologists Conference.
Membership Committee
- The Welcoming Subcommittee welcomed 141 new members to the Academy.
- The Member Assistance Program Subcommittee reviewed and approved 11 applications for AudiologyNOW! 2010.
- Announced that at year end 2009 the Academy had reached 11,012 members—the highest in Academy history!
PAC Advisory Board
- Developed and launched a new fundraising campaign titled “PUSH the PAC.”
- Planned a new fundraising event for AudiologyNOW!, redesigned existing contributor circles, identified new ways to thank contributors, and redesigned the PAC portion of the Academy's Web site.
- Engaged students and provided more opportunities for students to become involved with fundraising initiatives.
Practice Policy Advisory Council
- Attended RUC meeting and CPT Editorial Panel meeting in October 2009.
- Participated in a CPT Panel Workgroup on Intraoperative Monitoring.
Professional Development Committee
- Identified, developed, and scheduled eAudiology Web seminars six to eight months in advance.
Professional Standards and Practices Committee
- Participated in activities of the Audiology Quality Consortium supporting PQRI.
- Drafted Standards of Practice document (to be finalized April 2010).
Public Relations Committee
- Rolled out new member tools for National Audiology Awareness Month and National Protect Your Hearing Month.
- The Recruitment Subcommittee launch on www.audiology.org, with tips and tools for audiologists to use when recruiting into the field in their local area.
Publications Committee
- Reviewed www.howsyourhearing.org Web site for design, layout, and content.
- Reviewed content of “Hearing Aids” and “Newborn Hearing Screening” brochures.
Research Committee
- Selected recipients of the Research Grants in Hearing and Balance.
- The ARC 2010 Program Committee continued to plan the Academy Research Conference (ARC) on aging and hearing health.
- The ARC 2010 Program Chair and the staff liaison successfully submitted an NIH conference grant application.
SAA Advisory Committee
- Worked with the SAA board to recruit SAA chapters (38 chapters as of 12/31/09 ; 42 as of 2/9/10).
- Restructured the advising process to merge the positions of SAA Advisory Committee Chair with SAA National Advisor.
- Participated in the SAA’s strategic planning.
- Worked with the SAA to develop a relationship with the Special Olympics Healthy Hearing Program.
State Network Committee
- Prepared for the 10th Annual State Leaders Workshop.
- Promoted the Active Advocate of the Year Award.
- Conducted a review of state licensure laws for the AMA SOP Task Force.
Strategic Documents Committee
- Five subcommittees made up of 19 task forces continue to develop practice guidelines, position statements, and reports.
- Published Ototoxicity Monitoring Practice Guidelines and Position Statement in October 2009.