This article is a part of the January/February 2018, Volume 30, Number 1, Audiology Today issue.
The American Academy of Audiology (the Academy) had an extremely active 2017 on Capitol Hill and with federal regulatory agencies, seeing multiple victories and building relationships that will allow for continued success as we enter 2018. In addition to being engaged with the House and Senate on issues related to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, early childhood hearing, National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, student loan relief, and telehealth, the Academy had extensive conversations on important topics with agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Through 2017, the Academy was able to build upon previous relationships and issue areas to better represent the interests of audiologists in Washington.
One of the Academy’s key legislative priorities entering 2017 was ensuring that Congress reauthorized the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Act. The EHDI authorization had expired in 2015 and remained a priority for the hearing health community in Washington. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Representatives Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced corresponding EHDI bills in March. The Academy, along with several other strategic partners, met with members of Congress throughout this time period to solicit cosponsors list and urge Congress to advance this bill. The Academy also had several student groups visit to lobby Congress on EHDI, including a joint group from The Ohio State University and the Northeast Ohio AuD Consortium, Nova Southeastern University, and the Student Academy of Audiology Board.
This content is an exclusive benefit for American Academy of Audiology members.
If you're a member, log in and you'll get immediate access.
Member Login
If you're not yet a member, you'll be interested to know that joining not only gives you access to top-notch resources like this one, but also invitations to member-only events, inclusion in the member directory, participation in professional forums, and access to patient resources, tools, and continuing education. Join today!