In April 2019, the American Academy of Audiology (Academy) and the American Speech–Language–Hearing Association (ASHA), released the document Suggested Best Practices for Audiologists’ Determination of Need for Captioned Phone Services. The two organizations drafted this document in response to concerns identified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that the captioned telephone services (CTS) program is being overused, which could lead to potential funding deficits for this important service.
Topic(s): Advocacy, captioned phone services
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.
Topic(s): Advocacy, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid devices
When people think of Nashville, they probably think of country music and cowboy boots. However, this April, audiologists from all over the world will meet in Music City for AAA 2018 to reconnect with old colleagues, get caught up with industry updates, attend educational sessions—and, yes, have some fun exploring this fun and historical city.
Topic(s): Advocacy, AAA Conference
The Academy’s Political Action Committee (PAC) plays a key role in supporting federal advocacy initiatives.
In 2017, the Academy was able to make contributions to congressional champions such as Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV), Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Rep. David McKinley (R-WV), and Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), among others, at fundraising events in Washington, D.C.
Topic(s): Advocacy, Political Action Committee (PAC), Grassroots Advocacy Network
As members of the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) Board, we often hear that one of the greatest challenges local SAA chapters and our student members face is incorporating advocacy into their daily and chapter activities. When students think about advocacy, it tends to be on a large scale. We envision pictures of students standing in front of the Capitol in Washington, DC. with their folders, clipboards, and leave-behinds.
Topic(s): SAA - Student Academy of Audiology, Students, Advocacy
The 2018 mid-term elections left a reshaped Congress, with nearly 100 new representatives and senators coming to Washington, DC. This much turnover has led to great opportunities for the Academy’s government relations department to build relationships with new members of Congress, many of whom have not held elected office before. The new class is the most diverse and the most educated in congressional history.
Topic(s): Advocacy, Medicare Telehealth Parity Act (MTPA), Medicare administrative contractors (MACs)
On January 3, 2019, the 116th Congress officially was sworn in. Having worked in Washington, DC, for a number of years, when Congress is inaugurated is one of my favorite days of the year. It is a day filled with celebration as the Capitol and surrounding buildings are filled with members of Congress and their families, congressional staffers, campaign staffers, constituents, and lobbyists.
Topic(s): Advocacy
As the dust settled from the midterm elections in November, the Academy, along with all DC policy shops, lobbying firms, and advocacy organizations began preparing for a new reality that would dominate Capitol Hill for at least the next two years: a split Congress.
Democratic candidates made sharp gains in suburban areas of the country, while Republicans maintained their dominance in more rural states. Both parties are able to claim national victories, with Democrats picking up 40 seats in the House and Republicans picking up two Senate seats.
Topic(s): Advocacy, Telehealth
