SHAV PAC

Power PAC’D Meeting
Political Action Committee

SHAV’S Political Action Committee (PAC) met on Saturday July 10, 2010 in Centreville, VA to tackle issues that affect our profession such as:

1. State Medicaid cuts (secondary to Virginia’s budget crisis).
2. Autism Coverage
3. Fiber optic Endoscopy Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
4. Standards of Quality language to include speech-language pathologists in the schools.

The meeting lasted three hours and included lively discussions about reimbursement and regulatory issues that impact speech pathologists in private practice. The PAC discussed the Board of Examiner’s most recent position regarding FEES, which is “FEES should be performed in the presence of a physician”.  This decision adopted by the Board of Examiners raised many questions by speech language pathologists (SLPs) who practice in clinical settings and SHAV is working with colleagues to compile data and draft a letter requesting that the Board reconsider the autonomy of speech pathologists performing FEES.  Finally, the PAC addressed autism coverage and how to draft a Bill that would specify that speech pathologists are highly trained allied professionals who can successfully administer therapy to children with autism.

The following  PAC members traveled from all over the state of VA  to attend this important event: David Bailey,( Lobbyist), Cornelia H. Long( SLP),  Jessica Norton (SLP),  Laura Phillips(SLP),  Sue Sargeant (SLP),  Seijra Toogood ( SLP),  Scott Rankins (SLP).  The meeting was informational, educational and highly productive. 

The next PAC will convene via telephone conference on July 22nd.  If you have questions or comments regarding the PAC you may contact Cornelia directly at slpcommunications@comcast.net.   Advocacy Day will take place in Richmond, VA on December 17, 2010 at the State Capitol.  Please mark your calendars and plan to join the PAC on that day-lunch will be provided.