legislative action

Over the past six years, the profession of audiology has matured in its political endeavors. ADA's advocacy has given the profession a voice in governmental affairs and has generated a significant impact in public policy. Progress can be demonstrated by the addition of Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage of audiological services and improved access to audiologic care for Medicare patients. CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - formerly HCFA) has made a number of policy changes as a result of ADA's advocacy efforts. Medicaid's definition of an Audiologist (effective June 28, 2004) is yet another example of ADA's advocacy efforts. [See the Medicaid Timeline for the history leading to this significant legislation.] Advancement of ADA's governmental agenda can be traced to a number of factors that include the profession’s involvement in political fundraising and political action.

Audiologists who desire to be autonomous need to invest in their future. We can't sit on the sidelines thinking, “someone else will carry the load.” The best way to advance our profession is to stay current on legislative issues that impact our profession, contact our legislators when action is needed and contribute to ADA’s Political Action Committee, ADA-PAC. Staying informed and involved is the only way we, as a profession, may continue our progress as the managers of Hearing and Balance Health Care.