ISHA Members - Please Login above to access full information available on the ISHA Web Site. Not a member? Click Here to join.
ISHA is working for YOU!
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) was responding to a State Mandate for Autism coverage and sought to find out what providers would possibly be providing Applied Behavioral Analysis, in addition to recognized licensed therapists. BCBSIL contacted the State of Illinois Department of Human Services/Early Intervention (DHS/EI) which provided a list of ABA providers and suggested inclusion of Developmental Therapists (DT's). In June 2010, BCBSIL sent a letter and packet to the list of names provided by DHS/EI. Having DT's use speech pathology procedural codes to bill for services provided is a strict violation of the Speech-Language Pathology license.
BCBSIL welcomed input from the field as mixed information was being sent to them. ISHA members, along with a representative from ASHA, rallied to discuss the situation and formulate solutions. Letters have been sent to BCBSIL by ISHA and ASHA - please see the attached letters (ASHA BCBSIL Letter / ISHA BCBSIL Letter) for full information.
YOUR time to help with this matter may be arriving soon! ISHA is working with ASHA to disseminate an Action Alert that would have ISHA members contact appropriate persons, e.g., BCBSIL, DHS/EI, etc. in a timely and efficient manner with our professional concerns. Remember - ISHA is YOU!
Link to the ISHA Annual Convention
Information on Exhibits and Convention Program Advertising
ISHA Legislative Commitee - Update on Endoscope Legislation
The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act now states specifically that the use of endoscopes to evaluate and treat patients is within the SLPs scope of practice. Senate Bill 1483 was signed by Governor Quinn on 8-25-09. The "scope bill," as it became known is now PA 96-0719. The link to the full text is
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=096-0719
The SLP must have an appropriate physician verify competence and maintain that verification document at the SLP's practice site. Use this link: Verifcation of Competency to acces the form created for SLPs to have MDs sign to verify their competence, as stipulated in Senate Bill 1483.
Licensed SLPs who work in a hospital or hospital affiliate are exempt from the requirements of the new law at their practice site, but must meet the requirements their hospital establishes to authorize the SLP to provide rigid or flexible endoscopy.
News and Events
ISHA Launches New Online Career Center
Click on the "Post a Job" link at the top of the page for more information.