ISHA Legislative Alert 4-28-08
Although this has taken longer than expected, there is good news regarding HB 5497. The deadline for hearing House Bill 5497 (use of endoscopes by SLPs) in the Healthcare Availability Access Committee has been extended to May 9. Also, enough doctors sent letters to convince the IL State Medical Society (ISMS) to listen to input from other IL physicians. ISHA has continued to work with our lobbyist and others to determine the specific wording which will be used as an amendment to the present generally-worded bill. It is now complete and you may view a copy of the document here.
As you will see, specifics for SLP training by MDs in the use of scopes has been added to assure competence. These same specifics have been included in bills which were successfully passed in other states. Hopefully, ISHA representatives will meet with ISMS representatives within the next week. Additional letters are needed to facilitate a successful outcome to this meeting.
Please share this document with physicians, hospital administrators, and nursing home administrators and strongly encourage them to write to the bill sponsor Rep. Angelo "Skip" Saviano and the ISMS to voice their support. Click here to access a model letter for administrators to use.
If you have comments or questions please contact Carol Szymanski at szymanski@sxu.edu or Celeste Kobulnicky at ck@speechcenter.com.
Your help is greatly appreciated.
ISHA Division for Legislative & Regulatory Affairs
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.
2008 ISHA Convention a Big Success!
Over 1800 participants enjoyed the world-class presenters and exhibitors at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont during the February 7th through 10th event. The addition of an online continuing education management system, complete with convenient kiosks at the convention site, provided participants with an easy and efficient method for tracking CEUs.
ISHA Sponsors Awards at CPS Science Fair
The Public Information and Marketing Committee will be judging the Chicago Public Schools Science Fair on Friday, March 28th. ISHA will award two $100 checks to two projects which are related to communication and/or communication disorders. Information on the winners and their projects will be posted following the event.
ISHA Promotes the Professions at Health Expo
ISHA, in conjunction with Palos School District 118 and the South Cook County Speech-Language-Hearing Association (SHLA), will be participating in the Palos Heights Health Expo on Saturday, May 3, 2008. This will be held at Trinity Christian College located at 6601 W. College Drive in Palos Heights. The expo will be in the Mitchell Memorial Gym. Doors will open at 10:00 A.M. and it will go until 5:00 P.M. This is free to the public and there will be free blood pressure checks, hearing screenings and cholesterol screenings.