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ISHA Legislative Update - 9-25-08
Summary of activity on HB 5497: Use of Endoscopes by SLPs
This fall we are beginning the 3rd year of attempting legislation to assure that the use of endoscopes, both rigid and flexible, is specifically included in the IL Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act.
This issue is surfacing in other states because of the threat of litigation and the reality of denial of reimbursement. One large insurance carrier has repeatedly denied claims billed through speech-language pathologist offices/departments. The reason given is “wrong provider.” When it was pointed out that any trained person may bill for a procedure, The insurance carrier stated that the use of endoscopes is not in the scope of practice of SLPs in IL. The reality of an insurance carrier being allowed to use this position puts all SLPs, their facilities, and the doctors they work with at risk for litigation. Additionally, any speech pathology department or SLP private practice that bills for stroboscopy or FEES will be denied.
HB 5497 was introduced by Rep. “Skip” Saviano in the spring 2008 legislative session. The IL State Medical Society (ISMS) immediately stated its opposition. The ISMS is a powerful lobby in Springfield which represents medical doctors of all specialties in IL.
ASHA’s Mark Kander, has provided input throughout this process.
The American Academy of Otolaryngologists-Head and Neck Surgeons has taken a strong opposing stand and it provides input to ISMS. ISHA representatives spoke with the ISMS lobbyist on several occasions. Originally the lobbyist stated that no doctors in IL supported the bill.
In order to keep the bill “alive” Rep. Saviano agreed not to call the bill for a vote on this particular bill until agreement is reached with the ISMS. He advised a letter/fax/email/phone campaign to the ISMS. ISHA volunteers spent many hours writing sample letters and contacting speech pathologists and physicians with information. These “letters” were also copied to Rep. Saviano.
The campaign was moderately successful. ISHA attended another meeting with the ISMS lobbyist in Rep. Saviano’s office. The current ISMS position is that doctors “are divided” on this issue. A meeting was suggested between doctors who are opposed and doctors who are in favor of the legislation, with ISHA members and Rep. Saviano present. The meeting was to take place in June. It was finally scheduled for Sept. 17th. Rep. Saviano blocked his day for it.
Neither side was able to produce even one doctor to commit to the meeting, so it was canceled. ISHA continues searching for physicians who will commit to supporting this legislation through phone conference or personal meeting with Rep. Saviano and opponents of the bill. ISHA continues to explore every option to resolve the issue.
For more information please contact either Linda Faber (Linda.faber@illinois.gov), Celeste Kobulnicky (ck@speechcenter.com) or Carol Szymanski (szymanski@sxu.edu) .
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