ADA Strategy in Action
Stephanie Czuhajewski, MPH, CAE, Executive Director
The ADA Board of Directors recently met to put together and operationalize a plan to address the most pressing issues facing ADA members, our organization, and the profession. Board members gathered data and information and assessed the political, economic, social, and technological landscape—both in the wake of the unparalleled trials and events of the past year, but also in the context of the aspirations, opportunities, and challenges on the horizon. Input from ADA members and volunteers was also evaluated to determine where to apply resources for the greatest benefit to members and impact to the profession over the next 12-18 months.
Reimbursement policies (including government, employer, and commercial managed care and fee-for-service insurance models), therapeutic and technological advances related to the diagnosis, treatment, and delivery of audiovestibular services and devices, audiology workforce development, and state laws related to licensure and practice emerged as the most pressing issues to address immediately.
The Board translated these focus areas into 5 objectives:
- Pass the Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act (H.R. 1587 and S. 1731)
- Advocate for DTC/OTC hearing aid and telehealth policies that align with evidence-based practices in the delivery of hearing and balance care and support the autonomous practice of audiology.
- Ensure that state laws impacting the practice of audiology and the utilization of audiology assistants align with evidence-based practices in the delivery of hearing and balance care and support the autonomous practice of audiology.
- Develop and disseminate information and resources that provide ADA members, policy makers, consumers, and other stakeholders with timely, accurate, and useful information that will improve reimbursement policies for hearing and balance services.
- Launch the ADA Audiology Practice Accreditation Program to recognize clinics that meet or exceed national standards, which exemplify best clinical and business practices in the delivery of audiologic care.
ADA volunteers and staff are already working on your behalf to achieve these objectives. Please stay tuned for updates. Please contact me at