State Advocacy Updates

In this episode of the Fix SLP podcast, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, dive deep into the world of continuing education with special guest Dr. Meredith Harold, SLP, from The Informed SLP. They discuss the complexities behind ASHA Approved CEUs, the challenges small businesses face in the PDH/CEU landscape, and new resources for SLPs seeking more autonomy in their professional development. Plus, they explore how informed choices can shape the future of the field. Tune in to learn how to navigate the CEU process and why it's time for change in the SLP world.Follow us on InstagramFind all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list for important communication and advocacy opportunities.Email us at [email protected] us a message on our Meltdown in the Minivan line (90-second message, leave up to two)

Dr. Ianessa Humbert, a renowned swallowologist, shares her journey from academia to founding Swallowing Wellness, a Maryland-based clinic focused on swallowing disorders. Despite facing an ethics complaint from ASHA and needing to retake the Praxis, she successfully navigated the Maryland licensing process without reinstating her CCC. Dr. Humbert emphasized the importance of autonomy in SLP practice and the challenges of credentialing without ASHA certification. She highlights her clinic's innovative approach and touches on the broader implications of SLP autonomy and the potential for private practice to drive systemic change.Check out https://www.swallowingwellness.com/ for a closer look at what Dr. Humbert is doing.Follow us on InstagramFind all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list for important communication and advocacy opportunities.Email us at [email protected] us a message on our Meltdown in the Minivan line (90-second message, leave up to two)

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, discuss the recent petition submitted to ASHA, which aims to push for financial transparency and fair pricing of the Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC). They share behind-the-scenes challenges in gathering thousands of signatures and highlight the growing impact of Fix SLP across the U.S. They also reflect on Fix SLP's first year of achievements and share goals for continued grassroots efforts in the coming year to further reforms in speech-language pathology.Follow us on InstagramFind all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list for important communication and advocacy opportunities.Email us at [email protected] us a message on our Meltdown in the Minivan line (90-second message, leave up to two)

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, welcome Zane Rankin, MS/SLP, and Sierra Creason for an inspiring episode. Zane shares his groundbreaking journey as the FIRST SLP in Arkansas credentialed for billing without the CCC. Despite facing medical retirement and discovering his CCC was unceremoniously stripped by ASHA, Zane found a way back with the support of Sierra and the Wolf Wellness Center. Don’t miss this heartwarming story of resilience and support that will leave you feeling uplifted! Follow us on Instagram.Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be alerted of new episodes and content.Email us at [email protected] us a voicemail.

Dr. Jeanette Benigas talks with Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP Fix SLP's content coordinator, about the information she uncovered while looking at ASHA's financial reports and the questions she started to have about ASHA's land, office building, and rentals. ASHA's lack of financial transparency has left clinicians speculating where the money goes and why the dues cost has increased. In this episode, the pair discuss what is known for sure, what isn't known at all, and potential solutions to the problem of a multi-million dollar building that cannot be leased and doesn't appear to be occupied much by ASHA.Follow us on Instagram.Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be alerted of new episodes and content.Email us at [email protected] us a voicemail.

Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, hosts to learn more about Dr. Jeanette Benigas. Jeanette shares her experiences as an SLP and a parent, highlighting the challenges of balancing work and personal life. For the first time on air, she also shares about her current employment. She emphasizes the importance of support systems and prioritizing personal well-being to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Jeanette also shares her perspectives on the field of SLP, including the importance of patient-centered care, personal connection, and advocacy. Follow us on Instagram.Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be alerted of new episodes and content.Email us at [email protected] us a voicemail.

SLP advocates from Arkansas, North Carolina, Michigan, and Nebraska join host Dr. Jeanette Benigas. They all advocate for removing the CCC and ASHA verbiage from their states' billing requirements for full professional autonomy. They face challenges with Medicaid billing and regulatory issues and lead teams to address these through legislative changes and communication with state representatives. No matter where they are in the process, they all emphasize the importance of professional autonomy. Be prepared to be inspired!Follow us on Instagram.Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be alerted of new episodes and content.Email us at [email protected] us a voicemail.

Hosts Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, welcome Tiffany Moniz. MA/SLP, cofounder of the FB group, USA Based OT, PT, & SLP Therapists United for Change to discuss the pressing ethical challenges that clinicians often face in corporate settings, such as the burdens of prior authorization, the importance of clinical autonomy, and the ethical dilemmas that many professionals encounter daily. The conversation emphasizes the urgency of policy reforms, the necessity of legal resources, and the power of public awareness in protecting our profession. Follow us on Instagram.Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be alerted of new episodes and content.Email us at [email protected] us a voicemail.

Dr. Jeanette Benigas welcomes Dr. AC Goldberg to discuss his nonprofit, CREDIT Institute, which aims to advance healthcare and higher education equity. They explore their differing views on maintaining the CCC and engaging with ASHA, highlighting ASHA's mixed impact on marginalized professionals. AC acknowledges ASHA's role in advocating for transgender professionals and promoting DEI while also recognizing its flaws and high costs. They emphasize the need for informed consumerism, support for ASHA's potential, and the importance of empowering minoritized voices within the profession.Follow us on Instagram.Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be alerted of new episodes and content.Email us at [email protected] us a voicemail.

Dr. Jeanette Benigas talks with Lacy Helms, MA, CCC/SLP, President of the Colorado Speech Language and Hearing Association (CSHA), about CSHA's initiatives, including advocating at the state Capitol and providing resources for state clinicians to stay informed and engaged. They discuss the impact of CSHA's advocacy efforts on Medicaid policies and the current challenges faced in obtaining SLPA certification. With membership benefits such as CEUs and networking opportunities, clinicians have the ability to actively shape the future of speech therapy in Colorado.Follow us on Instagram.Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be alerted of new episodes and content.Email us at [email protected] us a voicemail.