Continuing Education and the Michigan Audiology Coalition: The first ever Michigan Audiology Coalition (MAC) Conference was held September 14-16 at the East Lansing Marriott, bringing together close to 160 audiologists. The feedback from attendees was positive in terms of the variety and applicability of courses and topics offered. Plans are underway for MAC on M.A.C. II to be held October 18-20, 2007. It will again be held at the East Lansing Marriott on M.A.C. Avenue. The change to an October date was for several purposes. Educational Audiologists indicated that September was a difficult month for them to be away from their work. Also, the planning committee was mindful of working around the September Jewish holidays. And finally, given our location, we needed to consider the college football schedule.
As a sponsor and supporter of this joint event, MSHA is actively addressing the Collaboration Focus Area of our strategic plan. Specifically, the goal states that "the Vice-President for Audiology will have annually continued participation in collaborative projects with the Michigan Audiology Coalition including providing continuing education, monitoring legislation and regulations, and implementation of licensure for audiologists."
Legislation: SB 841-842, which proposed a change in title form "hearing aid dealer" to "hearing health care provider" died before it could reach a hearing in the Senate Health Policy Committee. MSHA opposed this change as misleading for consumers.
Newborn Hearing Screening and SB 794: Senate Bill 794, enacted into law in February 2006 as part of the revision to Public Health Code 368 of 1978, created a Quality Assurance Oversight Committee for ALL newborn screening services, including but not limited to newborn hearing screening. A further stipulation of the law is the mandatory reporting to the Department of Community Health of "all hearing tests and screens conducted on infants who are less than 12 months of age and on children who have been diagnosed with hearing loss and are less than 3 years of age. The report shall include the type, degree, and symmetry of the diagnosis, along with where and when the diagnosis was made" (Section 333.5432)
Licensure: While it seemed like forever since the signing of our licensure bill by the governor in May 2004, the process has finally come full circle. At last, the letter of the law will apply. As of January 1, 2007, those practicing audiology in the state of Michigan must hold a valid license. Additionally, it will no longer be necessary for audiologists to hold a Hearing Aid Dealer’s license, as the Audiology License includes hearing aid dispensing in the scope of practice for an audiologist.