Fellow Audiologists,
Announcing “National Day At Your State Capitol Day” (NDAYSCD) on May 23rd! This is a country-wide effort spearheaded by ourselves, national AAA and SAA (Student Audiology Association) to get familiar with the state capitol, the legislators who run it, and the process of getting involved in advocating for audiology!
With the Patient Choice Act, OTC Hearing Aids, and encroachment from non-audiologists on audiology scope of practice, being engaged is more important than ever. One of the major goals of the organization is to hire a lobbyist to represent us. BUT, no lobbyist can protect audiologists and their patients all by themselves. Recent major changes to NC law came about by personal engagement by the practitioner themselves, one-on-one, with state legislators. We MUST make our presence known and our voices heard on a continuous basis.
As part of NDAYSCD, we will gather audiologists and audiology students across NC to meet at the Capitol in Raleigh on May 23rd. The goal is to meet with as many state legislators as possible. To date, we have 3 meetings already set up. YOU can set up a meeting with your legislator on that day and join the effort! Our goal is to have 20 meetings set up with legislators across NC. Will you be one of the twenty?
Also, we plan to show and teach our audiology students what civic engagement in audiology is about. Bring your student or extern! Last NDAYSCD, we had students in with us during the meetings, and they had the valuable experience of learning what it takes to advocate.
Email us at ncaudiologyassociation@gmail.com to join the effort!
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Quick list for setting up a meeting a with a legislator
Go to www.openstates.org
Search for your legislators by your address
Send them a meeting request letter (see below)
Print out talking points to take
Print out any copies of law you want to discuss or cite
Attend meeting with confidence!
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Sample Meeting Request Letter
Dear Mr. __________,
I am writing to request an appointment with you to introduce myself and share information regarding the current state of hearing loss care in North Carolina. I am an Audiologist from your district who is practicing in _______, setting serving the hard of hearing community and their families. I am also a member of the North Carolina Audiology Association representing the interests of practicing clinical and research professionals as well as students studying hearing science. North Carolina’s health care policies are important to my practice, my colleagues, and to my patients who make up our community. I also serve as the ________ (list any NCAA or community posts you hold which may be relevant).
Of course, if a meeting on the ______ is not possible, we would love to schedule it for another time that is more convenient for you.
Thank you for your assistance with this request. In the meantime, if I can provide any additional information please let me know. Your scheduler can let me know of your availability through email _____________or by phone __________.
Sincerely,
Name
Title, Address, Phone number, Email
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Audiology FAQ/Talking Points to Take With You
Who We Are
Audiologists
Masters or doctoral-level hearing and balance healthcare practitioners. Audiologists are legally and professionally recognized experts in hearing science and patient care. Trained at accredited universities within the medical or allied health schools, with a total of 6–8 years of academic and clinical training.
North Carolina Audiology Association (NCAA)
A group of Audiologists. NCAA is an audiology-only organization whose educational, lobbying, fundraising, and member engagement efforts will be solely dedicated to the interests of audiologists.
Jane Doe, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology
Insert your bio here
Goals of Audiologists
- We strive to provide the highest level of clinical services across settings including schools, hospitals, private practice, and in conjunction with ENT physician practices.
- Conduct research to the advance the knowledge of hearing and balance science
- Innovate to create hearing and balance devices and treatments to aid patients, such as hearing aids
- Educate future practitioners
- Community outreach
- Legislative Engagement
Current Topics in Law Affecting Hearing Healthcare
Audiology Patient Choice Act H.R. 2276 and S. 2575
Over the Counter Hearing Aids H.R. 1652
