2025 Call for Peer Review of Proposed Revisions to ASHA's Certification Standards
The Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) initiated a widespread peer review process for proposed revisions to the standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). The review aimed to ensure that certification standards continue to reflect the necessary entry-level knowledge and skills for quality service provision.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association· Today
ReadInsurance & BillingNational 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Analysis
ASHA released an analysis of the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, highlighting modest payment updates and the impact of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). The document addresses coding updates, telehealth services, and the ongoing advocacy efforts to mitigate reimbursement cuts for speech-language pathology services.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association· Today
ReadState RegulationsVirginia Virginia Regulatory Review: Proposed Removal of CCC Requirement for Licensure
The Virginia Board of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology engaged in a regulatory review process regarding the potential removal of the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) as a mandatory requirement for state licensure. Numerous practitioners submitted public comments during the early 2025 comment period expressing support for decoupling state licensure from ASHA certification.
Virginia Regulatory Town Hall· Today
ReadLegislation Introduced to Improve Interstate Compact Operations
The States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment (SHARE) Act was reintroduced in Congress to resolve FBI background check inconsistencies that have delayed the implementation of interstate compacts. Enactment of this bill is intended to allow states to fully participate in the Audiology & Speech-Language-Pathology Interstate Compact and issue practice privileges.
State RegulationsVirginia Virginia Regulatory Town Hall: Proposed Licensure Changes
The Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology received public comments regarding proposed regulatory changes. The proposal includes creating an alternative pathway to state licensure that does not require the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC).
Virginia Regulatory Town Hall· Today
ReadVirginia Regulatory Discussions on CCC Requirements
Public comments were submitted to the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall regarding proposed changes to state licensure requirements for speech-language pathologists. The discussion centers on the potential removal of the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) as a mandatory requirement for state licensure.
Virginia Regulatory Town Hall· Today
ReadInsurance & BillingNational CMS Revises Definition of SLP for Part B Services
CMS updated the definition of a qualified speech-language pathologist for outpatient (Part B) services within the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual. This change has significant implications for the billing and practice status of provisional licensees, including those in their clinical fellowship year.
Call for Peer Review of Proposed Revisions to ASHA's Speech-Language Pathology Certification Standards
The Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) initiated a peer review process for proposed updates to the CCC-SLP certification standards. These standards are designed to ensure that certified speech-language pathologists maintain the necessary entry-level knowledge and professional expertise.
Insurance & BillingNational CMS Expands Patient Consent Policy for Caregiver Training
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated its policy to allow clinicians to obtain verbal consent from patients or their representatives for caregiver training sessions conducted without the patient present. This consent must be documented in the medical record to ensure compliance with Medicare billing requirements.
Insurance & BillingNational AMA Releases 2026 CPT Codebook With New Hearing Device Services Codes
The American Medical Association released the 2026 CPT codebook, which includes new codes for hearing device services. These updates are part of the ongoing evolution of billing and reimbursement standards for audiology and speech-language pathology services.
State RegulationsVirginia ASHA Support to Virginia Regarding HB 2040 SLPAs
ASHA expressed formal support for Virginia HB 2040, which authorizes the licensure of speech-language pathology assistants. ASHA recommended that supervision ratios and requirements be clearly defined via regulation to ensure appropriate practice standards.
CMS Finalizes Policy Updates for the 2026 Medicare Advantage Contract Year
CMS issued a final rule updating policy requirements for Medicare Advantage plans for the 2026 contract year. The rule, which took effect January 1, 2026, did not address many of ASHA's concerns regarding unreasonable utilization management techniques like prior authorization.
Insurance & BillingNational CMS Proposes FY 2027 Payment Policies for Acute and Post-Acute Care Settings
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released proposed payment policies for fiscal year 2027 regarding acute and post-acute care settings. ASHA continues to monitor these developments to assess the potential impact on speech-language pathology reimbursement.
Idaho Governor Proposes 2027 Medicaid Budget Cuts
In early 2026, ASHA reported that Idaho Governor Brad Little proposed a 2027 Medicaid budget that would eliminate coverage for adult audiology and all speech therapy services. ASHA is actively engaged in advocacy efforts to oppose these potential cuts and protect patient access to care.
President Signs Major Health and Education Law With Sweeping Changes
In July 2025, the President signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law, which introduces significant changes to federal programs like Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. While the law includes deep cuts to some programs, it also provides a one-year 2.5% increase in Medicare payment rates for 2026.
