Advocacy

Advocacy Updates

The TAASLP Advocacy Team sends out monthly information via email and social media regarding information and surveys for state and national advocacy efforts, as well as letter-writing campaigns. Make sure you are a TAASLP member so that you don’t miss out on important state advocacy efforts!

2025 Advocacy Events

February 28, 2025: Sometimes Value Doesn’t Translate to Adequate Payment: How Advocacy Can Help

March 4, 2025: Day on the Hill

NOW: Ongoing Letter Writing Campaigns

How can you help advocate?

  • Send a brief email to your state legislator and tell them about your field and how you make an impact! Go to tn.gov to find your state representatives. Need help writing your email? Contact TAASLP VP of Legislative Affairs, Jennifer Henderson, at  jenlh20@gmail.com for assistance.
  • Participate in letter writing campaigns! Go to https://www.asha.org/advocacy/takeaction/ to learn current advocacy campaigns. Have questions related to how these impact TN? Reach out to our state STAR Representative, Kacey Hammonds at khammonds@mysidekicktherapy.com , SEAL Representative, Shequria Williams at gandy004@gmail.com , StAMP Aud. Representative, Elizabeth Humphrey at humphre1@uthsc.edu , and StAMP SLP Representative at janwardslp@gmail.com

How can you help advocate?

Learn more about state-based advocacy networks at https://www.asha.org/advocacy/state/state-networks/

  • Encourage others to join TAASLP! TAASLP membership is what helps pay the cost of our lobbyist to support future state level bills.
  • Stay connected! Follow us on social media and help spread the word about current/upcoming advocacy events and letter writing campaigns.

Interested in learning more about state level advocacy?

  • Our state advocacy leaders are currently offering free presentations to universities in Tennessee as part of our Student Advocacy campaign. Reach out to TAASLP VP of Legislative Affairs, Jennifer Henderson, at jenlh20@gmail.com to set up your advocacy presentation.
  • Not a student but looking to learn more? Reach out to us and let us know how we can help support you.

Learn more about state-based advocacy networks at https://www.asha.org/advocacy
/state/state-networks/

  • Encourage others to join TAASLP! TAASLP membership is what helps pay the cost of our lobbyist to support future state level bills.
  • Stay connected! Follow us on social media and help spread the word about current/upcoming advocacy events and letter writing campaigns.

Interested in learning more about state level advocacy?

  • Our state advocacy leaders are currently offering free presentations to universities in Tennessee as part of our Student Advocacy campaign. Reach out to TAASLP VP of Legislative Affairs, Jessica Lenden-Holt, at jlh@mysidekicktherapy.com to set up your advocacy presentation.
  • Not a student but looking to learn more? Reach out to us and let us know how we can help support you.

Together, we can be the change we wish to see.

Current Projects

  • Addressing Payment Reductions: TAASLP has been proactive in responding to payment reductions affecting SLPs and audiologists in Tennessee. To combat this, TAASLP organized a virtual CEU session titled “How Advocacy Can Help,” educating members on the complexities of CPT code valuation and strategies to advocate for fair reimbursement rates.
  • Advocacy for Insurance Coverage of Stuttering Services: Collaborating with former NBA player Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, TAASLP has advocated for insurance coverage of stuttering services. This partnership aims to raise awareness and influence policy changes to ensure individuals who stutter have access to necessary treatments.
  • Student Engagement and Legislative Involvement: TAASLP has emphasized student involvement in advocacy by collaborating with the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA). Advocacy presentations at Universities across TN have educated students on legislative processes and encouraged participation in advocacy efforts.
  • SB1073/HB861 requires LEAs to provide parents with copies of all evaluations and assessments used in developing a student’s IEP. TAASLP continues to monitor this legislation and is actively engaging with the Department of Health to stay informed about the implementation rules and guidance related to this amendment.
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Accomplishments

2025 – Secured Senate Co-Sponsorships for SB231: TAASLP successfully engaged with key lawmakers to gain co-sponsorship of Senate Bill 231, an important step in advancing legislation that supports the work of speech-language pathologists across Tennessee.

Advocated for Insurance Coverage of Stuttering Services: In collaboration with former NBA player Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, TAASLP worked to raise awareness and push for insurance reform that would ensure coverage for stuttering therapy. This partnership helped bring national attention to the issue and opened new conversations with stakeholders and policymakers.

2024 – Received ASHA Student Advocacy Grant for Day on the Hill

2023 – Introduced successful legislation mandating 60 day turnaround for TN licensing

2022 – Legislation reimbursing telehealth practice was approved

2022 – TN became part of the Interstate Compact with successful introduction and passing of legislation.

2019 – Assisted in the repeal of the Professional Privilege Tax for 15 of the original 22 professions, including Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists

2019 – Introduced successful legislation which established a provisional license for SLP Clinical Fellows (CFs), allowing them to be reimbursed by Medicare and other third-party payers.

2015 – Introduced legislation to repeal the Professional Privilege Tax. Our efforts contributed to the study that is being signed into law (as of 4.22.16)

2011 – Legislation mandating insurance coverage for hearing aids for children passed

2007 – Legislation explicitly allowing speech-language pathologists to perform endoscopy passed

Advocated for legislation mandating newborn hearing screening

Advocated for insurance mandate for autism coverage

If you would like to be involved in the Legislative Affairs Committee, or would like to discuss current and/ or prospective legislation, please contact TAASLP VP Legislative Affairs at info@taaslp.org

Thanks for all you do to support infants, children, and adults with communication, balance, and swallowing disorders!