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!
2026 Advocacy Events
March 3, 2026: Day on the Hill. Registration is now open. See the agenda below.
NOW: Free University Advocacy Presentations. Contact us at info@taaslp.org for more information.
8:15-9:00: Welcome, Orientation, and Discussion of Current Legislative Issues:
Supporting Communication and Hearing Care: Issues Affecting SLPs and Audiologists- Jennifer Henderson and Elizabeth Humphrey
9:00-9:15: Break
9:15-12:15: Visits with legislators as assigned, writing letter campaigns, committee hearings, and meetings with State-Based Advocacy Leaders (Seal, STAR, StAMP)
12:15-1:15: Wrap-up Meeting (snacks provided)
Learning outcomes- TAASLP’s Day on the Hill 2026
Participants will be able to:
Satisfactory Completion
To be eligible to earn ASHA Continuing Education Units (CEUs), participants must attend the presentation in full and complete a provided post-course assessment and course evaluation.
DISCLOSURES:
Jennifer Henderson is the VP of Legislative Affairs for TAASLP and has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Jennifer Henderson has a relevant non-financial relationship in the form of TAASLP board membership.
Elizabeth Humphrey is the StAMP representative for the State of TN. She has a relevant financial relationship with UTHSC in the form of salary for employment and has a relevant non-financial relationship with TAASLP/TAA and ASHA in the form of board and committee membership.
This program is offered for 0.45 CEUs (Introductory, Related area)
How can you help advocate?
How can you help advocate?
Learn more about state-based advocacy networks at https://www.asha.org/advocacy/state/state-networks/
Interested in learning more about state level advocacy?
Learn more about state-based advocacy networks at https://www.asha.org/advocacy
/state/state-networks/
Interested in learning more about state level advocacy?
Together, we can be the change we wish to see.
Current Projects
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!
