A Message from the President...

Dear Fellow Professionals, 

Thanks for stopping by.   There is a lot going on within NSHA, and in our professions at this time.     

Last fall, NSHA fought along with ASHA to have the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) remove any national requirements for physician supervision of of qualified SLPs performing video-stroboscopy (CPT 31579; Current Procedural Terminology, ©American Medical Association) or CPT 92511, nasopharyngoscopy. As with a number of Medicare requirements, however, local MACs are permitted to specify a more stringent level of supervision.  I was disappointed to learn that in mid-December 2011, Palmetto—the MAC for five states, including Nevada,  posted the following requirement:

"Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are trained in basic laryngeal examination related to speech and dysfunctional swallowing conditions. Since an SLP does not have the experience or knowledge to biopsy a neoplasm or an anatomical pathologic condition, Palmetto PGA will reimburse a videostroboscopy and nasopharyngoscopy service when an SLP performs the service under the direct supervision of a physician credentialed by the hospital to perform the services."   

Also noteworthy are the Billing Edits for Auditory Processing Disorder that went into effect on April 1, 2012.  

Please see the article from the ASHA Leader, April 24 2012 and reposted under the NEWS tab above  for more information on both of these changes.   

The 2012 NSHA Annual was a huge success.   Thank you to the NSHA Board, the Convention Ad Hoc Committee, our presenters, our guests, our members, and the staff at the Santa Fe for making it a smooth and enjoyable weekend.    Please see the Convention tab above to download the program, handouts, and see highlights from the weekend.    

The end of the term for the 2010-2012 NSHA Board of Executives is drawing near.  We have already previously voted for our upcoming President and Vice-President.   We now need to vote for the offices of Secretary and Treasurer.   Please take a moment to click on the Election tab.   There you will see the biographies for our nominees and the Election Ballot.     

We are currently looking for a Vice-President (elect) to serve from Southern Nevada.   This person will then assume the office of President when the NSHA board returns to Southern Nevada in July of 2014.   Please contact me if you happen to be interested in this opportunity via the NSHA e-mail  address (info@nvsha.org) 

We are also looking for two interested people to serve as the SEAL and the STAR/SMAC representatives.
Please contact me if you happen to be interested in either of these opportunities via the NSHA e-mail  address (info@nvsha.org)  Information regarding the roles of the SEAL can be found by downloading the SEAL Mission Statement (click here).    Information regarding the roles of the STAR/SMAC representative can be found by downloading the STAR/SMAC Mission statement (click here).  

Volunteers and a heart of service are the foundation of this Association.   I hope that you will find a place in your already busy life to volunteer to serve in one of the exciting opportunities.    I know for myself that serving in the various NSHA positions for the last six years has been an incredibly valuable experience both personally and professionally.    

Thank you. 

Janine Baldis, M.A., CCC-SLP
NSHA President 2010-2012

NSHA NEWS

See the ACE awards page for an update of the ACE Award Recipient Listing from January through September 2011.  

Monthly meetings will be held in Las Vegas with a conference call to the Continuum in Reno. Our next meetings will be held on May 9, 2012 and June 6, 2012.  Please e-mail us for directions to future meeting locations, or if you have items for the agenda.   info@nvsha.org   You can also call us at 775-303-8563.

NSHA is now accepting applications for membership for 2012-2013.  The NSHA fiscal/membership year starts on July 1, 2012 and ends on June 30, 2013.  If you already renewed at the convention in March, thank you.  You do not to renew again until July 1, 2013.   Please keep supporting NSHA.  We are advocating for SLPs and Audiologists in Nevada every day.   You may renew your membership online by clicking on the Membership link above and filling out the application and pay by credit card through the Online Store link.   You may also download the .pdf application on the Membership page and mail in a check.    

Your membership in your State Association is greatly appreciated, and we are your voice throughout Nevada.   We honor your hard work and professionalism by advocating every day on your behalf.