SLU SLHS Faculty Member Helps Pass Legislation to Better Serve Patients Across State Lines
Saint Louis University (SLU) Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) Associate Professor Saneta Thurmon, MA, CCC-SLP, CCC-A, was in attendance when Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed HB 2149 into law – adopting the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC). As the Missouri ambassador for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Vice President of Audiology for the Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA), Thurmon has been working with other speech-language-hearing professionals across the region for nearly a year to get this bill passed.
ASHA members often have difficulty obtaining multiple state licenses to practice due to administrative obstacles. By becoming an ASLP-IC member state, Missouri speech-language-hearing licensed professionals will be able to care for more patients and better facilitate continuity of care for patients when they relocate or travel.
Thurmon was thrilled that the work put in by speech, language and hearing professionals across the state paid off with the passing of this bill.
“It’s very exciting! The Missouri Senate heard over 2,000 bills this year and this was one of only 45 that were passed,” Thurmon said. “I am very proud that Missouri has become the 22nd state to join the Audiology and SLP Interstate Compact Act. I am very passionate about advocating for patient needs and this bill will allow more Missourians access to the speech and Audiology services they need in remote areas of the state and across state lines.”
Thurmon went on to describe the incredible amount of cooperation and coordination that was required to bring this bill before the Missouri Senate.
“A lot of collaboration was involved with MSHA executive board members, ASHA, the Missouri Academy of Audiology as well as practicing SLPs and audiologists throughout the state,” Thurmon said. “Many of these meetings were conducted via Zoom since collaborations were with professionals across the state of Missouri and with the ASHA leaders in Washington D.C.”
Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of nearly 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of more than 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.