American Academy of Audiology Announces Introduction of Direct Access Legislation

(Washington, DC - June 6, 2011)—The American Academy of Audiology is pleased to announce the introduction of H.R. 2140, the Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act of 2011 in the 112th Congress. This bill is identical to H.R. 3024 from last session and Congressman Mike Ross (D-AR) has taken the lead again this Congress, along with 11 original cosponsors.

H.R. 2140 eliminates the need for Medicare patients to obtain a physician referral prior to visiting an audiologist for an evaluation. Federal employees and members of Congress have direct access to an audiologist. This bill would afford Medicare patients the same direct access to audiologists.

"The Academy is pleased to see the unwavering support for direct access continue. As an integral component of the Academy's overall objective: to realize greater professional autonomy, this legislation is a first step in the right direction for audiology," said Patricia B. Kricos, PhD, Academy President.

Audiologists should contact their representative to ask for support for H.R. 2140 by accessing the Academy's Legislative Action Center.

The American Academy of Audiology is the world's largest professional organization of, by, and for audiologists. With an active membership of more than 11,000 audiologists, the Academy promotes quality hearing and balance care by advancing the profession of audiology through leadership, advocacy, education, public awareness, and support of research. For more information about the American Academy of Audiology, visit www.audiology.org and www.HowsYourHearing.org.