Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

On May 28, 2004, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a final rule revising the requirements for audiologists providing services under the Medicaid program. This important regulation removes the barrier of certification and bases eligibility for participation on state licensure. As stated by CMS, "The requirements will create consistency with the Medicare program's definition of a qualified audiologist by recognizing State licensure in determining provider qualifications. These revised standards will expand State flexibility in choosing qualified audiologists." The complete text of the final rule is available at:

The old regulation was a vestige of the pre-licensure days of the audiology profession. Under the old regulation, a Medicaid provider could go from being qualified to being unqualified simply by choosing not to re-purchase a proprietary, entry-level certificate. The new regulation addresses this unusual flaw and correctly identifies state licensure as the criterion for provider status. The new regulation also serves to update the Medicaid definition of an audiologist to that used in the Medicare program.

"This change in regulation is important to citizens who are part of the Medicaid program," states Brad Stach, President of the American Academy of Audiology. "Many of our Academy members who are licensed, qualified providers have chosen to no longer buy entry-level certification on an annual basis, effectively reducing the pool of qualified audiologists eligible to provide services for Medicaid recipients under the old definition. By changing the regulation to qualify those who are licensed, the potential pool of providers for Medicaid services is increased substantially."

This change has been a long time in coming. In 1999, the Academy worked with Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) to introduce legislation to change this regulation. At that time the Congress "urged" CMS to make this change. In 2001, HHS Secretary Thompson addressed the Academy in San Diego, reporting to the membership that he was "committed to getting the job done." With publication of the Final Rule last Friday, the Secretary has followed through and made it easier for Medicaid recipients to receive hearing care services.

"We appreciate the hard work of the staff at CMS," say Stach. "We are very supportive of their efforts to enhance access to audiology services for those enrolled in the Medicaid program."