Professional Practice in Context: The Regulatory Environment

This issue of Seminars in Speech and Language is devoted to the increasingly important issue of the regulatory environment and its effects and influence on the practice of speech-language pathology. The regulatory environment is neither easy to read about nor to understand. Yet having that background is critical to all speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who choose to practice ethically and legally in the United States today. Becky Sutherland Cornett, a distinguished SLP who works extensively in the regulatory environment, knows who the important players are and has convinced many of them to contribute to the current issue. What they have provided is an excellent comprehensive and thoroughly readable overview of what practicing clinicians need to know. I believe this issue of Seminars is an important national treasure for the profession.

The issue begins with an overview article written by Dr. Cornett, who is Associate Compliance Director for the Ohio State University Medical Center. She then follows with a second article that examines regulatory initiatives and industry trends pertaining to patient safety and quality measurement. The article concludes with specific suggestions for their implementation by members of the profession.

Ingrida Lusis and Amy Hasselkus of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) national office then provide a tutorial on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Because HIPAA regulations are designed to protect individuals who are the recipients of health care, they must be fully understood and implemented by SLPs who work in settings that are covered by them. Lusis and Hasselkus's presentation makes HIPAA regulations not only easy to follow but, perhaps more importantly, easy to understand.

Many readers of Seminars might be surprised to find Whitmire and colleagues' article on the regulatory context and public education. Most of us probably share the unwarranted belief that SLPs who work with children and youth are immune from many of the sorts of issues that surround adult health care. Not so. And to have a truly comprehensive picture of the regulatory environment, knowing about its influence on public education is a requirement.

Nancy Swigart, a former ASHA president and hugely influential private practitioner, has provided a master class on documentation, coding, and billing. Her vast experience is embodied here in pertinent examples and clear instructions. This article provides a tremendously practical example for us to follow.

The final submission in the issue departs from typical Seminars style. Becky Cornett constructed an interview that cuts to the core of regulatory issues and convinced Alex Johnson, ASHA President for 2006, and Arlene Pietranton, ASHA's Executive Director, to answer those questions for us. The result is a remarkable interview that is broad in scope and deep in information pertinent to facing challenges in health care over the next decade.

I am very pleased to be a part of this issue. Enjoy it, and learn.