Utah Speech-Language Hearing Association
2020 Legislative Bill Summary
Presented by: KMH Consulting
March 5, 2020
HB13 – Children’s Hearing Aid Program Amendments
Chief Sponsor: Stewart Barlow
Senate Sponsor: Jani Iwamoto
This bill extends the repeal date for the Children’s Hearing Aid Program to July 1, 2023.
This program:
- Provides hearing aids to children who are younger than six years old, has been diagnosed with hearing loss by an audiologist with pediatric expertise; and a physician or physician assistant.
Status:
- This bill has passed both the House and the Senate and is waiting to be signed by the Governor.
HB108 – Medical Specialists in Schools
Chief Sponsor: Carol Spackman Moss
Senate Sponsor: Kathleen Riebe
This bill permits an LEA to adopt separate schedules for employees who provide certain education related medical services in a school-based setting.
Status:
- This bill passed the House with a 41-29-5 vote and is currently in the Senate Rules Committee waiting for a Senate Committee assignment for a hearing.
HB161 1st Sub – Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact
Chief Sponsor: Derrin Owens
Senate Sponsor: Evan Vickers
This bill enacts the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact with amendments; authorizes the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing to make rules to implement the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact; and makes technical and conforming changes.
Status:
- This bill has passed the House and is currently on the Senate Second Reading calendar.
HB313 – Telehealth Parity Amendments
Chief Sponsor: Melissa Ballard
Senate Sponsor: Allen Christensen
This bill amends provisions related to insurance coverage for telehealth services and telemedicine services. This bill amends the definition of telemedicine services; clarifies the scope of telehealth practice; and requires certain health benefit plans to provide coverage parity and commercially reasonable reimbursement for telehealth services and telemedicine services.
Status:
- This bill has passed the House and has been assigned to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
2020 Interim Issues
- Speech-Language Pathologists recognized as a Medicaid and PEHP covered treatment option.