I hope that this finds you experiencing some of the magic of the holiday season. As we finish up the last few weeks of a productive 2017 year and move into 2018, I want to thank you for your support as members of NMSHA and the incredible work of our executive board, lobbyists, and volunteers! It’s time to provide you with important updates about your New Mexico Speech-Language and Hearing Association (NMSHA) and upcoming events.
Annual Conference
Thanks to all of you who attended our successful annual conference event in Albuquerque on October 27th and 28th. We had a number of excellent presenters and approximately 15 exhibitors and sponsors. This was the first year that NMSHA facilitated informative box luncheons that brought together medical, school and private practice based SLPs to discuss issues of relevance to them. Congratulations to the students at UNM who competed with ENMU and NMSU and won the winning plaque in our first annual student knowledge bowl! Mark your calendars and join us for next year’s conference that will be held at the Sheraton Uptown in Albuquerque on October 19 and 20, 2018.
NMSHA Day- January 26th
We are looking forward to another valuable NMSHA day event in Santa Fe on Friday, January 26th. NMSHA received grant money to fund students from all three universities to attend the event held at the roundhouse each year. Join our board members and lobbyists, Richard Romero and Sue Griffith, in advocating for legislation and bills that support our profession and consumers. Learn more about the legislative process and how YOU can make a difference! Members will meet on the first floor of the round house beginning at 8:30 am.
Membership Benefits
Our new executive board sprang into action with our first meeting on December 2ndand we are committed to providing service and benefits to our membership for the upcoming 2018 year. In addition to our conferences and networking events, we will be offering discounts to members for on-line CEUs. Check for resources and information on various professional topics through our list serve, website (www.nmsha.net) and Facebook venues. Receive discounts on products through Super Duper. NMSHA is also working on gaining membership discounts at local stores and restaurants throughout the state. Stay tuned as we update you throughout the year about these exciting new membership benefits.
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Licensure
In 2018, NMSHA will be working with the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing board, our lobbyists and legislative committees to support legislation in favor of an SLP Assistant licensure bill that will be presented at the 2019 legislative session. If the bill passes in 2019, we will be calling on members to serve on a planning committee in formulating a strategic plan to support SLPs and SLPAs in regards to a number of issues including scope of practice, supervision, and caseload/workload limits. I extend my thanks to the NM Regulation and Licensing board for collaborating with NMSHA in writing the initial drafts of the licensure, and to our members and executive board members who provided invaluable input feedback. We will keep you informed of the licensure progress throughout the upcoming year.
The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on our blessings alongside family, friends and those who make a difference in our lives. Thank you for being a part of our NMSHA family. I look forward to new beginnings in 2018!
Warmest Holiday Wishes,
Sandra