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ADAlert: Department of Labor Proposes New Occupational Code for Audiology |
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Monday, 26 May 2008 |
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In the Federal Register released on May 22, 2008, the Department of Labor announced a new proposed occupational code for Audiologists, which will be effective in 2010. Codes are subject to revision every 10 years. In the current code system, Audiologists are listed as code 29-1121, as a subcategory of "Therapists" (code 29-1120).
As a consequence of careful input from ADA and other audiology
organizations, the D.O.L. is now recommending that Audiologists receive
their own classification of 29-1170 under the major grouping "Health
Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners". Included in this grouping are
Dentists, Physicians and Surgeons, Optometrists, Chiropractors and
Audiologists, among others.
This is a major achievement and an important step for our profession in seeking recognition as an autonomous profession.
This rule has not yet been finalized, as there is a required comment
period until July 21st. However, this is most assuredly good news.
To view the proposed changes in their entirety, go to http://www.bls.gov/soc/soc2010.pdf
which is a part of the Federal Register. For a view of the overall
structure and where we fit as a profession in the classification,
please follow the link to http://www.bls.gov/soc/soc_structure_2010.pdf
David Berkey, Au.D., President
Academy of Doctors of Audiology
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