The annual Executive Board transition meeting was held on June 17, 2005. I would like to introduce and congratulate the new officers: President Elect-Lori Taniguchi, Membership Chair-Al Seitel, Public Relations Chair-Patricia Bosze, Publication Co-chairs-Cass Faux, Esther Kim, Treasurer-Lori Kostrewa, and Continuing Education Chair-Stephanie Barry. We are still looking for a 2007 Program Chair for the annual convention so if you are interested or know of someone that would be interested let us know. I would also like to encourage you to become involved in a committee. If you are interested in being a part of the Audiology, Multicultural, Public School, Medical, Early Childhood, Website, or Private Practice committee please contact us at office@arsha.org.

Over the past year, the Executive Board has increased Arizona’s involvement in the state based Advocacy Networks. I would like to introduce and congratulate the people serving in these positions: State Education Advocacy Leader (SEAL)-Karen LaBrozzi, State Advocates for Reimbursement (STAR)-Kristy Higbie, and Medicare Intermediary and Carrier State Network (MICS)-Debra Venkatesh. For additional information on what they are doing to help Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists in Arizona, go to the board and committees page of the website www.arsha.org and click on the link to their respective page.

The Executive Board meetings will be held at the Banner Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Building on the 2nd floor. The address is: 1012 E. Willetta, Phoenix, AZ. Meeting dates will be September 9, November 4, January 20, March 10, May 4 (Thurs before convention), May 5 or 6 (Annual Business Luncheon), and June 16 (transition meeting).

ArSHA has been receiving a significant amount of calls regarding public school practice over the past few months. We are diligently working on issues that include certification and speech language pathology assistants. We are working with the Arizona State Department of Education, the Department of Health Services, Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, and Estrella Mountain Community College to name a few. As these committees complete their work ArSHA members will be the first to find out about recommendations. In the meantime, if you are asked to supervise an SLPA, we recommend that you review ASHA’s Frequently Asked Questions about SLPAs and the links to the position statement and guidelines for their use: http://www.asha.org/members/slp/faqs/faq_slpasst . SLPA’s are NOT allowed to work independently and do have restrictions on their abilities. Please use them according to these guidelines to avoid licensure and ethical violations.