The Petitioning Group consisting of NHCA, ASHA Special Interest Division #8, Military Audiology Association and Air Force Audiology Association continue to pursue Specialty Recognition in Occupational Audiology. ASHA's Clinical Specialty Board (CSB) reviewed the Stage II application recently and had several comments and recommendations. Many of the comments were requests that information from the Stage I application be repeated in the Stage II application so that it is a stand alone document. Other comments requested more detailed information in some areas of the application.
The CSB paradigm is focused on "clinical" processes and the clinical specialty of occupational audiology requires some broadening of the definition of "clinical". We feel that we can bridge the gap between their traditional narrow clinical focus and occupational audiology.
One of the most difficult issues is how we will evaluate the "clinical knowledge" of applicants for Specialty Recognition. We are determined to keep this process as simple and inexpensive as possible for applicants. Our proposal is for the application to be similar to the application for Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) Course Directors. It would involve providing information and documentation of certain activities and getting peers to endorse your application.
If you want more information or would like to volunteer to help with this process,please contact your Petitioning Group Representatives Col Jay Hans at (860)433-5372 or LtCol John Allen at DSN 858-3097