By: Marva Mount, MA, CCC-SLP, FNAP, Vice President for Professional Services

As we gather in Fort Worth for the 70th Annual TSHA Convention, the landscape of our professions is evolving faster than ever. Whether you are navigating the complexities of reimbursement, managing a team in a school district, or battling the very real weight of burnout, this year’s Convention offers a unique sanctuary of knowledge and community. Our Convention committees have been hard at work designing a new look for Convention-goers that will provide you with the latest evidence-based practice information that you will carry back to your practice to use immediately. Beyond the standard CE sessions, the Professional Forums stand out as the heartbeat of our advocacy and peer-to-peer support. Here is why you cannot afford to miss these four critical sessions.

Advocacy and Reimbursement: The Front Lines
Staying financially and legally viable is a prerequisite for providing quality care. These updates are the "must-knows" for the coming year.

Critical Medicare/Medicaid Updates: A Forum with TSHA/ASHA Representatives

• When: Thursday, February 19, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Why Attend: Changes to the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and evolving Medicaid reimbursement rates in Texas are more than just policy; they impact your salary, your clinic’s survival, and patient access. This is your direct line to the representatives who advocate for our fields at the state and national levels.
• Key Focus: Telehealth authority extensions, CPT code updates, and the latest on Texas-specific Medicaid policies

Leadership and Public Education
For those shaping the future of our youth, these sessions provide the roadmap for effective leadership and sustainable practice.

Lead SLP Insights: Navigating Texas Public Education

• When: Thursday, February 19, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Why Attend: Being a lead SLP requires a unique blend of clinical expertise and administrative savvy. This panel of seasoned Texas leaders will dive into the hot topics that keep coordinators up at night—staffing shortages, SHARS (School Health and Related Services) updates, and effective team-building in diverse districts.

Public School Forum

• When: Friday, February 20, 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
• Why Attend: This is the definitive town hall for school-based practitioners. From updates on the Texas Administrative Code to the nuances of dyslexia mandates and feeding/swallowing protocols in schools, this forum ensures you are compliant and confident in your local district.

Clinical Sustainability and Wellness
The "medical" side of our fields often faces high-productivity demands and high-stakes environments.

Medical Committee Forum: Addressing Burnout in Medical Speech Pathology

• When: Friday, February 20, 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
• Why Attend: You cannot pour from an empty cup. Burnout in medical settings—hospitals, SNFs, and home health—is at an all-time high. This forum isn't just a discussion; it’s a strategic session on resilience and advocacy.
• Key Focus: Strategies for managing productivity pressures and finding sustainable joy in medical speech pathology

Why These Forums Matter
Unlike traditional lectures, these forums are interactive. They are designed for you to ask the tough questions, share your local challenges, and help TSHA leadership understand exactly what you need for the 2026-2027 cycle.

Please join us for these incredibly informative sessions designed with your practice in mind, whatever that setting may be. We look forward to seeing you in Fort Worth. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. Let’s make this Convention our best ever.