The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published revisions in early June to their Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, which revised the definition of a "qualified speech-language pathologist (SLP)" as it relates to Medicare reimbursement. This change had impacts for Clinical Fellows (CFs), those who have an Intern in Speech-Language Pathology license, or those who employ individuals with an Intern in Speech-Language Pathology license and see Medicare patients. While this definition of a qualified SLP was in use, individuals in Texas with an Intern in Speech-Language Pathology license could not enroll as a Medicare provider or bill Medicare for the services they provided under Medicare Part B.
Important Update as of July 29: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has cleared clinical fellows with a provisional license to bill Medicare Part B. According to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), in direct correspondence, “CMS clarified that its updated interpretation aligns with state licensing requirements and allows individuals holding provisional or temporary licenses, such as CFs, to provide services to Medicare beneficiaries—provided they meet their respective state’s licensure requirements.”
Read more at https://www.asha.org/news/2025/cms-reverses-its-interpretation-of-a-qualified-slp-clinical-fellows-cleared-to-bill-medicare/
What Has and Is Being Done?
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) actively advocated for a reversal of the policy. As of 29 July, CMS has reversed its interpretation of a qualified SLP. ASHA is seeking guidance on how to proceed since several Medicare Administrative Contractors have denied enrollment to clinical fellows with provisional licenses. Updates will be shared as they become available.
TSHA was one of the organization that signed on to a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz requesting CMS to recognize provisional licensure as meeting the requirements of a qualified provider under Medicare Part B.
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Questions?
Please contact reimbursement@asha.org.