Michigan Legislature backs House Bill 4484 to alleviate certification costs for speech pathologists

In a pivotal meeting held on June 24, 2025, the Michigan Legislature addressed a significant change in health policy that could reshape the landscape for speech language pathologists (SLPs) across the state. Under the soft glow of city hall lights, lawmakers gathered to discuss House Bill 4484, which aims to eliminate the requirement for SLPs to hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in order to provide Medicaid services.

Earlier this year, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) revised its rules, allowing SLPs to receive Medicaid payments without the CCC, a certification that many experts argue adds no substantial value to the practitioners' skills. This change was met with enthusiasm from SLPs, who had long criticized the CCC as a redundant and costly requirement. The annual fee for the CCC can reach $250, accumulating to over $7,500 over a typical 30-year career, a burden that many practitioners found unjustifiable, especially when it barred them from serving low-income patients.

Dr. Jeanette Venegas, a licensed SLP and founder of a grassroots advocacy firm, emphasized the importance of recognizing state licenses as the primary credential for practice. "In Michigan, a state license, not a private certificate, is the official credential to practice as a speech language pathologist," she stated, highlighting the need for public oversight and consumer protection in healthcare.

Support for House Bill 4484 was echoed by Alexa Chapman, another practicing SLP, who noted that despite the MDHHS's recent changes, confusion persists among employers and insurers regarding the distinction between state licenses and the CCC. "This bill will lower costs for providers, increase access to care, and retain qualified SLPs in our state," Chapman urged, reinforcing the bill's potential to enhance service delivery for those in need.

The committee's discussions also touched on the pressing need for SLP services in schools, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. With many children returning to classrooms after extended periods of remote learning, the demand for speech therapy has surged. Lawmakers recognized the critical role SLPs play in addressing communication and swallowing disorders, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly.

As the meeting concluded, representatives expressed their commitment to advancing House Bill 4484, aiming to codify the MDHHS's recent policy change into law. This legislative move not only promises to alleviate financial burdens on SLPs but also seeks to ensure that all Michiganders have access to essential speech therapy services without unnecessary barriers. The future of speech language pathology in Michigan hangs in the balance, with the potential for significant improvements in care delivery on the horizon.