Dear Members of the Board,

My name is Anne Dare and I am a board-certified pediatric audiologist in Norfolk, Virginia. I am writing to express my support for the proposed amendment to 18VAC30-21-60(A) to restore American Board of Audiology (ABA) certification as an accepted pathway for audiology licensure.

ABA certification is a nationally recognized credential that reflects education, examination, and professional requirements specific to audiology. When ABA certification was removed from the regulations, it reduced flexibility and limited licensure options for qualified audiologists, including myself. Restoring this pathway will help ensure that Virginia can attract and retain highly trained audiologists while maintaining strong professional standards. I worked hard for my education and advanced credentials and would like to keep my skills in Virginia. 

Recognizing multiple pathways is important for supporting workforce mobility and ensuring patient access to hearing and balance care across the Commonwealth. As someone who is board certified in pediatric audiology and works with Virginia’s children to access diagnostic services, intervention and supports, this issue is very important to me. Children and individuals with special needs require unique and specialized professionals on their teams. Audiology is no different. Delays in licensure will reduce Virginian children's access to quality and competent care. It is well known that early intervention significantly decreased the long term costs associated with disability. Delays in licensure can delay a child's intervention. I absolutely believe that restoration of ABA certification as an avenue to Virginia licensure will benefit both professionals and patients. 

I qualified for board certification in pediatric audiology more than 12 years ago. This certification requires continued education beyond standard continuing education courses, and beyond the requirements of licensure alone. Maintaining this certification has ensured that I continue to learn as audiology - and pediatrics - evolves. I fear that should ABA not be restored on the pathway to Virginia licensure that southeastern Virginia will suffer drastically as a result. There are few pediatric audiologists in this area and a good portion of them carry ABA credentials. Please do not hurt Virginians. 

Thank you for your work to modernize and clarify audiology licensure regulations in Virginia. I appreciate the opportunity to comment on this amendment and encourage the Board to move forward with recognizing ABA certification as an accepted pathway to licensure.

Sincerely,

Anne Dare, AuD, ABAC, BCPA

Pediatric Audiologist

Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA