William McCrae

Beltone Audiology and Hearing Aid

San Antonio, Texas

From The President

In early September, I participated in a meeting at the State Capitol with leaders of the various organizations that will be directly involved in the sunset review of our licensing act. After the meeting, I walked the halls of the Capitol and as I stood on the Senate floor I realized what a privilege it is to be licensed to serve the hearing impaired of this great state – a privilege all dispensers cannot afford to take for granted.

Sunset review of our license is now upon us. The process will start in October and become the number one focus of the association until it concludes in June of 2011. This is the time for all of us to stop what we are doing and help mold a new act that will govern our profession for many years to come. Your THAA Board of Directors is currently finalizing the association position on sunset, and we will announce it to the membership when it is completed. Your input concerning changes in our licensing act is welcomed, and will be fully considered by the Board.

All information concerning sunset will be posted on this web site at all times under the link on the home page. I hope each of you will follow this process closely and become involved when and where your help is needed. Action calls will be sent to you via email throughout this process. I hope you make these request a priority. Your involvement is critical to our success.

While sunset will be our main focus for the next several months, it will not be our only concern. We will continue to monitor the Medicaid hearing aid program, and work towards all dispensers having access to this program throughout the state. In addition, we will continue the association's longtime commitment to quality education to improve our dispensing knowledge and skills. Our Fall CE Program in Dallas and Houston is a good example of that commitment. I urge all of you to register for this free program today.

And, as most of you already know, our annual convention has become one of the largest dispenser events in the country. Our 2010 showcase event will be no exception, as we head to the InterContinental Houston, June 3-5. I urge all of you to make plans now to attend this important industry event. Your support of the convention will help us fund our legislative efforts over the next two years.

I would like to thank the membership for this opportunity to serve as your president. I look forward to the next two years as we work together to improve our profession and maintain the trust of the hearing impaired of our great state. Let's get to work!!