This expanded website will provide more information, more resources and more direct links to MSHA's Executive Council. We now have a member's only section with online sign-up and renewal capability, an online member directory and a discussion forum. We have recently added pages for Speech-Language Pathologists in Health Care, and information about the use of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology assistants. We are continuing to add new content each quarter.

If you are a consumer, we hope to provide you with useful information about Speech, Language, Hearing and Swallowing Disorders. You can also look for a qualified Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist by using our Public Referral Directory.

If you are a Speech-Language Pathologist, Audiologist or Speech-Language Scientist who is not currently a member, we would like to have you join us. Click on the tab marked Membership for our on-line application. MSHA now offers a rolling membership year, so join at any time, and get a full year membership with all of its benefits.

The Massachusetts Speech-Language-Hearing Association was established in 1949 to realize the founding philosophy of providing persons in the fields of human communication disorders with the opportunity to establish common standards, to exchange information and ideas, and to act as a strong, unified voice for upgrading the profession within our state. MSHA is a recognized professional association for audiologists and speech-language pathologists by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA.)

MSHA is committed to serving the needs of our colleagues and advocating for the needs of individuals affected by communication and swallowing disorders. We are your voice on Beacon Hill, and your resource for information about legislative issues on the federal level. We represent your interests and your needs across the state and across practice settings. Please consider joining us today.

MSHA Executive Council

The Massachusetts Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA) will be recognized as an authority and resource in the fields of audiology and speech-language pathology by legislative bodies, related professional associations, and consumers.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mission of the Massachusetts Speech-Language Hearing Association (MSHA) is to:

• empower and provide professional support for audiologists and speech-language pathologists,
• provide public awareness and opportunities for professional growth,
• advocate for speech-language pathologists and audiologists and the individuals they serve, and
• advance ethical principles and professional standards in the field of communication sciences and disorders.

The Association shall not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identification, sex, sexual orientation or handicapping condition. All programs will be conducted in accordance with this policy.

MSHA CODE OF ETHICS

PREAMBLE
The preservation of the highest standards of integrity and ethical principles is vital to the successful discharge of the professional responsibilities of all speech-language pathologists and audiologists. The Association has promulgated this Code of Ethics in an effort to stress the fundamental rules considered essential to this basic purpose. Any action that is in violation of the spirit and purpose of this Code shall be considered unethical. Failure to specify any particular responsibility or practice in this Code of Ethics should not be construed as denial of the existence of other responsibilities or practices. The fundamental rules of ethical conduct are described in three categories: Principles of Ethics, Ethical Proscriptions, Matters of Professional Propriety.

1. Principles of Ethics. Six principles serve as a basis for the ethical evaluation of professional conduct and form the underlying moral basis for the Code of Ethics. Individuals1 subscribing to this Code shall observe these principles as affirmative obligations under all conditions of professional activity.
2. Ethical Proscriptions. Ethical Proscriptions are formal statements of prohibitions that are derived from the Principles of Ethics.
3. Matters of Professional Propriety. Matters of Professional Propriety represent guidelines of conduct designed to promote the public interest and thereby better inform the public and particularly the persons in need of speech-language pathology and audiology services as to the availability and the rules regarding the delivery of those services.