Meetings: As Announced President: Hilary Patzer Advisor: John Pirog

Current Activities/Updates

The local AAAOM-SO chapter at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN helped to organize a lobby day at the capital. Their efforts came to light on March 4th, 2008 when their meet at the State Capital and lobbied for “Equal Access.” They felt that it was important to become involved in this particular legislative issue for three main reasons. First, currently third party payers do cover acupuncture under their health plans. However, they limit their reimbursement to MD’s, DO’s and DC’s, despite the differences in training to that of an acupuncturist. Secondly, because of the discrepancies in third party reimbursements, the majority of the public is limited to the acupuncture treatments of an MD, DO or DC. If these providers did not attend a 3-4 year program, the public is not experiencing the same quality of acupuncture that they would if they were permitted access to licensed acupuncturists. Thirdly, this local chapter felt that it was time for acupuncturists to stand up for their rights and start shaping their future.

Because the enthusiasm behind this lobbying effort was so alive, the hours upon hours of planning were exciting and stimulating, not burdensome. There is a ton of planning that goes into an effort like this, but it is possible for anyone; school or organization to succeed. Here is a quick list of some of the steps this local chapter had to go through:

1. Get involved with your State Association.
2. Find out what bills are on the table, what the State Association is involved with and what the student body is most interested in.
3. Ask for help and support from your administration, they can play a vital role.
4. Call the Capital and reserve a room so you have a home base once you are at the Capital.
5. Make a list of what districts your students are from and who their legislators are.
6. Make appointments with those legislators, making sure that the legislators know that the students are constituents.
7. Arrange transportation from your school to the Capital (busses).
8. Schedule an information day at your school about a week before the lobby date to inform and educate the students and faculty on what the bill is and how the day will unfold. Providing a script to the students at this time is beneficial.
9. Start assembling informational folders that you can leave with the legislators with information on the bill proposed and some information on you school.
10. Create name tags that state your name and what you are there for.
11. Warn the lobbyers that it is going to be completely chaotic, but to go with the flow and smile.
12. Invite alumni, State Association members and any public that is supportive.
13. Walk into the capital with poise. You deserve to be there and your bill deserves to be heard.
14. Express to the legislators how important your bill is, but be respectful and gracious. Their schedules are incredibly tight and can change at a moments notice.
    If a legislator is not available, talk to their assistants. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. They will present your case and information to the legislator, so don’t blow them off.

The Northwestern Health Sciences University lobby day was a huge success. The school is still buzzing with the energy and enthusiasm that was generated by taking a stand for our rights. The overwhelming response from the over 100 lobbyers that day was that the legislators were very positive and supportive. They asked a lot of questions, were very engaged and extremely approachable. The students felt energized and excited as legislators opened their doors and ears to what the students had to say.

Even if the “Equal Access” bill is not heard this year, efforts will continue to be made towards the goal. The students, association members, alumni and faculty talked to over 60 legislators that day. That is 60 more people that now know what acupuncture is, what it can treat and the difference between licensed acupuncturists and MD’s, DO’s and DC’s. We learned and accomplished so much that day, it really is energizing and exciting!

Hello everyone-

Jennie and I wanted to make sure to send out an update about the Equal Access to Acupuncturists bill.  For all present purposes, the bill is “dead” for this year.  We were scheduled to be heard in the Senate Committee, but BCBS and Medica presented a lot of opposition and the representatives did not feel that there would be adequate time to resolve all the issues between the insurance companies and us.  Therefore, we are promised to be one of the first bills heard next session.

Although our bill did not get heard in the Senate Committee, Senate Floor or House Floor, we were heard and unanimously pasted in the House Committee.  That is a huge step!!  Word on the street is that we were heard in the House Committee because of the Legislative Day.  Thank you to everyone who participated, we really CAN make a difference.  Most bills take a few years to pass through both the House and Senate, so we knew that it was a difficult, time-consuming but rewarding task.  Now we are ready to look towards the future!

In the next month or so, Jennie, Kathy, Mark, Bonnie, Dave Kunz (NWHSU lobbyist) and I will meet to start planning and organizing our efforts for next years session.  We will be much more prepared than we were this year.  Now we have a clear understanding of the process and will be that much more effective.

Let’s keep the momentum going.  We will update you as we learn more information.  Please attend the meetings to learn how you can help and to stay updated as well.  We need to get the public involved, family, friends and other acupuncturists.  We will be prepared to fight the insurance companies and they won’t know what hit them.

As a side note, please visit www.aaaomonline.org  to become a new/renewing member of the AAAOM-SO.  Click on “Student Services” on the left then scroll down until you see a link for “On-line Membership Application.”  During March the membership is ½ off ($25).  Please renew.  It is with Student Support that we are able to tackle legislative issues.  

Thank you for you help and passion,

Hilary Patzer
AAAOM-SO Local Chapter President