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Greetings ,
We have a lot to report on....so let's get started. |
AOMSM ANNUAL MEETING RECAP
Thanks to the more than sixty people who came to the AOMSM Annual Meeting Sunday May 31 at NESA. In the morning, a stellar panel of experts shared their various perspectives on expanding insurance coverage for acupuncture. It was an informative and timely discussion.
One of the most important aspects of the meeting was information presented by Richard Ruth about a bill currently in the Massachusetts legislature (House Docket 3992) sponsored by Representatives Pignatelli, Canavan and Walz that would require that all insurance policies written in Massachusetts cover services rendered by a licensed acupuncturist.
At the afternoon business meeting, a motion was passed directing the AOMSM board to study the Pignatelli Bill to determine whether AOMSM should support its passage and to report back to the membership within 60 days.
Anyone who wants to join in the discussion about expanding insurance coverage for acupuncture can join the "MA acupuncture insurance" google group. Just log in to www.groups.google.com.
Thanks to panelists Kristen Porter Lic.Ac., Richard Ruth Lic.Ac., James Moran Lic.Ac, Richard Glickman-Simon MD and Peter Kevorkian DC.
If you haven't already, please join AOMSM. We have a lot of work to do!
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UPDATE ON STUDY OF MA INSURANCE BILL
The AOMSM Legislative Task Force has been gathering expert opinions and information over the summer about the insurance bill being sponsored in the Massachusetts legislature by Rep. Pignatelli (House Docket 3992) It has taken longer then expected to do the research and a recommendation will be made by the end of September.
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ADVANCING THE ROLE OF AOM
IN U.S. HEALTH CARE
The national acupuncture association, AAAOM, hired lobbyists Sam Brunelli and Beth Clay to strategically advance AOM political interests and opportunities with legislators and regulators in Washington, DC. The goal is for acupuncture and Oriental medicine to be part of national health care legislation. Already they have increased the sponsorship of HR 646, the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act, from 15 to 29 representatives. HR 646 would include coverage of acupuncture in Medicare and in the Federal employees benefits package. They are asking for help from acupuncturists and acupuncture patients across the country writing letters of support for HR 646 to members of Congress and the Senate.
There are lots of way to get involved. Go to the AAAOM website, www.aaaomonline.org to get sample letters, to send an email to your representative or to join the AOM Grassroots Task Force or the AOM Action Corps.
AAAOM has also developed the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Political Action Fund (AOMPAF) to create an auxiliary source of funding for a range of political activities. Your financial contribution to this effort is essential and you can go to
http://www.aaaomonline.com/paf/ to donate.
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BOARD CHANGES
The annual meeting is the turnover day for the AOMSM board of directors. Sincere thanks to Deirdre D'Silva and Bhaird Campbell who are leaving the board this year. Deirdre was on the board for four years (through the births of two wonderful boys!) during which she was the association's treasurer. Bhaird was on the board for two years and worked with the newsletter and the website. He is continuing to be involved with the website redesign.
Joining the AOMSM board for two year terms are Nicole Brown and Pia Hugus. Nicole is a 2008 NESA graduate. She has a private practice in Brookline and works in an integrative health clinic in Needham. Nicole's background prior to studying acupuncture is in psychology and neurotherapy. Pia is a 2009 NESA graduate and plans to open her practice on the Cape in Falmouth. For the past year, Pia has been the AOMSM student board member and board secretary.
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AOMSM ON FACEBOOK
Nicole Brown has taken on coordination of AOMSM membership efforts and the first thing she has done is to begin constructing a Facebook page for AOMSM. Nicole was concerned that AOMSM wasn't visible enough. Check it out! Announcements will be posted there and other information about AOMSM activities. Sign up as an "AOMSM fan" so you don't miss anything.
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SEMINAR REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS FOR AOMSM MEMBERS:
LASER ACUPUNCTURE SEMINAR
"Light is Life" Laser Acupuncture Seminar (10 NCCAOM CEUs) with Dr. Michael Weber
When: Saturday September 26, 2009 9:30 am to 5 pm Sunday September 27, 2009 9:30 am to 4 pm Where: Salem Waterfront Hotel 225 Derby St. Salem, MA 01970 Cost: $80 for AOMSM members, all others $100 CASH ONLY at the door Please register in advance. Call: 781-599-4080 ext. 8 Email: info@lasertherapy-acupuncture.com |
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TCM WORLD FOUNDATION CONFERENCE
AOMSM is an association sponsor of the TCM World Foundation conference "Building Bridges of Integration for Traditional Chinese Medicine 2009 - Changing Beliefs, Healing Bodies" October 15-18, 2010 in Chantilly, VA. AOMSM members receive a 20% discount on registration.
According to their website, Building Bridges for TCM is America's largest gathering of health care professionals from a broad range of disciplines, exploring the Spirit behind authentic traditional Chinese medicine.
For more information, go to www.tcmconference.org.
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Benefit Concert You are cordially invited to attend a reception and concert to benefit Academy for Five Element Acupuncture.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Newton, MA
Abundant Splendor
September in New England is a time of "abundant splendor," a point that signifies harvest, prosperity and connection to the earth. Please join Academy President Dorit Reznek and Governing Board Chair Merry Gerard for a foot-stomping, spirit-lifting benefit concert featuring singer and songwriter David Dodson-a graduate of the Academy-plus Lev Friedman, and the duo Ari and Mia, rising stars on the New England folk music scene.
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Private Practice for sale
In private practice since 1982, well established acupuncture practice for sale with lovely condominium office space located next to Quincy Center MTBA. Equipment includes furniture, Electro Acuscope, Acutron, Erconia Lazer, etc. Must be seen to be appreciated. Patient list will go along with transaction.
Call Dan Karp, Lic. Ac. @617-471-5577.
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September 2009
