Report from the National Governmental Affairs Committee

I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation for the opportunity to continue to serve as the co-chair of this committee along with Cynthia O’Donnell. We are very excited about the coming year in terms of positive developments for the profession on a national level. The primary focus of the National Governmental Affairs Committee is to work on the various legislative issues that affect our profession at the national level.

Currently our primary focus involves four areas: improving reimbursement for acupuncture services through the passage of the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act, assisting the Herbal Committee with monitoring FDA actions that may affect our access to herbs, reviewing legislation that will protect our right to use herbs safely with a minimal amount of market restrictions, and monitoring general legislative activity that may affect our profession.

As we move into 2008, Maurice Hinchey, representative from New York, has once again introduced the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act under bill number HR 1479. This act mandates that acupuncture services will be covered by federal employee insurance plans as well as Medicare. Acupuncturists are not required to accept Medicare unless they so choose. The bill currently has 23 cosponsors and we feel there is strong momentum in favor of this legislation.

The National Governmental Affairs Committee works closely with the Herb, Fundraising, and Insurance Committees to determine the best approach for developing an appropriate national legislative agenda in each of these respective areas.

Working with legislative issues at the national level is a big job, and we as a profession are going to need all of the help that we can get, including presenting ourselves as a unified profession in Washington, D.C. We’re all very excited with the recent unification of our two national professional organizations to form the AAAOM. This allows us to speak more strongly with one voice. To accomplish this goal, we are currently researching and interviewing for a professional lobby firm in Washington, DC.

Together we can make a difference. I would like to implore all licensed acupuncturists across the country to get involved and help contribute whatever you can. It is extremely important to join both your state and national associations. It is only through the strong support of the individual professional members that we can accomplish the goals that allow us to prosper while better serving our patients.

Please make your contributions (PDF form), even if it is only $10.00 a month, to the AOM Political Action Fund through the AAAOM office or web site. You may dedicate or divide your contribution among herbal legislation, the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act, or to the general fund.

Folks who would like to participate in and assist the committee are most welcome. We need help in the areas of fund raising and grassroots organizing. If you would like to get involved, kindly email me at lwright@aaaomonline.org.