The Texas Legislature will be in session in less than eight months. Pre-filing of legislation will begin in just over five months. With anticipated budget challenges, the race for Governor, and a possible battle over the Speaker’s position, this session could prove to be quite memorable. It is also anticipated that no matter what happens, the acupuncture community will likely be once again faced with a number of challenges. Among them could be bills filed regarding scope of practice expansion by other providers, clarifications of a licensed acupuncturist’s scope of practice, reimbursement and insurance related legislation, and statutory proposals regarding the use of professional titles.
The TAAOM is gearing up for the session and help is needed from licensed acupuncturists, acupuncture students, satisfied patients, and supportive suppliers and vendors. There is strength in numbers when expressing needs and concerns to legislators and their office staffs. The TAAOM will be heavily involved this upcoming session, and will be calling on the grassroots of the acupuncture community to be involved as well. Passing good legislation and stopping ill-advised proposals takes a unified voice and enough people to get the attention of the lawmakers. Individual involvement and coordinated community effort make a difference.
One way to be involved is to just be a member of the TAAOM. Your dues money helps to fund association efforts in the legislative and regulatory arenas. Your name on the association’s membership roster adds weight and credibility to TAAOM representatives who will be at the Capitol to protect our best interests and the best interests of the patients we serve. If you want to help by becoming a member, get your membership application off the TAAOM website and get it to us as soon as you can. If you are interested in being involved and taking part in other ways to make a difference, please contact the TAAOM Executive Director. If you want to be on the TAAOM listserv for email updates and legislative alerts, contact the association by sending an email to TAAOM Membership .
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