ATOM Legislation Letter

Dear ATOM member,

As you know we are currently attempting to pass legislation to update our practice act and through a second bill promote Consumer Choice in Healthcare within our state Currently the Consumer Choice in Healthcare bill has been sent to study which effectively prevents any further progress this year. Our practice act bill, S1832 passed many hurdles last session and was unopposed until the last minute. Our opposition has been disingenuous and inaccurate in their portrayal of what an AT is capable of and our education level. This opposition, inaccurate as it may be, has held up our bill and it currently remains in committee.

Each of us needs to be more active legislatively to achieve our goals and gain the respect we deserve as healthcare professionals. We have sat on the sidelines too long, allowing other professions to dictate what we can and cannot do. It is time we stand up for ourselves and let the public know that we are allied healthcare professionals and that we should be allowed to practice to the full extent of our education. The public should have the right to choose an Athletic Trainer for their rehabilitative needs. The only way we can achieve this goal is to do it legislatively. Please help ATOM and yourselves by becoming more active legislatively this election season and all year round. The attached document highlights some ways you can help your legislators this election season, the next 2 weeks, and make the connections we will need as we move forward in our quest. Our opposition has had success because they are active in this way.

I do realize that we are all very busy and have precious little time for ourselves all year round, but especially during the fall. However if we are successful legislatively maybe we can change that for the future AT's of the world. So please read the attached letter and do whatever you can to make a connection with your legislator this season or at any time during the year. It may make the difference between success and failure as we move forward.

Thank you for your time

Kathy Thornton

President ATOM

Letter on how you can contribute