Minutes for Meeting of Southeast Alaska Bodyworkers
Thursday, February 28th, 2008
Mendenhall Valley Library
Scheduled 6:30pm – late begin 6:45pm
Attendees:
Diane Hill
Judy MacNak
Rebecca Albert
Bonita Rohla
Cathie Allen
Jim Hudson
Ingrid Judson
Cherri Bell
Tori Dance
Leah LaBar
Discussion of adopting comprehensive local plan to address costs associated with licensing and continuing education.
J.H. suggested we plan and speak with Kim (Elton), Beth (Kerttula) and Andrea (Doll).
More talk of costs: Travel, Room & Board, Missed Income, Cost of Tests, and Licensing Fees.
It was noted that Massage Magazine has map of states requiring licenses
It was stated again that AMTA has $36 million with which to lobby
D.H. chose AMTA because of larger network of assistance available to her no matter where she might travel for work.
R.A. noted that she chose ABMP because of the allowance of any chosen class accepted toward CEU requirements.
C.B. elaborated on the laid-back and friendly nature of ABMP
J. M. opined, “If we have licensure, let’s define it ourselves.”
I.J. noted that what we all have in common is the policy to DO NO HARM.
Various talk of CEU’s, Minimum Education and Legislation…
D.H. suggested we contact Rod Meeks with AMTA in Anchorage with our questions and concerns as he is very approachable and willing to assist.
R.A. suggested we initiate survey to involve therapists in outlying and remote locations.
Mention option of Two Tier System to acknowledge differences of training and service fees for Massage Tech or (more Advanced) Massage Therapist
T.D. brought power point generated hand-outs re: Issues about the Legislative Process, Issues with the Massage Bill AS 08.61, Current Legislative Committee, Who are the Stakeholders?, Transitional Provisions, Exemptions, Testing, Two Tier Licensing System, Continuing Education, Duties of Massage Board, Powers of the Massage Board, How to Voice Your Opinion
T.D. asked, “What standing do we want? Do we want to be able to file for insurance? Opportunity to determine environment we want?”
I.J. injected some humour in the discussion by suggesting we refer to a Granny Clause as opposed to Grandfather clause.
T.D. reminded us that another reason to be involved is because chiropractors are being contacted and are already involved in determining the legislation that affects us and our careers.
J.M. restated the earlier suggestion to send surveys to outlying therapists.
Random talk of regional approach such as California’s being better suited to Alaska.
J.M. suggested we use the blog spot to gather questions to develop survey
D.H. volunteered to contact Rod Meeks re: existing survey questions to present at next meeting.
T.D. suggested that we consider a provision to exempt Native American Healers and Energy Workers
J.M. recommended we post suggested survey questions on blog spot, encourage all to submit, to be addressed at next meeting
Talk of researching current surveys online
C.A. requested D.H. to ask R. Meeks to mail copies of the survey we create to all MT’s around the state with the understanding that we will supply questions and addresses.
T.D. proposed we look at assigning regional legislative committees so that Anchorage doesn’t have the monopoly.
Talk of minimum living wage for MT’s
Question was raised, “Unionize?”
T.D. suggested that it is important for us to shape law criteria for investigations
It was noted that PT codes (J.M.?) for bodywork are priced through insurance at $78/15 minutes of which the therapist makes a small fraction.
I.J. spoke with front desk and was able secure Wednesday, March 19 from 6:30 to 9pm for next meeting.
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