03/01/06 - MULTI-TOOL AND INFORMATIONAL KIT
The Public Relations committee has put together a promotional Multi-Tool and informational kit that is available for members that would like to meet or send information to important parties in order to promote athletic training. The tag-line for the effort is Athletic Trainers- Versatile Healthcare Providers. Ideas of parties to approach might include lawmakers, clinics, athletic directors, and others. Please contact Kyle Momsen at kmomsen@gustavus.edu if you are interested. Kyle will also be at the GLATA and MATA meetings if you would like to obtain information there.
02/03/06 - MATA MEMBERS
It is that time of year again when we can honor our colleges and peers for accomplishments that they have had during the last year. Nominations are being accepted for the following: MATA Hall of Fame, Larry "Stosh" Neumann Distinguished Service Award, Sports Medicine Enhancement Award, and ATC Recognition Award. Please email Scott Westermann at swester1@fairview.org to request nomination forms. For information regarding criteria for each award visit the Awards and Honors page under Committees.
01/24/06 - MEMBERS OF THE MATA
I hope that you all had an enjoyable holiday season and that this letter finds you well and ready for another year. As we begin this New Year I wanted to update you on current events within the MATA
On January 21st, the MATA will host the annual athletic training student workshop. This event will take place at the TRIA Orthopaedic Center. For more information please go to the MATA web site (www.mnata.com) and click on “student workshop.”
Also in January, the Practice Act Task Force will be meeting to discuss the appropriate use of, and role of, the athletic trainer (AT) in the clinical or physical therapy setting. This is a setting that employs over one half of our current members and there continues to be questions as to how athletic trainers can function within this setting. Athletic trainers are not and should not be attempting to function in any capacity as a Physical Therapist (PT). Athletic trainers perform athletic training, physical therapists perform physical therapy, chiropractors provide chiropractic care and personal trainers provide personal training services. While there is certainly overlap among professional roles we all must function within our respective legal scope of practice and our educational limits.
Remember that we are all bound by our legal standard of practice, our educational limits, our Code of Ethics (http://www.nata.org/about/codeofethics.htm) and our Standards of Professional Practice (http://www.bocatc.org/athtrainer/STDS/) as are other professionals, therefore it is incumbent on us to report individuals who go beyond their Standards of professional or ethical practice, To the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice (MBMP) or to the appropriate governing body.The MATA is working hard to help promote the role and function of the Registered Athletic Trainer (ATR) in clinical settings. By more effectively utilizing the knowledge and skills of athletic trainers clinics will gain a valuable team member in the provision of healthcare services. The ATR can provide appropriate services as an ATR and the ATR can have appropriate services delegated to him/her by a PT, thus the ATR in the clinical setting can become a more productive member of the clinic staff. This will have a trickle down effect as the ATR in the clinical setting becomes more valued and valuable to the clinic, high schools will have to pay more for the services of an ATR or they may see the need to hire a full time ATR or teacher/ATR and the high school athlete receives better and more consistent care
This is a win-win situation for the patients, for the high schools, for the clinics, and for ATRs and other professions with whom we work. The only way to accomplish this is to work together, as a team, and develop a method or framework by which we can all work together. The Practice Act Task Force has a lot of work ahead of it but, with your help and input, is willing to continue this work
In February, the Executive Committee will be meeting to plan the year and assess the progress of the Practice Act Task Force. We will also meet, as necessary, with our lobbyist and our state legislators. In addition, Mr. Mike Doyle, MATA President Elect, and I will be traveling to Washington, D.C., to participate in the NATA’s “Hit the Hill Day.” We plan to meet with the NATA lobbyist and, as well as, with our state representatives in Washington.
March 15-18th brings us to the District IV meeting in Madison, WI. We will be having an MATA meeting on Friday morning the 17th (location is still TBD). I hope that we have strong representation from Minnesota at the GLATA meeting and that you are able to attend the Friday morning meeting.
This year’s annual MATA meeting will be held in St. Could on May 6th. Dr. Brian Zeller is planning an outstanding meeting and educational event on your behalf. We will also hold our annual business meeting, including two executive committee elections – President Elect and Secretary. If you are interested in running for either of those positions please contact Mike Doyle. I would like to encourage you to get involved in the MATA!
The month of June brings the NATA Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposium in Atlanta, GA. The national office has done an outstanding job moving the entire meeting to Atlanta from New Orleans, LA in a very short period of time. Finally, the Annual MATA Golf Tournament will be June 27th and I hope to see as many of you on the golf course as possible.
Finally, on August 5th the MATA will co-host an “Emergencies in Athletics” conference with the South Central College – Emergency Medical Services Department and the TRIA Orthopaedic Center. This will be the first conference of its kind that will specifically target Emergency Medical Services in athletics. The conference will be held at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. The conference will be worth 5 CEU’s at a cost of only $30. Mark your calendars now and watch for more information on the conference.
A few reminders from the BOC: If you are still using ATC/R on stationary, business cards, web sites, etc. you will need to change those items. ATC is a registered trademark and a protected title. You cannot attach /R or /L to ATC. It must be a stand-alone credential (i.e. ATC, ATR but not ATC/R). In addition, the BOC has recently changed their CEU reporting cycle. It is now being done on a staggered rotation based on your last name. Please visit the BOC web site (www.bocatc.org) if you have questions about or are unsure of your next reporting period and the number of required CEUs you will need to obtain. Finally, as you know the BOC is changing the examination format to a computer based exam, however this change will not take place immediately, thus we still need qualified examiners to help with examination administration. We will be hosting the BOC exam in Wayzata on April 23, June 11 and August 6. If you are a qualified examiner for the BOC will need your help on these dates, so please keep them open.
Periodically check the web site at www.mnata.com for updates and other information such as the recent MATA web cast. If you missed the last web cast I urge you to take the time to watch it and bring yourself up-to-date on the MATA lobbyist and legislative issues
Lastly, there is still time to donate to the Presidential Challenge in support of our lobbyist. The executive committee is still exploring many fundraising possibilities.. Currently less than 10% of the MATA membership has donated while all members will benefit from a lobbyist. If, for example, every member donated $25 we would have enough to support the lobbyist for the next 2 years. We have secured several grants and matching funds from the NATA that have provided over half of the funds we have generated thus far. If we can reach our financial goal we should be able to secure these services for the next three years and through the budgeting process we may never have to solicit donations from the membership again.
For those of you who have given the MATA thanks you for your contribution. We will extend the challenge until the state meeting on May 6th. At that time we will evaluate the budget process to determine if we can continue the program. Please consider making a donation, anonymous or otherwise. Simply indicate on your donation slip that you wish to remain anonymous, we would like to recognize your contribution but we will certainly respect your right to privacy.
Please remember that if you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact any of the members of the executive committee or myself. The MATA is dedicated to supporting its members and we have been hard at work on your behalf. Happy New Year to all!
01/24/06 - SAVE THE DATE
12/13/05 - GET INVOLVED WITH A FANTASTIC EVENT
The Breast Cancer 3-Days are a series of sixty-mile walks, which raise millions of dollars for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. These foundations support cutting edge research, education, screening, prevention and treatment programs. There are twelve 3-Day events happening across the United States during Summer and Fall 2006.
Each 3-Day is supported by a 100 person all volunteer Medical and Sports Medicine team which provides medical assistance and support for the walkers. This team is composed of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, EMT’s, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and chiropractors and works closely with a staff Medical Manager and Crew Coordinator who provide guidelines, training and other pertinent information regarding volunteer responsibilities.
Don’t miss this fantastic experience! To find out more and register to join the Medical Crew, contact us at 800-996-3DAY or go online to www.the3day.org.
2006 Season Calendar:
Boston: 8/04/06 – 8/06/06
Michigan: 8/11/06 – 8/13/06
Twin Cities: 8/18/06 – 8/20/06
Seattle: 8/25/06 – 8/27/06
Chicago: 9/08/06 – 9/10/06
Kansas City: 9/15/06 – 9/17/06
Philadelphia: 10/06/06 – 10/08/06
Tampa Bay: 10/13/06 – 10/15/06
Atlanta: 10/20/06 – 10/22/06
Dallas/Ft. Worth: 10/27/06 – 10/29/06
Arizona: 11/03/06 – 11/05/06
San Diego: 11/10/06 – 11/12/06
12/06/05 - CALL TO ACTION:
Call your Congressperson today on the Therapy-Incident To issue TODAY!
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Five minutes of your personal time could make the difference between advancing the athletic training profession or losing even more jobs as a result of last June's "therapy-incident to" policy changed by Medicare. About 1,000 athletic trainers have already lost their jobs, and many are those who serve the high school setting. Recent NATA negotiations with Congress and CMS have opened some opportunities for change. YOU CAN HELP BY CALLING TODAY!
Call your Senators and Representative today.
Ask for their help in reversing the "therapy-incident to rule" so that Medicare patients will have the access to quality therapy care they need.
This issue affects patients needing physical medicine and rehabilitation services provided by athletic trainers, lymphedema therapists, low vision specialists, kinesiotherapists, balance medicine therapists and chiropractors.
This rule has caused more than 1,000 athletic trainers to lose their jobs, many of those serving high schools through outpatient therapy clinics.
To locate your Congressperson's phone number and e-mail address, go to: NATA's Legislative Action Center http://capwiz.com/nata/home/ and use the talking points when you speak with your Congressperson's health policy legislative aide. Or send the e-mail letter to your representatives if you cannot call.
Timing is critical; it is important that we get this rule changed with legislation this year. Tell your legislator that this has nothing to do with therapy caps and physical therapy direct access legislation. NATA estimates that more than 1,000 athletic training jobs have been lost since last July when the Federal District Court dismissed NATA's lawsuit challenging the CMS rule on restricting who is qualified to deliver therapy services to patients. NATA has filed an appeal because we know that athletic trainers are fully qualified to provide these services.
Included in the 1,000 jobs lost are NATA members-your colleagues-who were working with high school athletes and non-Medicare patients in our outpatient clinics, a primary job setting for us. This alarming trend of job loss in one of our primary work settings-high schools and colleges-will continue without our immediate and concerted effort to get our Congressional representatives to reverse this therapy-incident to rule! NATA believes that Medicare patients are losing access to quality care because of this policy change. We conservatively estimate that 600,000 Medicare patient therapy sessions are going unmet because of this CMS rule. Athletic trainers can no longer efficiently work with Medicare patients because physicians can't be reimbursed for athletic training services.
And finally, if you are not a member of the NATA Legislative Action Center, scroll to the bottom of the page and sign up. It free and we promise we won't flood you with e-mails.
Sincerely,
Chuck Kimmel, ATC
President, National Athletic Trainers' Association
12/06/05 - DRUG CONTROL OFFICERS
A Swedish company, International Doping Tests & Management (IDTM),needs to extend its network of drug control officers (DCOs) in the United States and Minnesota is one of the states where DCOs are needed. If you have any interest in working with IDTM in your area, they would be happy to hear from you. You can access the website at www.idtm.se to learn more about IDTM and the services that are provided.
12/06/05 - A NOMINATION TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTE OF THE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS SERVICES PROGRAM
Missy Strauch - Head Athletic Trainer at Augsburg College has accepted a nomination to be the MATA representative to the Advisory Committee of the Health Professionals Services Program. Missy will do an outstanding job - Congratulations! | www.hpsp.state.mn.us |
To view the MNATA WEBCASTS CLICK HERE . . .
09/09/05 - NEW PR COMMITTEE CHAIR
Please welcome Kyle Momsen as the new Chair of the PR Committee. Kyle, the new clinical coordinator at Gustavus Adolphus College, has volunteered to fill this important committee role as Liz Kestner has decided to step down from this position. We want to say thank you to Liz for a job well done and for her years of service to the PR Committee and the MATA.
09/09/05 - MATA HIRES A LOBBYIST
The MATA has hired Paul Cassidy to serve as our lobbyist. Please visit the web site frequently as more information on this important hire will follow. We are also looking for individuals who would be interested in serving on the legislative committee. This committee will be more active this year, due to the CMS challenges, watching for further legislation with the help of the lobbyist. If you are interested in becoming involved with the Legislative Committee please contact Paul Bruning by email at pbruning@gustavus.edu.
08/05/05 - LATEST LETTER FROM THE MATA PRESIDENT
It is hard to believe that the summer has come and gone and we are on the verge of another year of athletic competition. Hopefully all of you have had the opportunity to take some personal time and been able to relax and get away from the office. . . read more.
08/01/05 - THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS COMMITTEE
The Secondary Schools Committee met this summer in an effort to improve communication between athletic trainers in this setting around the state. They are currently seeking members who are interested in being a part of the Secondary Schools Committee. If you are interested in being involved with this committee please email Dave Matzoll at dmatzoll@totinograce.org
08/01/05 - GLATA RESEARCH COMMITTEE, RESEARCH ASSISTANCE AWARDS
The GLATA Research committee is now accepting applications for research assistance funds of up to $1200. To be eligible for these funds you must be a certified member of the GLATA and be employed full time as an athletic trainer (clinician or educator). One award is available annually for a certified student member. There are two award cycles annually with application deadlines of October 1, 2005, and February 1, 2006. Instructions and the application can be found at http://www.glata.org/researcheducation/researcheducation.htm.
08/01/05 - GLATA RESEARCH COMMITTEE, CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Meeting and Symposium
March 13-15, 2006
Madison, Wisconsin
Original research and case study abstracts for presentation in the free communications sessions of the GLATA Annual Meeting are now being accepted. Both professional and student members are encouraged to apply. The submission deadline is 5:00pm on December 1, 2005. Electronic submission instructions and applications can be found at http://www.glata.org/researcheducation/researcheducation.htm.
06/08/05 - LETTER FROM THE MATA PRESIDENT
On Saturday May 14, 2005, the Minnesota Athletic Trainers’ Association held its annual meeting and symposium at the Grand Casino in Hinckley. There were just over 100 registered for the event. . . read more.
03/22/05 - URGENT LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION UPDATE
The Health Policy and Finance Committee amended House File 1918 and removed Section 8. Put another way, this amendment removed all references to athletic trainers. The MN Board of Physical Therapy, per the request of the MN – APTA, supported this amendment. . . read more.
03/17/05 - URGENT LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION - IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
The Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy is introducing a bill that would affect the practice of athletic trainers within the physical therapy setting. This bill is being introduced on the house floor on March 17, 2005. The Minnesota Athletic Trainers’ Association is opposed to this legislation and requests that the members help voice opposition to this bill in its current form. Your immediate action is required. . . read more.
03/09/05 - WEBCAST
On Tuesday, March 1st, at 6:30 pm the Minnesota Athletic Trainers’ Association held a live web cast. This web cast addressed issues related to the CMS decision, the use of athletic trainers in the physical therapy setting, the legal memo that was mailed out and can be found below on this page, and the general practice act within the state of Minnesota in relation to athletic training. The MATA legal council was on the web cast with other key members of the MATA Practice Act Task Force and a member of the NATA – LIME Team. (Leadership, Information, Management & Education) The format of the web cast was that of an open town hall meeting. Questions were taken from those in the audience by computer and presented to the panel. This was a great opportunity for you to get your questions answered. In the future there will be more potential web casts dealing with reimbursement and other issues related to the practice of athletic training. Click here to watch the web cast:
http://msustr0.campus.mnsu.edu:8080/kkalm
02/07/05 - LETTER FROM MATA PRESIDENT
“This past year was an interesting year for the profession of Athletic Training. There were some set backs in the advancement of the profession, such as the decision by CMS regarding “incident to” charges; but there were also very positive steps made. The continued advancement of the education of athletic trainers as well as a very promising legal decision, made here in Minnesota, are reasons for optimism…” Click HERE to read more.... - PLEASE READ!
02/06/05 - LEGAL MEMO REGARDING USE OF ATHLETIC TRAINERS IN PHYSICAL THERAPY SETTINGS
. . . read more.
02/06/05 - MATA UPDATE: HISTORICAL COMPARISON OF PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL AND ALLIED HEALTH EDUCATION
. . . read more.
01/21/05 - MATA HISTORY
Gary Smith is in the process of gathering information to document the MATA History. He needs a list of athletic trainers who have served at your schools. Please send any information you have to Gary at: gsmith1@fairview.org
12/29/04 - CLINICAL INDUSTRIAL CORPORTATE COMMITTEE IS SEEKING MEMBERS. . .
The Clinical Industrial Corporate Committee is currently seeking members who wish to be involved in the identification of roles that ATCs are serving in CIC settings and ways in which we can enhance the employment of ATCs in Minnesota. If you are interested please contact Kris Savaloja at Kristin.savaloja@allina.com or (763) 684-3893.
11/15/04 - CMS ANNOUNCES 'INCIDENT TO' DECISION
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has just announced its decision regarding “Therapy – Incident To Services.” Although the decision is not what NATA had hoped for, please know NATA will work through this issue and believe the athletic training profession will emerge strong. Click HERE for complete information.
9/25/04 - URGENT LETTER TO THE MATA MEMBERSHIP
MATA Members:
As most of you are aware, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are the bodies that govern Medicare. Recently there has been an amendment in regards to “incident to” services and billing for those services. There has been a movement to only allow PT’s, PTA’s and OT’s to use the physical medicine codes that allow for this “incident to” billing to occur. This would then eliminate the ability for Athletic Trainers to bill for services provided by them in any setting. This affects Athletic Trainers across the board in all professional settings and is an attack on the profession as a whole. . . read more.