GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Join VATA for our Third Annual Hit the Hill Day in Richmond
When: Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012
Who: ATCs, AT students
What: Grassroots advocacy, telling the story of athletic trainers and our contributions to health and safety of athletes
Other GAC News
On August 10th, several members of the Governmental Affairs Committee including Rose Schmieg (GAC chair), Tom Kuster (VATA president), Amanda Caswell (VATA president-elect), and Meg Thompson (VATA secretary), as well VATA lobbyist Becky Bowers-Lanier, met with Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Secretary William Hazel to discuss the role of the athletic trainer in a reformed healthcare system.
As the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 are implemented, healthcare in Virginia and throughout the United States will change significantly, and one change in particular has the potential to be important for athletic trainers. The reformed healthcare system will be based on a team approach to healthcare, and the athletic trainer is well qualified and very appropriate for inclusion on the healthcare team.
At the suggestion of VATA lobbyist Becky Bowers-Lanier, GAC committee members met with Dr. Hazel to explain this and to emphasize the full scope of practice of the athletic trainer. Dr. Hazel was both supportive and enlightening, as the group discussed the possibilities for athletic trainers in the new healthcare system. By way of a take home message, Dr. Hazel encouraged VATA members and all Virginia residents to practice good citizenry by staying abreast of current information and participating appropriately in state governing processes.
Special thanks to Becky Bowers-Lanier for creating this opportunity for the VATA to promote athletic training to our state government. Great idea, great meeting!
VATA Employment Setting and Reimbursement Survey Results (PowerPoint) |
