Political update/ Live event 12/1/17!

I can’t believe it’s that time of year again! The Florida legislative session is gearing up and will start early this year; and currently there is lots going on in Tallahassee with special meetings, panels and committee weeks.

The big issue on everyone’s mind in Tallahassee - the Opioid Crisis.

We’ve been watching this closely, and see 2 big things we have before us:

The biggest problem we see is that the conversation is only about the problem, and little is being offered as far as solutions and alternative options.
As is typical whenever there is a discussion about health with legislators and policy makers, the only medical profession invited to the table are the MDs, and other professionals in the western medical industry.

Here’s our biggest opportunity; but financial resources are minimal. We will do what we can to push for FS457 licensees to be included in the appropriations to address his crisis - but that will take A LOT of lobbying. Convincing the legislature to give us a piece of the healthcare pie is no easy task; but we are positioned correctly if we can put more resources into this project.

As Florida licensed Primary Health Care Providers, we have all that’s needed from a regulatory standpoint. We just need someone that’s willing to work full time in Tallahassee during committee weeks and legislative session, to get this done.

The opioid crisis has created a vacuum for us to come in an show how we can FIX the problem - not just put a band-aid on it.

Unfortunately, our financial resources cannot afford a full-on lobbying effort. That would take $90k last time I inquired.

However, any additional donations and memberships; regardless of how big or small, will go towards this effort in the 2018 FL legislative session.

For more information about our activities, please visit www.FSDOM.org.

As a fundraiser for this effort, I am hosting a few events:

The first one is:

Florida Acupuncture Laws Luncheon - Friday Dec 1, 2017, 1P - 3PM 2 CEUs (Laws/Rules)

This class will review the basics of our practice act, and will discuss in an open forum the current issues facing our laws and rules in Florida.

Presenter: Dr. Mary Riggin, Society President, has been working closely with our legislative and regulatory laws in Florida since 1997 when she initiated the first Acupuncture Education Day in Tallahassee, after only being licensed for 1 year. She played a key role in accomplishing legislative changes 3 years in a row, and was then appointed to the Florida Board of Acupuncture and helped write many of the rules that make Florida the best place to practice full scope Oriental Medicine.

Sponsored by: FL Society for Doctors of Oriental Medicine

Location: Tampa Bay Area (North Pinellas/Clearwater/St. Pete/Tampa) The specific location will be determined once we know how many will attend.

Cost:

$55 Florida Society members

$75 FSOMA and FAA members

$95 non-members

If you would like to sigh up for this event, please make your check to:

Florida Society for Doctors of Oriental Medicine

And mail to:

Dr. Mary Riggin

1831 North Belcher Rd. C2

Clearwater, FL 33765