DCFLI 2011 Recap

From Jenn Bahr, NMSA VP of Legislation:

This year there were 165 doctors and students who participated.  Most spoke with health legislative assistants of senators and congressmen, but many were able to talk to the member of congress directly.  In these meetings we had two amendments to law that we were asking for someone to sponsor.  This first requested amending the Public Health Service Act to obtain access to the same loans, scholarships and primary care residencies as MDs and DOs.  We explained that we are eligible for many, but not all of the same loan programs as MDs and DOs but none of the residencies despite the fact that we are recognized by the US Secretary of Education and the Carnegie Institute as having an education that is on par with their programs. 

We also requested amending Titles I, III, IV, V, VI, and X of PL 111-148, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to include the following definition:

“An Integrative Health Care Practitioner, acting within the scope of that provider’s license or certification under applicable State law, addresses the underlying causal factors associated with chronic disease; improves individual health and increases individual capacity to engage in activities of daily living though lifestyle change, including strategies relating to diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and stress reduction; and provides patient-centered care that:

(A) addresses personal health needs;

(B) uses a multidimensional approach to encourage patients to improve their own wellness through lifestyle changes and the use of scientifically based therapies and outcomes based treatments that facilitate the inherent ability of the human body to maintain and restore optimal health; and

(C) utilizes clearly defined standards to determine when the implementation of wellness and health promotion activities will be useful for each patient based on the diet, exercise habits, individual health history, and family health history of the patient.”

This is the same definition that we wrote to the Secretary of HHS when we did our CapWiz days in March.  We are asking that an amendment to the law be introduced or that at the very least, they make a call to Secretary Sobelius to ask that this definition be supported. 

            Additionally there were meetings with Indian Health Services, NCCAM, and the Veteran’s Administration to discuss how naturopathic medicine fits into their various programs.  The day was ended as always with our ever popular reception on Capitol Hill.  Students and doctors were given the chance to talk with members of congress and their staff members on a more personal level over delicious food and wine.