May 22, 2008
To: District One Membership
From: Jeff Stone
District One Director
Re: Notes from Stoney
Hi Folks- Hope all is well with you and your families…the enthusiasm I experienced over the last week’s worth of travels to three state meetings (New Hampshire on May 18th; Connecticut on May 20th and ATOM/Rhode Island on May 21st) and the signing of Vermont’s ground-breaking legislation on May 14th was tempered by the tragic news of the death of Northeastern University’s Athletic Training Student Becca Payne…Becca was found dead in her Mission Hill apartment on Tuesday morning, May 20th of gunshot injuries, and her death remains an active police investigation…
Please read the following comments from NU ATEP Director Jamie Musler…
Friends and Colleagues,
It is with great sadness that I share with you the tragic loss of one of Northeastern’s athletic training students, Rebecca (Becca) Payne. Becca was a senior in our program and a true leader serving as the President of the Athletic Training Club and a member of the Deans Student Council. Becca touched all of us with her perennial smile, happy-go-lucky attitude and commitment to athletic training.
Those of us who knew Becca, students, faculty and staff, clinical instructors, and co-op employers know Becca was dedicated to her education, and involved with the Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry. Becca had a passion for kids and spent her summers at Camp Washington.
This tragic loss is difficult to comprehend however being part of a small community we have been able to depend on each other for comfort and assistance. Becca’s family and all of us at Northeastern are deeply appreciative of the support we have received from our friends in athletic training.
Services have not been announced at this time, but I will pass along additional information when it is available.
Our hearts go out to Becca’s Family.
Jamie Musler
Director, Athletic Training Education Program
The membership of District One extends its prayers and sympathy to the Payne Family and the NU athletic training community…I will send out information when services will be held for Becca…
And now…some additional items of interest and importance…
1. Vermont Bill 867
2. NATA By-Law Revisions…Vote on-line June 1-13
3. NATA: Involve & Evolve!
4. Reunions at NATA-St. Louis
5. CSM Student Leadership Conference- 2008
6. NATA Career Center
7. Workshops at NATA-St-Louis
8. Upcoming Conferences
9. Bay State Games---US Scholar-Athlete Games
10. AT Per Diem List-Serve
11. Institute for Sports Coaching- ATCs to teach First Aid
12. BOC
13. NCAA Medical Exceptions
14. Good News and Other Stuff
15. NATAPAC to Honor Frank George
1. Vermont Bill 867
Here is great news from Vermont on their ground-breaking state legislation, as reported from an e-mail from VAAT President Tim Tourville:
Greetings,
It is with great pleasure that I write to you today to announce the signing of Vermont House Government Operations Committee Bill H.867 “AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN COVERAGE FOR ATHLETIC TRAINER SERVICES.”
In brief terms this bill states that any insurance company currently providing reimbursement for orthopedic physical medicine services performed by licensed health care professionals will be legally obligated to “not deny reimbursement” (or – more easily stated – must provide reimbursement) for those services when administered by a Nationally-Certified State-Licensed Athletic Trainer under a physicians’ referral providing those services are within the scope of practice of Athletic Training as defined by Vermont statutes (http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullchapter.cfm?Title=26&Chapter=083). This inability to discriminate against ATC’s applies to all third-party payers providing reimbursement for health care services in Vermont, and includes state-managed health insurance such as Medicaid and the Catamount Health Plan. Great efforts were made by legislators, policy makers, lobbyists, and others to not create a specific health care “mandate” for reimbursement, resulting in the present language stating that ATC’s shall not be denied reimbursement. The specific wording of H.867 is attached. Insurance companies are required to comply by July 1, 2008.
In addition to the inability to deny third-party reimbursement for Athletic Training services, this bill also officially separates the professions of Athletic Training and Physical Therapy in the orthopedic rehabilitation clinical setting by removing the “assistive personnel” language from the physical therapy practice act, helping to solidify us as stand-alone health care professionals working under the direction of a physician in the clinical setting. This change will be effective as of July 1, 2009.
This is undoubtedly a great day for the profession of Athletic Training in Vermont as well as for the health care of Vermont citizens. Legislative efforts leading to this point began shortly after the formation of the Vermont Association of Athletic Trainers in 1982 by the VAATs’ founding members and have progressed from that time. It has indeed been a long and arduous path, and there are far too many people to thank for their efforts in this letter. On behalf of the VAAT Executive Committee and current and future ATC’s of Vermont, I would like to recognize a few groups and individuals deserving of specific thanks: The past and present VAAT Executive Committee’s as well as all of our Certified and Student members whom have contributed along the way. The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation, the House and Senate Government Operations Committees, the Vermont Banking Insurance Securities and Health Care Administration (BISCHA), Morris DeMag McCarty, Inc (the lobbying and media relations group that represents the VAAT), as well as the multitude of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, health care researchers, and patients that have provided support throughout this process. We also need to thank the NATA for their numerous years of financial support and backing - without whom none of this would be possible, and the outstanding insight and time provided by Judy Pulice and Patty Ellis. Finally, I would like to recognize Mike Landsberg, ATC for all of his personal attention and dedication to our legislative efforts as a past President of the VAAT and long-standing Chair of our Legislative Affairs Committee; and to our lobbyist Allison Crowley DeMag for her relentless efforts and unwavering belief in our association and profession. This bill would have never made it this far without Allison’s political connections, or without the respect she has earned as an outstanding lobbyist! Thanks Mike and Allison!!!
An official Bill Signing Ceremony with Governor Jim Douglas took place on Wednesday (May 14th), at the RehabGym, Inc - Colchester site. The location of the signing ceremony is significant in that Sharon Gutwin, PT, owner of the RehabGym, is being honored at a later date with Vermont’s Small Business Owner of the Year Award (a model that strongly incorporates ATC’s into her business), and she has been a long-standing proponent of the profession of Athletic Training. These items tie together very nicely with Governor Douglas’ "Fit and Healthy Kids Challenge" and the “Healthy Vermonter’s 2010” initiative.
What a great day for the entire VAAT membership…congratulations to the VAAT leadership, past and present, for their dogged determination in seeing this to fruition!!!
2. NATA By-Law Revisions…Vote on-line June 1-13
District One Membership will have the opportunity to vote on changes to the NATA by-laws during an on-line voting period from June 1-13. Eligible members can to the “Voting” section of the District One website at www.eatad1org to vote on the three proposed changes…
The changes are as a result of recommendations from the NATA Governmental Task Force, NATA Membership Task Force and NATA: Involve & Evolve…voting was not done at the District One Meeting at Valley Forge due to low attendance…five Districts have already held positive votes for these by-law revisions…
In short, the by-law revisions would…
1. Change the terms of District Directors from three years (once renewable) to two years (once renewable).
2. Change the term of NATA President from two years (once renewable) to a single three-year term.
3. Change the make-up of the core group of Board members who select the finalists for the office of NATA President.
Please contact me with your questions…Athletic trainers requesting paper ballots can contact District One Secretary Tim Weston.
3. NATA: Involve & Evolve!
The NATA continues to address the needs and concerns of a diverse and changing membership…visual changes can already be seen on the NATA website and the NATA News…volunteer terms of service will be shorter to encourage more participation…committees are transitioning to work groups, to allow more people to serve by opening up leadership opportunities…an annual call for volunteers in September will establish a database to identify committee and work group members…a new NATA logo and tagline, to be displayed in St. Louis…and a shorter (three-day) convention in 2009, with the same CEU total…following a dip in membership in 2007, we have seen positive growth already in the first quarter of 2008…Rich Ray, who has chaired our strategies and changes, will speak at NATA-St. Louis on our Association’s advancements.
4. Reunions at NATA-St. Louis
College and University Athletic Training Education Programs having reunions at NATA-St. Louis 2008 are requested to send their info to me by June 8th, so info can be posted on my Convention “Notes from Stoney”, which will go out around June 12th…thanks!
5. CSM Student Leadership Conference- 2008
Congratulations to Lauren Ziaks from Northeastern University and Katelyn Kervin from Westfield State College…these athletic training students attend the 2008 Student leadership Forum, sponsored by the Collegiate Sports Medicine Foundation, earlier in the month in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
6. NATA Career Center
The NATA Career Center has adopted two new benefits for NATA members…members can now see job titles and locations currently listed, and can subscribe- for free- to receive daily e-mail notifications of new job listings on the NATA Career Center…go to the NATA Website and click Career Center for more information.
7. Workshops at NATA-St-Louis
On June 17, NATA will conduct the Assessor Training Workshop in a cooperative agreement with the National Wrestling Coaches Association. Participants will earn 4 CEUs, and athletic trainers who work with all sports will find the information useful.
8. Upcoming Conferences
District Secretary Tim Weston will be sending bi-monthly e-mail blasts to the Membership with upcoming conferences, meetings and CEU opportunities…these blasts will include links for downloading conference brochures, costs and CEU totals and contact info…please send your info to Tim or me for inclusion…
9. Bay State Games---US Scholar-Athlete Games
The Bay State Summer Games, Massachusetts’ own Olympic-style sports festival, celebrates its 27th year in 2008, with over 7,000 athletes from 300 Massachusetts cities and towns. Medical support is provided by physicians, certified athletic trainers and athletic training students, donating their time to assist athletes during the Games from July 7-20.
Complete information on all Bay State Games sports as well as details on our medical coverage team, volunteer application forms and online registration can be found at www.baystategames.org/html/bsgwww/summer/medical/asp.
Additional information can be obtained from Diane Sartanowicz, Bay State Games Medical Coordinator at dsartanowicz@comcast.net.
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The Institute for International Sport is looking for Athletic Trainers
for the 2008 United States Scholar Athlete Games (USSAG). The United
States Scholar Athlete Games will host approximately 1,500
scholar-athletes and scholar-artists, and over 400 volunteers from June
28 - July 5, 2008 at the University of Rhode Island.
The Athletic Training Staff will be given travel reimbursement, $150
stipend for over 100 miles, and the opportunity to earn up to 10 free
CEU's. Transportation will be provided from the Providence airport.
This is a rewarding experience and a great opportunity to network and
obtain friendships that will last a lifetime, contact Alyssa Freda at afredaa@internationalsport.com .
10. AT Per Diem List-Serve
Brian Fitzgerald has, for a number of years, volunteered his time to post per diem opportunities for certified athletic trainers, as well as summer camp positions and volunteer/charitable opportunities…it’s a valuable service that goes unnoticed…if you want to get on his mailing list, drop Brian an e-mail at brian.fitzgerald@childrens.harvard.edu ...
Thanks, Brian!!!
11. Institute for Sports Coaching- ATCs to teach First Aid
The Institute for Sport Coaching, a non profit dedicated to providing professional development services to sport coaches, recently became an Authorized Provider of Red Cross training courses. It is their goal to recruit a team of athletic trainers who are also First Aid/CPR certified trainers to provide this training to the youth sport coaches in the Metro- Boston area.
The positions will be paid and we plan on paying for further training to get them certified to offer the Red Cross' Sport Safety Course.
Please contact me at the number below or by email if you have any questions.
Christopher Hickey
Executive Director
Institute for Sports Coaching “Serving America’s Sports Coaches”
www.instituteforsportscoaching.org 978-201-1024
12. BOC
A reminder that athletic trainers who were certified prior to 2006 and whose last name on record in November 2005 began with P-Z must report CE for 2006-2008 by December 31, 2008.
The BOC has an online reporting service for all athletic trainers called ATC Online™. It’s a great way to record and keep track of your CEUs. Go to the BOC website at www.bocatc.org for more info,
13. NCAA Medical Exceptions
To: District One College/University Athletic Trainers
From: Artie Poitras, MEd, ATC
CUATC District One Representative
RE: NCAA Medical Exceptions Rule change for August '09
Please review the changes being made to the NCAA Medical Exceptions rule as it applies to student-athletes taking banned substances as prescribed medication. They are conducting an educational program regarding this change this spring and summer with an August '09 implementation date. The NCAA is looking for feedback from athletic trainers regarding this change and I would appreciate your review and email or call me with any feedback. Nothing can change or be adjusted without your help.
In a nutshell, the new rule will require us to have ALL medical documentation on file regarding student-athletes taking prescribed banned substances. The key condition which will affect us most is those student-athletes who are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and are on prescription stimulants, adderall or ritilan. Previously, we just had to have a note from the prescribing physician with regard to this. Under the new rule, we must have the student-athletes entire history and workup with regard to this and that all other avenues of treatment have been exhausted prior to the medication being prescribed. This includes the standard assessment done by counseling centers. If one has not been done, one needs to be done. I am assuming that many of us do not have this documentation presently.
Please contact Artie if you have any questions at j_poitras@uml.edu
14. Good News and other stuff
Congratulations to Boston College High School Athletic Trainers Steve Medeiros, on the birth of his family’s first child, daughter Molly on March 15th…all are doing well…
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Here is some good news after seeing Margie King at the New Hampshire State Meeting on May 18th: She writes…“Please let everyone know that I’m fine…and thanks so much for all the cards and phone calls…the support has been tremendous.
Needless to say, I have learned a lot about breast cancer. First, you don’t have to have a lump to have a problem! I opted for the more aggressive approach to a mastectomy (unilateral) in the hopes of avoiding radiation. The gamble paid off. That, along with negative results from the node biopsy allowed me to dodge the challenges of chemo and radiation.
I don’t know how other women do it…the process is physically, mentally and emotionally challenging. However, I’m on the backside of things now thanks to the tremendous support from Plymouth State. I was allowed sufficient time to heal and recover- which I truly believe has made all the difference!
I will be at the NATA in June, and then I will go underground for 5-6 weeks as the follow-up reconstructive surgery will follow the St. Louis meeting. I anticipate being back at my desk come September…so over all, it’s all good. Thanks to all- Margie
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Northeastern University is proud to present The Second Annual Distinguished Lecture Series in Sports Medicine on June 6th…for more info, contact www.gonu.com/sportsmedicine.
15. NATAPAC to Honor Frank George
Register now for NATAPAC' annual fundraiser during the NATA convention at www.natapac.org. This year's breakfast is Thursday, June 19 from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. at the Renaissance Grand Hotel. Cost is $50. Guests of honor are Frank George, AT Ret. and Mark Smaha, MS, ATC. Join us for an enjoyable morning and a great networking opportunity while supporting a great cause -- NATA's political action committee.
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Thanks to everybody who welcomed me over the past week of travel…a whirlwind of travel from Colchester, VT to Bow, NH to New Britain, Ct to Warwick, RI…attendance was excellent and the programs were great…expect a pre-Convention “Notes” around June 12th…when news is received on arrangements for Becca, I’ll contact you…
Thanks!
Stoney
Jeff Stone- District One Director
jstone@suffolk.edu 617-573-8772
