On August 6th and 7th, Denise Logsdon and Ann Boone had the opportunity to meet with a variety of legislators, lawmakers and our lobbyist, Bob Babbage, in Nashville, TN in a casual setting.  The lawmakers and lobbyists were in Nashville to attend a conference.  The purpose of their visit was for Mr. Babbage, who was hired by AMTA National to monitor issues pertaining to our massage laws in Kentucky, to introduce us to pertinent lawmakers and briefly talk about changes we're hoping to make to our 16 year old licensure law. Some of the topics they were able to discuss were: animal massage licensure, use of microcurrent/BEMER/PEMF devices, and general changes to our CE and educational requirements as well as fees.  Ann and Denise said, "We met many people who will be important allies in helping us pass legislation when the session reconvenes in January.  We have been collaborating with the veterinary and physical therapy boards respectively to discuss animal massage licensure and use of specific "deep physical modality agents" (e.g. BEMER), which are currently out of our scope of practice. It's important to form working relationships with these lawmakers as well as have our licensure laws written and reviewed before the January legislative session begins."

 

Denise has been instrumental in this entire process as she knows our massage law inside and out. She was the advocate whom worked with the lobbyist to get our law complete in the first place as well as being the immediate past chair of the Kentucky Board for Licensure of Massage Therapy (KBLMT). Ann comments," I have learned so much from her and value her experience and input immensely. I'm lucky and grateful to have her as a mentor in this process."

  

Ann and Denise were also fortunate to be able to talk to James Specker, National Government Relations chair and his team. They attended the "Kentucky Party" as it was referred to as well as had a vendor booth at the convention center for the week promoting the AMTA. They were able to visit the vendor hall the day after the Kentucky party to speak with Mr. Specker and his team as well visit other booths to discover what was important to different boards/entities in different states.

 

Denise and Ann are honored to be a part of working hard to make changes that AMTA Kentucky Chapter's Board hope will impact our profession in a positive and useful manner. The Laws and Legislation committee would like to invite input from our members on any changes they would like to influence.