Why We Support State Associations

1. Legislation

Associations maintain a watchful eye for legislation that could impact your healthcare practitioner’s ability to practice and prosper. When legislation is presented for debate, association representatives are often the only voice representing the interests of the professional. Without their efforts, regulations that govern the way providers practice could be altered without the knowledge of the practitioner. Professional associations are non-profit organizations that use member dues to hire lobbyists to maintain relationships with legislators. When a new law or regulation comes to the floor of the legislative body, legislators will know the issues from the point of view of the professional and take them into consideration when drafting or voting on legislation. Without associations, legislators would make decisions without taking into consideration the impact on practitioners and their rights to practice would be limited or eliminated without objection.

2. State Board Representation

Very often, there is confusion over the purpose of a State Board versus a State Association. State associations represent their member’s interests while a State Board represents the interests of the public. There are times when the interests of the public are at odds with the interests of the profession such as requiring a practitioner to document discussions with such detail that it would make it impossible to practice. The association would argue that there has to be a practical aspect considered. When a board makes a decision that could impact the way they interpret a regulation, it is your association that speaks for you. When a member is in trouble the Association is often the only authority that will weigh in on your behalf when punishment is harsh or unjust.

3. Continuing Education

Your association is responsible to ensure that you have the opportunity to meet your CE requirements. Before online education was available or in areas where online education is not allowed or limited, it is your association that will assure you have continuing education courses available.

4. Fighting Injustice

When an insurance provider or network administrator treats you unfairly or simply takes advantage of you, it is the state association that reports the injustice to the insurance commissioner. The work of the state association and those who serve it often goes unrecognized. Every dollar they spend is spent to serve the interests of their members and the profession.