tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32458 2011-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), signed into law on March 23, 2010, will allow individuals and businesses to purchase health insurance directly through exchanges, i.e., competitive marketplaces where patients can compare coverage. These exchanges will offer a choice of qualified health plans (QHPs) that vary in coverage and must meet certain standards in categories of care, with limits on patient cost sharing.

By AAAOM Staff The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), signed into law on March 23, 2010, will allow individuals and businesses to purchase health insurance directly through exchanges, i.e., competitive marketplaces where patients can compare coverage. These exchanges will offer a choice of qualified health plans (QHPs) that vary in coverage and must meet certain standards in categories of care, with limits on patient cost sharing. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32450 2011-07-07T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-07T12:00:07-07:00

California officials voted against California bill SB628 that pushed to create a new Chinese medicine profession called "Traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologists," at a hearing held Tuesday in Sacramento, Calif.

Editorial Staff California officials voted against California bill SB628 that pushed to create a new Chinese medicine profession called "Traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologists," at a hearing held Tuesday in Sacramento, Calif. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32449 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Here is the latest acupuncture news and happenings from around the world to help you stay "on point" with the profession. This month there is exciting news from many of the acupuncture schools across the country. Expansions, promotions, events and more.

By Marilyn Allen, Editor-at-Large Here is the latest acupuncture news and happenings from around the world to help you stay "on point" with the profession. This month there is exciting news from many of the acupuncture schools across the country. Expansions, promotions, events and more. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32444 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

As a healthcare provider, whether one bills health insurance companies directly or gives patients superbills, the practitioner is often drawn into the patient's struggles to get their treatments paid for by their insurance. As an acupuncturist for nearly 17 years, I have had both positive and negative experiences with health insurance companies in this regard.

By Rita Stanford, DAOM, Dipl Ac, Dipl CH, LAc As a healthcare provider, whether one bills health insurance companies directly or gives patients superbills, the practitioner is often drawn into the patient's struggles to get their treatments paid for by their insurance. As an acupuncturist for nearly 17 years, I have had both positive and negative experiences with health insurance companies in this regard. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32340 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

The American Public Health Association (APHA) held its 138th annual meeting in Denver Colo., from Nov. 6 - 10 that included a summit on healthcare reform. The theme of this year's meeting was "Social Justice: A Public Health Imperative." A total of 12,000 delegates from throughout the United States attended the gathering and were treated to presentations on all aspects of public health, including acupuncture and other forms of complementary and integrative care.

By Beth Sommers, PhD, MPH, LAc and Kristen Porter, MAc, LAc The American Public Health Association (APHA) held its 138th annual meeting in Denver Colo., from Nov. 6 - 10 that included a summit on healthcare reform. The theme of this year's meeting was "Social Justice: A Public Health Imperative." A total of 12,000 delegates from throughout the United States attended the gathering and were treated to presentations on all aspects of public health, including acupuncture and other forms of complementary and integrative care. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32327 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

For the second time in the history of this country, CAM professions have the opportunity for a collective seat at the federal legislative table. The big question is, how the AOM profession will take part in this effort. A number of legislators who are favorable to AOM have recommended that the AOM community join forces with naturopathic physicians, holistic doctors and nurses, homeopaths, massage therapists, chiropractors, and others to create a united voice. This is exactly what happened.

By Bill Reddy, LAc, Dipl. Ac. For the second time in the history of this country, CAM professions have the opportunity for a collective seat at the federal legislative table. The big question is, how the AOM profession will take part in this effort. A number of legislators who are favorable to AOM have recommended that the AOM community join forces with naturopathic physicians, holistic doctors and nurses, homeopaths, massage therapists, chiropractors, and others to create a united voice. This is exactly what happened. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32320 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Our profession has grown because of the great efforts of those who trusted their instincts in the early days of acupuncture in America. In all my experience in business, healthcare, educational administration and various roles in our professional organizations, my instinct tells me our profession is at a tipping point. Another unfolding is occurring and I am grateful to be able to share my perspective.

By Mark McKenzie, LAc Our profession has grown because of the great efforts of those who trusted their instincts in the early days of acupuncture in America. In all my experience in business, healthcare, educational administration and various roles in our professional organizations, my instinct tells me our profession is at a tipping point. Another unfolding is occurring and I am grateful to be able to share my perspective. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32296 2010-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Chinese Vice Minister of Health Dr. Guoqian Wang and a six-person delegation arrived in the U.S. on June 6 to embark on a four-day visit that included San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington D.C. The purpose of the trip was to meet with local Oriental medicine groups and practitioners, exchange ideas and inspect the development of Chinese medicine and integrated medicine in the United States.

By Editorial Staff Chinese Vice Minister of Health Dr. Guoqian Wang and a six-person delegation arrived in the U.S. on June 6 to embark on a four-day visit that included San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington D.C. The purpose of the trip was to meet with local Oriental medicine groups and practitioners, exchange ideas and inspect the development of Chinese medicine and integrated medicine in the United States. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32261 2010-07-21T12:00:32-07:00 2010-07-21T12:00:07-07:00

The statistics are sobering, to say the least. According to leading pain specialists in the Veterans Administration, nine in 10 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans return home with some form of pain, and 60 percent have significant pain. Now, a recent announcement by top Army officials may help address this situation and provide our modern military forces with ancient forms of healing to help with pain relief.

By Editorial Staff The statistics are sobering, to say the least. According to leading pain specialists in the Veterans Administration, nine in 10 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans return home with some form of pain, and 60 percent have significant pain. Now, a recent announcement by top Army officials may help address this situation and provide our modern military forces with ancient forms of healing to help with pain relief. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32254 2010-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

I recently had a practitioner ask me about what the World Health Organization (WHO) is doing within the AOM community in the United States and why practitioners should contribute money to this cause. I found out the answers to these questions at a recent a WHO plenary session in Hong Kong.

By Marilyn Allen, Editor-at-Large I recently had a practitioner ask me about what the World Health Organization (WHO) is doing within the AOM community in the United States and why practitioners should contribute money to this cause. I found out the answers to these questions at a recent a WHO plenary session in Hong Kong. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32247 2010-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Today, we have the very real opportunity to make our profession great, our practitioners successful, and Oriental medicine much more accessible to those who desperately need our services. By changing our approach to governance, we can embrace transparency and accountability. We can tap our valuable intellectual, financial and organizational resources and learn how to more effectively communicate, delegate, and collaborate with our state associations, our allied national organizations, and related health professions.

By AAAOM Staff Today, we have the very real opportunity to make our profession great, our practitioners successful, and Oriental medicine much more accessible to those who desperately need our services. By changing our approach to governance, we can embrace transparency and accountability. We can tap our valuable intellectual, financial and organizational resources and learn how to more effectively communicate, delegate, and collaborate with our state associations, our allied national organizations, and related health professions. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32243 2010-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

A number of questions may be on the minds of most American AOM practitioners regarding the recently passed health care reform bill. What impact does this have on the AOM profession? Is wellness adequately addressed? Can our government effectively manage health care in the United States? The list goes on. Controversy and misinformation regarding this bill from "death panels" to "free health care for illegal immigrants" have overshadowed rational discussion of health care reform.

By Bill Reddy, LAc, Dipl. Ac. A number of questions may be on the minds of most American AOM practitioners regarding the recently passed health care reform bill. What impact does this have on the AOM profession? Is wellness adequately addressed? Can our government effectively manage health care in the United States? The list goes on. Controversy and misinformation regarding this bill from "death panels" to "free health care for illegal immigrants" have overshadowed rational discussion of health care reform. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32242 2010-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

I am reaching out to the profession regarding the issue of the H1N1 virus and swine flu. Regardless of your perspectives on the illness, I ask that you consider an idea that may have a profound impact on both this disease and our profession.

By John Hamada, LAc, DC I am reaching out to the profession regarding the issue of the H1N1 virus and swine flu. Regardless of your perspectives on the illness, I ask that you consider an idea that may have a profound impact on both this disease and our profession. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32220 2010-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

When it comes to the AAAOM, it is very important to have a strong, unified membership base. Without the support and involvement of the practitioners that our organization represents, our voice is very limited. Legislators in particular have been known to say, "if your own members are not interested in what you have to say, they why should we?" That makes a lot of sense; a professional organization can only be as effective and active as its membership.

By AAAOM Staff When it comes to the AAAOM, it is very important to have a strong, unified membership base. Without the support and involvement of the practitioners that our organization represents, our voice is very limited. Legislators in particular have been known to say, "if your own members are not interested in what you have to say, they why should we?" That makes a lot of sense; a professional organization can only be as effective and active as its membership. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32207 2010-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

Following in the wake of President Obama signing the health care reform bill HR 3590, the American Association of the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) released a statement in support of the new legislation. In particular, the inclusive, non-discriminatory language for CAM providers was noted as a positive more for the profession.

By Editorial Staff Following in the wake of President Obama signing the health care reform bill HR 3590, the American Association of the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) released a statement in support of the new legislation. In particular, the inclusive, non-discriminatory language for CAM providers was noted as a positive more for the profession. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32202 2010-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

There's no doubt that complementary medicine is a political hot button these days. Should it be included in the new health care bill? Should Medicare patients have access? Will it cut health care costs? With these questions in mind, Pennsylvania acupuncturist David Molony, PhD, LAc, has hit the campaign trail to run for Republican state representative in the 133rd district. This district is part of what is known as the "Rust Belt"; a blue-collar, mostly Democratic district that has been hit hard by the closing of the steel mills, including the famous Bethlehem Steel Corporation.

By Tina Beychok, Associate Editor There's no doubt that complementary medicine is a political hot button these days. Should it be included in the new health care bill? Should Medicare patients have access? Will it cut health care costs? With these questions in mind, Pennsylvania acupuncturist David Molony, PhD, LAc, has hit the campaign trail to run for Republican state representative in the 133rd district. This district is part of what is known as the "Rust Belt"; a blue-collar, mostly Democratic district that has been hit hard by the closing of the steel mills, including the famous Bethlehem Steel Corporation. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32152 2010-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Regarding the Senate health care reform bill, they write, "Acupuncturists, dietary-supplement makers and other alternative health practitioners, some of whose treatments are considered unproven by the medical establishment, would be brought more squarely into the mainstream of American medicine under the health legislation now before the Senate."

By AAAOM Staff Regarding the Senate health care reform bill, they write, "Acupuncturists, dietary-supplement makers and other alternative health practitioners, some of whose treatments are considered unproven by the medical establishment, would be brought more squarely into the mainstream of American medicine under the health legislation now before the Senate." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32151 2010-01-19T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-19T12:00:07-07:00

Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) and Pathways to Wellness have launched a relief response to aid the earthquake victims in Haiti. They are now mobilizing teams of volunteer acupuncturists to go to Haiti to provide assistance. Acupuncture treatments will help heal trauma and provide general body-mind-spirit healing.

Editorial Staff Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) and Pathways to Wellness have launched a relief response to aid the earthquake victims in Haiti. They are now mobilizing teams of volunteer acupuncturists to go to Haiti to provide assistance. Acupuncture treatments will help heal trauma and provide general body-mind-spirit healing. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32108 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Giant strides were taken to ensure health care options for the American public when more than 30 acupuncturists attended the National Federation for Women Legislators' (NFWL) 72nd annual convention this Labor Day weekend in Albuquerque. These practitioners requested legislative support from the 500+ senators and congresswomen in attendance. Each legislator was given a copy of our research on AOM in the U.S., in addition to a narrative analytic review of the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture and a copy of our AOM model bill. These efforts resulted in the passage of two resolutions in support of AOM.

By AAAOM Staff Giant strides were taken to ensure health care options for the American public when more than 30 acupuncturists attended the National Federation for Women Legislators' (NFWL) 72nd annual convention this Labor Day weekend in Albuquerque. These practitioners requested legislative support from the 500+ senators and congresswomen in attendance. Each legislator was given a copy of our research on AOM in the U.S., in addition to a narrative analytic review of the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture and a copy of our AOM model bill. These efforts resulted in the passage of two resolutions in support of AOM. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32100 2009-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

In March 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new guidelines for acupuncturists dispensing herbs. According to the FDA, Chinese herbs are classified as dietary supplements. The current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) guidelines can be difficult to understand since they are complicated by legal terminology.

By Marilyn Allen, Editor-at-Large In March 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new guidelines for acupuncturists dispensing herbs. According to the FDA, Chinese herbs are classified as dietary supplements. The current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) guidelines can be difficult to understand since they are complicated by legal terminology. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32088 2009-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

In March 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new guidelines for which acupuncturists dispensing dietary supplements across the nation will be accountable. According to the FDA, Chinese herbs are classified as dietary supplements. The current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) guidelines final ruling will require compliance from companies with fewer than 20 employees by the summer of 2010. This will, of course, affect small private clinic-sized facilities. The cGMP can be difficult for the average acupuncturist to understand since the basic practices and procedures are complicated by legal terminology.

By Marilyn Allen, Editor-at-Large In March 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new guidelines for which acupuncturists dispensing dietary supplements across the nation will be accountable. According to the FDA, Chinese herbs are classified as dietary supplements. The current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) guidelines final ruling will require compliance from companies with fewer than 20 employees by the summer of 2010. This will, of course, affect small private clinic-sized facilities. The cGMP can be difficult for the average acupuncturist to understand since the basic practices and procedures are complicated by legal terminology. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32073 2009-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

The process of reforming health care is complex and will need to consider all stakeholders - the public, providers, institutions, third-party payers and public insurers. Each of these entities has its own vested interest and issues, which may result in confusion and challenges. This article will attempt to unravel some of these complexities and address areas of interest to acupuncturists.

By Beth Sommers, PhD, MPH, LAc and Kristen Porter, MAc, LAc The process of reforming health care is complex and will need to consider all stakeholders - the public, providers, institutions, third-party payers and public insurers. Each of these entities has its own vested interest and issues, which may result in confusion and challenges. This article will attempt to unravel some of these complexities and address areas of interest to acupuncturists. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32057 2009-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

Patriotism might be considered passe in this day and age, but I am still a patriot; an idealist at heart. I believe in the values this country is founded upon, and believe we are still the greatest country on Earth. An ancient profession, acupuncture and Oriental medicine has fast become a national treasure within our diverse society and has the ability to help lift our country out of its health care crisis. As an American and practitioner of AOM, I believe it is our obligation to bring our medicine to the American people.

By AAAOM Staff Patriotism might be considered passe in this day and age, but I am still a patriot; an idealist at heart. I believe in the values this country is founded upon, and believe we are still the greatest country on Earth. An ancient profession, acupuncture and Oriental medicine has fast become a national treasure within our diverse society and has the ability to help lift our country out of its health care crisis. As an American and practitioner of AOM, I believe it is our obligation to bring our medicine to the American people. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32042 2009-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

One person does make a difference. Now is the time to unite and stand together to protect and preserve the profession. It is a sad but exciting time for the profession as we pay tribute to a one-of-a-kind acupuncturist, Miriam Lee. She single-handedly lead and trained many others in this profession before it was legal to practice. Honora Wolfe, of Blue Poppy, has described Miriam Lee as one of the true “Mothers of Acupuncture” in the West. Miriam was an example for each person in the profession. There is an expression that says, “You put your money where your mouth is,” and that is exactly what she did. She, by herself, paid a well-known lobbyist, Art Krause, $500 per month for seven years for him to help advance the profession at the state Capitol. Although this was a sacrifice for Miriam, she was dedicated to the growth of the profession.

By Marilyn Allen, Editor-at-Large One person does make a difference. Now is the time to unite and stand together to protect and preserve the profession. It is a sad but exciting time for the profession as we pay tribute to a one-of-a-kind acupuncturist, Miriam Lee. She single-handedly lead and trained many others in this profession before it was legal to practice. Honora Wolfe, of Blue Poppy, has described Miriam Lee as one of the true “Mothers of Acupuncture” in the West. Miriam was an example for each person in the profession. There is an expression that says, “You put your money where your mouth is,” and that is exactly what she did. She, by herself, paid a well-known lobbyist, Art Krause, $500 per month for seven years for him to help advance the profession at the state Capitol. Although this was a sacrifice for Miriam, she was dedicated to the growth of the profession. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32038 2009-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

According to a recently released federal report, there was a very substantial increase in visits to acupuncturist between 1997 and 2007. The number of patient visits per 1,000 people jumped from 27.2 visits in 1997 to 79.2 visits per 1,000 in 2007. Furthermore, median out-of-pocket patient payments to acupuncturists and massage therapists were more than twice what is typically paid to chiropractors and osteopaths, who were are among the lowest paid to complementary and alternative health care providers.

By Ramon G. McLeod, Editor-in-Chief According to a recently released federal report, there was a very substantial increase in visits to acupuncturist between 1997 and 2007. The number of patient visits per 1,000 people jumped from 27.2 visits in 1997 to 79.2 visits per 1,000 in 2007. Furthermore, median out-of-pocket patient payments to acupuncturists and massage therapists were more than twice what is typically paid to chiropractors and osteopaths, who were are among the lowest paid to complementary and alternative health care providers. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32022 2009-07-06T12:00:32-07:00 2009-07-06T12:00:07-07:00

We have already encountered a problem in our newly enacted acupuncture law. The Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure Board meeting was on the morning of July 2, 2009. The bimonthly meeting of nine physicians was held to discuss, among many agenda items, the proposed Rules and Regulations for the practice of acupuncture in Mississippi.

By Jerusha DeGroote Stephens, MSOM, LAc We have already encountered a problem in our newly enacted acupuncture law. The Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure Board meeting was on the morning of July 2, 2009. The bimonthly meeting of nine physicians was held to discuss, among many agenda items, the proposed Rules and Regulations for the practice of acupuncture in Mississippi. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32016 2009-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

April 29, 2009, brought to the forefront the vivid and tangible goal of including AOM in U.S. health care reform when President Obama responded to an inquiry by an acupuncturist in one of his town hall meetings: "My attitude is that...we should do what works. I think it is pretty well-documented through scientific studies that acupuncture...can be very helpful in relieving certain ailments, or at least as effective as more intrusive interventions. I think one basic principle that we know is that the more we do on the prevention side, the more we can obtain serious savings down the road."

By Rebekah Christensen, AAAOM Ed and Deborah Lincoln, RN, MSN, RAc (NCCAOM) April 29, 2009, brought to the forefront the vivid and tangible goal of including AOM in U.S. health care reform when President Obama responded to an inquiry by an acupuncturist in one of his town hall meetings: "My attitude is that...we should do what works. I think it is pretty well-documented through scientific studies that acupuncture...can be very helpful in relieving certain ailments, or at least as effective as more intrusive interventions. I think one basic principle that we know is that the more we do on the prevention side, the more we can obtain serious savings down the road." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32005 2009-06-11T12:00:32-07:00 2009-06-11T12:00:07-07:00

In the current tight economic times, it comes as no shock that federally funded programs, including research grants, should come under scrutiny. After all, we pay taxes that support those research grants, and nobody likes to see government waste. Unfortunately, this mindset can easily lead to attacking what appears to be easy targets.

Editorial Staff In the current tight economic times, it comes as no shock that federally funded programs, including research grants, should come under scrutiny. After all, we pay taxes that support those research grants, and nobody likes to see government waste. Unfortunately, this mindset can easily lead to attacking what appears to be easy targets. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32004 2009-06-08T12:00:32-07:00 2009-06-08T12:00:07-07:00

In the wake of President Barack Obama's endorsement of complementary and alternative medicine, including acupuncture, there appears to be renewed interest in pushing for the passage of HR 646, the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2009, which would "amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of qualified acupuncturist services under part B of the Medicare Program, and to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for coverage of such services under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program."

By Editorial Staff In the wake of President Barack Obama's endorsement of complementary and alternative medicine, including acupuncture, there appears to be renewed interest in pushing for the passage of HR 646, the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2009, which would "amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of qualified acupuncturist services under part B of the Medicare Program, and to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for coverage of such services under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-31994 2009-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

The traditional medicine profession is on the march. This forward movement was felt and experienced at the recent national conference held in Sacramento, Calif., sponsored by the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM). Members of the profession, the student organization, the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM), the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and many state association presidents were all in attendance. A sense of cohesiveness and unity was demonstrated throughout the entire conference.

By Marilyn Allen, Editor-at-Large The traditional medicine profession is on the march. This forward movement was felt and experienced at the recent national conference held in Sacramento, Calif., sponsored by the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM). Members of the profession, the student organization, the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM), the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and many state association presidents were all in attendance. A sense of cohesiveness and unity was demonstrated throughout the entire conference.