MARK THE DATE
2009 WATA Legislative Day, March 25th, 2009 in Madison Wisconsin.

The Legislative Schedule is now set and we have been able to identify a date for WATA Legislative Day when a majority of the State Senators and Representatives will be in Madison.  We hope to have a large turnout to demonstrate your support of the WATA and the Athletic Training Profession to the Legislature.

Purpose: An important part of the current WATA strategic plan involves amending and improving our current practice act. This process has been ongoing for nearly two years and has involved input from our WATA leadership and committees, WATA membership, district representatives and national association personnel. We have met with legal counsel, members of industry and have even considered opinions from outside professional associations. After much discussion and debate the Governmental Affairs Committee is ready to introduce our amendments to the Legislature. As our practice act rolls through the capitol we will need YOU and your active involvement to solicit your local legislators for support of our bill.

The WATA Legislative Day provides a collective means for you to not only become current regarding legislation affecting LATs but for you to voice concerns directly with elected representatives and their staff.  Currently, the primary objective is to present our updated practice act to your legislators and urge them to sponsor and support its passage. This will be accomplished through face to face meetings where you will have the opportunity to educate your Legislators on who we are, what we do, where we do it and how effective our model of health care is when applied to an active population.

Location: Concourse Hotel, Madison Wisconsin
http://www.concoursehotel.com

Leg Day Format:

Morning: The morning session will feature legislative speakers. Topics will involve background regarding the evolution of our practice act amendments as well as discussion on persuasive and effective communication skills with your elected officials.

Lunch provided

Afternoon: Visit with your legislator followed by a brief “debrief” with your Governmental Affairs Committee and Stenger Government Relations Staff. Conduit social to follow.

Times and Registration:   Meeting times and registration details will be e-mailed out in the next few weeks.

Questions regarding this event can be directed to Mike Van Veghel LAT, WATA Government Affairs Committee Chair mvanveghel@uwhealth.org

Additional Governmental Affairs Information

Licensure Fee Change
Beginning in 2009 the way in which licensing fees are calculated and administered will undergo a change. For the first time in eight years, the Dept of Regulation and Licensing is set to increase fees for the more than 100 occupations under its regulatory umbrella. The base fee for all but a few new licenses will increase $22 to $75 from the current $53. Two-year renewals will range from $82 to a high of $170. The department filed its proposed fee adjustments with the Joint Finance Committee on Friday 1/30/09. The committee has 14 business days (until Wed., Feb. 18) to either object to the fees or to schedule a committee meeting to consider the changes. If approved by Joint Finance, the new procedure requires the department to post the fee adjustments on its website and in the credential renewal notices sent to affected credential holders.       
                         
As of now (2/4) we do not know the actual fees that LATs will be required to pay. As stated above, Joint Finance has 2 weeks to review the proposed fee structure changes. After these recommendations clear this committee they will be posted on the DRL website http://drl.wi.gov/index.htm and will include notification in renewal notices. We will keep you posted as to what our renewal and licensure fees will be. Also, keep in mind that state law has changed to allow the DRL to adjust licensure fees based on the costs of administration and enforcement of that credential. The DRL will recalculate fees based on actual costs attributable to the regulation of each profession for the succeeding biennium.

Worksite Wellness Bill Reintroduced
Newly-elected Senator Hopper (Fond du Lac/Oshkosh) and Representative Murtha (St. Croix County) are circulating the Workplace Wellness bill (LRB-1584/2).  The bill offers a tax credit for worksite wellness programs, many of which include services that are currently provided by LATs. This bill would be very helpful in creating employment opportunities for LATs in a variety of workplace settings. We will continue to educate legislators on the benefits of workplace wellness and encourage them to pass this bill.  With the state scurrying for money, and this bill having a rather large fiscal note, it will be an uphill climb but one worth pursuing. We will keep you posted on any contacts/action that may be warranted by the WATA membership.

Nass Confirmation
Steve Nass PT, LAT,of Lake Mills Wisconsin was unanimously approved by the Assembly Health Committee to serve a second term on the Athletic Training Affiliated Board.  His reappointment will now go to the Senate for full confirmation. Congratulations to Steve and on behalf of the WATA we extend our gratitude and sincere thanks for your dedicated service toward the LAT profession.