• Sara Rodgers, new Council Assistant was introduced.
• Minutes from the May 5, 2004 Presidents' Meeting were accepted and approved.

Joy Renner, Director, Radiologic Science Division, DAHS UNC-Chapel Hill.
"Distance Learning: BS Degree Consortium Program in Radiologic Science"

Major items covered:

• There is a definite need for an increase in baccalaureate and masters degrees in Radiologic Science. 13.9% in the state have baccalaureate degrees and only 1.9% has master's degrees. This leads to a shortage of radiologic science educators.
• Although a consortium would not directly increase the number of new RTs, it could influence the workforce balance.
• A consortium would provide a mechanism for practicing RTs to continue their education and to receive an undergraduate degree.
• A consortium would also utilize shrinking higher education funding in an efficient manner to reach a greater population, and would reduce shortages.
• A consortium would develop a statewide network for providing advanced radiologic science education so all technologists, not just those in some areas of the state, can access regional educational opportunities.
• So far, interest has been shown by WCU, ECU, UNC-C.

Steve Thomas, UNC Systems Allied Health Programs Representative. “The Allied Health Reinvestment Act.”

• Covered several items: Reinvestment Act S. 2491 and H.R. 4016 are modeled after the nursing reinvestment legislation which was successfully funded. Additional information can be found on the ASAHP website: www.asahp.org. The website shows the complete bills and information, along with a rationale and a justification.

• Next Council Meeting is November 3
• November 3-9 is National Allied Health Professionals Week
• Council service certificates presented to: Dr. Sylvia Flack, completed her two year term as the UNC System Allied Health Programs Rep, David Wysocki, completed his two year term as Rep of the Rehabilitation Sciences, Group 2, and Vivian Lail-Davis, Council Assistant who resigned to move with her family to Texas.

Discussions and Action:

• Council’s statement on non-endorsement of licensure bills for allied health professionals
  • A decision to hold off a vote until the November meeting was made; the statement will be rewritten to include a rationale statement.
• Council support for the Allied Health Reinvestment Act: Present members gave a unanimous vote to send a letter of support for the bill, but also recommended that David Yoder contact all absent Council members to establish whether they are in support of the bill before drafting and sending a letter giving a unanimous support statement from all Council members.
  • David Yoder will draft a letter with Tom Bacon’s co signature regarding support of the Reinvestment Act.

Sheps Center – Alan Brown

• Respiratory Therapy report is complete and published. PowerPoint presentation of the highlights was handed out.
• Dennis Zaenger and Rebecca Livingood are replacing Susan Dyson.
• A vacancy survey is currently taking place by Rebecca Livingood looking at advertised vacancies in classified ads at different times throughout the year.

Occupational Therapy Licensure Task Force – Evelyn Hawthorne

• The OT licensure statutes have not been updated since 1984. They don’t reflect the current practice accurately. June-July – reviewed the draft and approved the draft form of the practice act, which has been sent to the Attorney General’s office. Invites everyone to take a look at the draft and would like suggestions. Will be available September 13 on the Occupational Therapy website, www.ncbot.org. Will receive suggestions until October 29. Change of terminology etc, to reflect changes within the profession.

Council Membership – David Yoder (for Karen Luken)

• Associations which have been contacted regarding joining the Council: Art Therapy Association of NC; Music Therapy Association of NC; American Massage Therapy Assoc., -NC Chapter; NC Association of Surgical Technologists; and EMS Administrators Association. These associations will provide more detailed information for the Council to take action on.
• The North Carolina Athletic Trainer’s Association was not interested, and American Association of Clinical Chemists has decided to withdraw from the council.
• Council for Allied Health in North Carolina booklet has been sent out to all the members of the NC General Assembly. The booklet contains detailed information about each of member professional associations.

Legislative Issues - Pat Porter

Many things are going on at the state government level that pertains to Allied Health organizations.

• Voted to support the acquisition of bonds, which will result in money to the university system
• Senate bill 1152 – Studies act of 2004 – a group has been set up to discuss a conglomerate of issues and their components. Dr. Thomas Bacon is a representative of this committee.
• Monies appropriated to allow for the reinstatement of the UNC-Chapel Hill Rehabilitation Counseling program.
• www.ncga.net - General assembly website.

David Yoder

• Yoder and Bacon met with Advisory Board President, Bill Pully, and Hugh Tilson director of legal and regulatory affairs for NCHA, to get feedback with regard to the Council budget request within the 2005-07 Biennium AHEC expansion budget. Pully gave full support for the council request along with a strong endorsement for the entire AHEC budget also and asked Tilson to assist with lobbying efforts on our behalf.

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