Two New AMTA 2018 Convention Classes Added!

Due to a surge in early registrations for the AMTA 2018 National Convention, two new classes related to massage therapy research and policy have been added to the portfolio. Classes are filling up quickly, so register early.

Research, The NCCIH and You: Increasing Access to Integrative Therapies

2 CE Credits | Thursday, August 9 | 1:30 – 3:30pm

Instructor: David Shurtleff, Ph.D., Acting Director of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Hear Dr. Shurtleff discuss the growing potential for further integration of massage therapy into health care and policy. AMTA and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) are leading the way in showing how massage therapy and other integrative approaches to care can improve the lives of people experiencing health challenges. Learn more about the federal organization’s research goals, and their efforts to increase patient access to integrative approaches such as massage therapy.

Massage Policy, Research and Advocacy: How You Can Get Involved 

2 CE Credits | Thursday, August 9 | 4 – 6pm

Instructors: Deborah Outlaw, Clark Simpson and James Specker, MBA, MIS

Deborah Outlaw has served as a health care consultant providing federal legislative and regulatory services to numerous organizations with health care interests, including physician specialty groups, allied health providers, medical device manufacturers, safety net facility prescription drug providers, hospitals and associations. 

Clark Simpson is  President/CEO of The Clark Group Associates, Inc., which consults and coaches allied health care businesses and organizations in strategic planning and project management. 

James Specker, MBA, MIS has been the Director of Industry and Government Relations for the American Massage Therapy Association since 2015 and has more than eight years of policy, grassroots and advocacy experience. 

In this session, learn more about the state and federal policies that shape the massage therapy profession, including: how you practice, services you can provide, compensation, and ways to become more involved in AMTA government relations. Our panel of speakers will give an overview of current AMTA legislative and regulatory activities at both the state and federal level. In addition, they will explain the basics of grassroots advocacy, and how commercial insurers are choosing to recognize massage therapy.

Online registration is closed. Register on-site at the convention starting August 8.