US-POLITICS - AAOP's postition, Harkin bill vs Wexler bill

US-POLITICS - AAOP's postition, Harkin bill vs Wexler bill

I just read Mr. Shumann's post stating that Academy has no position on these
bills...

my question is : WHY NOT?

Isn't the Academy supposed to support and endorse the highest level of
clinical care, educational standards for practitioners of P & O? There is a
very clear difference between these two bills, one (Wexlers) supports CAAHEP
standards, the other (Harkins) does not.... Doesn't the Academy see this as
an opportunity to voice our opinion as a PROFESSION ?? isn't this exactly
the reason why the Academy and AOPA should not be in bed together ???

Please clarify this question Mr Schumann: Is there not a group within the
Academy called the Professional Issues Council ?? Has this issue, which
will clearly impact our profession, been discussed by the council ??

These two bills have the potential of having significant impact on the way P
& O is provided in this country. Yet our national professional arm has a
hands off position??? I don't get it.....

If I'm not mistaken, I think I read that AOPA has already come out in favor
of Harkins bill.... While that bill does mention ABC, it does not recognize
the CAAHEP educational standard, and there IS a difference...Bills do change
as they pass through the system, and it is very easy to add a few letters to
the alphabet soup, Articulating educational standards will eliminate the
possibility of such a problem. I recall that when the consolidation vote was
in high gear, there was a little change in Delaware law that had a big impact
on the scenario. What will happen when at the 11 O'clock hour, three more
letters are added to the bill? We won't have the opportunity to back
peddle... Myself and several colleagues have been down this road in Florida,
and it's no different in Washington.

I can understand the reason why the business arm of our industry want lesser
trained people providing services. This will no doubt reduce labor costs, but
it will potentially destroy the profession as we know it, This is clearly
the reason why the Academy should work independently of AOPA... The Academy
should be taking a stand on the other side of this issue...

If this profession truly wants to be a profession, we will need to begin to
flex our muscle and stand up for what is right for the profession.. We don't
need to develop legislation, it was handed to us on a silver platter, and now
we are to noble to indulge ??

Isn't it time that the Academy stops being AOPA's patsy?

Wade Bader, LCPO
Tampa, FL