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Have You Heard?
MSA-AST Rocked Lansing
Every experience I have had and office that I
have held with MSA since its inception has moved
me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to
grow. I never dreamed I would be at the helm of
this grassroots’ effort. So many MSA members
have worked diligently to see legislation
passed. MSA’s had its first Health Policy
experience in 2005 with HB 4403. The Health
Policy Committee experience was exciting. The
bill was passed, but not with the original
verbiage. We learned! MSA continued to fight and
was back in Lansing in 2006 with HB 5544 that
was presented by Representative John Stakoe.
GAPA members met with members of the Health
Policy Committee and different interest groups.
This bill stayed in committee.
In 2007 MSA-AST hired the lobbyist firm
Kindsvatter and Associates. GAPA committee
members continued to work on legislation
verbiage with K&A and AST. K&A has been working
steadily on our behalf. In December, Brad
Comment, Lobbyist-Kindvatter and Associates,
Cathy Sparkman, AST Director of Government
Affairs, Rebecca Pieknik, Chair of Government
Affairs and Policy Committee and I had the honor
to meet with House Health Policy Committee,
MCORN, MSMS and MHA. These meetings allowed us
to discuss our roles as surgical technologists,
the importance of education and the basis for
mandatory certification. Although we were well
received and created a “buzz” around the
capitol, we still have opposition. But this
meeting set the stage for more to come.
MSA came back to Lansing in full force! Working
together, MSA-AST members from all over the
state Rocked Lansing with a Mock Total Knee
Surgical Procedure in the Capitol Rotunda on
April 29th! Over 45 CSTs and CST/CFAs worked in
collaboration with Michigan Perioperative
Nurses, Surgeons, Hospitals, Surgery Centers,
and Vendors for a successful surgery on April
29th. They participated in weekly conference
calls, donated their time, talents, supplies and
equipment! Who would have thought that something
of this magnitude could be pulled off? The CST’s
from the state of Michigan did and did not
waiver!
This was a Historical Event in Michigan!
Grassroots efforts are never easy, but just like
in Surgery the Surgical Technologist’s SPIRIT of
Team Work brought about a successful surgery!
This was a TEAM EFFORT by a VITAL MEMBER of
Every SURGICAL TEAM. And like every TEAM EFFORT
we did not stand alone. We rose to the occasion
created by the Mock Surgery and pending
legislation!
Many thanks to all of the MSA members and
supporters who have made this happen! You shared
a vision to promote and empower all members of
the Surgical Team! You did not back down from
the challenge. You have provided a way for all
of us to move forward. What more can I say? You
have been empowered! The doors have been opened
for you to make a difference! Take the step into
the future!
Lynda Custer, CST, MA
CLICK HERE
TO SEE OUR PICTURES OF THIS EVENT
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