From The Desk Of The President

I hope that you are enjoying your summer.  Although I am not too fond of the overabundance of mosquitoes this year, I enjoy the summer. I enjoy each season because it brings change and variety.  MSA-AST is endowed with members unique in their abilities, accomplishments, interests, perspectives, and talents that provide rich creative resources.  Each of us is a unique piece of MSA.  Consider what you can offer and become involved!  Find a way to use your talents!  Possibly, MSA can offer you some variety.  You could run for an office or plan to go to Nationals!  I am excited that “Variety is the Spice of Surgical Life” is just around the corner!

Business Meeting and Elections
The Annual Business meeting and Elections will take place during the September meeting.  Elections for offices of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Board of Director will take place in September. 

Delegates
Are you interested in going to the AST National Conference is in Washington DC May 23 through 27, 2012 as a delegate?  Members are encouraged to submit their desire to serve as a delegate in September to allow the membership to be involved in the selection process and to allow the delegate sufficient planning time. 

Consent to Serve  Forms for an elected position, as a committee member, or as a delegate are available on the website.  Members must provide proof of membership and meet AST Criteria. Please refer to AST for the most current State Assembly By-Laws.  Please note: Candidates considering the office of president must have served a full term on the Board with in the last 6 years. 

Legislative Updates:
The MSA Legislative effort is continuing to move forward.  AST will continue to support MSA’s efforts. Brad Comment from Kindvatters and Associates will continue to represent MSA efforts in Lansing. The new Bill for the 2011-2013 legislative years is under draft.  Rebecca Hall and Donovan Traverse have been in meetings this summer with both the Chair of the House Health Policy Committee and Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee.  We have their support.  MSA continues to move forward. 

This is what is happening in the following states:
States that require mandatory Certification as condition of employment:
Indiana, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas
Requires Certification or Education
Idaho
Requires registration and licensure
Illinois
Requires registration
Colorado and Washington

I want to thank each of you for the privilege given to me to serve as President of MSA.  It has been challenging as well as rewarding.  I look forward to seeing you on September 10th!  Have a Safe Summer!  Lynda

Lynda Custer, CST, MA, Ed
President, MSA-AST