SUMMARY 2003 - 2004

Freedom of Access / Increased Community Access Act – did not pass

HB 1040 was introduced during the final day of the 2003 portion of the session. It was assigned to the State Planning and Community Affairs Committee. Our sponsor was chair of the committee and two of the co-sponsors are members of the committee.

HB 1040 supported a consumer's right to respect their culture & beliefs in choosing their form of healthcare. It supported the CAM Practitioners’ right to practice their profession without harassment while holding them responsible for professional conduct.

GA Felony Bill – defeated

SB 162 passed the Senate without a dissenting vote and was assigned to the Governmental Affairs Committee of the House. The House Committee never held a hearing on the bill.. CAMA talked with several members of the committee who shared that they had received numerous phone calls, letters, and e-mails in opposition to the Bill.

This so-called "Health Care Protection Act of 2003" would change the unlicensed practice of dietetics, athletic training, professional counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, physical therapy and others from a misdemeanor to a felony.
This type of bill should be a cause of concern for hypnotherapists, nutritionists, naturopaths, bodyworkers and their clients because the scopes of practice for these licensed professions are broad and open to interpretation.

Massage Licensure Bills – HB 368, HB 1542, SB 551 - defeated

HB 368 was sent to study over the summer by the House Governmental Affairs Committee.

HB 1542 and SB 551 were introduced in 2004 in each chamber. Although pushed heavily by the AMTA and the Medical Association, both were defeated. The Senate version sailed through the chamber but was sent to GORRC, which basically killed the bill. The House version did not move out of the Rules Committee. I'm sure they will introduce massage licensure bills again in the 2005-2006 session.

GORRC Guidelines – defeated

HB 628 passed the full House and was assigned to the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee. It was originally introduced to facilitate massage licensure.

Veterinarian Monopoly Bill – passed

HB 347 passed both chambers and was sent to the Governor for signature.

A few changes were made as it moved through committees but not in favor of free choice. CAM modalities for animals, with the exception of massage, are reserved for veterinarians only. Acupuncturists cannot legally perform acupuncture, homeopaths cannot treat animals with homeopathy, naturopaths cannot treat animals with botanicals or natural approaches.