2025 ASA Conference

2025 ASA Conference
May 2025 — Washington, DCP

FSOMA was proud to attend the 2025 American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) Conference held in Washington, DC.

Representing FSOMA were:

• Stuart Shipe AP, President of FSOMA
• Galina Roofener MSOM, Treasurer, FSOMA
• Cynthiaann Hayes-Hurst AP, Chair, FSOMA Advocacy Committee
• Dr. Dickie Walls, DAOM, Chair, FSOMA Membership Committee

The American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) is a national organization dedicated to advancing acupuncture as a comprehensive system of medicine through advocacy, education, and research. It is supported and directed by state acupuncture associations, including FSOMA.

The ASA Annual Conference brings together representatives from state associations to discuss shared challenges and goals. It also offers continuing education from world-class speakers in education, legislation, and research. Panel discussions and breakout groups foster dialogue and help shape ASA’s direction.

Legislative Focus: HR 1667 – The Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act

The primary legislative priority for ASA remains the passage of HR 1667 – The Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act. This bill seeks to add licensed acupuncturists to the list of Medicare-recognized providers. Currently, Medicare does not recognize acupuncturists as independent healthcare providers. This means patients must receive acupuncture under the supervision of a Medicare-approved practitioner.

HR 1667 would change that. If passed, it would:

• Allow acupuncturists to bill Medicare directly
• Expand patient access to acupuncture
• Strengthen the role of acupuncture in mainstream healthcare, including hospitals
• Open the door to broader insurance reimbursement

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), with ASA working to build bipartisan support.

ASA’s lobbyist, Molly Ford, spoke about current lobbying efforts and emphasized the need for acupuncturists in key Republican districts to meet with their representatives. If you’re interested in helping, ASA’s Legislative Committee can provide talking points and assistance. Visit the ASA website for more information on how to get involved.

ASA Council Meeting Highlights

During the ASA Council meeting, state association leaders discussed pressing issues facing the profession. Two major themes emerged:

1. Membership
Many state associations, including FSOMA, are struggling to recruit and retain members. Low membership numbers strain resources, making it difficult to provide essential services, advocacy, and support for practitioners.

2. Legislative Action
Several states are actively working to improve their practice acts. In Florida, FSOMA is pushing for Senate approval of HB 803, which has already passed the House. Our lobbying efforts are now focused on securing a Senate vote before the legislative session ends.

New ASA Initiatives

ASA committees are actively working on several new projects, including the development of free online business courses to support new acupuncturists as they establish their practices.

Why This Matters

All FSOMA members are automatically members of ASA. The ASA website offers valuable resources, and it’s important for every acupuncturist to understand how both state and national policy impacts their practice.

Together, we can:

• Grow the profession
• Protect and advance our scope of practice
• Increase public access to acupuncture
• Build a sustainable future for Eastern medicine

Not a member yet?
Join FSOMA today at fsoma.org. It’s an investment in your profession and our shared future.

2025 ASA Conference

2025- May

Washington, DC

FSOMA attended the 2025 American Society of Acupuncturist (ASA) conference in Washington, DC.

Representing FSOMA were

Dr. Stuart Shipe, President FSOMA

Dr. Cynthiaann Hayes-Hurst, BOD Chairman Advocacy Committee

Dr. Dickie Walls DAOM  BOD Chairman Membership Committee

American Society of Acupuncturists ASA is an national Acupuncture association advancing the professional practice of acupuncture as a whole system of medicine through advocacy, education and research.   It is supported and directed by  state associations of Acupuncturists, including FSOMA.

The ASA conference is an annual event where state associations gather to share common problems and goals.   It is also an educational event where leaders in education, legislation and research share the latest findings.  Panel discussion and break out groups allow an open discussion of new ideas and help direct the efforts of the ASA.   There are two days of continuing education with world class lecturers.

The primary thrust of the legislative arm of ASA remains the passing of HR 1667 Acupuncture for our Seniors Act.   This act will bring licensed acupuncturists onto the list of providers recognized by Medicare for reimbursement    Currently Medicare does not recognize acupuncturists as primary care practitioners and it takes an act of congress to change that.  Once recognized, acupuncturists will be able to accept medicare patients without the currently required supervision of a practitioner in their system.   This recognition will affect our interactions with many insurance companies and can open the door for acupuncturists to work in hospitals.

HR 1667 is put forward by Representative Judy Chu of California (D), and sponsored by Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).

We heard from the ASA lobbyist Molly Ford.  ASA is working to forward the bill with balanced  Republican and Democrat support.  ASA  is currently looking for Acupuncturists in specific Republican districts to meet with their representatives and ask for support with the bill.   For those who wish to support this effort, ASA recommends you contact their legislative committee for talking points and help in making connections.   Instruction for how you can help are on the American Society of Acupuncturists website.  Please Help!

The ASA Council meeting included representatives from the leadership of most state associations.   Many common issues where discussed, with two points being the most common:

Membership:  All association report difficulty in getting acupuncturists to join their state association.   This lack of support leaves state association overworked and under funded it the important job they have of supporting the membership, and the growth of Eastern Medicine.

Legislation: Many states, like Florida, are moving forward with efforts to open and improve practice acts within their state.  It is an important and difficult job, requiring expertise, determination, and money.  FSOMA is currently in a push to get Senate approval of our  bill, HB803 has been reported favorably from the House and is now before the Florida Senate.  Our lobbying efforts are now aimed at getting a vote in the Senate before they adjourn.

Many committee plans are moving forward, including a project to make free business course available on the web site to help new acupuncturists set up their clinics.

All FSOMA members are automatically members of ASA.   The ASA website is filled with interesting and useful information, and all acupuncturists should understand how state and national issues will affect their practice.   

It is up to all of us to participate and raise awareness of our medicine and our profession.   If we work together, we can grow our profession, secure our practice act, and bring our medicine to those who need it.   

Please Join FSOMA if you haven’t already.   It is an investment in our future.

American Society of Acupuncturist       https://asacu.org/

FSOMA FSOMA.ORG