Update on the Allied Health Professions Reinvestment Act of 2004

We are facing a crisis in health care: the ever-increasing number of patients needing care, coupled with the decreasing number of qualified staff to provide that care. This is not a vague concept that might happen to "someone else." This a very real trend that will affect us all (some sooner than later). We are in a position at this time to do something about the future of our health care, particularly the care we will need when we have finished providing care. ASET has been sending a representative to the CAHL sessions for the past seven years. CAHL is the Coalition for Allied Health Leadership, and they meet in Washington, DC, for a week in the spring, and again in the fall. In between these sessions, they network with other participants to produce projects that will develop leadership, and directly help "The Cause." "The Cause" this time around is to promote H.R.4016 and S.2491, "The Allied Health Professions Reinvestment Act." Among other things, these bills address shortages of qualified staff through a variety of educational and training programs. ASET members need to become aware of the basic information contained within these bills, and what they can do to help increase their chances of passing. We can make a difference.