[Verbatim from the Mississippi Oriental Medicine Association:

Good news! Our acupuncture bill has passed House Public Health Committee and is now on its way to the Floor. This is the second step in a five step process for this to become law. So, right now, we need people to call or email their State Representatives to show their support for this legislation.

Here is how. Go to this link and insert your 9 digit zip code (if you aren't sure of all digits, look on a piece of your mail from a corporation or utility company) in the upper left corner of the webpage and it will show you your elected officials and their contact info:

http://www.votesmart.org/official_state_legislator.php?type=office&state_id=MS&criteria=lower

PLEASE forward this on to your Mississippi family and friends! It will come up to vote within the week, so the sooner people get together and show their support for HB 458, the Oriental Medicine Practice Act, the better. Get involved!

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to call me!

Jerusha De Groote Stephens
601.850.0970
http://www.mississippiacupuncture.org

Here is a sample email: Copy and paste the following into a new email to your respective State Representative.

Subject line: HB 458 Acupuncture Bill

Dear Representative ___________________,

I am writing to show support for HB 458, the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Practice Act. This bill creates a licensure board for acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

* This bill only allows fully trained and nationally certified acupuncturists the ability to practice in Mississippi , assuring public safety.

* 5000 years of acupuncture history has lead to 1000s of modern research trials and clinical studies. The Mayo Clinic, Harvard and the National Institutes of Health all recognize acupuncture as an effective treatment for over 40 diseases.

* HB 458 is not trying to replace western medicine. In fact, it will be a requirement to have a written referral from a physician licensed by the MSBML (MS State Board of Medical Licensure) before a person can receive acupuncture.

HB 458 will give Mississippians a safe choice when we are seeking health care options, instead of having to cross state lines in order to receive treatment
from a practitioner of their own choosing.

Sincerly,
_____________________
your address here