NCBTMB Advanced Certification Process is a Bumpy Road
The National Certification Board hit a bump in the road this weekend when Whitney Lowe resigned from the Advanced Certification Task Force, citing differences of opinion over how the project should proceed.
In a letter to NCB staff and fellow Task Force members, Lowe acknowledged the effort that has been put forth during the process, and expressed his concern about the timeline of the process, which he feels is being rushed to the detriment of the project.
His resignation stated in part, “I have long felt our profession is in need of an advanced credential. I recognize it is not an easy task and there are a number of people who have put forth significant efforts on behalf of this process. It is a complex issue and requires a great deal of thought, input, and insight into what is best for the profession. I have been greatly dismayed by the process that has been used so far to create this credential. Crucial discussions have been brushed aside in a rush to meet an unrealistic timeline for deployment of this exam. Yesterday we were informed that the eligibility criteria had been established and a job task analysis would be begun in approximately two weeks.”
Lowe went on to say that he felt many concerns that he had brought up about possible flaws in the exam construction had been ignored or glossed over, and that he could no longer support the process being used to create the exam.
Just a few days ago, I wrote in this blog that there was something going on at the NCB–that they were actually listening to the stakeholders–a dramatic improvement from the past few years–but apparently, I may have spoken too soon, as Lowe feels as if they weren’t listening to him. Since Lowe is universally respected in our profession and is in fact a former chair of the NCBTMB, one can assume that he has valid concerns, and his abrupt resignation from the Task Force is not reassuring.
I contacted Paul Lindamood, CEO of the NCBTMB, for a comment, after I received a copy of Lowe’s resignation. Speaking on behalf of the Advanced Certification steering committee, Lindamood’s comment was “We were very sorry to see Whitney drop out of the project. He is an acknowledged expert in his field, and we will miss his participation. We want to thank him for his input and advice while he was part of the task force.”
Lindamood went on to share further details about the project:
The coordination of all major tasks required to develop a new credential follows an established timeline designed by experts in exam creation. Both the steering committee and the test vendor, Pearson VUE, have approved the timeline. Note that it is flexible and can be revised as needed.Tasks are assigned to different subgroups. The work of these subgroups may go on concurrently. The Exam Development timeline will be available for review on NCBTMB?s website next week at www.ncbtmb.org.
The Needs Assessment, a description of what an Advanced Credential should be,is based on input from people in the field. This information was obtained through a Needs Assessment survey, which was circulated nationally to all certificants directly, as well as practitioners through the assistance of ABMP and AMTA, among others. The responses, totaling nearly 7,000, serve as the body of information used by the task force to determine some very important things that form the basis of the test.
According to Lindamood, subgroups have made preliminary determinations and the task force members are commenting amongst themselves in two key areas:
(1) the definition of Advanced Certification as provided by the Needs Assessment, and
(2) the eligibility requirements to sit for the exam.
His statement said, “Overall, the progress of the group has been as planned. We are excited at the direction emerging from these very engaged and committed task force members. Bear in mind that this is a project that people feel very passionate about, and we expect there will be an occasional bump in the road. We know that close communication and tolerance will keep the team unified and the project moving forward.”
I don’t expect that Whitney Lowe’s departure is going to stop the NCBTMB from forging ahead with this project, and only time will tell whether or not Lowe’s obviously heartfelt concerns prove to be true. It’s no little irony that the NCB criticized the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards and accused them of rushing the MBLEx to the market. Now it appears they may be doing the same thing. A flawed exam will not stand up to scrutiny for long, and Pearson Vue, the test administrators, wouldn’t risk their own reputation in the testing industry just to pacify the Federation or the NCB. Along with everyone else, I’ll be waiting to see what happens, and reporting on that here.
Lindamood stressed that the NCB would post continuous updates on the process on the website beginning next week. He urges those who have any questions about the project to email advanced@ncbtmb.org.
I am a self confessed science nerd who loves to think things through and then I am just as likely to go with my feelings as my mind. For the big decisions, it is my feeling. My journey has been one of exploring the body, body awareness and body knowledge and gradually making my way back to the science nerd in me and discovering the integrated thoughts and feelings of a 48 year old man. A graduate of the Biology program at Carleton University in Ottawa in 1982, I continued for a year in English and wrote myself into the Creative Writing Program at the Banff School of Fine Arts for the summer of 1983. During the summer I fell in love with a massage therapist, or maybe is was massage therapy or the lifestyle/world- and self-view of a massage therapist. In any case, it wasn?t reciprocated in a romantic way (an example of that massage therapist having competent boundaries!), but I did go on to Calgary to study where she had studied. The rest is history; or rather my story and I will be sharing more of it in this blog!
So what do you think? Is massage a profession or a hobby?
I have been doing it for 20 years so I think it is a profession. The frustrated massage therapists at indeed.com think it is just a hobby and that they are not valued or respected for what they do. Some came from high paying jobs with big degrees and feel that massage is just not respected.
Massage is still so commonly thought of as a massage parlor and those ‘other’ massage therapists. Even here in Seattle where I have never really had a problem being respected every once in awhile I will hear that someone’s doctor said something like “Massage doesn’t work” but not very often. What can we learn from the people here in the NW? Or maybe it is just that people have migrated here who want more and are more open.
What is it exactly that makes for a profession? The white paper from Rick Rosen “On Becoming a Profession” (pdf)a few year ago talked about some of the issues and we are working on them all.
If you think it is a profession will you be respected more or care less about what other think? Is it a hobby just to be done part time and not make any money? Is it just your perspective that makes it a profession? If you don’t think it is a profession you then get everyone who thinks the same? How does your perspective influence what others think as far as respecting the profession? If you don’t think it is a profession why would anyone else?
Just some questions I have been wondering about? What makes a profession?
As the costs of health insurance continue to spiral upward, more and more consumers are enrolling in high-deductible insurance plans attached to health savings accounts, or flexible health spending plans through their employers (sometimes called cafeteria plans). These plans allow consumers to spend pre-tax dollars on covered healthcare. In many cases, massage therapy is an allowable expense if recommended or prescribed by a doctor. Most clients are unaware of this benefit and will appreciate it when you discuss it with them. Individual plans may vary, so clients need to check with their plan administrator for details.
Happy 80th B?Day to a living legend?Philip Greenman
Last week my friends at MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine threw a wonderful surprise party for my friend and mentor Phil Greenman in Tucson.
We must recognize these Giants “on whose shoulders we stand” for their great contributions to touch therapy. My advice is to seek out the old enlightened manual therapists and get some sessions.
Ask if they would be willing to share some of their techniques in a tutorial form.
You’ll be surprised at how many of them are eager to divulge their little therapeutic secrets but never get approached about it.
Have any of you had any experiences you’d like to share?
A colleague and I were discussing the importance of documenting massage sessions this morning, so I decided to throw the question out there: How important is documentation?
I can tell you that in my practice, it is extremely important; I have more than a dozen practitioners, and clients may be seen by more than one person. We also file insurance and get a lot of doctor and dentist referrals, and you simply cannot conduct that type of business unless you are willing to keep careful documentation.
On the other hand, I know a lot of lone practitioners who don’t think it’s a big deal at all. I think I’ve mentioned before that I was the administrator at a massage school when licensure came into our state, and there was a grandfather period for people who had documented at least 4 years of practice and 400 documented massages. I couldn’t believe the number of students who called the school to ask, “What do you mean, documented?” My reply was massage that SOAP notes and other pertinenet documents, such as doctor’s prescriptions or other medical information was in the client’s file. I was appalled at the number of people who said, “Oh, that’s all in my head.”
That is totally unprofessional, and in many places, illegal. Most states with a practice act require documentation of sessions, including a statement of informed consent, proof of a privacy notice having been provided, and SOAP notes.
An important thing to remember is that the client file, in many states, belongs to the client. They may walk in the door and request their file, and you are obligated to give it to them. Wouldn’t you feel silly if a client came in, announced that they were moving away and would like to have their file to give to their new therapist, and you had to say you didn’t do any record-keeping? I believe you would.
Keeping good documentation is one of the hallmarks of a professional. What would you think of your physician if he didn’t keep any notes? If you want to be thought of as a health care professional, you have to conduct your practice as one.
With working a full time job, running a business, the writing projects I have and just life in general its hard to be focused and present all the time. For the first time in a little over a month, I feel I am starting to get a good grip on being present through each massage, through each movement and technique I was right there, focused and willing to let go of all outside distractions. It was such an amazing feeling I wanted to encourage all of us massage therapist to try this. It makes such a difference in how the time goes, how you feel and most important how the client feels. This was even an hour and half massage, which usually by the end I am thinking about what the rest of my day will bring, and all that I have to do. Some things I do to try to stay present in my massage is look at each person’s body as a mission-or a goal. I have one hour to make a difference in these peoples lives, and how they feel, how am I going to do that? Each knot is a challenge that I must remove or at least loosen up as much as possible. Each technique is a dance, a movement, an exchange of energies, you don’t want your client, thinking “why am I all of a sudden thinking about my responsibilities?” In my personal life I have been getting more into yoga and meditation and being present in all that I do, work, writing, relaxing with friends, eating, and just beeing!!! If anyone else has suggestion for staying present in your massage practice please share, because I have noticed its importance and will continue to practice. Bee healthy. Bee happy. Bee Well, and Bee Present!!
Reading Eileen’s blog entry inspired me to chime in. Eileen talks about how important it is to consider where potenital clients receive their information. What is THEIR prefered method– not YOURS. I couldn’t agree more! I had the privilege of contributing to Massage Magazine’s expert advise column in the June 09 issue where I provided guidance on the question of how to best connect with and market to elders. I’ve worked with older adults for thirty years– the last ten years as a massage therapist. In order to market our services effectly to older adults it’s important to understand that there is quite a difference between someone who is 65 years old and the 80 year old in terms of where they might learn about the value of massage therapy. The 80 year old will most likely turn to print publications for information– newspapers; newsletters, etc. However those 65 year old “boomers” might be relying on the web for information. Here is a link to some interesting statistics about computor use by older adults. http://www.retirementhousingonline.com/UsageStats.aspx
I have a friend who develops senior housing complexes in Springfield, MO where I live. She told me that she is now including internet access as an amenity in all her developments and that she expects to see long term care facilities offer computor access. I’ve seen this in the retirement communities where I teach. Many have computor labs available for residents. I believe we will see even more emphasis on the use of the web to reach older adults now that the first wave of baby boomers have reached retirement age.
How do you connect with older adults in your practice?
Enjoy the beauty of summer!
Ann
On June 2nd, the Governor of Colorado signed into law the legislation (SB08-219) that will register massage therapists at the state level, eliminating our current system that licenses city-by-city, if they license at all.
The law takes effect on July 1st and registration is expected to begin in April, 2009.
For several reasons, the bill was changed from “licensing” to “registration”, with almost all of the same provisions:
1. Definition of scope of practice.
2. Title protection.
3. Grandfathering for a period of one year (April 2009-March 2010).
4. A mechanism for consumer complaints
If you’d like to read the full text of the act, here’s a link to the Colorado General Assembly website page that lists all versions of the bill as it passed through the House and Senate. From this page, you can download a pdf file of the Final act.:
http://tinyurl.com/3nxknv
Although some massage practitioners feel there should be no regulation of our field, I personally think that, in the long run, it’s better for us to work collectively, as we did here in CO, to define and regulate ourselves proactively, than to have outside interests define our scope of practice and impose onerous regulation. After reading over several drafts of the bill, I think we got it right. We had the advantage of learning from the mistakes made in other states, we had excellent lobbyists/advisers, and we had coalition members with a wealth of experience to draw upon.
A special thank you to Jean Robinson, ABMP Government Relations and primary author of the bill; Kathryn Stewart, AMTA-Colorado Chapter Government Relations Chair, and Susan Grubb, AMTA-Colorado member, Coordinator of Massage Therapy Legislative Awareness Day, and Manager of the Legislative Alert Network. These three powerful women worked ceaselessly to shepherd us through this process.
Full Body Presence is here – the books are in and ready to go! One reason I self-published is that I wanted to have this book and its wisdom in the hands of as many people as possible as we go into the last month of this election process. Please help me do this. It is more important than ever before in our lives that each one of us make an intelligent choice, informed by our full body wisdom in the next election. It is not only vital for us as individual citizens here in the United States, it has become clear that our choice will affect the rest of the world. If you are not registered to vote and you still can do so in your state ? do it now. We are long beyond the point of saying, ?My vote does not matter.? Everyone?s vote matters. (See chapter 10 of the book.)
In the growing turbulence and divisiveness in our country it is easy to sink into fear and hopelessness. When our leaders or leaders-to-be are caught in blame and personal attack rather than rising to finding the solutions we need to grow and return to prosperity, it can be disheartening. However, after an initial period of complete frustration with the deception I was seeing on the political scene, I have realized that those of us who have refined our capacity for clear discernment, who are not swayed by glib answers and personal attack ads, have a responsibility to step fully into our integrity, into our power, into our full body presence and be a source of clarity and strength for those around us.
The major issue when we hit those places of fear in ourselves is to remember to connect to our deepest wisdom, and ground ourselves. Use whatever spiritual practices you know to fill up with life-giving energy so that you can change the resonance of fear in your body, to a resonance of life-giving sensation – of fullness – which always helps you choose more wisely in any given crisis situation such as the time of unknown outcomes that we all face right now. When we are full, we can experience the present moment with clarity and determination.
This is vitally important. The outcome of this election will affect many generations to come ? our children and our children?s children?reflect on how your choice will affect everyone – from the economic situation to our moral authority in the world; from women?s freedom and equality, to better healthcare and every child?s right to a full education; all the way to honoring the heart of the Constitution ? look under the charisma and personalities of each candidate and see what each one stands for and whether their record reflects their current position. Does it spell integrity?
Listen and look at each of the candidates from your full body presence. Use your discernment. What does your heart tell you? Does your head agree with your heart? What does your gut tell you? When you walk in your world and watch how the candidates are conducting themselves, think of how you want your president and vice president to represent you in the world. That?s how you can expect to be treated by them. Notice, do they talk down to people? Do they try to sway you with fear tactics? Or do they speak to you and call for your intelligence and courage, to correct the inequities we are currently experiencing in our nation? Do they honor and support each person?s right to their own views and truths which is fundamental to our Constitutional rights as Americans? Do they make personal attacks on their opponents in order to derail the more important issues at hand? Or, do they address these issues cleanly and directly so we can make intelligent choices based on what we see/hear/feel/sense in their presence? We know that when someone hides behind personal attack what is left is the shell of a bully, not a clear message we can hear and make a decision from.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, it is vital that you search out the truth as you read the paper, the internet, and watch the debates. As I look at this election, gathering data from all sides, I am struck by the twisting of the facts and mis-information being billed as the truth. Seek out multiple sources. Listen to the news stations on all sides of the issues, not just the ones on the far right or left. Those on both the far right and the far left throw out stuff that is pure hogwash at times.
In my opinion one of the best places to ferret out the real issues, and where the candidates stand on them, is the nationally televised debates. Make time to watch them. They are geared to be neutral ground for our citizens to be able to see and hear the truth from each candidate. And as you watch and listen, ground yourself and stay full energetically, so that your entire body?s navigational system for wisdom is operational.
And, vote. You can make a difference. If you need help getting the skills to be able to listen to your deepest wisdom in this way, Full Body Presence can help you gain these skills quickly and easily. I have worked tirelessly for the last year to have this book available at this time. Help me get it out there to those who need it. These are exciting times ? the ability to be fully in your body and able to clearly discern what is for the highest good is what makes these times exciting rather than scary. And, enjoy!
P.S. I have done a short video clip on how to drop quickly into your body for clear discernment of the candidates. It will be coming up in the next few blogs – watch for it!
