‌
ASNY ALERT!
We Are All In This Together
As ASNY prepares to initiate its first campaign to ask the Governor's Office to add Acupuncture to the list of Essential Health Services, a new lookup tool reveals that Acupuncturists MAY OPEN NOW STATE-WIDE. However, we have somehow been lumped into the same category with the physical therapists and occupational therapists which states that we need it prescribed by an MD. To view the official designation, click here.

While this is inconsistent with state law, the group working on this at BaseCamp has already prepared a campaign which now much shift directions.

Now L.Acs must determine whether or not to campaign for a designation similar to chiropractors and seek reopening for emergency services, rather than needing a prescription from a medical professional.

We will regroup at BaseCamp to discuss this further. To join this discussion, please Join the #EssentialServices Project.
POLL: IS THIS ENOUGH?
ASNY had a campaign ready to roll out using social media and phone calls to make sure the word "Acupuncture" is placed on the Essential Services List. Part of that campaign included making sure we did not need to be prescribed as PTs and OTs are, and fell under the same category as Emergency services that Chiropractors do. Are you satisfied with the designation as is or want to see if it can be changed to not include prescription by a medical professional?
Should ASNY work to remove the medical professional Rx included in Essential designation?
Yes, ASNY should seek to remove the medical professional Rx
No, ASNY should leave the designation as determined
L.Acs Listed As Essential Services: PRESCRIBED BY MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
For purposes of Executive Order 202.6, “Essential Business,” shall mean businesses operating in or as:
1. Essential health care operations including
  • research and laboratory services
  • hospitals
  • walk-in-care health clinics and facilities
  • emergency veterinary, livestock medical services
  • senior/elder care
  • medical wholesale and distribution
  • home health care workers or aides for the elderly
  • doctors and doctors’ offices
  • emergency dental
  • nursing homes, residential health care facilities, or congregate care facilities
  • medical supplies and equipment manufacturers and providers
  • licensed mental health providers
  • licensed substance abuse treatment providers
  • medical billing support personnel
  • emergency chiropractic services
  • acupuncture, prescribed by medical professional
  • physical therapy, prescribed by medical professional
  • occupational therapy, prescribed by medical professional
What the APPLICABLE GUIDELINES Say:
GUIDANCE FOR DETERMINING WHETHER A BUSINESS ENTERPRISE IS SUBJECT TO A WORKFORCE REDUCTION UNDER RECENT EXECUTIVE ORDERS

(enacted to address the COVID-19 Outbreak)

UPDATED: MAY 16, 2020 at 1:02 PM

ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES OR ENTITIES, including any for-profit or non-profit, regardless of the nature of the service, the function they perform, or its corporate or entity structure, are not subject to the in-person restriction.  Essential Businesses must continue to comply with the guidance and directives for maintaining a clean and safe work environment issued by the Department of Health (DOH) and every business, even if essential, is strongly urged to maintain social distancing measures to the extent possible.

This guidance is issued by the New York State Department of Economic Development d/b/a Empire State Development (ESD) and applies to each business location individually and is intended to assist businesses in determining whether they are an essential business. With respect to business or entities that operate or provide both essential and non-essential services, supplies or support, only those lines and/or business operations that are necessary to support the essential services, supplies, or support are exempt from the workforce reduction restrictions. 

State and local governments, including municipalities, authorities, and school districts, are exempt from these essential business reductions, but are subject to other provisions that restrict non-essential, in-person workforce and other operations under  Executive Order 202 .

On April 26, 2020, Governor Cuomo  announced  a phased approach to reopen industries and businesses in New York in phases based upon a data-driven, regional analysis. On May 4, 2020, the Governor  provided  that the regional analysis would consider several public health factors, including new COVID-19 infections, as well as health care system, diagnostic testing, and contact tracing capacity. On May 11, 2020, Governor Cuomo  announced  that the first phase of reopening would begin on May 15, 2020 in several regions of New York, based upon available regional metrics and indicators. This essential business guidance shall remain in effect for the regions and industries that are not yet within the reopening phases.
Definition of NAICS Code 621399
NAICS Code 621399 – Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners

Definition of NAICS Code 621399: This U.S. industry comprises establishments of independent health practitioners (except physicians; dentists; chiropractors; optometrists; mental health specialists; physical, occupational, and speech therapists; audiologists; and podiatrists). These practitioners operate private or group practices in their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as hospitals or HMO medical centers.

Illustrative Examples of NAICS 621399
What are some examples of this code? The bulleted items below are illustrative examples of this classification.
  • Acupuncturists’ (except MDs or DOs) offices
  • Hypnotherapists’ offices
  • Dental hygienists’ offices
  • Inhalation or respiratory therapists’ offices
  • Denturists’ offices
  • Midwives’ offices
  • Dietitians’ offices
  • Naturopaths’ offices
  • Homeopaths’ offices
  • Registered or licensed practical nurses’ offices
Submission of ReOpen Plan
The ASNY Advocacy Committee has completed the Industry ReOpen Plan. It is under review by Venable, LLP's Division of Labor to make sure all compliance points are included. It will be available early next week, for those who do not want to develop their own plans. It is comprehensive and covers all authoritative sources for implementation and will include forms for use. ASNY will release it as soon as the review is completed.
To Look Up Your Own Business
Since ASNY did not look up ALL Counties, please take the time to look yours up directly:


Enter your COUNTY and the NAICS Code 621399 .

Print the Order and follow the applicable guidelines.
ASNY COMMITTEES IN ACTION
Thank you to the ASNY Committees working hard on projects at BaseCamp. You have done an amazing job. We will spotlight some of their efforts next week, but everyone can join the effort at BaseCamp.
COMMUNICATIONS
Chair: Viktor Krystufek
Monthly meetings:
`1st Monday of Every Month
9:00PM EST
Subcommittees: Newsletter, Public Education, Social Media

The Mission of the Public Relations Committee is to develop and maintain the most effective and efficient means of promoting ASNY Activity, serve as central committee for determining policy for both inter and intra association communication, serve as liaison to other associations and members of the Acupuncture community, and are in charge of event management and ASNY brand development.  

  • Communication bridge b/w Board, Members, Allied Professionals, and General Public
  • Develop harmony building within the acupuncture community among allied associations
  • Community Outreach
  • Public education
  • Branding
  • Social media
FUNDRAISING
Chair: Michel Solounias
Meetings Coordinated
With Other Committees;
Announced Accordingly

The mission of the ASNY Fundraising Committee is to create opportunities for ASNY's general fundraising an special campaigns.. We schedule and implement general and special programs such as sales, banquets, and continuing education courses.

  • Website Marketing
  • PDA Development & Implementation
  • Development of Member Benefits
  • Solicit Ad Sales
  • Fiscal monitoring of events
  • Fundraising
MEMBERSHIP
Chair: Peter Caron
Monthly meetings
4th Monday of Every Month
1:00PM EST
REGIONAL Meetings
being established

The Mission of the Membership Committee is to develop and maintain programs that will address the needs of NYS L.Acs in every region. This committee will also develop outreach programs for both students and unaffiliated members.

  • Maintain Member list by Regions
  • Develop and Maintain Member Outreach Program
  • Develop Member Drives
  • Develop School Outreach Programs
  • Nominate Regional Directors to BOD
ADVOCACY
Chair: Timur Lokshin
Monthly Meetings:
2nd Thursday of Every Month
1:00PM EST
Subcommittees: Insurance, Federal,Opioids

The Mission of the Advocacy Committee is to develop, maintain, monitor, adjust and implement legislative & regulatory strategies for New York State licensed acupuncturists. The Advocacy Committee will serve as direct liaisons between lobbyists and advocacy strategists, serve on coalitions, liaise with other associations, and educate members through calls to action in order to achieve member-driven legislative & regulatory goals.

The Responsibilities of the Advocacy Committee are as follows:

  • Maintain Legislative & Regulatory Calendar
  • Monitor Legislation & Regulatory Activity
  • Develop & Maintain Legislative & Regulatory Relationships
  • Liaison with Lobby/Advocacy Consultants
  • Develop Legislative & Regulatory Strategy
  • Develop & Disseminate Surveys & Polls for Membership 
  • Arrange Educational Webinars on L&R Activity
  • Create Written & Oral Testimony & Comments
  • Testify at Legislative & Regulatory Hearings
  • Prepare Reports for Newsletter, Calls to Action, & Updates
  • Develop Legislative & Regulatory Archives 

GOVERNANCE
Vice Chair: Timur Lokshin
Monthly Meetings:
3nd Thursday of Every Month
1:00PM EST


The Mission of the Governance Committee is to organize policy and procedures, manage elections and bylaws amendments, seek and review board candidates, and monitor bylaws compliance. This committee is dedicated to vetting procedures and processes for the betterment and fluidity of the ASNY group and its members. These systems in place are designed to ensure efficacy and the longevity of the organization.

The Responsibilities of the Governance Committee are as follows:

  • Operations: Policy & Procedures Manual
  • By-Laws Monitoring and Adjustment
  • Liaison with Committees for SOPs and Policy Changes
  • Gather nominations for Director & Officer Candidates
  • Vet Candidates
  • Develop forms for implemented policies and procedures
  • Work with ASA Governance Committee
  • Provide Analysis to ASA for Bylaws & P&P Manuals
ASNY Committees Descriptions & Duties