CEO ’ s Report
Charles Wurf | ATMS CEO
At the time of writing , I am optimistic that the public emergency responses to the COVID pandemic are beginning to thaw . ATMS will continue to be active in all jurisdictions with our advocacy on behalf of members that all natural medicine practitioners be allowed to continue practice . As we have all experienced during the last 2 years , it is probable that different rules of practice may apply at different times . Increasingly through January and February there is an optimism that Australian society will return to its pre-pandemic regulatory models for practice .
In addition to continuing to provide crisis support to members , ATMS will refocus on our ongoing efforts to support members in practice . As has been previously reported the ATMS Board was reconstituted following the Board election with the results confirmed at the AGM in November 2021 . The 2021 AGM also confirmed the new ATMS Strategic plan 2021- 2024 .
The new Strategic Plan will be the focus of the Board and staff as we reorient ATMS services to continue to support and expand the practice rights for natural medicine . At the start of this new 3-year cycle , it is timely to review the key Strategic Goals for ATMS . The full Strategic plan is available at the ATMS website , available here : https :// www . atms . com . au / about-us / strategicplan /
Strategic Goal 1
Member Support & Success To ensure current information , education and support is available to members to assist in their business endeavors and success .
Key Objectives 1 . Provide business skills development 2 . Provide ATMS in-house support for member enquiries and concerns 3 . Develop ATMS resources for members 4 . Support therapeutic client relationship skills 5 . Provide resources on practitioner well-being
Strategic Goal 2
Growth Strategy To ensure growth and longevity for ATMS and our members .
Key Objectives 1 . Diversify income streams 2 . Actively promote ATMS accredited practitioners and their services to the public
3 . Utilise digital technologies to grow visibility 4 . Collaborate within the industry 5 . Expand alliances with educational providers including emerging modalities
Strategic Goal 3
Advocacy with Key Stakeholders To continue raising the visibility and credibility of Natural Medicine .
Key Objectives
1 . Build and maintain the quality of relationships and dialogue with key stakeholders and manage these in a planned and deliberate manner
2 . Advocate for members access to government programs
3 . Return Natural Medicine to its rightful place in private health insurance space
4 . Build and maintain a proactive media strategy
5 . Disseminate and distribute research to support key objectives
I look forward to working with the Board and staff as we further develop and continue to implement sound strategies on behalf of members .
Contact us for support
One of the key questions ATMS receives is the level of Professional Indemnity insurance a member should hold . This question is influenced by the modality of practice .
It is timely to remind members that all health funds require all Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine practitioners to have a minimum $ 5 million Professional Indemnity Insurance & $ 10 million Public Liabilities Insurance .
For any ATMS member with health funds , we recommend a minimum $ 2 million Professional Indemnity Insurance & $ 10 million for Public Liabilities ( higher for Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine ) to ensure that there is no conflict with coverage for ARHG , AU , BUPA and HCF .
For any aspect of ATMS membership and health fund administration , the ATMS team is available to contact on 1800 456 855 or info @ atms . com . au . Documents supporting membership and CPE may also be submitted online through the membership portal on www . atms . com . au . We look forward to working with and supporting members through 2022 .
Charles Wurf CEO
6 | vol28 | no1 | JATMS