The Current State of Exercise Physiology in Idaho - April, 2000

1. The benefits of exercise are being recognized more in business and hospitals in Idaho.

2. RN's, PTA's, COTA's have stepped up to the plate to assume the role of delivering health promotion and fitness programs to the private and public sector.

3. Hospitals in the Treasure Valley are beginning to to hire Exercise Physiologists - with just one minimum qualification - The EP must be licensed as a RN in the state of ID (???).

4. There is absolutely no unity of Exercise Physiology in Idaho.

5. The profession of Exercise Physiology will never advance in Idaho until the Exercise
Physiologists organize and and promote the advancement of the field.


How Do We Advance and Promote the Field Of Exercise Physiology

1. We must define what exactly an exercise physiologist is?

An exercise physiologist is a person who has completed at least a bachelor's degree
(or emphasis) in exercise physiology (science).

A nurse is a nurse and those in the nursing profession are proud of their title "nurse". If you study nursing as a major at any academic level (associate, bachelor, or master) you graduate and use the title "nurse". To differentiate academic status BSN or MSN are displayed with their name. Respiratory therapy and physical therapy programs graduate respiratory therapists and physical therapists. If one completes the academic requirements for a degree in exercise physiology they have earned the title "exercise physiologist". The level of their degree makes no difference. As certain individuals complete graduate degrees in exercise physiology (science) without an undergraduate degree in the same field, the title of an exercise physiologist could also apply to this academic preparation so long as undergraduate prerequisites for such graduate degree programs have been completed.

2. We must organize to promote the advancement of the field of Exercise Physiology.

"Working together" is the key to getting others to listen and act.

Individuals and other organizations do not listen to just one person - There is power in numbers. Making waves is possible with numbers. Two hundred exercise physiologists can get things done faster than 100. Three hundred exercise physiologists have more power than 200. The fact is, If you want change for whatever reason, then the chance is better in creating change if you have power. Power is best acquired by organizing. Hence, when exercise physiologists are well-organized, they will be in position to compete with other healthcare professionals.

3. Exercise Physiologists need their own exclusive National Organization.

We need the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP)

ASEP is the only organization of exercise physiologists in the United States. ASEP is a national non-profit professional organization committed to the advancement of exercise physiologists. Founded in 1997, in the state of Minnesota, the Society provides a forum for leadership and exchange of information to stimulate discussion and collaboration among exercise physiologists active in all aspects of the profession. The Society works to set standards for exercise physiologists through ASEP-approved curricula in universities and colleges in the United States.

Who Belongs to ASEP?

Any exercise physiologist can belong to the Society. ASEP members are educated professionals who have a minimum of a bachelor's degree (or emphasis) in exercise physiology (or science). They are recognized as leading scholars and practitioners in the study and application of exercise physiology to fitness, health promotion, rehabilitation, and sports training. Exercise physiologists belong to ASEP because they sense a need for a unified voice that speaks to the academic, medical, and lay communities about problems confronting them in their professional development.

4. National Certification

ASEP has developed a National Certification represents the highest exercise physiology certification credential in the field because it is based on an assessment of academic outcomes. The certification will provide, among other marks of a profession, increased quality, protection for the consumer, more and better paying jobs, higher standards of ethical and professional conduct, and credible service.

5. Accreditation

We need to have nationally accrediated Exercise Physiology programs. Accreditation is a process based on peer assessment to improve academic quality for public accountability.

Accreditation, unlike national Certification that evaluates and judges the individual, is a
system for evaluating professional education programs. The purpose of the ASEP
Accreditation Board is to identify the academic programs that meet the minimum
standards in preparing students for professional work in exercise physiology. The
Accreditation Board testifies to the institution's academic credibility, integrity, and
quality. Accreditation status signifies a voluntary decision on behalf of the institution to
determine if the academic major (or emphasis) in exercise science (physiology) is
fundamentally sound, responsible, and meets ASEP's standards of scope, quality, and
relevance.

6. Exercise Physiologists need to organize and support their State ASEP Chapters

The Idaho Association of Exercise Physiologists is up and running and needs your help and support. We will define the role of the Exercise Physiologist in Idaho, we will write the legislation regarding the licensing of Exercise Physiologists in Idaho, we will regulate the minimum credentials of the exercise physiologist. We will increase the quality of exercise, wellness and health promotion programs, offer more protection for the consumer, we will create more and better paying jobs for the Exercise Physiologist, and promote higher standards of ethical and professional conduct, and credible service.

7. We need to write legislation for State Licensure of the Exercise physiologist

As more emphasis is placed on the preventive aspect of health care, there is an increasing demand for qualified persons to provide health and fitness education. One such demand centers around the exercise physiologist profession. At present, many in the industry claim to be exercise physiologists, but lack the necessary experience or training. Thus, the value of a college degree has been tarnished by a lack of formal academic preparation. As a result, many qualified exercise physiologists are eager for state laws
requiring professional licensure.

These laws would theoretically distinguish the qualified from the less qualified. Many of those interested in licensure are looking to adopt legislation similar to that recently passed in the state of Louisiana. The Louisiana bill (SB-597) implemented the unprecedented licensure of clinical exercise physiologists. Although significant number of exercise physiologists consider this legislation too restrictive and exclusive in nature, it is seen as a step in the right direction.

Efforts are under way in Utah, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, California and, reportedly, West Virginia, to enact legislation to license selected exercise/fitness professionals.


8. Recognition by third party payors / Eligibility for insurance reimbursement

For insurance reimbursement the consensus is simply to have outcomes based services that are provided by exercise physiologists that are part of managed care contracts. The next five years could be the "golden years" for EP's if they understand the fundemental and rapid changes that are happening in health care. MCO's WANT to do business with the health and exercise profession, but - they want to see the following: accreditation/certification; networks of providers; and a return on their investment. If we understand that ASEP may be the accreditation body for the profession, we have completed step one. If we can form geographic exercise centers in cities or districts (using health clubs, clinics, and private practice EPs) we have fulfilled step two; and finally, if we can convince MCOs that exercise services are inherently inexpensive, and will save them money in the VERY near future, we have fulfilled step three. There are already health clubs and personal trainers acrossed the US who are negotiating with regional HMO's for the health club dollar. In the coming year it is critical for ASEP and its clinical members to start thinking in terms of being a bona fide provider, and learing how to negotiate with today's HMOs to receive reimbursement moneys. The choice is ours. I hope we make the correct one.