Michigan Governor makes Appointments

LANSING, MI, August 15, 2006 – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following appointments to the Michigan Board of Acupuncture. The Board is responsible for promulgating rules that set forth minimum standards for registration as an acupuncturist.

"Deborah E. Lincoln, R.N., M.S.N. of East Lansing, acupuncturist with the Meridian Health and Wellness Center. Ms. Lincoln is appointed to represent acupuncturists for a term expiring June 30, 2010."

Deborah Lincoln is the AAOM's 2005-2006 Convention Chairman. She is President of the Michigan Association of Oriental Medicine, and in February 2006, saw a 20-year endeavor culminate in the passage of Michigan's first-ever Acupuncture Law. Deborah's extensive education in Western and Chinese Medicine spans over 36 years. She has been in private practice in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs and Oriental Medicine over 24 years in Lansing, Michigan. Deborah is the VP of Corporate Events of the AAOM Board of Directors.

Governor Jennifer Granholm signed Michigan’s first ever Acupuncture Law on February 23, 2006, recognizing practitioners of Acupuncture as Registered Acupuncturists. This achievement is the result of a 20 year legislative process that now ensures public access and personal choice to a proven modality of medicine while protecting public health and safety. SB 351 was sponsored by Senator Beverly Hammerstom (R) and Representative Kevin Green (R) and passed unanimously in the State Senate and received 92% approval in the House of Representatives. It was as a result of the passage of this legislation that the Michigan Acupuncture Board was formulated. Deborah Lincoln, President of the Michigan Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, was instrumental in the passage of this bill. This new law, PA 30, is a shared success for Acupuncture providers and the people of Michigan as it represents the State’s desire for new healthcare options.

Other Board Members Announced by Governor Granholm:

Howard J. Abel-Horowitz, M.D. of Franklin, physician in private practice. Dr. Abel-Horowitz is appointed to represent licensed physicians for a term expiring June 30, 2009.

Arthur L. Kaminsky, M.D. of Marquette, general manager and acupuncturist with Kaminsky Group, LLC. Dr. Kaminsky is appointed to represent acupuncturists for a term expiring June 30, 2007.

John L. Pappas, M.D. of Bloomfield Hills, vice chief of anesthesiology and director of the International Pain Clinic at William Beaumont Hospital. Dr. Pappas is appointed to represent licensed physicians for a term expiring June 30, 2010.

Jason T. Pettet, M.O.M. of South Haven, national board certified acupuncturist with Michigan Health and Energy, P.C.. Mr. Pettet is appointed to represent acupuncturists for a term expiring June 30, 2007.

Virginia C. Vary, M.S.W., M.O.M. of Grand Rapids, acupuncturist and owner of Acupuncture & Natural Healing Arts. Ms. Vary is appointed to represent acupuncturists for a term expiring June 30, 2008.

Leonard D. Wright, M.D. of Muskegon, practitioner with the Saint Mary’s Wege Institute. Dr. Wright is appointed to represent licensed physicians for a term expiring June 30, 2009.