The California State Society of American Medical Technologists (CaSSAMT) newsletter provides information to its members, students, and non-members. This issue includes announcements about the student challenge bowl competition in Hawaii, legislative updates, articles on various medical topics, and profiles of the CaSSAMT board of directors. It is announced that two students from San Joaquin Valley College in Visalia will be competing in the student challenge bowl in Hawaii. The president and editor's messages welcome readers and encourage involvement in CaSSAMT.

1. CaSSAMT
Newsletter Contents
Articles 1-12
Cover Story 1
Board of Directors 2
Editorial Policy 2
Delegate Reports 8
News & Events 12
Disclaimer 12
Board of Directors Messages
• President Message 2
• Editor's Notes 2
• District Councillor Message 3
• Legislative Updates 7
Articles
• Medical Office Assistants 4
• An AMT Journey 5
• Thyroid Hormones 5
• OSHA Update 7
• Listen to your heart 9
• Diabetes Mellitus 9
• Kidney Health 10
• My Hero-My Dad 11
Student Articles
• Cover Story-CA Students
Hawaii Bound 1
• First Aid Experience 6
• A Students Journey 6
• AKF & Kidney Disease 10
Access Newsletter online at
www.cassamt.com
Did you know California students will
be competing in the Challenge bowl
this year? This is the third annual
Student Challenge Bowl hosted by
CaSSAMT. San Joaquin Valley
College Visalia students Tameira
Thomas and Tawna Beaudoin will be
traveling to Hawaii in June to
compete in the Student Challenge
Bowl. With the help of their AMT
student society and Coach Sujana De
Almeida from SJVC they plan to
bring home the first place trophy.
They have been fundraising and
collecting donations for the trip to
Hawaii. Best of luck ladies.
Medical Assisting
Student Challenge Bowl
AMT National Meeting
in Hawaii, HI
June 24, 2015 1:00pm-3:00pm
April 15, 2015Volume 23 Issue 1
CALIFORNIA STATE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGISTS PRESENTS
California Vision
California Students
Hawaii Bound

2. ! CA Vision2
It is with excitement
and expectation that I
write my first
CaSSAMT
President’s message.
I want to tell you all
how proud I am to
represent CaSSAMT
as President. I will
continue to serve as CaSSAMT’a
editor as well. It is an honor to be
able to serve AMT. I have big
shoes to fill following in the steps
of our past president. Sheryl has
started her role as Western District
Councillor. In addition she will
stay on the CaSSAMT BOD as
Vice President. This will give the
board consistency and will not
interfere with her work as the
District Councillor. As I write this
I am reflecting on my personal
journey with AMT. This
organization has given me the
opportunity to grow both
professionally and personally.
Through all the opportunities AMT
offers I am able to stay connected
with professionals in my own
discipline, keeps me updated, and
gives me the opportunity to grow. I
share this because this is the
opportunity that each of you have
as well. Get involved with AMT
through our state society. With the
meaningful use law coming into
effect it will be more important
than ever to stay certified and
current. CaSSAMT offers two
seminars a year. Come see what
we are about and bring a friend –
heck bring two friends.Our next
seminar will be in Fresno at
Community United Church of
Christ, 5550 E. Fresno Street. The
business meeting will start at 8:00
am and the seminar at 9:00 am.
Come meet new people, experience
great speakers, and pick up needed
CEU’s. You can get an application
on our website cassamt.com or if
you can contact me at:Nicole
Weiss.RMA@gmail.com Again, I
am proud to step into this role.
Thank you for your support.
Nicole Weiss RMA, RPT, AHI
CaSSAMT President
CaSSAMT
Board of Directors
& Officers
Kody Karas
RMA, RPT
kodykfc@yahoo.com
President/Editor
Nicole Weiss
RMA, RPT, AHI
3192 Santa Ana Clovis, CA 93619
559-801-6529
nicoleweiss.rma@gmail.com
Treasurer/
National BOD Member
Jeannine Hobson
RMA, RPT, AHI, CMAS, CPT1
2323 E. Robinson Fresno,CA 93726
jeanninehob@comcast.net
Secretary
Alaine Johnson
RMA,AHI
3801 Banyan Tree Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
alaine.johnson@sjvc.edu
Vice President
Sheryl Rounsivill
RMA, RPT, AHI, CMAS
2078 S. Hayston Fresno,CA 93702
sherryrou@comcast.net
Adrian Rios
RMA
adrianr@success.edu
Catherina De Lay
RMA
mrsdelay@yahoo.com
Legislative Chair
Sujana De Almeida
RMA, RPT, AHI
SujanaD.sjvc.edu
Judiciary Councillor
Kimberly Cheuvront PhD
100 Fair Oaks Dr
Affirming,WV 26554
304-694-1844
kimberly.cheuvront@gmail.com
District. Councillor
Sheryl Rounsivill
RMA, RPT, AHI, CMAS
2078 S. Hayston Fresno,CA 93702
sherryrou@comcast.net
The California State newsletter is one of the ways California provides
information to it's members students and non-members. CaSSAMT
also has an interactive website and Facebook page. The goal is to try to
get needed information and announcements to our state members and
potential members. If you would like a copy of the newsletter mailed to
you, you must submit a written request to the editor or you may contact
me through the website. California Vision, is available online every
May 15th and November 15th. You can view and download the
newsletter at cassamt.com/newsletter
- Nicole Weiss RMA, RPT, AHI CaSSAMT President/Editor
*Send Pictures, Stories, Articles, etc. to cassamt1@gmail.com or contact me directly
nicoleweiss.RMA@gmail.com
**NEW Publishing Dates Effective January 1, 2015**
Newsletter Publishing & Editorial Policy
-- --
Articles must be received by May 1 & November 1 to be considered
.
. . . .
. . ,
.
Dolores Lola Rosales
RMA
dmrosales6@gmail.com
President’s Message
Editor's Notes

3. ! CA Vision3
Hello, AMT
and
Western
District.
I am
honored to
have been
chosen to
serve you
as AMT’s
Western
District Councilor. I am looking
forward to meeting and working
with all of our Western District. It
is with excitement and anticipation
that I begin this work for AMT. A
few little tidbits about me. I am
from California and have been a
member of AMT since 1989. I
have several certifications in AMT
disciplines: RMA, RPT, CMAS, &
AHI. I also have my CPT-1
(California Phlebotomy Technician
1) and have an Associate of
Science Degree in
Administration/Medical
Assisting. It is with pride
that I am certified through
AMT. I have been and still
am very involved with
California’s State Society. I
have served CaSSAMT as
Vice President, Treasurer,
and President. I currently
sit on BOD of CaSSAMT
as its immediate past
President.
The National BOD and
Council have just
completed their spring
meeting in San Diego. It
was my first meeting as
your Western District
Councilor. I learned a great
deal and am eager to begin
serving you the Western
District. Some items to
take note of:
As of December 31, 2015
there will no longer be any paper
and pencil examinations. AMT
will not take any applications for
paper and pencil exams after
October 2015. All examinations
will be administered through the
Pearson Vue testing sites.
Dental Assisting week is March 1 -
7, 2015. Laboratory professional
week is April 19-25, 2015. Take
time in your schools, offices, and
labs to celebrate the achievements
of your peers and co-workers.
AMT has partnered with the
American Kidney Fund. There are
over 31 million Americans living
with chronic kidney disease. Get
your states involved with this
partnership. There is information
regarding possible ways to get
involved on the AMT website.
Watch for more information
regarding this partnership.
The National AMT meeting will be
in Hawaii June 22-25, 2015. I
hope many of you can attend. The
dress attire for this meeting will be
Aloha (Hawaiian) wear. This is
also the theme for the welcome
party; however, please no swim
suits at any of the meeting’s
functions. So ladies put away the
fancy dresses and gentlemen keep
that suit and tie in your closet at
home. Early bird registration for
the meeting should be up and
available via the AMT website.
This year only AMT persons
registering for the entire meeting
and registering prior to attending
the meeting will receive a
reimbursement. Remember this is
only for those that register for the
entire meeting in advance. I will
put up a message at the
registration area of the
National AMT meeting as
to my room. Please feel
free to contact me – I
would love to meet and get
to know you.
As always check out the
AMT website and
especially your state
society’s page for news and
accomplishments.You may
reach me at:
Sherryrou@comcast.net or
my home phone number
559-268-3740. I am so
excited to have the
opportunity to meet and
work with you all.
Sheryl Rounsivill RMA,
RPT, CMAS, AHI
Western District Councilor
District Councillor’s Message
Submitted By Sheryl Rounsivill RMA, RPT, AHI, CMAS Western District Councilor

4. ! CA Vision4
Pertussis is a highly infectious
disease caused by Bordetella
pertussis. It is characterized by a
running nose, slight fever, severe
and violent coughing spells which
when inhaling sound similar to a
bird crowing. (hence the Whoop!)
This disease usually occurs in
children up to 10 years of age and is
most serious in infants younger than
1 year of age. The younger the
patient the more likely they will be
hospitalized. According to the
CDC:1
• 1 in 4 (23%) get pneumonia
• 1 or 2 in 100 (1.6%) will have
convulsions
• Two thirds (67%) will have apnea
• 1 in 300 (0.4%) will have
encephalopathy
• 1 0r 2 in 100 (1.6%) will die
According to the California
Department of Public Health
(CDPH)3 as of July 8, 2014 there
were 5,393 cases of Pertussis
reported in the state for a state rate
of 14.1per 100,000 population. In
Santa Barbara County (where I
live!) 25 cases had been reported.
According to Dr. Ron Chapman,
Director of CDPH, “Preventing
severe disease and death in infants is
our highest priority.” The CDPH is
recommending that all pregnant
women be vaccinated in their third
trimester of each pregnancy. Infants
should be and can be vaccinated as
early as 6 weeks of age and be
started in their series of Tdap.
Booster shots are recommended for
children of 11 or 12 years of age,
teens and adults who have not been
vaccinated should also have a
booster Tdap. However, in the state
of California Dtap is recommended
for vaccination against this highly
infectious and often fatal disease.
PertussisSubmitted By Lola Rosales RMA
Medical Office Assistants
Submitted By Belinda Garcia
After working in the
medical field for over
22 years as an office
manager I came to
realize that many of
our new employees
were lacking general
qualities and skills
they needed to
deliver quality
service to patients.
After years of working in the medical
field I decided to change my career path
to teaching at SJVC and share my
knowledge with students interested in a
medical career. My motivation was to
lead, inspire and share what I learned
from my mentors with students to help
them develop skills they need to
succeed in their chosen career.
The medical profession can be
incredibly tough—especially when
doctors and managers have eager
individuals just like you to choose from
when hiring staff. If anyone wants to
obtain job security—or want doctors
and office managers to consider them
too valuable to ever let go—or want
their Medical Office assistant skills to
be in demand on the job market—then
they must stand out from the crowd and
set themselves apart from everyone
else. In this economy and ongoing
competition it is crucial that Medical
Office Assistants create ongoing value
to their position in the medical facility
they work in. Medical Office Assistant
is an important part of a health care
facility who is in charge of keeping the
medical office running smoothly. They
can work in doctors offices, hospitals,
medical clinics, pharmaceutical
companies, government health agencies
and other various medical settings. An
MOA creates office efficiencies that
enable medical professionals to see
more patients. The majority of the job
involves performing administrative
duties such as filing records, purchasing
supplies and equipment, admitting
patients, account and insurance billing
but office assistants are also responsible
for greeting patients, scheduling
appointments and assisting doctors.
It is important to know some medical
practices are requiring Medical Office
Assistants to be certified, the Benefits
to obtaining a Medical Administrative
Assistant Certification includes more
job opportunities, an increased pay
scale, and increased subject matter
expertise and a better opportunity to be
called for an interview over those
candidates not certified.
Take time to Reflect on your soft skills.
Conduct a self evaluation that will help
you determine if your a TOP NOCH
MOA. As I list below the important
qualities to have, ask yourself "do I
need to improve in any area?" If you
answer "YES" to one or more of listed
skills below there may be a possibility
that you are not quite the Medical
Office Assistant most medical offices
are looking for. What does this mean?
start and implement an improvement
plan immediately. It's never too late...
Below is a list of skills you need to have
set yourself apart from everyone else.
Practice every day to improve on these
skills.
1. Be a people person -you either have it or
not but start by putting patients needs first
2. Have a great phone voice -always answer
with a smile. Patients can see your smile
3. Have great organizational skills-
organization is the hallmark of success plan
ahead
4. Be able to multitask efficiently -practice
by doing several things at once
5. Be a team player, get along with
everyone-medical facilities are team player
environments
6. Be able to ask patients for money -
important skill so role play with teammates
7. Portray empathy and caring attitude -start
by putting yourself in the patients shoes
8. Genuinely help others-put patients first
9. Be a self starter-don't be afraid to make a
mistake, think outside of the box
10. Be loyal -to your doctor and teammates,
"one for all and all for one "
11. Be willing to smile until your face hurts
-smiling is contagious
12. Be willing to come in early and stay
late-this is not just a job it is a way of life
13. Have technology knowledge and skills
learn it
14. Have good listening and communication
skills
15. Dress to impress- wear professional
attire suitable for your position
Reference:
http://www.ultimatemedical.edu/
consumerinfo
https://www.nationalcareersservice.gov
Healthwise, John Pope, MD,pediatrics, periodical
CDC Center for Disease Control and Preventions periodical
Pertussis:Complications
Health Matters. Newsletter July 2014
Wolter-Kluwer, reprint from Up to Date www.uptodate.com
2014 Up To Date
Dolores Lola Rosales
RMA is currently serving
as CaSSAMT Board of
Directors as a member at
large.

5. ! CA Vision5
When asked to do an article
detailing our new Western District
Councilor’s AMT Journey, from
my perspective, it became clear to
me that I cannot separate her AMT
journey with our friendship
journey. They are interconnected
and go hand in hand. This journey
started nearly 21 years ago when I
walked into a new job teaching
medical assisting. One of the first
people I met was
Sheryl Rounsivill.
She is nearly 20
years my junior
but we connected
immediately. I
was a new
instructor and
relatively new to
AMT, having
only been
certified 2 years
prior. Our
friendship and AMT journey started
that day. A peer invited me to an
AMT meeting in Sacramento.
After attending I got hooked and
began to talk about AMT to my
peers and students. I began
attending seminars and invited
Sheryl to attend the seminars with
me. At first we didn’t get heavily
involved but always were left with
a desire for more. In time I was
asked to be recording secretary and
attended my first National Meeting.
I suppose this is really where our
journey with AMT really began.
We have attended every National
Convention since then except for
one. She has severed on several
national committees where her
contributions are valuable. There
are some people that go about their
work with silence with no
expectations. Sheryl is that type of
a person. As the years moved
forward, Sheryl has been a positive
force for the California Society of
AMT. Always keeping AMT at the
forefront of her students and
pushing the society to be better.
She has served as
Vice President,
Treasurer, and
President always
with
professionalism and
the needs of AMT
in mind. As the
journey has
continued we both
have had the
opportunity to serve
AMT both at the
state and national levels. Sheryl
was appointed by the National
BOD as the Western District
Councilor at its fall 2014 meeting.
She began her new service to AMT
on January 1, 2015. It is with pride
that California will share her with
all of AMT. So – let me introduce
my best friend, Sheryl Rounsivill,
RMA, RPT, CMAS, AHI, I am sure
you will come to appreciate her
quiet professionalism and
dedication.
Submitted By Jeannie Hobson
RMA, RPT, AHI, CMAS, CPT-1
An AMT Journey
Article Submitted By Jeannine Hobson RMA, RPT, AHI, CMAS
The thyroid gland is responsible
for metabolism regulation and is an
important part of good health. The
two major hormones that are
produced by the thyroid are tri-
iodothyronine and thyroxine,
usually referred to as T3 and T4
respectively. The thyroid keeps
our metabolism under control
through the use of these hormones.
These hormones aid in the body’s
ability to use the food in which we
eat through catabolism, or the
destructive phase of breaking down
of the body’s nutrients, and
anabolism, referred to as the
constructive phase of metabolism
to produce energy. According to
endocrineweb.com, “A thyroid that
is functioning normally produces
approximately 80% T4 and 20%
T3.” The pituitary gland along
with the hypothalamus control the
important thyroid gland. One other
component of the thyroid is to
produce a hormone called
calcitonin. Calcitonin is
responsible for helping control
blood calcium levels and
maintaining a strong bone matrix.
For more information about the
thyroid visit How The Thyroid
Works (http://www.endocrineweb.com/
conditions/thyroid/how-your-thyroid-works).
Submitted By: Alaine Johnson,AHI, RMA,BT
(ASCP)cm CPT-1
Alaine Johnson
RMA, AHI is
currently
serving as
CaSSAMT’s
Secretary and is
employed with
San Joaquin
Valley College as Division Manager
of the Medical Assisting Department.
Thyroid Hormones
Submitted By Alaine Johnson

6. ! CA Vision6
I knew from the
time I was a little
girl that I wanted
to be a nurse. In
my little girl mind,
nurse simply
meant caretaker,
and I had a
burning desire to
help those who
were sick. I spent
most of my
twenties working as a Certified Nursing
Assistant. Towards the end of my career
as a CNA, I took a position in an In-
Home care agency where I cared for a
disabled Registered Nurse who lived
alone. We spent 40 hours a week
together, sometimes more, and one of our
favorite things to do was to swap nursing
stories. She also loved to teach and share
her nursing knowledge. Due to life
circumstances, I was not able to focus on
furthering my education at that time;
however, she would often talk about me
going back to school. She said it would
keep her mind sharp. Her body was
disabled, but her mind was not, and her
inner nurse was alive and thriving. I
loved her very much. She impacted my
life greatly and will always have a
special place in my heart.
One week after her memorial services,
my Fiancé was diagnosed with leukemia.
He was immediately seen by an
oncologist who prescribed a medication
that had high hopes to save his life.
However, the medication he needed was
not covered by insurance and was very
expensive. I did not know what to do,
and I was watching him get sicker and
sicker. The doctor, nor his staff, knew
how to get the medication, since his
insurance did not cover it. However,
they told him he would continue to get
sick without the medication, and
eventually die. I started researching and
making phone calls in attempt to find
him some help. Sure enough, after many
hours of research, phone calls, seemingly
dead ends, and even more phone calls, I
found organizations that help cancer
patients get the medications they need.
Once he started the medication, he
quickly recovered, and his leukemia
became manageable. It was at that time I
knew I needed to go back to school so I
could help people like him. People who
were sick and maybe don't know where
to turn for help.
So I went to San Joaquin Valley College
and enrolled in the medical assistant
program. School had never come easy
for me, and I was very nervous to go
back to school at my age. The counselor
convinced me that I was smart enough to
make it through. I started my first class
one week later.
I could hardly hear what my instructor
was teaching due the overwhelming
sound of my own heart beating so loudly.
I was so scared and nervous to be there,
and I had absolutely no self-confidence,
but I continued in hopes that maybe it
would get easier. Throughout my
program, different instructors would pull
me aside to tell me that they had
confidence in me and that I was going to
be great in the medical field. I watched
my instructors as they stood in front of
the class and taught. I watched how they
held themselves, how they spoke, how
they dealt with difficult situations, taking
mental notes for when I would be out in
the real world.
I made myself overcome my fears by
getting involved in various activities on
campus. I thought that I was only there
to learn to be a medical assistant, but
being in school was making me a better
person all the way around. I was not that
scared student anymore. I had been
transformed into someone with an
education and life skills who was proud
to hold her head high. I felt the self-
confidence growing inside me like a
garden of spring flowers. Enrolling in
San Joaquin Valley College was one of
my best decisions in life. Not only did I
gain an education, but I was able to set
an example for my children.
A Students Journey
Student Article Submitted By Tameira Thomas
First Aid Experience
Student Article Submitted By
Nicole Woodworth
My name is
Nicole
Woodworth
and I am a 24
year old
medical
assisting
student at San
Joaquin Valley College Joaquin
Valley College in Fresno Ca. I
learned about CPR and First Aid
in my very first module of
school. Soon after I became
certified in BLS CPR and First
Aid there was a first aid accident
at my place of employment. I
work at a deli and an employee
of mine sliced his finger off
during work on our meat slicer;
thankfully I knew what to do
step by step. I immediately
remembered my first aid
training. One of the first things I
did was help him to stop
bleeding. After we had
controlled the bleeding I made
sure that the finger was cleaned
and packaged just like I had
learned in the American Heart
Association training video. The
skills I retained helped me to
keep calm and deal with the
emergency. I felt so confident in
myself knowing I knew what to
do in an emergency situation.
Without the AHA Basic Life
Support CPR and First Aid
course there was no way I would
have known how to handle the
situation properly.

7. ! CA Vision7
Healthy Workplace
Healthy Family Act
of 2014 (AB 1522)
An employee who on
or after July 1, 2015
works in California for 30 or more
days within a year from the
beginning of employment is entitled
to paid sick leave. Employees
including part time and temporary
employees will earn at least one
hour of paid leave for every 30
hours worked. Accrual begins on the
first day of employment or July 1,
2015, whichever is later.
$1 Billion Emergency Drought
Package signed by Governor
Brown
On March 27, 2015, Governor
Brown signed Emergency
Legislation AB 91 and AB 92 that
fast tracks more than $1 billion in
funding for drought relief and
critical water infrastructure projects.
New ICD-10 Compliance Date:
October 1, 2015
About ICD-10: The transition to
ID-10 is required for everyone
covered by the Health Insurance
Portability Accountability Act
(HIPAA). Please note, the changes
to ICD-10 do not affect CPT coding
for outpatient procedures and
physician services.
Road to 10: CMS Online Tool for
Small Practices.
CMS Resources: Access three new
Medscape Education Resources:
Video: ICD-10 Getting from Here to
There
Video: ICD-10 and Clinical
Documentation
Expert Column: Preparing for
ICD-10 Now is the Time
Signup for CMS ICD-10 industry
email updates and Twitter
Increasing Access to Medicaid
Americans who earn less than 133%
of the poverty level (approximately
$14,000 for an individual and
$29,000 for a family of four will be
eligible to enroll in Medicaid. States
will receive 100% federal funding
for the first three years to support
this expanded coverage, phasing to
90% federal funding in subsequent
years. Effective January 1, 2014
Promoting Individual
Responsibility Under the law, most
individuals who can afford it will be
required to obtain basic health
insurance coverage or pay a fee to
help offset the costs of caring for
uninsured Americans. If affordable
coverage is not available to an
individual, he or she will be eligible
for an exemption. Effective January
1, 2014.
Improving Quality & Lowering
CostsPaying Physicians Based on
Value Not Volume: A new provision
will tie physician payments to the
quality of care they provide.
Physicians will see their payments
modified so that those who provide
higher value care will receive higher
payments than those who provide
lower quality care. Effective January
1, 2015.
State Government Offices:
Governor- Jerry Brown (D) State Capitol,
Governor’s Office, Sacramento, CA
95814 (916) 445-2841
http://gov.ca.gov
Lieutenant Governor -Gavin Newsom (D)
State Capitol, Lieutenant Governor’s
Office, State Capitol Rm. 1114,
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-8994 http://ltg.ca.gov
United States Senators for CA-
Barbara Boxer and Dianna Feinstein
California Senators-
Current Membership: 25 Democrats, 14
Republicans, 1 Vacancy. Each Senator
represents 931, 349 Californians.
California Assembly Members-
Current Membership consists of both
Republicans and Democrats: 80
California Constitution Article 4
Legislative Sec. 2(a)(1). The Senate has a
membership of 40 Senators elected for 4
year terms, 20 to begin every 2 years.
(2)The Assembly has a membership of 80
members elected for 2 year terms. The
Legislative power of the State is vested in
the California Legislature which consists
of the Senate and Assembly.
References
CA.gov Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr.
Retrieved March 30, 2015
California Legislative Information, Assembly Bill
No. 1522, Chapter 317, Retrieved March 30, 2015
California Senators Elected List, Retrieved March
31, 2015 URL http://senate.ca.gov/senators
CMS.gov cms ICD-10, Retrieved January 15, 2015.
URL http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coding/ICD10/
index.html
HHS.gov/HealthCare, Key Features of the
Affordable Care Act by Year Retrieved January 14,
2015. URL http://www.hhsgov/healthcare/facts/
timeline-text.html
State Government Offices, Kings and Tulare
Counties, Valley Yellow Pages, page 8, 2014-15
Record Keeping Rule Revised
Everyone has molded his or her business
to the “Record Keeping Rule” required
by OSHA (Occupational Safety and
Health Administration). The purpose for
the rule is to require employers to collect
injury and illness data and report it to the
government, but it doesn't tell how the
data is used or why it is important. It has
been utilized for decades and is
constantly being revised to fit the needs
of the workforce. Speaking of which, it
has just been revised as of January 1,
2015. Luckily for startups and smaller
companies, the new rule retains the
exemption for any employer with ten or
fewer employees from the requirement to
routinely keep records regardless of
industry classification (OSHA, 2015).
One of the biggest updates is that it has
been expanded and requires you to list all
severe work-related injuries that all
covered employers must report to OSHA
when they occur (OSHA, 2015).
All employers must report all work-
related fatalities within eight hours as
well as all work-related in-patient
hospitalizations, amputations and loss of
an eye within twenty-four hours to
OSHA once learned of the occurrence. If
you are on the fence on what qualifies an
injury to be reported, paragraph 1904.4
(OSHA, 2015) explains the overall
process for deciding whether or not to
record a case. The business owner must
keep in mind that both injury and illness
cases are analyzed using the same
criteria. OSHA will now receive crucial
reports of fatalities and severe work-
related injuries and illnesses that will
enhance the ability for OSHA to target
their resources to save lives and prevent
further injury and illnesses (OSHA,
2015).
References:
Updates to OSHA's Record keeping Rule. (2015,
January 1). In United States Department of Labor.
Retrieved March 1, 2015, from https://www.osha.gov/
recordkeeping2014/index.html
Legislative Updates
Submitted By Sujana De Almeida RMA, RPT, AHI CaSSAMT Legislative
Adrian Rios RMA, is
currently the Director of
Education at IOT in
Modesto,Ca. Adrian is a
CaSSAMT Board
Members. Adrian was
recently appointed as AKF
CaSSAMT Committee Chair.
OSHA Update
Submitted By Adrian Rios RMA

8. ! CA Vision8
Delegate Reports
AMT 76th Educational Program and Annual Meeting July 7-10, 2014, The Drake Hotel, Chicago,IL
I attended several
educational sessions
at the National
Meeting. I gathered
and learned an
immense amount of
knowledge from all
the sessions. The
scientific session that I would like to
present a summation on is the Basic Lab
Review for RMAs. This was presented by
Marty Hinkel, MT (AMT). Marty is the
Diagnostic Manager at the Laboratory/
Medical Imaging Washakie Medical
Center, Worland, Wyoming. Laboratory
tests, purpose, decreased and elevated
reasons with normal adult ranges were
presented. It was an honor and privilege to
serve as a delegate for CaSSAMT. One
aspect of this experience that meant the
most to me was to see my cohorts from
California walk away with many
prestigious awards at the Convocation
Ceremony. It was a wonderful evening of
glamour, grace and glitter! I commend and
congratulate all the awardees, and I wish
them much success in the year to come. I
must add that the Medical Assisting
Challenge Bowl is attracting students to
compete for the exquisite trophy. This year,
we had three colleges participate, and it is
my sincere hope that next year there will
be many more colleges at the competition.
For those members who have never
attended a National Convention, I would
like to invite them to an unforgettable
experience of a lifetime. By attending the
National Convention, they will have fun,
learn, make new friends, enjoy the sights of
the city, experience new foods, and shop! I
am excited about attending the AMT
National Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii
from June 22-25, 2015. This will be my
first visit to Hawaii, and I just cannot wait
to set foot on the beautiful, exotic island!
Submitted by,Sujanalatha De Almeida,
RMA, RPT, CPT1, AHI
I look forward going to
the AMT convention,
meeting so many new
people and saying Hi
again to the other AMT
family. It was an honor
to serve as a California
State Society AMT
(CaSSAMT) delegate at
the American Medical Technologists 76th
Educational Program and National Meeting,
held in Chicago this year. It was again a
very fast-paced program since it was held in
4 days instead of 5 the agenda was filled
with workshops, educational and scientific
courses,meetings, & the Awards Banquet,
Workshop B: Brain Mapping in Health and
Disease presented by Jane Yip, PhD, this
was a very informative and interesting
workshop, learning on how our brain really
works during diffident activities that we do
throughout the day, from laughing to
concentrating. Tuesday, July 8th , began with
CaSSAMT Delegation meeting, reviewing
the process that we, as delegates, would
need to be aware of and attend to during the
Town Hall Session, Annual Report and
Legislative reports during the upcoming
Business Meeting. I attended the 3rd annual
Medical Assistant Student Challenge Bowl,
held by Sujana DeAlmeida and Alaine
Johnson, awesome Instructors and mentors.
Students were excited to participate in this
Medical challenge and the winning school
received an awesome trophy. Thursday was
the Awards Banquet where CaSSAMT and
its members claimed a “gold” day of awards
and accolades, as California took home
many awards. We ended our week with
District Meetings, Town Hall Session,
Annual Reports and Legislative Reports
were summarized and approved. So proud
to be a member of such a wonderful family
and organization like AMT.
Submitted By
Sheryl Rounsivill,
AHI, RMA, RPT, CMAS, CPT1
This year was the 75th
anniversary of AMT. To
celebrate we met in
Chicago for the National
meeting. As always there
were many speakers,
topics and workshops
presented to the AMT
members for continuing education. Staying
current in the medical field is imperative.
California hosted it's second annual Student
Challenge Bowl. It is a thrill to see medical
assisting students so excited about the their
future in medicine and their involvement with
AMT. California really shined tis year.
CaSSAMT BOD members took home many
awards. California’s newsletter California
Vision came home with the first place
publication. RMA and RPT of the year went
to California’s President and Vice President.
California’s hard work and dedication led to
our honor roll status as well as taking home a
very special award. I have attended several
AMT National meetings and so far what I
have learned is they are very important.
Becoming a representative of California as a
delegate is an honor and is the next step to
being more involved with AMT. Members of
AMT meet at the state level for educational
meetings, educational meetings, community
service, fundraisers, etc. However, the
participation on the national level just brings
it all together. Whether you are able to attend
the national meeting or not I recommend
everyone to not only be involved on the state
level but the national level as well. Next year
we will be meeting in Hawaii. California is
hoping to host our third annual student
challenge bowl stay tuned and visit the
national and state pages for news and
announcements. Hope to see you next year.
Submitted by
Nicole Weiss RMA, RPT, AHI

9. ! CA Vision9
One of the most important muscles in
your body that keeps blood pumping,
and keeping you alive is your heart. The
heart pumps blood through your body at
the speed of 1 mile per hour. According
to the National Heart, Lung and Blood
Institute, chest pain is often an indicator
of cardiac distress, but chest pain is not
the only symptom. A person with low
blood sugar may not experience any
symptoms before a heart attack. There
are others who may feel pain in their
left arm, breaking out in a cold sweat or
shortness of breath. A study that was
published in JAMA Internal Medicine
found that 20% of women having a
heart attack, chest pain was not the first
thing they felt, hence, making
prevention and recognition the most
important factors for a heart attacks.
Several health conditions can cause
chest pains – from indigestion to heart
disease. If you have pains lasting more
than a few minutes – tell your doctor.
Chest pain lasting more than 15 minutes
may indicate a heart attack. Call 9-1-1
or immediately seek care.
Cholesterol can build up in your
arteries; this disrupts the continuous
flow of blood. The American Heart
Association recommends limiting
saturated fat intake to less than 6% of
total calories to lower cholesterol. If
cholesterol goes unchecked it can cause
plaque buildup in your arteries, this
blocks the flow of blood from the heart
to the rest of the body. When a blockage
occurs, it can result in a myocardial
infarction (heart attack). Although some
heart attacks can be fatal, treatment has
improved tremendously. Prevention is
still the most important factor in
cholesterol science. Blood is slightly
hotter than body temperature at 100.4
degrees Fahrenheit.
Control your weight by eating nutrients
rich foods that are lower in calories,
such as fruits and vegetables. Eat whole
grains and low-fat dairy products. Limit
your intake of red meat and sugary
foods and beverages. Reduce your
stress and get a good night’s sleep.
By including regular exercise and
eating heart-healthy foods, you can
keep bad cholesterol and heart attacks
at bay:
Oatmeal: Can reduce LDL (low density
lipoprotein) the bad cholesterol. One
and a half cups provides 6 grams of
fiber, and with fruit, oatmeal can give
you even more fiber.
Beans: This fiber rich food lowers
cholesterol as much as 10 percent in six
weeks. Eating three to four cups a week
can boost your health, and any bean
will do: kidney beans, pinto beans,
white beans, chick-peas, to list a few.
Fish: The American Heart Association
suggests eating at least two servings of
fish a week, such as: herring, lake trout,
mackerel and halibut. These fish are
rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Submitted By Sujana De Almeida
RMA, RPT, AHI, CPT1
References:
Photo by ddpavumba. Published on 01
November 2012
Stock photo - Image ID: 100109500Submitted
Vital Signs,
Winter Edition More than Medicine Life,
Kaweah Delta Health Care District
Your Body, 2015 CBS Health Guide/Your
Amazing Body
Diabetes Mellitus
Submitted By Kody Karas RMA, RPT
Diabetes is a common disease that is
highly ignored by individuals today. If
we as a society understood the
background of diabetes and took those
extra steps to educate ourselves there
would be less patients being diagnosed
with diabetes. To better understand
diabetes we must first understand what
exactly diabetes is,
Diabetes can be family generated or
brought on by poor eating habits and
lack of physical activity. Diabetes has
two types, type 1 which is insulin
dependent and type 2 which is the way
the body processes blood glucose. Type
2 diabetes is the most common among
individuals in the United States. If not
properly taken care of diabetes can be
life threatening,
Diabetes can be prevented in different
ways. An individual can prevent
diabetes by living a healthy lifestyle.
As long as individuals watch their
intake of fats, carbs, and sugars they
will decrease their chances of being
diagnosed with diabetes. Be active and
exercise. Like walking a mile a day or
jogging for 30 minutes at least three
times a week. Diabetes is monitored by
drawing blood and testing the sugar
levels in the individual. This can be
done by the individual at home or by
going to their doctor’s office.
In conclusion diabetes can be a life
treating illness if it goes unmanaged.
However , if managed properly it will
allow an individual to live their life
normally. It is important that we
educate ourselves and about living a
healthy lifestyle to decrease our
chances of getting diagnosed with
diabetes. Visit your doctor regularly
and monitoring individual glucose
levels at home.
Haley, Nancy; Richards, Martu; MLO: Medical
Laboratory Observer, 2014 May; 47 (5): 8-15. (journal
article - pictorial, tables/charts) ISSN: 0580-7247
Phillips, Anne; Practice Nursing, 2014 Aug; 25 (8):
391-4. (journal article - case study, pictorial, tables/
charts) ISSN: 0964-9271
Listen To Your Heart
Submitted By Sujana De Almeida RMA, RPT, AHI
Sujana is currently serving
on the CaSSAMT BOD as
Legislative Chair. She
teaches Medical Assisting
at San Joaquin Valley
College in Visalia, Ca.
Kody is currently
serving on the
CaSSAMT Board of
Directors as a member
at large.

10. ! CA Vision10
References:
National Kidney Disease Education Program
Available at http://www.nkdep.nih.gov/professionals/chronic_kidney_disease.htm. Accessed on 1/13/2010.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Available at http://www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/yourkidneys/index.htm#rate. Accessed on 1/13/2010.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Available at http://www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/diagnosis/index.htm. Accessed on 1/13/2010.
National Diabetes Education Program
Available at http://www.ndep.nih.gov/media/KnowNumbers_Eng.pdf. Accessed on 1/13/2010.
The American Kidney Fund is the
leading organization in the United
States dedicated to the awareness,
prevention and treatment of kidney
disease for millions of patients and
their families.
What is Kidney Disease? Kidney
disease includes conditions that
damage your kidneys and decrease
their ability to keep you healthy. If
kidney disease gets worse, wastes
can build to high of levels in your
blood and make you feel sick. You
can develop complications like
high blood pressure, anemia, weak
bones and poor nutrition. Two
main causes of kidney disease are
diabetes and high blood pressure.
The American Kidney Fund is here
to provide kidney patients and their
families with valuable information.
It is time we focus on raising
awareness of kidney disease
because one in three people are at
risk. The American Medical
Technologists (AMT) has
partnered up with The American
Kidney Fund (AKF) to increase
awareness of kidney disease.
LaVarne A. Burton, the president
and chief executive officer of the
AKF quoted, “We are pleased to
join forces with American Medical
Technologists, an outstanding
organization of health
professionals across the country, to
raise awareness of kidney disease
across the nation, strong partners
like AMT really help to expand our
reach into communities where
people are at increased risk for
kidney disease.”
References:
http://americanmedtech.org
http://kidneyfund.org
AKF & Kidney Disease
Student Article Submitted By
Christina Hernandez
Kidney Health: Learn it! Check it! Live it!
Submitted By Nicole Weiss RMA, RPT, AHI
American Kidney Fund Educator
Millions of Americans have kidney
disease and may not even be aware
of it. The American Kidney Fund
has developed an educational
program called “Learn it! Check it!
Live it!”. This program is designed
to educate individuals on kidney
disease and how to protect our
kidneys. When kidney disease is
present there are usually no signs or
symptoms, but there are some
simple tests to “Check it!” and see
how well your kidneys are working.
Since Diabetes and high blood
pressure lead to kidney failure it is
important to “Check it!” to help
maintain a healthy lifestyle.
One of the most common and
simplest tests to help determine
kidney function is a protein urine
test(dipstick). Negative or trace
amounts of protein is normal for
most people. Blood Urea Nitrogen
also known as BUN is another
common test which involves
obtaining a blood specimen. Normal
limits for BUN is 7 to 20mg/dL.
Another kidney function blood test
is the eGFR which stands for
estimated glomerular filtration rate.
Normal limits for eGFR is more than
60ml/min/1.73m.
As mentioned earlier diabetes and
high blood pressure should be
checked and is part of a healthy
lifestyle. There are many types of
tests for blood glucose levels.
Fasting blood glucose or FBG
should be less than 100mg/dl. If
your FBG is 100-125mg/dl this may
indicate pre-diabetes. Hemoglobin
A1C (HbA1C) shows blood glucose
levels over the past few months. If
you have been diagnosed with
diabetes your HbA1C levels should
be less than 7%. For most people a
blood pressure of 120/80 or lower is
normal. A healthy lifestyle and
normal cholesterol levels will help
to prevent high blood pressure. Total
fasting cholesterol should be less
than 200.
So remember to Learn it! Help to
educate others. Check it! See your
doctor for regular check ups. Live it!
Live a healthy lifestyle by staying
active, eating healthy and preventing
diabetes and high blood pressure.
Submitted By
Nicole Weiss RMA, RPT, AHI
AKF Educator
Christina Hernandez is
currently a medical
assisting student at San
Joaquin Valley College
in Fresno, Ca. She is
also AMT student
society president.

11. ! CA Vision11
My Hero-My Dad
Submitted By Marty Hinkel MT
I work in rural healthcare and have
for the past 26 years. We live in
north central Wyoming and mom
and dad lived 30 miles away in the
neighboring town. We have no
specialist here, the closest
nephrologist, cardiologist, and
pathologist and on and on are all 3 hours away. I
encouraged my parents to go in yearly to the local health
fair and have their blood drawn and would sit with them
are review their results when they came back. I thought I
was being a strong advocate for my parents and helping
them through the confusing health care world. But I
wasn’t as informed as I wish I had been.
I received a call from my mom telling me that dad had
gone in for a checkup; doctor said that dad needed to go
see a nephrologist and they made him an appointment,
but not for three months. I inquired as to why and she
said they did a test to monitor dad’s diabetes and it was
abnormal. I asked what they said as to why the test was
abnormal and if it was abnormal enough to see a
nephrologist why wait three more months. I felt I
needed a little more control of the situation so I
convinced them to come to where I work and see one of
our physicians. The physician order a lot of tests, we
found a lot of abnormal results but the most significant
one was a random urine total protein that came back at
>9000 mg/dl (normal 0-8 mg/dl). He got on the phone
and had dad an appointment the next day.
We went to see a wonderful nephrologist who spent a lot
of time with us explaining the chronic kidney disease
(CKD). She got dad in for a kidney biopsy that confirmed
the damage to his kidneys then went on the hunt to see
what had cause so much damage. She reviewed all his
medications and past lab work. Three of his four
medications had a warning that it may cause renal
damage. He had been on these medications for years.
When reviewed all his past health fair results and pointed
out to me that there were signs of damage starting as
early as 2003. With dad’s age a slight increase in the
creatinine from 1.2 to 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 was nothing to get
excited about. I asked myself, or was it? When in 2007
the creatinine jumped up to 2.5 it was the first time they
had run any additional tests.
It went from OK to moderate decrease in one year. This
would have prompted a deeper look. If additional testing
would have been done back in 2003 we could have
slowed the progression of this disease. But you can’t go
back in time.
We started down the road to dialysis. Our options for
hemodialysis were: Location is over 90 miles away and
had a long waiting list. If we did get dad in it would
require a1 ½ hour drive up, dialysis for 4 hours than 1 ½
hour drive home, 3 days a week. Or move 160 miles
away to a larger city that had another dialysis unit that
had openings. Neither of these options very appealing so
home peritoneal dialysis was the option that worked for
us. Dad started home peritoneal dialysis in the fall of
2007.
As the disease progressed, year after year, dad became
more weak and depressed. And my mom was running
herself ragged trying to take care of everything. We had
to travel three hours one way every month to see the
nephrologist, month after month, year after year. The
strong vibrant man I know and who was always there to
protect me and watch out over me now needed me to
hook up onto dialysis every night and unhook every
morning. I still remember the morning, December 20,
2012 when I showed up to unhook dad for the dialysis
machine and found that he had pulled apart the catheter,
saying no more, I’m done. My dad made the decision to
end his suffering and stopped dialysis. Dad passed away
Thursday night, December 27, 2012.
I am left with the “What if’s”:What if the lab would have
reported the GFR back in 2002? What if I would have
known what a GFR was back in 2002? What if we would
have taken a deeper dive back in 2003? What if the
physician would have looked at the medication side
effects? Would dad still be with us today?
Through this all I learned that there is no way to prevent
the CKD; but if monitored you can slow the progression
of the disease and increase the quality of life for the
patients.
As allied health professionals it is our duty to spread the
word and increase awareness of this disease. We have a
wonderful opportunity to help others. The American
Kidney Fund just launched its Kidney Health Educator
Program (http://akf.lms.ethosce.com/patients-and-public/
node/3830). Take the time to become a Kidney Health
Educator and go out and teach others about the
importance of kidney disease education.
By Marty Hinkel, MT (AMT)

12. ! CA Vision12
State
CaSSAMT Spring Business
and Educational Meeting
will be held on April 25,
2015 in Fresno, Ca
CaSSAMT 2015 Fall
Business and Educational
Meeting will be announced
at the spring meeting
Team CaSSAMT and AMT
state societies continue to
raise money for kidney
disease
New State Society pins
available, for more
information on how to get
your state pin go to
cassamt.com
For more on news and important
dates visit cassamt.com or
americanmedtech.org
National
Deadline for National
Student Award applications
March 1, 2016
77th Annual National
Meeting in Hawaii,HI June
25-29, 2015
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DISCLAIMER
The documentation or articles used in the
development of this publication do not
necessarily reflect the opinions or
viewpoints of the California State Society or
American Medical Technologists
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