MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Make This the Year You Get Involved
T
his issue of ASC Focus magazine looks at ASC advocacy and gives you insights into the agenda that ASCA will press with legislators, regulators and other
policymakers this year. This issue also provides you with background on the members of our Government Affairs team who dedicate their time to advocating on your ASC’s behalf. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the members of this team and ASCA’s advocacy agenda, and then, to find ways that you can be more involved. While ASCA continues to work to educate lawmakers in Washington, DC, there is no substitute for the powerful message that you, as a constituent, send when you engage with your elected representatives. This year, with ASCA’s support, there are a number of ways for you to connect. First, when you register to attend ASCA 2017, be sure to sign up to participate in the
National Advocacy Day program. As part of this event, you will meet face-to-face with your representatives and their staff on either Wednesday, May 3, or Thursday, May 4. The National Advocacy Day program will provide an opportunity for you to join with your fellow ASC community members to go to Capitol Hill and educate legislators on ASC issues. Before your visit, you will be part of an in-depth briefing on current ASC policy concerns and get resources that will help you during your meetings. ASCA will provide transportation between the National Gaylord Resort—the site of ASCA 2017—and Capitol Hill. Second, invite your elected and appointed officials into your facility. By giving
legislators and policymakers an inside view of the high-quality care that you provide in your facility every day, you educate them on the many benefits that ASCs, as small businesses, play in the community. In the last two years, more than half of the members of Congress who toured an ASC cosponsored an ASCA-endorsed piece of legislation, a clear indicator that when ASCs tell their story, legislators listen. To schedule a tour for a member of Congress, call or email your senator or representative’s
local district office. Members of Congress want to meet with
constituents, so a simple ask with a follow-up is usually all that it takes to get a tour. Since a new session of Congress began in January, our policymakers need to hear
Seeking Authors
ASC Focus is seeking the contribution of articles by guest authors. If you have the expertise and time to write for us, we’d be interested in hearing from you.
Please see our editorial guidelines at
www.ascassociation.org/Focus and submit your story proposal to
smukerji@ascassociation.org.
6 ASC FOCUS FEBRUARY 2017
from you about the important role ASCs play in the health care industry. Face-to-face visits and facility tours offer unique opportunities for lawmakers and their staff to learn about ASCs and the important role they play in the health care delivery system. Finally, each August, ASCA celebrates National ASC Week. During this week, ASCs across the country open their doors to help educate elected officials and members of their community. Through these open houses, we hope to promote awareness of our industry and the high-quality care your ASC provides. ASCA staff works to make it as easy as possible for you to participate in all of these opportunities. If you have questions or would like help in scheduling a tour or open house, contact Danielle Kaster, ASCA grassroots manager, at dkaster@
ascassociation.org.
Bill Prentice Chief Executive Officer
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