MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Advocacy during a Pandemic T


he COVID-19 global pandemic has certainly showed us that communication is key when working through opportunities and challenges alike. While


several aspects of how we do business changed, the need to communicate with our legislators was ever present as we worked to meet the needs of our communities during this public health emergency. ASCA team members have been finding new ways to advocate for our industry, and it is exciting to see the innovation that was used to create our successful ASCA 2021 Virtual Conference. ASCA’s advocacy continues at both the state and federal level: educating


legislators about how ASCs have been a vital resource for ensuring the continuation of quality surgical care as well as serving as a resource for ASC industry veterans and rookies alike. Your continued support of ASCA ensures we can meet the needs of our industry through advocacy and education. The 117th Congress is underway and the ASCA team is diligently seeking out opportunities to introduce the ASC Quality and Access Act of 2019, which provides key measures affecting ASCs. Keep an eye on ASCA's website for news about this legislation. The ASCA Government Affairs Committee has scheduled its first in-person meeting since 2019 in Washington, DC, in September, and we are excited to get back to the business of setting a focused legislative strategy and developing the message around how we continue to meet the needs of patients, providers and communities. Be well, be safe and stay the course as we continue to meet the needs of patients and improve the health of our communities one procedure at a time.


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 ascfocus.org/about and submit your story proposal to smukerji@ascassociation.org.


Michael J. Patterson, RN, CASC President of ASCA’s Board of Directors


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ASC FOCUS AUGUST 2021 | ascfocus.org


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