ASA December 2002 Newsletter

An important mission of ASA is to serve as an advocate on behalf of its members. To this end, your Society has invested significant resources on behalf of all anesthesiologists. In this December NEWSLETTER, which has traditionally been devoted each year to governmental affairs, members are once again reminded of the terrific efforts ASA makes in the legislative and regulatory arena.

The Committee on Governmental Affairs is charged with the following:

1. Review as far as possible all matters of substance pertaining to proposed federal and state laws, regulations and administrative actions that may affect the specialty and practice of anesthesiology.

2. Immediately inform the President, other officers and the Board Committee on Legislative Review of potential developments and action that may require ASA response.

3. Carry out such other activities in regard to governmental affairs and their actions as may be requested by the President, the Board of Directors or the House of Delegates.

Clearly the magnitude and complexity of these responsibilities is beyond the scope of a single volunteer committee. ASA’s Washington Office goes well beyond the call of duty to assist our membership with regard to all the responsibilities noted above. Michael Scott is our capable director of this office and heads up the federal issues related to our specialty. He and his entire staff are among the most respected legislative consultants in Washington, both in organized medicine as well among elected officials. S. Diane Turpin provides our membership with a tremendous resource regarding state affairs. With a great deal of the legislative activity shifting to the states since the passage of the Medicare supervision rule, Ms. Turpin has proved invaluable as a source of information and legislative strategy.

Though we are blessed with incredible talent in Washington, effectiveness in governmental affairs demands participation by all members at a variety of levels. Under Chair Danial O. Laird, M.D., and the direction of Manuel Bonilla, the ASA Political Action Committee (ASAPAC) offers every member the opportunity to participate and to make a difference in governmental affairs. The money collected in this venue opens the doors to many elected officials who can make our concerns known. It does not buy votes, but it does create access. Participation in ASAPAC and your state PACs makes a difference in governmental affairs. JOIN THE ASAPAC! MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Becoming a “Key Contact” with various elected officials is another very important part of making an impact on governmental affairs. Though many of our members serve in this capacity, my own personal experience in the value of key contacts comes from the example set by Betty P. Stephenson, M.D., our 1991 ASA President. Her long-time relationship with retired Congressman Bill Archer, one-time chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, was remarkably valuable to our efforts in Washington. Many of our members have developed close relationships with elected officials, and we thank you for making a difference in governmental affairs and for the positive exposure you have provided to our specialty.

Being an active member in organized medicine beyond the specialty of anesthesiology is critical to success in the legislative arena. Though anesthesiology stands out with a relatively “high” number of American Medical Association (AMA) members, nearly 75 percent of physicians are not members of this organization. The resources that AMA provides to ASA are significant and may equate to in excess of $1 million in assistance from the AMA’s Washington office alone. If you want to make a difference in governmental affairs, be a member of ASA and your state medical association.

Perhaps the most “heroic” effort in governmental affairs, made by a handful of our members, is the pursuit of elected office. Kyle L. Janek, M.D., Houston, Texas, has been a four-term Representative in the Texas Legislature since 1995 and was elected to the State Senate in this year’s general election. Four other anesthesiologists also ran for state legislative seats (see page 7). Though not an anesthesiologist, Michael Burgess, M.D., an obstetrician, ran as a “dark horse” candidate against Scott Armey for the congressional seat being vacated by his father, majority leader Richard K. Armey. Dr. Burgess won the Republican primary and was the winner in the general election. Behind each of these individuals is a network of dedicated people who contribute time and money to make this happen. Thanks to all who are making a difference in governmental affairs by helping those physicians running for elected office.

The ASA Committee on Governmental Affairs continues to help the membership acquire the necessary education to be an effective participant in the legislative process. The annual ASA Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., continues to be a great benefit to the membership. The next conference is scheduled for May 5-7, 2003. The ASA Web site also offers updates on a timely basis regarding legislative priorities. Michael Scott’s monthly “Washington Report” in the ASA NEWSLETTER is an invaluable resource regarding information on the most current legislative issues affecting our specialty.

ASA has made legislative advocacy a priority on behalf of its members. Without the active involvement of each of our members in some capacity, however, all the efforts of our elected ASA officers, our Washington Office staff and the Committee on Governmental Affairs will be futile. Be a part of the legislative process, and YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the current and future practice of anesthesiology.

John M. Zerwas, M.D., is a Staff Anesthesiologist at Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, Houston, Texas.

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