Supporting Our Lobbyists

Participation in the political aspects of medicine allows for the advancement and improvement of our profession for our patients and for us. The purpose of political action committees (PACs) is to generate funds to support the election of candidates in public office that parallel the views of a group of individuals. The ASA Political Action Committee (ASAPAC) is a bipartisan, nonideological political organization that supports candidates based upon their positions on issues impacting our specialty. ASAPAC is the largest medical specialty PAC in the United States.

Why Is ASAPAC Important?
ASAPAC is the political pulse of our Society and is important for a variety of reasons. Although some may not appreciate it, political action directly impacts our profession. Federal and most state laws prohibit associations such as ASA from using their member dues for direct political activity. Only PACs can participate in directly supporting or opposing candidates for elected office. In order to make our voices heard regarding issues that we continually face, issues such as reimbursement and the role of nonphysician providers in our practice, we need to maintain an active PAC.

How Does ASAPAC Function?
The ASAPAC executive board consists of 12 anesthesiologists from various regions of the United States, including one resident member. The executive board members are appointed by the ASA President. Considerations for appointment include a member’s past support for ASAPAC, involvement as a “Key Contact” for ASA and overall level of political involvement. The board works to develop contribution strategies for pro-anesthesiology candidates. ASAPAC targets candidates for support based upon their activity level in anesthesiology, relationship with other anesthesiologists and recommendations from ASAPAC contributors and state component society leaders.

How Does ASAPAC Work With ASA?
ASA is currently working to boost Medicare reimbursement for anesthesiology services, correct the Medicare physician fee schedule annual update mechanism and change Medicare rules to permit enhanced payments to anesthesiologists in rural areas. Additionally ASA is involved in efforts to ensure patient access to physician-led anesthesiology services.

ASA also is challenging the U.S. Senate to re-evaluate our nation’s professional liability reform system. ASAPAC provides critical political support for these efforts through its participation in federal and state elections.

How Can Residents Support ASAPAC?
Many challenges confront anesthesiology today. It is essential that we play an active role in facing those challenges. Political involvement and support is one way we can help to make a difference. Visit the “Members Only” section of the ASA Web site at <www.ASAhq.org> to learn more about ASAPAC. Contact members of the PAC Board and ASAPAC staff to learn how to become politically involved.

Please send any topic ideas, sample articles or questions to the editors of “Residents’ Review” at <residents.review@ ASAhq.org>.

Crystal C. Wright, M.D., is a CA-1 resident at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.