Oregon ACC Members - in February I wrote to you with these words, "Only when you think you've seen enough.....more begins to happen." I warned of our State's intent to forge ahead with major legislation toward a single payer system, increases in primary care reimbursement at the expense of the specialty groups, and uniform payment at MEDICARE rates. Happily none of this has happened - YET - but your Chapter's advocacy committee will continue spending the remainder of the 2011 Legislative Session on high alert.
During the 2011 legislative session, we worked closely with the OMA's legislative team and kept our antennae alert to the effects of actions by Oregon's Legislature.
For the future however the Oregon ACC must be cognizant of the dangers of having our legislature operating without our strong input. As a result the Oregon ACC Council has voted to explore the opportunities of supporting our own part-time lobbyist during the off-season of the legislature, and to begin building relationships between Oregon's cardiology community and our legislators and the Oregon Health Authority.
Your role in the process is still needed and wanted. You can get involved by supporting the Oregon ACC PAC and/or you can assist in our efforts by joining Oregon ACC Advocacy Chair Kirk Walker on the Advocacy Committee.
Either way, together we need to be aware of the effect of Oregon's legislative activities and maintain ourselves in a position of power with those who control the legislature.
Because of Federal actions in shifting health care responsibilities to the States, places like Salem will be the hotbed of action in future legislative sessions. The Oregon ACC wants to develop relationships now to ensure that Our Voice is Heard - and quality cardiovascular care for our patients is protected.
Please join me in getting involved in the legislative process. Your Oregon ACC Chapter needs you.
Advocacy on the National Level
The College continues to be closely monitoring national legislation in Washington, DC on behalf of Oregon's cardiology community. To keep you updated, please follow the national advocacy news on this link.
Oregon Action Requested..... An Important Request from The OMA Take Action Now to Stop Psychologist Prescribing Bill HB 3523-A Proponents are ramping up efforts to pass Psychologist Prescribing Bill Take Action! Contact your legislators now Dear OMA Community, Please contact your legislators right away to ask them to again oppose HB 3523-A, which would allow the creation of a certificate for Prescribing Psychologists. This bill fails to put patient safety first. The bill doesn't provide for adequate physician supervision of prescribing psychologists, and it does not require adequate training for psychologists who will be granted prescribing authority, especially regarding the prescription of psychoactive drugs to children. This legislation, if it passes, will put patients at risk. It is important that legislators hear from physicians around the state. Please make your voice heard and urge your legislators to vote against this harmful legislation. It only takes a few minutes. Here is a link to the suggested message and list of legislators to whom your message should be directed. There is no time to spare. Please send your message today!
Political Action Committees (PAC) are not Bad Words! The Oregon ACC has a PAC as does the ACC National. Each uses its contributed funds to gain access to our elected officials and get our points of view heard. If you previously donated to the PAC (either one or both) - THANK YOU!!!! If you haven't - or it's time for another annual contribution - please consider making a contribution today. The Oregon ACC PAC The ACC National PAC
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