State societies charged with developing grassroots legislative activities Chris J. Dangles, MD The presentations were excellent at the AAOS sponsored State Society Strategies meeting on November 20 - November 22, 1998. Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop and I attended and represented the Illinois Orthopedic Society. The meeting featured discussions with members of other state orthopedic societies where common problems and some solutions were identified. There was an obvious trend for most societies to convert from the 501C-3 status to 501C-6 status. After attending this AAOS sponsored meeting, it became apparent that we must be politically active at the state level. Involvement in the education and social programs of the society is not enough. The following statements were developed at the state society strategies meetings: Health policy legislation will continue to reside in the domain of the state government since state societies have more influence on this legislative process, than the AAOS. Significant health care legislation is developed at the state level such as prompt payment of bills, scope of practice, workman’s compensation, and tort reform. Federal legislation requiring health insurers to cover certain medical procedures. Breast reconstruction and minimal hospital maternity stay are the only two procedures included. Individual practitioners have the greatest impact by contacting their local legislators. The AAOS can and does help at the state level. Jennifer Kunde, legislative analyst, can be reached at 1-800-346-AAOS, extension 4316. She is knowledgeable and helpful. In Illinois, a strategic plan needs to be developed to reorganize the educational meetings and political activities to ensure that the needs of our members are satisfied. We must define our goals and establish a meeting schedule one to two years in advance. The following are recommendations for future strategic plans: Appoint regional directors throughout the state to broaden membership. Establish an annual meeting that is subsidized by orthopedic supply companies and vendors. Fulfill the educational needs of our local orthopedic surgeons. Increase attendance at our clinical meetings by incorporating superb speakers, an organized program schedule, accessible location, and tempting menus. Publish a newsletter worth reading. Coordination of the society’s daily operation from a dedicated executive secretary. Develop a PAC for bipartisan donations to support legislators who sponsor programs that are beneficial to orthopedic surgeons and their patients. The ideas presented at the AAOS state society strategy meeting were excellent and need to be implemented by the Illinois Orthopedic Society. This will enable orthopedic surgeons to maintain control of their practices and continue a leadership role in health care legislation. To make this happen, participation from all our members is required. Return to the IOS Newsletter Educational Meetings and Program | Board of Directors | Residency | Find a Surgeon | Membership | Allied Association Links | Newsletter | Governmental Affairs | IAOS Main Page All material Copyright from the Illinois Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, all rights reserved.