May 2012 Council of Chapter Representatives Meeting

The Council of Chapter Representatives met in conjunction with the ATS meeting in San Francisco on May 19, 2012.

The meeting was called to order at 10 AM. Roll call revealed representatives from Arizona, California, Colorado, DC Metro, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and by telephone from Oregon.

Information was provided that ATS will not charge for CME. Most state meetings are obtaining CME.

Nuala Moore from ATS Government Relations gave a presentation on 2013 health research and services funding. This included description of the President’s proposed FY 2012 budget, new NIH grants changes, and the formation of a house tuberculosis caucus.

Gary Ewart from ATS Government Relations gave a presentation on Congress, the Courts, and the Administration. Highlights included description of the impact of the SGR, the Affordable Care Act decision, a number of air pollution regulations and a proposal to make many asthma medications over the counter.

Monica Kraft, ATS President 2012-3 encouraged advocacy for research, education and implementation of guidelines. She reviewed ATS efforts for training, advocacy, health disparities, and revenue generation.

Stephen Crane, ATS Executive Director, gave an overview of the finances of the ATS which were mostly positive. Revenues are increasing and attendance is increasing at the annual meeting. Members can now update their information on the ATS website.

Discussion regarding Outstanding Clinician Award occurred and recognizing those who are nominated.

Dean Schraufnagel gave a presentation on the new Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society. The Proceedings is designed to be more of a clinicians’ journal. In addition to original research, it will publish reviews, educational materials, commentary, and meta-analysis. The journal will begin accepting submissions in July, 2012 and plans to publish its first issue February, 2013.

Linda Nici, Incoming CCR Chair, reviewed plans for the upcoming year.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:10 PM.

Richard A. Robbins, MD

Arizona CCR Representative

Reference as: Robbins RA. May 2012 council of chapter representatives meeting. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care 2012;4:177. (Click here for a PDF version of the meeting notes)