WASHINGTON, June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of the Public Policy Committee of the American Society of Transplantation (AST) will head to Capitol Hill on Thursday, June 8, 2006 to meet with members of Congress and key staff to convey the important messages that are vital to transplantation. The AST agenda covers the Organ Donation and Recovery Improvement Act (P.L. 108-216), immunosuppressive drug coverage, NIH annual funding, HRSA program funding, pediatric coverage, insurance, and pay-for-performance and reimbursement issues.
“AST understands that decisions made by government leaders will have far- reaching effects on transplantation. That is why our members meet with legislators in Washington on a regular basis to provide information on the most critical issues in the field,” said AST Public Policy Chair, David Briscoe, M.D. “With more than 90,000 Americans on waiting lists for organ transplants, we must work to promote awareness of how transplantation will save lives in the United States,” he added.
The Agenda
One top issue under discussion is the Organ Donation and Recovery Improvement Act, which President Bush signed into law nearly two years ago. The bipartisan act authorizes $25 million in new funding for organ donation education and awareness, travel and living expense reimbursement for living donors, grants for hospital organ coordinators, and other programs intended to improve organ recovery rates and advance scientific pursuit in transplantation. Since the bill’s enactment, no additional funding has been provided for the authorized activities and funding for these important programs has been reduced. While in Washington, AST hopes to spotlight the Act and speak as one powerful voice on behalf of transplantation. AST will begin its targeted meetings with key federal decision-makers at 9:30 a.m. on Capitol Hill.
About AST
The American Society of Transplantation (AST) was founded in 1982 and is an organization of more than 2,500 transplant professionals dedicated to improving patient care through the promotion of research, education, advocacy and organ donation. AST provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge, scientific information and expertise in the field of transplantation. AST’s Public Policy Committee is committed to maintaining a significant presence on Capitol Hill and meets with congressional leaders and political appointees to further garner support for the society’s key government relations priorities. AST has published a number of papers that define the society’s position on top policy issues. These position papers can be reviewed on the AST website.
For more information visit http://www.a-s-t.org. CONTACT: Beth Drost (215) 884-6499
American Society of Transplantation
CONTACT: Beth Drost, +1-215-884-6499, for American Society ofTransplantation
Web site: http://www.a-s-t.org/
