sub-Capitol

Advocacy

NYSAASC’s legislative program is centered on supporting legislation, regulation and policies that foster the growth of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), which have a proven track record of high-quality care and treatment at a lower cost. Ambulatory surgery centers are diagnostic and treatment centers licensed under Article 28 of the Public Health Law to provide access to safe surgical care across many specialties including but not limited to ENT, gastroenterology /endoscopy, ophthalmology, and orthopaedics. In fact, ASCs perform more than 40 percent of all colonoscopies for those covered under Medicare, a testament to the important role ASCs have in cancer prevention and detection.

NYSAASC is at the forefront, advocating to assure the voice of ASCs is at the table as important pieces of legislation, regulations and policies are prepared, debated and voted on. As we learned from the COVID-19 public health emergency, our voice must be part of the policy discussions that will affect every aspect of operation, including administrative, clinical and patient care.

As more patients choose an ASC for their procedure and other forces promote the use of ASCs, its important NYSAASC and its members remain engaged and vigilant. The advocacy work we do is year-round and is just one of the benefits your membership to NYSAASC provides. If you're not already a member, join NYSAASC here and encourage your colleagues to do so as well.

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Recent Accomplishments

  • Governor and Legislature’s recognition of August as ASC month in the State of New York!
  • Passage of legislation to prevent exposure to surgical smoke in ASCs!
  • Re-opened non-emergent surgeries during the COVID-19 public health emergency!

NYSAASC’s 2022-23 Priorities

  • Advocate for representation of ASCs on the Public Health and Health Planning Council
  • Host Legislators for visit/tours of ASCs in their district to educate them about ASCs
  • Establish a NYSAASC Legislative Committee and/or work group to review pending legislation and regulation and provide feedback, analysis and recommendation
  • Continue to engage with state agencies on policies impacting ASCs, including Workers’ Compensation Board
  • Support legislation and regulations that enable further ASC expansion in NYS and procedures able to be performed
  • Take our issues to Albany (Find out about our 2023 Advocacy Day)
  • Expand NYSAASC membership