ARHP Stands Up for Members and Patients

The ACR also monitors key federal and state legislative and regulatory issues, such as biosimilars, MACRA, “downcoding” of biologic infusions, appropriate reimbursements and the impact of travel bans and H-1B visa regulations. Many opportunities to have a positive influence at a regional level exist through local state societies, community and institutional programs that raise awareness and support for patients.

Advocates for Arthritis will bring rheumatology professionals and patients together to advocate for rheumatology in Washington, D.C., Sept. 24–26. The program includes training, guest speakers and pre-arranged visits with senators and representatives in Congress to raise awareness of key issues impacting our patients and caregivers. This past year, nearly 100 ACR advocates representing 31 states and the District of Columbia visited 116 Capital Hill offices.

What can you do?

• Visit the Legislative Action Center, where you can get updates on key legislative issues affecting the rheumatology community, link to federal and state advocacy initiatives, tools and resources, and learn more about the 2017 Advocates for Arthritis event.
• Look for opportunities to partner and engage with your professional organizations in advocacy that supports our patients and your profession.
• Donate to RheumPAC to support nonpartisan political education and action for issues that impact rheumatology patients and caregivers.

All citizens have the right to advocate! That’s the beauty of our democratic system.

We are grateful for our outstanding staff support, enthusiastic learners and dedicated GAC and RheumPAC members and small project volunteers. If rheumatology advocacy issues are an interest of yours, consider volunteering as a committee member or small project volunteer in the coming year. If interested, take a few moments to complete the Volunteer Opportunities Survey. Please direct any questions or feedback regarding this article to [email protected].

Janet Stevens, BA, the ARHP executive committee liaison on GAC, has worked in academic rheumatology for more than 17 years. She has been a rheumatology division administrator at the University of Michigan for the past 10 years.

ARHP President Afton L. Hassett, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and an associate research scientist in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Michigan. As a principal investigator at the Chronic Pain & Fatigue Research Center, she conducts interdisciplinary research exploring the role of cognitive, affective and behavioral factors in pain and function in rheumatologic populations.