Another important lobbying effort is still underway. Dr. Flood says, “under the general rubric of increasing funding, we pushed for the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act, or ‘the Arthritis Bill,’ which calls for increased research for arthritis, primarily pediatric rheumatology training and research, including federal funds for paying the medical educational bills for this specialty.”
The bill also calls for a summit of all federal agencies involved in such research, along with leaders from the Arthritis Foundation, rheumatology community, and other stakeholders. “It has important provisions for pediatric rheumatology including the forgiveness of student loans for those who choose this subspecialty,” notes Dr. Flood. “It also promotes community awareness of arthritis and how people can potentially prevent arthritis and become involved in effective self-management of arthritis.”
The ACR was the major supporter of this bill, which was initiated by the Arthritis Foundation. The Arthritis Bill was introduced in Congress in 2005 and re-introduced in 2006, when it gained considerable sponsorship—nearly 50% of each chamber. Because the bill was not acted on during 2006, it must be re-introduced this year. “We’ll be seeking sponsors to reintroduce the bill in the new Congress,” says Dr. Flood, “and we anticipate its passage, since most of our sponsors were either re-elected or held seats not up for election in November. We can’t take [its passage] for granted, though, and will be working hard to see it to fruition.”
ACR Members as Advocates
The Government Affairs Committee doesn’t work alone. “We recruit members and patients to become advocates,” says Dr. Flood. “We take groups to visit Congress each spring for an ACR Advocacy Day.” This event includes brief training and a keynote speaker covering three or four of the most important issues. Last year, participants focused on increased funding for NIH and a permanent fix for the sustainable growth rate. Participants then visited their own members of Congress. This year, ACR members paid Congress a visit on March 13. (Look for coverage of Advocacy Day in an upcoming issue of TR.)
The Government Affairs Committee plans another annual event: “Each autumn, we hold a legislative reception,” adds Dr. Flood. “Our board and committee, as well as members and patients, invite members of Congress to a reception to discuss issues and meet us. It’s a relaxed atmosphere, with opportunities for photos and to thank representatives for their support.”
In addition to activities on Capitol Hill, the committee communicates important issues to the ACR membership. The committee produces the monthly Public Policy Monitor, which is distributed to ACR leadership and posted on the Web site.
