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ASAPAC - ASA Political Action Committee

What is ASAPAC?

ASAPAC is the political component of the American Society of Anesthesiologists

It is a separate fund within the ASA devoted solely to permitting anesthesiology to participate in elections involving the U.S. House of Representative and U.S. Senate. In some states, ASAPAC is also able to participate in gubernatorial elections.

Why is ASAPAC Important?

  • Political decisions directly impact our practices. They play a key role in determining how much we are paid, the regulatory and legal environment in which we practice and the role of non-physician providers in our practices.

  • The PAC allows us to influence these political decisions.
  • The PAC allows us to support candidates who support anesthesiology and to actively oppose candidates who do not share our views.
  • The PAC provides anesthesiology access to legislators whether they are home in their local Congressional District or on Capitol Hill.

 

  
  • Federal and most state laws prohibit corporations and association such as the ASA from involving themselves in the political process. Only PACs can participate.
  • PACs are the legal and ethical system for political participation. ASAPAC strives for full compliance with Federal Election Commission (FEC) laws and regulations and, when applicable, state laws and regulations.


Why do anesthesiologists give to ASAPAC?

  • They recognize the challenges our profession faces - attacks on physician-led anesthesia, underfunded Medicare payments for anesthesia services and a burdensome regulatory and legal environment.
  • They understand that political involvement is critical to meeting the challenges.
  • They see that the American Hospital Association, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, the American Trial Lawyer Association and other groups are fully engaged and well-funded in the political process.
  • They know that ASAPAC is an effective political voice for the profession and that with the PACs support we can win on our issues.


What does the PAC do with its money?

  • Provides direct contributions to pro-anesthesiology incumbents, challengers and open- seat candidates for office.
  • Funds newspaper advertisements, radio spots and direct mail campaigns during political elections carry anesthesiology's message to voters.


How can I find out more?

  • Contact any members of the ASAPAC Executive Board or Manuel Bonilla in the ASA Washington office.
Federal law prohibits ASAPAC from soliciting contributions from outside the ASA membership. Contributions received from non-ASA members will be returned to the donor.

ASA Political Action Committee
520 N. Northwest Highway
Park Ridge, IL 60068-2573
(847) 825-5586