Government Relations Committee

The Government Relations Committee (GRC) oversees a proactive program that monitors state and federal legislation and lobbies in support of regulations impacting the practice of the profession. As surgical practices and technologies change in the healthcare marketplace, knowledge of laws, and the ability to influence them, are critical in representing perfusionists at every level of health care governance. The Government Relations Committee assists perfusionists at the state levels of government to protect perfusionists, patients, and the standards of perfusion procedures both inside and outside of the operating room.

For more information about this committee, email AmSECT at amsect@amsect.org .

To learn more about becoming a State Liaison and apply click here. 

View individual states’ GRC and legislative information.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Government Relations Committee is to inform, support, and prepare the membership to effectively engage medical practice public policy issues affecting the perfusion profession and the delivery of high-quality patient care.

Goals

• To organize perfusionists at the grassroots level to enhance their political and legislative effectiveness on socioeconomic and public policy issues impacting the profession.
• To stimulate professional interest by recognizing the achievements of AmSECT volunteers in advancing the profession's interests in the field of government relations with the membership and with the public.
• To maintain a federal and state liaison network supporting government relations programs that keep perfusionists and members of the Society informed.
• To educate the membership and perfusionists about operating effectively in the state and federal political arenas by building professional relationships with legislators and staff.
• To supply financial assistance to the extent appropriate in support of the development of independent perfusion organizations and target GRC financial and programmatic resources in states with state societies with the potential to have a substantive impact on the national professional status of professional licensing.

State GRC and Legislative Information

Select your state from the map below to view more information. 

GRC Success

• Maryland has successfully gained professional licensure with the guidance and assistance of the Government Relations Committee.
• New York, Florida, Kansas, and Minnesota have licensure bills pending or ready for introduction in their respective state legislatures.
• Over the past 15 years, the GRC has approved, and AmSECT has awarded thousands of dollars in direct grants to state societies to fund start-up efforts and actively engage in legislative endeavors.
• The GRC has developed model legislation, model rules and regulations, a professionally published color informational brochure, and a host of other valuable resources for use by you as a Perfusionist engaging in professional legislative advocacy. Many of these resources are available at www.amsect.org.
• With the assistance of the GRC, 18 states have gained licensure (titling in California), representing 53 percent of practicing Perfusionists in the United States.
• The GRC Director monitors state and federal legislation daily to determine the impact of health care legislation on Perfusionists, their scope of practice, and their professional interests.
• Members of the GRC are assigned the region of the country where they live, specifically to assist state liaisons and state societies. Each member has had direct experience in professional legislative development in their state.
• The GRC has sponsored numerous outstanding programs and speakers at AmSECT’s International Conference and contributed speakers to state meetings around the country. These speakers have included the GRC Director, committee members, professional lobbyists, and state legislators.