California Chapter
of the
American College of Cardiology
District Councilor
Orientation Handbook
Table of Contents
Page
Introduction
1
Mission of the ACC
1
ACC Core Values
2
ACC Long term Strategic Goals, ACC Chapters
2
California Chapter, Purpose, About the Chapter, Officers
3
Chapter Administrative Staff and Legislative Advocate
4
Responsibilities of District Councilors
5
Committees
Annual Business Meeting
Budget and Finance
Bylaws
CCAs
Communications
Fellows in Training
Government Relations
Guidelines
Heart Disease in Women
Long Range Planning
Membership
Nominations
Pediatric Cardiology
Third Party Relations
Political Action Committee (PAC)
6
6
6
6
6
7
7
8
8
8
8
8
9
9
10
Introduction
Congratulations on your election to the Council of the California Chapter of the American College of
Cardiology. Never before have cardiovascular specialists had such potent weapons to diagnose, treat, and
prevent heart disease. Yet as we celebrate these revolutionary medical advances, we find our profession
confronting growing social, organizational, and economic challenges. Amid this shifting and, at times,
treacherous milieu, the American College of Cardiology has emerged as the major voice advocating for
cardiovascular medicine at both the national and state levels. As a district councilor, you have an
opportunity to contribute to this effort, to benefit your profession, and to promote the best cardiovascular
care for the people of California.
This booklet is designed to introduce you to the ACC and the Chapter, so that you can become engaged
and effective as quickly as possible. Pages 3 and 4 list the mission, core values and long term strategic
goals of the ACC. Page 5 explains the purpose of the California Chapter and lists some key contacts.
Page 6 enumerates the responsibilities of District Councilors. You will be asked to sign a similar
document, acknowledging these responsibilities.
Much of the work of the Chapter is done at the committee level. Pages 7 through 13 describe the current
committees and provide contact information for the committee chairs. You are encouraged to join any
committee that interests you by informing the President who makes the committee appointments. Your
term as a district councilor is two years, with the opportunity to serve for one additional, consecutive, two
year term. This time passes quickly, so it is good to become active on a committee as early as possible.
At the annual meeting you are welcome to attend any of the committee meetings.
One of your most important roles as a District Councilor is to promote awareness of, and enthusiasm for,
the work of the ACC and the Chapter among the cardiovascular specialists in your district. The stronger
our grassroots support, the more effectively the ACC can advocate for the interests of our profession and
our patients. Discuss the accomplishments of the ACC and the Chapter with your colleagues in
conferences and in casual conversations. Encourage them to support the chapter and to become involved.
As with any organization, the growth of the Chapter depends on the hard work and creativity of its
members. If you have new ideas, bring them forward. Our Chapter is privileged to have an outstanding
Executive Office that can answer any questions and help bring your ideas to fruition.
American College of Cardiology
Mission of the American College of Cardiology
The mission of the American College of Cardiology is to advocate for quality cardiovascular care –
through education, research promotion, development and application of standards and guidelines- and to
influence health care policy.
1
ACC Core Values
Professionalism:
The interests of patients are primary.
Knowledge:
The College must promote growth, dissemination and knowledge about
cardiovascular medicine.
Value of the Cardiovascular Specialist:
The cardiovascular specialist makes a distinct contribution to
medical care that should be recognized and enhanced.
Integrity:
Honesty, compliance with legal requirements and ethical behavior are
essential in all activities.
Member driven:
The College and its major activities must be led by active members and
must promote volunteerism.
Inclusiveness:
The College involves a broad range of volunteers that reflects the
composition of its membership.
ACC Long Term Strategic Goals
Maintain position as the recognized leaded to emphasize, synthesize, summarize and disseminate
cardiovascular science, knowledge, and best practices.
Accelerate the application of cardiovascular science, knowledge, and measurement into practice.
Increase value to members through programs and services that most effectively meet their needs.
Improve overall financial and operational performance.
ACC CHAPTERS
Article IX of the ACC bylaws, which provides for the establishment of local chapters, is reprinted below.
The complete bylaws of the ACC can be found at: http://www.acc.org/about/overview/c6.html
2
ARTICLE IX - Chapters
Section 1
Chapters of the College may be organized under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees for the
purpose of furthering the objectives of the College.
Section 2
Chapters may be formed in a state, province or region where there is a Governor of the College.
Section 3
Each Chapter shall be a not-for-profit corporation, with its Articles or Certification of Incorporation and
Bylaws approved by the Board of Trustees of the College.
Section 4
The College may terminate Chapter status if the Board of Trustees finds that the Chapter has engaged in
activities detrimental to the best interests of the College. The Chapter shall be afforded an opportunity to
be heard pursuant to such reasonable procedures as the Board of Trustees shall provide.
California Chapter
Our mission: To be an advocate for accessible, highest quality, cost effective
cardiovascular care for the people of California and to actively support the cardiac
care team in their efforts to achieve these goals.
Purpose of the Chapter
The purpose of the Chapter shall be to contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular
diseases, to ensure optimal quality care for the individuals with such diseases, and to
foster the highest professional ethical standards. In carrying out these purposes the
chapter shall function, in consultation with the leadership of the College, as an advisor
to local and state governmental and professional organizations concerning issues
related to cardiovascular disease. The Chapter shall, in the interests of physicians, and
the public in general, maintain a high level of social consciousness and involvement
with socioeconomic issues which may influence access to high quality cardiovascular
health care for all individuals.
3
About the Chapter
The Chapter has been formed as a 501(c) (6) not-for-profit corporation under the
federal and California state tax codes.
The Chapter has a subsidiary as a 501 (c) (3) under the federal and California state tax
code. “The Foundation for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke”. The
Foundation has its own Board of Directors.
The Chapter operates a Political Action Committee (CARDIO PAC) under the federal
and California state tax code. CARDIOPAC has its own Board of Directors.
The Chapter maintains an Executive Office with a full time CEO, Assistant Executive
Director, and support staff. The Chapter also maintains a full time lobbyist and staff in
Sacramento.
The Chapter shall hold an annual business meeting, open only to members of the
Chapter and invited guests of the Council, at a time and place designated by the
Council. The Council is described in Article V of these Bylaws. The purpose of the
meeting shall be to transact any business that may come before the Chapter.
Officers/ Executive Committee:
President and Northern Governor –
Gordon Fung, MD, FACC
Immediate Past President and Southern Governor –
John G. Harold, MD, FACC
Governor Elect – Northern –
George Smith, MD, FACC
Governor Elect – Southern –
Dipti Itchhaporia, MD, FACC
Secretary Treasurer –
Richard Wong, MD, FACC
CEO Lianna S. Collinge, CAE
CMA Delegates -
James MacMillan, MD, FACC
Richard Podolin, MD, FACC
Chapter Administrative Staff:
www.caacc.org Lianna@caacc.org
1731 Howe Ave. #247 Sacramento CA 95825
Toll Free 1-877-460-5880 Fax: 253-265-3043
Legislative Advocate:
Tim Madden
and James Randlett, Randlett Nelson Associates
jrandlett@randlettnelson.com tmadden@randlettnelson.com
1110 Second Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
PH: (916) 446-1111 Fax: (916) 446-4455
Ex-Officio
Myrvin Ellestad, MD, FACC
4
Rita Redberg, MD, FACC
Arnold Seto, MD
Responsibilities of District Councilors
1.
Membership: Serve as a Member of the Chapter Membership Committee and
attend Membership Committee meetings. Membership Committee meetings
are held at the Chapter annual meeting in the fall and from time to time on
telephone conference calls. The Membership Committee serves to
encourage payment of chapter dues, in addition to National membership
dues, and recruitment of qualified new members to the State and National
association.
2.
Government Relations: Serve as a Key Contact in your District and assist
members in contacting legislators and responding to “legislative alerts.” Enlist
support for state legislative issues, which may affect cardiovascular practices.
Contact Legislators with the Chapter’s position on legislation. (At least one
Councilor from each District will also serve on the Government Relations
Committee).
3.
Identify local third party payers or oversight organizations and assist in
identifying ACC members who can assist in medical review and
reimbursement issues.
4.
Serve as a Communications Center by contacting members in your District
when an urgent response is needed.
5.
Name an Alternate upon assuming office. (This Alternate must be approved by
the Executive Committee and the Council).
6.
Attend Council Meetings twice yearly or assure representation to the meetings
by the designated Alternate.
7.
Attend Chapter Annual Meetings and encourage members in your District to
attend.
Any Councilor who misses two consecutive Council Meetings without being
formally excused by the President and sending an Alternate will automatically be
removed from the Council. Vacancies shall be filled by the process as set forth in
the Chapter Bylaws, Article V, Section 5. Vacancies. These bylaws may be found
on the Chapter website www.caacc.org.
5
Committees
Budget and Finance
Chair:
Richard Wong, MD, FACC
Phone:
(818) 345-5580
Fax: (818) 774-0458
Email: richwong@aya.yale.edu
The Budget and Finance Committee prepares an annual cash flow budget and
monitors the results of Chapter operations against the budget. Assisted by the CEO, the
Committee prepares and presents reports on the financial condition of the chapter.
Bylaws
Chair:
Nora Goldschlager, M.D.
Phone:
(415) 206-8331
Fax: (415) 206-5100
Email: ngoldschlager@medsfgh.ucsf.edu
The Bylaws Committee is responsible for periodic review of the bylaws of the California
Chapter of the ACC, and for recommending and presenting proposed changes to the
bylaws as necessary.
Cardiac Care Associates
Chair:
Margo Minissian, ACNP,MSN,APRN-BC
Email: Margo.Minissian@cshs.org
Communications/Publications
Chair:
Timothy Denton, MD, FACC
Email:
tim@thedentons.us
The Communications Committee is charged with the task of increasing awareness of
Chapter activities and pertinent issues among all members of the chapter and the
general public. They publish a newsletter and assist in maintenance of the chapter
website. The committee actively seeks new ideas and new opportunities to generate
awareness of, and interest in, the chapter. They continue to solicit industry support, and
have developed a web link section of the CAACC website for corporate sponsors.
6
Fellows in Training
Chair:
Howard Allen, M.D., FACC
Phone:
(310) 278-3400
Fax: (310) 278-1240
Email: allen@cvmg.com
FIT Representative:
Howard Broder, MD
Phone: (310) 497-6277
Fax: (310) 423-0499
Email: broderh@cshs.org
The Fellows in Training Section produces an annual symposium dedicated to giving
cardiology fellows the information they need to start in cardiology practice. Fellows are
afforded unique insights into both academic and non-academic careers. The program
introduces Fellows to some of the activities of the Chapter, and has helped Fellows find
practice opportunities in the state.
Fundraising
Chair:
Asher Kimchi, MD, FACC
Phone: (310) 659-5000
Fax: (310) 275-8922
Email: klimedco@ucla.edu
The Fundraising Committee constantly seeks new ways to finance the chapter’s
projects and works with members to do so. Industry support is integral to this Committee,
but due to the changing Pharma regulations and funding, this is becoming increasingly
difficult to do. This committee needs industry contact names from all leaders in the
college on a regular basis.
Geriatric
Chair:
OPEN
Government Relations
Co-Chairs:
Lawrence Laslett, MD, FACC
Phone: (916) 734-3764
Fax: (916) 734-8394
Email: ljlaslett@ucdavis.edu
William R. Lewis, MD
Phone:
916-734-3762
Fax: 916-734-8394
Email: William.lewis@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
7
The Government Relations Committee monitors all legislation and pursues legislative
programs at every possible stage of the legislative process. The Committee actively
lobbies to defeat those bills which are considered adverse to the health interest of the
people of California and supports those bills which are in their best health interests. The
Government Relations Committee often works in partnership with other groups, such as
the CMA, to ensure that the views of the Chapter are represented in Sacramento. An
annual “Sacramento Day” began being held in 2006.
Councilors, and particularly members of the Government Relations Committee, are
encouraged to become involved in the political process to promote the interests of the
College. They are encouraged to develop a relationship with their local representatives
and to make phone calls and write letters in support of the Chapter’s position on
specific legislation. Councilors can help keep members of the College in their district
abreast of pertinent legislative issues, and can encourage them to express their views to
their legislators.
Guidelines
Chair:
Nora Goldschlager, M.D.
Phone:
(415) 206-8315
Fax: (415) 206-5100
Email: ngoldschlager@medsfgh.ucsf.edu
The Guidelines Committee only works every few years to review and revise as needed.
Membership
Chair:
OPEN
Committee Members: All District Councilors
All district councilors are members of the membership committee. The primary focus of
the membership committee is to encourage members of the College who have not
joined the California Chapter, and paid chapter dues, to do so. Councilors can help by
keeping their colleagues informed about Chapter activities and aware of the vital role
of the Chapter in protecting their ability to practice the best possible medicine.
Councilors may develop retention and recruitment programs and encourage
cardiovascular specialists who qualify for membership to join the ACC and the State
Chapter.
Nominations
Chair:
Robert M. Davidson, M.D.
Phone:
(310) 855-1971
Fax:
(310) 659-4389
Email:
davidsonr@cshs.org
8
The Nominations Committee recommends nominees for District Council positions.
Pediatric Cardiology
Chair:
OPEN
The Pediatric Cardiology Committee provides input from pediatric cardiology to the
Chapter’s Committees and Council. Issues of recent concern for the Chapter have
included the epidemic of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes in children.
Quality
Co-Chairs: Southern - Joseph Ruggio
Phone: (714) 445-0220
Fax: (714) 445-0245
Email: pca@pcacardiology.com
Northern- Lars Laslett
(See Government Relations for contact data)
The Quality Committee is dedicated to encouraging and assisting chapter-wide
integration and completion of all National Quality Initiatives, as well as any additional
initiatives that local leadership select.
Third Party Relations / Carrier Advisory Committee (CAC)
Co-Chairs: William Nyitray, MD
Phone:
661-323-8384
Fax:
661-323-7218
Email:
wnyitray@cox.net
Richard F. Wright, MD, FACC
Phone: (310) 829-7678
Email: rwright@pacificheart.com
The Third Party Relations / CA Committee monitors all issues dealing with quality of
patient care and third party reimbursement and keeps the membership informed on
these issues. The Committee sends a delegate to the Medicare Carrier Advisory
Committee for California. Through the Third Party Relations Committee, the California
ACC has had a crucial “early voice” in the development of many policies for Medicare
reimbursement for cardiac care in California. Delegates also testify at public meetings
of the California Technology Assessment Forum on Quality and Technology regarding
reimbursement policies for new technologies. The committee has also monitored
possibly inappropriate actions of insurance companies against cardiovascular
physicians.
9
Political Action Committee (CardioPAC)
Chair: George L. Smith, Jr., MD
Phone:
707-573-6166
Fax:
707-573-6165
Email:
doyleandsmith@earthlink.net
The Political Action Committee (PAC) raises money and contributes to the election of
candidates whose political philosophies and values reflect those of cardiovascular
specialists and who are in a position to further our goals of optimizing cardiovascular
care for our patients. Membership in the PAC is voluntary
Task Forces Winter 2008:
Cardiac STEMI System Task Force
Chair:
Ivan Rokos, M.D., FACEP. FACC
CT Workgroup
Chair
Gregory Thomas, MD, FACC
Media Relations:
Chair:
Ramin Manshadi, MD, FACC
Standards of Evidence
Co-Chairs:
Sanjay Kaul, MD, FACC
George Diamond, MD, FACC
10