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Ready for our state of the society address with @gillianhoo!!! #NSGC20
Gillian highlights the challenges of this year with COVID, social and racial injustice and general uncertainty. And we've had to face all of this head on knowing that inaction reflects the biggest mistake we could make. #NSGC20
But it's been a test of our skills and training. We've had to shift, pivot, flex, and understand what we can and can't control. Through it all, our strength has come from our incredible growing energetic community of GCs. #NSGC20
At the top of our list of things that we are doing to promote access are our advocacy efforts:
1. State licensure
2. HR 3235
3. 1132 Telehealth waiver
4. Comment on revisions to payment policies under medicare physician fee schedule
5. ACMG
#NSGC20
1. State licensure
2. HR 3235
3. 1132 Telehealth waiver
4. Comment on revisions to payment policies under medicare physician fee schedule
5. ACMG
#NSGC20
Also have been having ongoing conversations with ACMG and inability to support our bill. And learned that ACMG has sent letters expressing their concerns of our bill. ACMG is unwilling to support out bill w/o specific restrictions limiting scope of practice. #NSGC20
What they are asking for is not precedented nor does it achieve our goals of providing access to genetic counselors. ACMG's position is short-sighted. #NSGC20
In 2020 we have 29 states with licensure! And all 21 of the states that don't have licensure are engaged in some conversations in getting licensure. #NSGC20 Major props to everyone that has worked on these efforts tirelessly!
While the pandemic stalled our efforts in some states, folks are ready to pick back up in the new congressional session. #NSGC20
While HR3235 gained traction at the beginning of the year, the pandemic did stall many of the efforts but have still managed to add a number of co-sponsors in the last few months. #NSGC20
As of today our bill has 22 co-sponsors with strong bi-partisan support. And support from key organizations like the American Heart association, Cancer Action Network, & American Kidney Fund. #NSGC20
The AHA also issued a policy statement articulating their position on genetic counselors and the importance of recognition of genetic counselors as providers. And this statement has been incredibly well-received & the same thing happened with the American Kidney Fund! #NSGC20
The ongoing communication has been critical in garnering support. Over time we are seeing people begin to engage. Thank you to all who have have continued to move the needle. #NSGC20
Our bill is competing with thousands of other bills. 12k+ bills were introduced in this Congress with ~1% enacted into law. Need to think about how we bring our bill to the forefront of the discussion. #NSGC20
This is one of the reasons we launched an NSGC PAC. It allows us to meet with Congressional leaders and enable us to build key relationships with strong supporters. #NSGC20
You can log onto the PAC website and see exactly where the contributions go. The Board wanted full transparency so everyone knows what's going on. #NSGC20
What's next? Looking for a new lead bill sponsor bc our current lead sponsor Loebsack is retiring. Once the bill is introduced it will receive a new #. Won't be 3235 anymore. We will continue to build co-sponsorship. #NSGC20
Also planning for a Senate companion bill! We plan to build a more formal coalition of efforts to engage our supporters and co-sponsors. We are also going to hold an advocacy summit to help train everyone on how to engage. #NSGC20
We need YOUR support to pass H.R. 3235. Build a relationship with your member of congress. Recruit physicians, patient advocacy orgs, institutions, and other orgs to support the bill. #NSGC20
Also, if able, consider donating to the PAC. 2020 has definitely been hard financially for many folks but for those that are able to, donating to the PAC can make a difference. #NSGC20