American Academy of Neurology

Advocacy: House Repeals SGR, Bill Moves to Senate

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:57:00 GMT

The US House has agreed to repeal the Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula by passing HR. 3961, also known as the "Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009." This bill now moves to the US Senate, which failed to pass a similar bill two weeks ago

Advocacy: House to Consider SGR Repeal; Contact Your Representative Today

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:15:00 GMT

Elimination of the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula has been a top priority for the Academy for nearly a decade. The time to act is now. Join your colleagues by contacting your members of Congress to ask them to vote in favor of HR 3961.

Advocacy: House to Vote on SGR Repeal While Academy Waits on Senate

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Following passage in the US House of its health care reform bill, the Academy will direct its efforts on the US Senate. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) has agreed to introduce an amendment to add neurology to the bill's primary care section

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: House Bill Moves Forward, Academy Focuses on Senate

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:24:00 GMT

Over the weekend, the US House passed a comprehensive health care reform bill. Of particular interest to the Academy was the elimination of the SGR formula calling for annual physician cuts in Medicare. Unfortunately, the SGR fix was taken out of the bill due to its $210 billion price tag.

Advocacy: Academy Endorses Report from the Mayday Fund

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The American Academy of Neurology Professional Association has endorsed a newly released report from the Mayday Fund entitled "A Call to Revolutionize Chronic Pain Care in America: An Opportunity in Health Care Reform."

Advocacy: Profiles in Advocacy: Teshamae Monteith, MD

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:25:00 GMT

Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Fellow Teshamae Monteith, MD, of San Francisco, CA, serves as an advocacy champion for improved headache treatment and care.

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Doc Fix Fails in Senate...Smoke and Mirrors?

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:58:00 GMT

For the first time since the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula started calling for cuts in physician payments, the US Senate took a vote that would have led to the elimination of the SGR. Unfortunately, the 47-53 procedural

Advocacy: SGR Vote in Senate Does Not Pass

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:47:00 GMT

The Senate took a procedural vote on Wednesday on S.1776, which would have permanently repealed the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula. Failing to make 60 votes, the Senate failed to move forward to consider the legislation that remains a top priority for the Academy.

Advocacy: Senate to Vote on Critical Bill to Fix Physician Reimbursement

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:58:00 GMT

The Senate will vote on whether to repeal the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula.

Advocacy: Contact Congress on Physician Bonus Payments

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:21:00 GMT

The US House and Senate are currently considering health care reform legislation that would give five to 10 percent bonuses to physicians who provide primary care services. The Academy needs your help to ensure cognitive, face-to-face care for patients.

State Society: CME in Paradise: Attend the Hawaii Neurological Society Annual Meeting

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:10:00 GMT

The Hawaii Neurological Society will host its second annual CME event in memory of Dorothy Chu-Krushelnycky, MD, PhD, who died of cancer on June 19, 2008, at the age of 48.

Advocacy: New Guidelines Identify Best Treatments to Help ALS Patients Live Longer, Easier

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:47:00 GMT

New guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology identify the most effective treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease). The guidelines, published on the October 13, 2009, recommend that the drug riluzole be offered to people with ALS.

Advocacy: Health Care Reform: Comparing Both Proposals

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:50:00 GMT

The US Senate Finance Committee has begun considering a health care reform proposal, while the US House has passed legislation through three different committees and is moving closer towards a floor debate. The Academy has been tracking these issues closely.

Advocacy: Health Care Reform: Academy Adopts Goals

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:23:00 GMT

Read the new set of principles the AAN Professional Association will follow as Congress continues to debate health care reform.

Advocacy: Epilepsy Care by Rail

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:12:00 GMT

By Mamta Bhushan Singh, MBBS, MD, DM - "The Lifeline Express," India's only train-hospital, helps bring health care to the country's rural population. Singh, a Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum graduate, describes how

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Senate Finance Bill - No Permanent SGR Fix, No Bonuses Yet for Neurology

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:29:00 GMT

After months of wrangling, Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus (D-MT) finally released a health reform draft last week. The bill lacks many of the solutions physicians, including neurologists, have been seeking to improve the

State Society: Build Your Local Network and Exchange Information at the 2009 Fall State Society Meetings

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:25:00 GMT

State neurological society meetings offer a range of CME opportunities as well as the chance to network and exchange information with other local neurologists.

Advocacy: AMA Responds to Criticism

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:55:00 GMT

The American Medical Association's support of the US House Tri-Committee health reform bill, HR 3200, has drawn significant attention in recent weeks. The AAN Professional Association has not yet taken a formal position in this ongoing debate

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Congress Returns - Health Care Still Top Priority

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:30:00 GMT

The health care reform debate heated up over the August recess as members of Congress across the country heard both support and protests from constituents about the House bill HR 3200. Media reports

Advocacy: Debunking Death Panels: End of Life Counseling

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:26:00 GMT

By Glen R. Finney, MD - There has been much discussion about provisions in the House Tri-Committee Bill on Health Care Reform (HR 3200). Concern has been raised about potential "death panels" in the bill.

State Society: State Society Roundtable Takes Place in Denver

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:40:00 GMT

On August 8 and 9, state neurological society leaders gathered in Denver for the Academy's Fourth Annual State Society Leadership Roundtable. Topics discussed included: meeting planning, the life cycle of a nonprofit, state and federal advocacy

Advocacy: AAN.com Advocacy Editor

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:21:00 GMT

Making advocacy indispensable to our members isn't so simple: To begin with, it's not always clear what advocacy actually means.

Advocacy: Profiles in Advocacy: Daniel Potts, MD

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:27:00 GMT

In May, the AAN named Daniel C. Potts, MD, of Tuscaloosa, AL, the AAN Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum Advocate of the Year. Potts has been championing new approaches

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Sending an Email to Congress - Is It Worth It?

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:58:00 GMT

Academy legislative counsel Mike Amery describes what happens when a constituent writes a letter to Congress. Contact your representatives with the Academy's Vocus service.

Advocacy: The Easiest Way to Contact Congress? Vocus!

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:25:00 GMT

The Academy provides its members with an easy way to give feedback to their elected officials, all within a matter of moments: Vocus. Take the initiative to send a message to your elected officials.

Advocacy: US House Allocates $500 million for TBI and PTSD

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:54:00 GMT

The US House of Representatives included $500 million for the treatment of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder in an FY2010 Department of Defense appropriations bill passed shortly before the congressional August recess.

Advocacy: House Passes Three Percent Funding Increase for NIH

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:30:00 GMT

The US House of Representatives passed a 2010 budget for the Department Health and Human Services just before the August recess that included a three percent increase

Advocacy: Academy to Facilitate Advocacy Workshop at World Congress of Neurology

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:00:00 GMT

The AAN Professional Association will co-host an Advocacy Workshop during the 19th World Congress of Neurology in Bangkok, Thailand. The Workshop will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2009.

Advocacy: Nomination Period for 2010 Viste Advocate of the Year Opens

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:29:00 GMT

Nominations for the 2010 award will be accepted until November 30, 2009. Individuals can either be nominated by an AAN member or apply with a letter of endorsement from another AAN member. The award, which includes a $1,000 honorarium

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Debate Moves to the States as Health Reform Waits Until September

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:36:00 GMT

US House and Senate Committees continue to work on wide ranging health reform bills. Just before recessing until September, the House Energy & Commerce Committee wrapped up a bill that will have to be combined with measures passed

Advocacy: Only One Month Remains to Apply for Free Advocacy Training

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:34:00 GMT

Ever wonder how you could create real change for the future of your profession and impact the quality of patient care? The AAN is now accepting applications for an award-winning training program to be held January 7 through 10, 2010, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: No Health Reform Votes Before Fall

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:44:00 GMT

Health Reform is grinding to a halt in both the House and Senate as Congress approaches its scheduled August recess. As of this writing, the House bill "America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009" remains in limbo.

Advocacy: Improving Stroke Care in Sri Lanka

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:51:00 GMT

By Tissa Wijeratne, MD, FRACP - Stroke is the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing about five million deaths each year. A high incidence of strokes and stroke-related deaths occur in the developing world, including Sri Lanka,

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Health Debate Starts in the House; Delayed in the Senate

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:33:00 GMT

By Mike Amery - House Democrats are pushing for health care reform, the President wants a bill by the August recess, and the Sen. Finance Committee is trying to put a bipartisan deal together but keeps pushing the deadline back.

Advocacy: VA Begins Creating Epilepsy Centers of Excellence

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:09:00 GMT

The Veterans Health Administration (VA) has begun creating the Epilepsy Centers of Excellence with $3.8 million in funding for the last three months of FY2009 (July to September).

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Anxiously Awaiting a Bill

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:19:00 GMT

Mike Amery describes a conversation with Chris Dawe, the majority staff member of the Senate Finance Committee responsible for physician issues, and gives a progress report on the debate over health reform bills in the House and Senate.

Advocacy: Academy Submits Letter of Support for Adult Day Care Legislation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:30:00 GMT

The Academy has submitted a letter of support for the "Medicare Adult Day Care Services Act." This legislation would give seniors, people with disabilities, and their families the option to choose adult day care under Medicare.

Advocacy: NIH Issues Final Guidelines on Stem Cell Research

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:13:00 GMT

On July 7, the final guidelines by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for determining stem cell lines eligible for extramural NIH-funded stem cell research went into effect. President Obama asked the NIH to develop these

State Society: State Neurosociety Summer Meetings Offer CME Opportunities

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:11:00 GMT

Hosted by state neurological societies, summer meetings offer a range of CME opportunities as well as the chance to network and exchange information with other local neurologists. Academy staff will also be present at most meetings this year

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Health Care Reform - Focusing on the Patient

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:01:00 GMT

Congress was in recess last week, but the health care train continues to move forward. As reported last week, the Academy commented on the House Tri-Committee draft bill.

Advocacy: Academy Submits Comments to US House Regarding Proposed Health Care Legislation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The AAN Professional Association has submitted a comment letter to the chairs of the US House Ways and Means Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee, regarding the recent release of the House Democrats health reform legislation,

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Blue Dog Card Game

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:38:00 GMT

By Mike Amery - With the release of the Tri-Committee health care plan, even without cost details, the health care debate moved to the House last week.

Advocacy: House Democrats Release Health Care Reform Legislation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:46:00 GMT

Late last week, House Democrats released their proposal for health care reform legislation, which includes a mandate and subsidies for individuals to purchase health

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: A Billion Here, A Billion There . . .

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:50:00 GMT

The Academy's legislative counsel, Mike Amery, discusses Congressional activity following President Obama's speech last week to the AMA.

Advocacy: President Obama Addresses the AMA

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:50:00 GMT

The 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Medical Association House of Delegates took place June 12 to 17 in Chicago. At this meeting, the AMA considered proposed resolutions ranging from science and technology to legislation to medical education.

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: The Public Plan Food Fight

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:05:00 GMT

The "Public Plan" represents a line in the sand for health care legislation. Will the federal government initiate an insurance option to compete against private insurance health care plans? The rhetoric got louder this week

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Supporting Headache Research

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:38:00 GMT

Although the broad topic of Health Care Reform leads the headlines, Congress is still working on several other issues, including the 13 annual Appropriations bills required to

Advocacy: State Legislative Update: AEDs, EMGs, and EEGs

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:23:00 GMT

As state legislatures around the country wrap up their 2009 legislative sessions, the Academy continues to monitor issues relevant to members.

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: End of the First Half

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:36:00 GMT

With the end of May, Congress is nearing the midpoint of the legislative year and was on recess last week. I continued to meet with staff from key committees this week to discuss the Academy's goals for health reform.

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: A Crumbling Foundation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:08:00 GMT

The health care divide between Democrats and Republicans continues to center on whether a public plan option for insurance will be offered. I met with several members of Congress this week - the battle lines were clearly drawn.

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Senate Finance Committee Weighs Options for Health Care Reform

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 18 May 2009 22:18:00 GMT

Last Friday the Committee took comments on a paper it released, "Transforming the Health Care Delivery System: Proposals to Improve Patient Care and Reduce Health Care Costs." The Academy's Health Reform Task Force worked to submit comments

Advocacy: Academy Responds to Senate Finance Committee Paper

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:19:00 GMT

On May 15, the AAN Professional Association submitted a letter to the Senate Finance Committee in response to a paper titled, "Transforming the Health Care Delivery System: Proposals to Improve Patient Care and Reduce Health Care Costs," which contained ideas on how to revise payment systems and policies in the Medicare program.

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: So What's Going On? Or, How Do I Find $311 Billion?

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:00:00 GMT

"So what's going on, what are we doing?" This was the question (a joke?) House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) asked earlier this week when ...

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Congressmen Request Specifics on Proposals

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:49:00 GMT

The purpose of the discussion was to lay out some proposals that all of the specialties could agree on. We focused on support of innovative payment reforms as long as they are sufficiently tested before being put into wide use, relaxing antitrust rules, and liability reform.

Advocacy: Veterans Health Administration Begins Epilepsy Centers

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:23:00 GMT

The Veterans Health Administration (VA) is now implementing the new Epilepsy Centers of Excellence. Last year, Congress authorized creation of the centers in...

State Society: The State Neurosociety E-Manual Goes Live

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:10:00 GMT

The Academy has developed the State Neurosociety E-Manual as a resource for state societies in all stages of development. This online guide is intended for those involved,

Advocacy: Read New Approved Position Statement on Health Information Technology

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:21:00 GMT

The Academy has recently adopted a position statement that supports the adoption and utilization of health information technology (HIT) and seeks to be an active participant in the development of legislation surrounding HIT that is interoperable and networked with other sources through federated information exchange.

Advocacy: Postma Reports on Viste Public Policy Fellowship

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:39:00 GMT

The Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., MD, Neurology Public Policy Fellowship offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in federal policy and develop the kind of political relationships that help promote neurological interests. 2008-2009 Public Policy Fellow, Terri Postma, MD, checks in with her mid-year report.

Advocacy News -- Members Only: Bruce Sigsbee and Michael Amery Discuss Sigsbee's Landmark Testimony Before Congress

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:27:00 GMT

On Thursday, April 2, AAN Treasurer and President-Elect Bruce Sigsbee, MD, FAAN, testified before the US House of Representatives on behalf of the Academy during the hearing "Making Health Care Work for American Families: Saving Money, Saving Lives."

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Would You Like to Meet Your Member of Congress?

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:11:00 GMT

The best time to make your voice heard with members of Congress is now, during recess, when members have returned to their districts. Use Vocus to contact your representatives in the House and Senate and advocate for Academy initiatives in neurology.

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Congressional Testimony: What's It All About?

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:49:00 GMT

What happens when you receive an invitation to testify before the US House Energy & Commerce (E&C) Health Subcommittee?

Advocacy: Contact Congress Regarding Medicare Physician Payment Issues

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:04:00 GMT

For the first time, the President's budget for Fiscal Year 2010, assumes that Congress will fix the formula calling for a 21 percent reduction in physician reimbursement under Medicare. Even though the annual cuts are generally prevented by Congressional action, keeping this assumption in the FY 2010 budget is a significant safeguard for physicians.

Advocacy: Third Viste Award Recipient Announced

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:11:00 GMT

Richard Bedlack, MD, PhD, MSc, will be honored at the 2009 AAN Annual Meeting in Seattle as the third Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., MD, Patient Advocate of the Year. This award was created after Dr. Viste's death in 2005 to recognize neurologists who exemplifies his leadership and commitment to advocating for the patient community.

Advocacy: Academy Board Member Testifies Before Congress

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:43:00 GMT

The US House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee invited AAN Board member Bruce Sigsbee, MD, FAAN, to testify on behalf of the Academy during a hearing scheduled for Thursday, April 2.

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: A Meeting with the Referee

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:04:00 GMT

Academy Board member Bruce Sigsbee, MD, FAAN, will testify at the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee this Thursday, which I mentioned last week. Sigsbee will speak about his experience as a practicing neurologist and describe

Advocacy: Why Isn't 'Alice' in 'Wonderland,' and Can We Help Her Find It?

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:09:00 GMT

By Richard S. Bedlack, MD, PhD - ALS is perhaps the most devastating of all diseases, causing rapid and progressive loss of speech. Despite 130 years of research, ALS remains incurable.

Advocacy: Neurology on the Hill Brings Academy Members to Washington, DC

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:51:00 GMT

Academy members, representing 34 different states gathered in our nation's capitol this past week to urge Congress to act on issues important to their patients, as the seventh annual Neurology on the Hill (NOH) took place in Washington DC.

Advocacy: Updates Released on State AEDs and Liability Reform

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:52:00 GMT

As states consider legislation during their 2009 sessions, Academy staff have been working to stay on top of the issues that are important to our members.

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Influencing the Process

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:35:00 GMT

Slated to become the Academy's President-elect at the Annual Meeting in Seattle, Bruce Sigsbee, MD, FAAN, joined Mike Amery on Capitol Hill this week to help prepare arguments for the Academy's position on health care reform for

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Big Week Leading Up to Neurology on the Hill

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:07:00 GMT

Last week was hearing week on the Hill with several committees considering health care reform. The Senate Finance Committee met Thursday on Workforce Issues. In his opening remarks,

Advocacy: Academy Submits Statement to Senate Finance Committee

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:37:00 GMT

The Academy's Legislative Affairs Committee and Washington office are watching closely the federal health care reform debate. Following up on the document titled "The Critical Role of Neurologists in Our Health Care System," the Academy recently called on the US Senate to initiate health care reform that recognizes

Advocacy: Advocates Visit Capitol Hill to Encourage Greater NIH-funded Research

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:50:00 GMT

A group of 35 neurologists, clinicians, research scientists, and concerned advocates visited Capitol Hill February 24 to educate legislators about the need for greater NIH-funded research. The group, including 22 Academy members, visited 127 congressional offices from 27 states.

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Heath Care Reform, Brad Pitt, and Wine

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:16:00 GMT

President Obama held a "Health Summit" on Thursday, March 5, bringing many key industries, advocates, and members of Congress to the White House to start discussions on health care reform.

Advocacy: Obama Signs Order Lifting Restrictions on Stem Cell Funding

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:45:00 GMT

President Barack Obama has signed an executive order that lifts restrictions and federal funding for embryonic stem cell research (ESCR).

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Obama Releases 2010 Budget

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:38:00 GMT

President Obama outlined his 2010 budget Thursday morning. The document recognizes the impending crisis physicians are facing with a 21 percent cut in Medicare reimbursement looming

Advocacy: Appreciate the Challenges, Advocate for What's Important

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:14:00 GMT

In 2008, I took a sabbatical from my practice for a year to do the Kenneth Viste Public Policy Fellowship, sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, American Neurological Association, and the Child Neurology Society. As I reflect back on that time, I remember how exciting it was to be in the midst of negotiations on a bill one day, and then read about it in the Washington Post the next day. It was amazing to be able to walk through the Capitol building or to go into the Senate gallery and watch debates.

Advocacy: Liability Reform and AED Substitution Activity Reported in State Legislatures

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:14:00 GMT

Activity in the state legislatures of Hawaii, Iowa, and Georgia indicate those states' attention to key concerns in national health care reform.

Advocacy: 2009 Federal Legislative Priorities

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:24:00 GMT

The AAN Professional Association Board of Directors has approved federal legislative priorities for 2009, which were developed based on the recommendations of the Academy's Legislative Affairs Committee (LAC).

Advocacy: Stimulus Package Contains Provisions of Interest to Academy

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:21:00 GMT

Following Congressional agreement on compromise version, President Obama has signed H.R. 1, the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009"

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: A Monumental Time for Patient Care

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:23:00 GMT

The Academy's Health Reform Task Force has been working proactively to prepare for health care reform. Academy staff recently met with several patient advocacy groups to talk about common goals for reform. Everyone at the table agreed that protecting access to neurologists is critical to patient care.

Advocacy: State Legislative Updates: AEDs and EMG

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:47:00 GMT

As states introduce legislation to be considered during their 2009 sessions, Academy staff has been working to stay on top of the issues that are important to our members.

Advocacy: Join with Patient Groups to Advocate for Reform on Capitol Hill

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:36:00 GMT

Health care reform is at the forefront of the 111th Congress. The time is right for physicians and patients to speak up for the unique needs of neurologic patients. If you're not able to attend Neurology on the Hill this year, there are still several opportunities to come to Washington, DC, this spring

Advocacy: Funding for NIH and Health IT Moves Forward in Congress

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:07:00 GMT

As the debate to reform health care progresses, funding for both the National Institute of Health (NIH) and Health Care Information Technology have been included in the economic stimulus package being considered by Congress.

Advocacy: 2009 Update: Advocacy on AAN.com

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:37:00 GMT

Regardless of your politics, there is hope that the cyanotic American health care system may get some CPR with the start of the 111th Congress and the beginning of a new Presidential term.

Capitol Hill Report: Capitol Hill Report: Active First Month for New President, Congress

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:22:00 GMT

With the beginning of the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress, the Academy has set forth a list of legislative action items, including physician reimbursement, NIH funding, and other proposals.

Advocacy: Encourage Congress to Support More Funding for NIH

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:11:00 GMT

One of the first issues that the new Congress and Administration in Washington will face is the passage of an economic stimulus package.

Advocacy: 2009 Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum Convenes in San Diego

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:41:00 GMT

Nine Advisors mentored thirty new 2009 Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum attendees in San Diego earlier this month. The participants were trained in strategic communication, media, and grassroots legislation skills.

Advocacy: Educational Handout for Media and Policymakers Now Online

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:30:00 GMT

The AAN Professional Association's Health Reform Task Force has recently developed an educational handout outlining "The Critical Role of Neurologists in our Health Care System." Designed to educate and inform policymakers about the upcoming challenges neurologists and their patients face

State Society: Don't Miss Your State Society's February Meeting

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:13:00 GMT

State neurological society meetings are excellent opportunities to network with local colleagues, as well as to learn about and discuss current neurological topics and issues with your peers.

Advocacy: New Task Force Developed for Upcoming Health Care Reform Debate

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:07:00 GMT

With a new President-elect and Congress already beginning to tackle the issue of health care reform, the AAN Professional Association has developed a task force dedicated to developing a comprehensive strategy that will present the needs of neurologists and their patients on Capitol Hill.

Advocacy: Pleading the Cause

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:56:00 GMT

By Daniel C. Potts, MD - Lester Potts was transformed from a rural Alabama lumberman to a watercolor artist when he participated in art therapy at a dementia daycare center.

Advocacy: Help Haitian Health: Adopt a Soccer Team

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 21:58:00 GMT

Anthony G. Alessi, MD, FAAN, describes his work in Haiti as a participant in the AAN's Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum.

Advocacy: Report Examines 2008 Election Outcomes and Legislative Impact

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:56:00 GMT

What is the impact of the 2008 elections?

Advocacy: Find Your State's 'Dispense as Written Law'

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:40:00 GMT

Some states have specific language that may be different for Medicaid as compared to non-Medicaid patients. Find your respective state's "Dispense as Written" Law in a useful new guide located on the AAN Practice page.

Advocacy: Academy Efforts on Capitol Hill Yield a Successful Year in Advocacy

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:44:00 GMT

Thanks to your efforts, the 110th Congress passed a number of the Academy's priorities, making 2008 a very successful year for the Academy in Washington DC.

State Society: State Society Roundtable Meets in New Orleans

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:00:00 GMT

On September 27 and 28, leaders from Neurological State Societies across the country gathered in New Orleans for the Academy's Third Annual State Society Leaders Roundtable.

Advocacy: Congress Passes Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 as Part of Federal Bailout Package

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Congress has acted on another of the AANPA's top priorities for 2008 by passing The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, which was included as part of the recently passed Federal Bailout Package.

Advocacy: Congress Successfully Passes Academy Legislation to Create Epilepsy Centers of Excellence

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:00:00 GMT

The US Congress has passed Academy-driven legislation that will create up to six Epilepsy Centers of Excellence (ECoE) at the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA). President Bush is expected to sign the legislation.

State Society: Don't Forget to Register for State Society Fall Meetings

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:00:00 GMT

State Neurological Societies' fall meetings offer local opportunities for CME as well as a chance to network and exchange information with other local neurologists. Be sure to register for upcoming meetings in your area.

Advocacy: New York Installs One-Year Freeze on Malpractice Rates

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:00:00 GMT

The state of New York now has a one-year freeze on malpractice rates thanks to special session legislation that Governor David Paterson recently signed into law, giving the Legislature additional time to work on a long-term solution to the medical malpractice problem confronting the state.

Advocacy: Last Chance: Apply for 2009 Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Applications for the next Donald M. Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum must be submitted online by September 21, 2008. Apply now and take part in this empowering experience: using hands-on, interactive workshops, you will learn the skills needed to produce positive change for your patients and the profession of neurology. The Forum will be held January 8—11, 2009, in San Diego. Only online applications will be accepted.

Advocacy: Academy Continues to Push Congress on NIH and STOP Stroke Act

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:00:00 GMT

As legislators return to Washington DC for the month of September, the Academy continues to push Congress to address several issues important to our members. Bills proposing increased funding for the National Institutes of Health and the STOP Stroke Act have reached the Senate floor, but their passage into law is not guaranteed.

Advocacy: MS Insurance Advisory Committee: Washington State Neurologists Demonstrate Advocacy in Action

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

When insurance companies attempt to cut costs and restrict access to care, people with multiple sclerosis often become neurologists' most vulnerable patients. Treating MS is very expensive. MS patients and their physicians in Washington State now have a resource that can help.

Advocacy: Nominations for Viste Advocate of the Year Now Open

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:00:00 GMT

The 2009 Advocate of the Year Award is now open and accepting nominations until November 30th, 2008. Please nominate your colleagues for their commitment to patient advocacy today. The recipients will receive a $1,000 cash prize and recognition at the 2009 AAN Annual Meeting.

Advocacy: State Neurological Societies Prepare for Fall Meetings

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

State Neurological Societies are preparing for their fall meetings. These meetings offer a range of CME opportunities, as well as the chance to network and exchange information with other local neurologists.

Advocacy: Academy Signs Letter Supporting Senate Version of Epilepsy Center Legislation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:52:00 GMT

The American Academy of Neurology Professional Association–in conjunction with the Epilepsy Foundation and other supporters–recently sent a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees asking for support of S. 2004, a bill that creates six Epilepsy Centers of Excellence within the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Advocacy: Congress Overrides President's Veto of Medicare Reimbursement Bill

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:54:00 GMT

Following the July 9 passage of legislation in Congress to retroactively eliminate a 10.6 percent cut in physician reimbursement under Medicare, President Bush vetoed the bill (HR 6331) on July 15. However, both the House and Senate quickly voted to override the presidential veto. With the veto override, the bill now becomes law.

Advocacy: Academy Helps Congress Pass Physician Pay Fix

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:45:00 GMT

The US Senate passed legislation Wednesday to retroactively eliminate a 10.6-percent cut in physician reimbursement under Medicare. Sen. Ted Kennedy returned to the senate to make the deciding vote.

Advocacy: State Legislatures Take on Stem Cell Research

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Several state legislatures around the country have taken up the issue of stem cell research in 2008. Some have made advancements, while others continue to debate the subject. Find out which states have passed or vetoed legislation involving stem cell research.

Advocacy: Second Viste Award Recipient Announced

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Tarakad Ramachandran, MD, FAAN, was honored at the AAN Annual Meeting in Chicago as the second Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., MD, Patient Advocate of the Year award recipient. The award was created in 2005 to recognize neurologists who shared Viste's selfless act of working on behalf of the patient community throughout his distinguished career.

Advocacy: Senate to Take Up Medicare Reimbursement Late Wednesday

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:50:00 GMT

The Senate will reconsider legislation this week to stop a more than 10-percent cut to Medicare physician payments. The cuts became effective July 1.

Advocacy: What You Need to Know to Submit Medicare Claims Starting July 1

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:49:00 GMT

Since the US Senate failed to consider legislation to stop the Medicare physician payment cuts, a 10.6 percent Medicare payment cut has gone into effect beginning July 1. Physicians should be aware of their new options for submitting claims.

Advocacy: Senate Fails to Act; 10.6 Percent Medicare Payment Cut Going into Effect on July 1

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:11:00 GMT

The US Senate failed for a second time to consider legislation to stop the July 1 Medicare physician payment cuts. The June 26 cloture vote failed 58–40, one vote shy of the minimum needed to prevent the 10.6 percent cut. Note that for procedural reasons, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) changed his vote to "No," so that he is able to recall the issue at a later date.

Advocacy: House Votes on Version of Senate Bill to Eliminate Medicare Fee Reduction; VA Epilepsy Centers of Excellence Act Passes

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:00:00 GMT

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 24, passed HR 6331, the "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008." The legislation would erase an over ten-percent reduction to Medicare physician fees, which is currently scheduled to take effect on July 1. The House also passed the Epilepsy Centers of Excellence Act of 2007 (HR 2818), which would establish five epilepsy treatment centers co-located at the Veterans' Affairs Polytrauma Centers in Palo Alto, CA; Minneapolis, MN; San Antonio, TX; Richmond, VA; and Tampa, FL.

Advocacy: New Jersey Legislation to Fix Statute on NCV Studies

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:26:00 GMT

In 2006, the AAN supported New Jersey Assembly Bill 456, which sought to define needle electromyography (EMG) and the interpretation of nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies as the practice of medicine in the state of New Jersey. Prior to final passage, however, the language was changed without the AAN's knowledge or support. The bill, as signed into law, defines performing needle EMG as well as the interpretation and performance NCV studies as the practice of medicine. New Jersey statue (P.L.2005, c.303) prevents technicians from legally performing NCV studies.

Advocacy: Pennsylvania AED Legislation Passes Out of Committee

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:20:00 GMT

Legislation prohibiting pharmacists from interchanging an antiepileptic drug without prior notification and signed consent from both patient and physician passed out of the Pennsylvania House Health and Human Services Committee on a 22–5 vote on June 17. The bill has been re-committed to the Rules Committee and will hopefully move to the Senate floor for a vote.

State Society: Find Local Opportunities for CME, Networking, and Advocacy

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:00:00 GMT

State neurological society meetings are excellent opportunities to network with local colleagues, as well as to learn about and discuss current neurological topics and issues with your peers. With the fall meeting season right around the corner, now is the perfect time to get involved in these events.

Advocacy: State Legislatures Taking Action on Stroke Prevention

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:00:00 GMT

Legislatures across the nation have made strides in creating stroke awareness in 2008, as states help seek ways to diagnose and treat one of the leading causes of death. These state legislatures have either enacted or are in the process of enacting a variety of measures to make education about treatment and prevention more widely available.

Advocacy: AED Legislation Tied Up in New York Committee

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:35:00 GMT

Legislation prohibiting pharmacists from substituting any anti-epileptic drug for the prescribed anti-epileptic drug without notification and informed consent of the prescriber and patient has been "held for consideration" in a New York Assembly Higher Education Committee. This comes after a vote was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 3.

Advocacy: One Man Can Change the World: Neurologist Inspires Advocacy Community

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:00:00 GMT

By Kinfe Gebeyehu, MD, MPH, FAAP - Motivated by his own experience as a neurologist in Ethiopia, Enawgaw Mehari, MD, has created several award-winning programs that inspire all who are involved in advocacy work. These disparate programs–instigated through the vision and dedication of a single individual motivated by a sense of responsibility and desire to pay back his country–serve as an example that leadership, altruism, and enthusiasm are a powerful combination.

Advocacy: Epilepsy Centers Legislation Moves Forward

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:00:00 GMT

The AAN Professional Association (AANPA) is pleased with the Senate's passage of legislation to create Epilepsy Centers of Excellence at the Veterans Administration (VA). The bill, championed by the AANPA (S. 2004), was sponsored by Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Larry Craig (R-ID), and was included as part of S. 2162, a larger veterans' health bill that passed unanimously.

Advocacy: Genetic Non-Discrimination Bill Signed into Law

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 28 May 2008 20:16:00 GMT

A bill prohibiting discrimination based on genetic tests has become law, thanks in part to Academy members advocating for it during Neurology on the Hill last March. The Genetic Discrimination Ban makes it illegal for employers to make decisions on whether to hire or fire potential employees based on the results of genetic tests. In addition, health insurers can no longer deny coverage or charge higher premiums simply because of genetic test results.

Advocacy: AANPA Members Push Congress to Pass the Save Medicare Act of 2008

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:18:00 GMT

Failure to pass new Medicare legislation before July 1 will result in a 10.6 percent cut of physician payments, followed by a 5 percent cut on January 1, 2009. These cuts could reduce seniors' access to physicians, limit investment in health care technology, and cause offices to cut staff.

Advocacy: Apply Now For 2009 Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 23 May 2008 15:51:00 GMT

The AAN's award-winning Donald M. Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum is now taking applications. Apply to become a participant in the next Forum, held January 8–11, 2009. Applications are accepted online only and must be submitted by September 21, 2008.

Advocacy: Report from Neurology on the Hill 2008

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:11:00 GMT

By Lily Jung, MD, FAAN - Over one hundred neurologists traveled to Washington, DC, in March to attend the Sixth Annual Neurology on the Hill (NOH). These Academy members came to meet with members of Congress and discuss the Academy's top federal priorities. Constructive knowledge sharing, conversations, and presentations covered legislation critical for neurological research and treatment, strengthening the dialogue between Congress and the community of neurologists.

Advocacy: Medicare Physician Reimbursement Short Term Fix Proposed

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:05:00 GMT

US Senate Finance Committee chair Max Baucus (D-MT) has committed to drafting legislation that would provide an 18-month fix to stop Medicare physician reimbursement cuts. Without congressional action, physician reimbursement under Medicare will be cut by 10.6 percent on July 1, 2008, and another five percent on January 1, 2009.

Advocacy: Health Care and Politics Merge at the 2008 Practice Colloquium, Saturday, April 12, McCormick Place West, Room 184CD

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:36:00 GMT

Hear from keynote speaker and renowned Washington insider, Morton Kondracke, as well as representatives from the Presidential campaigns at the free Practice Colloquium during the 2008 Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Advocacy: The World Neurology Foundation: Supporting Palatucci Advocacy Efforts in Low-Resource Regions

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:40:00 GMT

The Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum (PALF) includes international neurologists as Fellows, and these individuals have offered a natural partnership with the Academy and the London-headquartered World Federation of Neurology and its Committees. The World Neurology Foundation currently is working to support several projects that have been initiated by PALF alumni.

Advocacy: AED Substitution: Educate and Advocate for a Safe Option

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:43:00 GMT

Pharmacies in many states substitute antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) without physician or patient consent to the less expensive generic drugs. Practicing neurologists should routinely ask patients exhibiting breakthrough seizures whether a substitution or change in their medication has been made.

Advocacy: From the Advocacy Editor - February 2008

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:03:00 GMT

As we approach the first anniversary of the launch of the new AAN website, it's exciting to review the progress we have made on the advocacy website.

Advocacy: 29 New Palatucci Advocates Complete Training, Begin Action Plans

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:30:00 GMT

Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum graduates will spend 2008 implementing advocacy action plans, developed with the guidance of Forum physician alumni.

Advocacy: US Army: Nearly 20 Percent of Veterans Have TBI

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:06:00 GMT

As many as 20 percent of veterans returning from war have experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to an Army TBI task force report released on January 17.

State Society: Strategies for Developing a Successful State Neurological Society: Lessons from Florida

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:06:00 GMT

By Michael F. Finkel MD, FAAN - The Florida Society of Neurology (FSN) was founded in 1968. However, by 2000 it was a much contracted organization, with token membership among Florida neurologists and very low meeting attendance. The FSN Board of Directors began a review of the organization to reverse this trend. Happily, this coincided with the AAN's initiative to build stronger state societies through collaboration with the newly formed State Affairs Committee (SAC), which provided advice and support.

Advocacy: US Health Care Spending Tops $2 Trillion

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:09:00 GMT

Americans spent $2.1 trillion on health care in 2006, a 6.7-percent increase over 2005. Spending on physician services rose by 5.9 percent, the lowest rate of increase in seven years, according to CMS findings.

Advocacy: Congress Passes Legislation to Delay Medicare Physician Pay Cuts; Extends SCHIP Funding

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:19:00 GMT

Congress has passed legislation to replace the scheduled 10.1-percent cut of Medicare physician reimbursement with a 0.5-percent increase for the next six months. The bill will delay the cut until June of 2008.

State Society: The Birth of a State Neurological Society

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:19:00 GMT

By Terri Postma, MD - The idea to create a state neurological society had been germinating before I was accepted as a Fellow for the AAN Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum, and became firmly rooted during my training at the Palatucci meeting in January 2007. While there, we were challenged to formulate action plans for advocacy issues we were interested in pursuing; mine was to start a state neurological society in Kentucky. The task was both exciting and overwhelming.

Advocacy: 2008 Palatucci Forum Welcomes 30 New Neurology Advocates

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:02:00 GMT

Thirty neurologists from around the world will receive award-winning advocacy training when the 2008 Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum is held in Florida in January.

State Society: New State Resources Tools for AANPA Members

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:59:00 GMT

Take advantage of several new and improved features to help your state society grow and thrive, now on the AAN website.

State Society: AAN to Host State Society Leadership Roundtable During 2008 Annual Meeting

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:48:00 GMT

Based on the success of the 2007 State Society Leadership Roundtable in Denver, CO, the AAN will once again host a State Society Leadership Roundtable during the 2008 Annual Meeting in Chicago.

State Society: State Society Breakout Sessions Provide Unique Gathering Opportunity

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:47:00 GMT

In addition to the State Society Roundtable, the AAN will also host three individual state society breakout sessions during the 2008 Annual Meeting.

State Society: Get Involved With Your State's Neurological Society

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:47:00 GMT

AAN encourages members to get involved in advocacy efforts in their homestates.

Advocacy: Asia-Pacific Palatucci Alumni to Hold Reunion in March

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:30:00 GMT

Palatucci alumni from India, Pakistan, Philippines and Sri Lanka will meet in March 2008 as part of the fifth Asia Pacific Congress Against Stroke to be held in Pasig City, Philippines.

Advocacy: Congress Urged to Fix Medicare Reimbursement by Year's End

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:53:00 GMT

Time is running out for Congress to prevent a more than 10-percent cut in Medicare physician reimbursement. Academy members are urged to contact their legislators now.

Advocacy: Stem-Cell Breakthroughs Announced

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:10:00 GMT

A pair of teams recently announced they have independently created pluripotent human stem cells using non-embryonic tissue. Leaders of both teams call for embryonic stem-cell research to continue.

Advocacy: Epilepsy Legislation Advances in US Senate; NIH Funding Vetoed

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:39:00 GMT

On Nov. 14 the US Senate Veterans Affairs Committee approved Epilepsy Centers of Excellence legislation, while a 2.9-percent increase in NIH funding was vetoed the previous day.

Advocacy: New Law Provides Department of Defense MS Research Grants

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:51:00 GMT

Federal legislation signed on November 13 now includes multiple sclerosis among the diseases eligible for grants under a $50 million Department of Defense research program.

Advocacy: Updates on NIH, SCHIP Legislation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 20:14:00 GMT

The US Senate recently approved a 2.9 percent increase in NIH funding, while the House approved a modified SCHIP reauthorization bill. Both measures could be vetoed by the President.

Advocacy: AAN Member Testifies Before Congress re. VA Epilepsy Legislation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 19:58:00 GMT

AAN member Brien Smith, MD, testified in support of epilepsy legislation for veterans before the US Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on October 24.

Advocacy: AAN Urges President Bush to Support Increased NIH/NINDS Funding

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:19:00 GMT

AAN President Stephen M. Sergay, MB BCh, FAAN, asks President Bush to support Congress' recommended funding levels for the NIH and NINDS in 2008.

State Society: Palatucci Alumni Spark New State Neurological Societies in Kentucky, Pennsylvania

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:47:00 GMT

Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum alums Terri Postma, MD and Brad Klein, MD, MBA, work to establish new state neurological societies in their respective home states of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

Advocacy: NIH Director Restates Support for Expanded Embryonic Stem-Cell Research

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:38:00 GMT

In the Summer 2007 issue of NIH MedlinePlus magazine, National Institutes of Health (NIH) director Elias Zerhouni, MD renewed his call for federal support of "all avenues of research" for stem-cell therapies.

Advocacy: Apply Now for 2008 Neurology on the Hill

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:36:00 GMT

Get involved in advocating for your patients and profession by participating in the 2008 Neurology on the Hill event. Training is provided prior to meeting members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

Advocacy: Palatucci Graduates Host 'Headache on the Hill' Advocacy Event

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 16:28:00 GMT

Robert Shapiro, MD, PhD, and Kathy Gardner, MD, 2007 Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum graduates from Vermont and Pennsylvania, are leading a group of medical and research professionals to Washington, DC, on September 25-26 to call for stronger support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for headache and migraine research.

Advocacy: US Senate Introduces AAN-initiated Epilepsy Center Legislation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:52:00 GMT

The AAN has partnered with members of Congress to introduce a bill to create six epilepsy centers of excellence to be overseen by the VA Director of Neurology.

Advocacy: House Passes Two-Year Medicare Reimbursement Fix

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 16:30:00 GMT

The US House has passed the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act (CHAMP Act) which reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and replaces the Medicare physician payment cuts of 15 percent over the next two years with positive 0.5 percent increases.

Advocacy: Temporary Fix to Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Proposed

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 15:33:00 GMT

Leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives recently introduced the Children's Health And Medicare Protection Act (or CHAMP Act, H.R. 3162) a bill which reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and provides a temporary, two-year fix of Medicare physician payments. The CHAMP Act would replace the Medicare physician payment cuts of 15 percent over the next two years with positive 0.5 percent increases.

Advocacy: AAN Member Helps Raise Support for New VA Epilepsy Center Bill

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:54:00 GMT

AAN State Affairs Committee member and Colorado Medical Society President, Lynn Parry, MD, appeared recently with US Congressman Ed Perlmutter (D-Colorado) in support of the Epilepsy Centers of Excellence Act of 2007. Parry and Perlmutter held a press conference in early July to promote the importance of establishing the centers.

Advocacy: Applications Now Accepted for 2008 Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:06:00 GMT

Applications for the sixth-annual Donald M. Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum are due September 16, 2007. The Forum is an award-winning program that educates neurologists who demonstrate a genuine interest in advocating for their profession and their patients. Since 2003, the program has trained 150 neurologists from 38 US states and ten countries. The Forum will be held January 10 through 13, 2008, at the St. Regis Resort in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Sign up now!

Advocacy: Tennessee Adopts Epilepsy Patient Protection Legislation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:56:00 GMT

A new law in Tennessee now requires pharmacists to provide prior notification to physicians and patients of an AED switch from one manufacturer to another.

Advocacy: AAN Supports Establishing Epilepsy Centers with New Legislation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 16:41:00 GMT

The Academy is working with Congress to create six epilepsy centers of excellence that will be overseen by the VA Director of Neurology. Legislation mirrors a previous successful effort by the AAN to permanently authorize similar MS and Parkinson's centers of excellence.

Advocacy: President Bush Vetoes Stem Cell Legislation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 22:00:00 GMT

The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act which would have allowed federal funding for research using stem cells derived from human embryos has been vetoed by President Bush. The bill will be returned to Congress, which does not have enough votes to override the veto. The AAN had previously sent a letter urging the President to sign the bill.

Advocacy: Congress Passes Stem Cell Legislation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:00:00 GMT

On June 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (S.5) by a vote of 247 to 176. The act would allow federal funding for research using stem cells derived from human embryos originally created for fertility treatments and willingly donated by patients. In April, the AAN sent a letter to President Bush urging him to sign S. 5 into law. Click "read more" for the full story and to read the Academy's letter to the President.

Advocacy: AAN Member Testifies on Veterans' TBI/Epilepsy Issues Before Congress

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 23 May 2007 14:28:00 GMT

Legislative Affairs Committee member John Booss, MD, a former Director of Neurology for the Department of Veterans Affairs, presented testimony on TBI and the link to post-traumatic epilepsy before the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on Wednesday, May 23.

Advocacy: AAN Amends Bylaws to Form Professional Association

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 07 May 2007 15:58:00 GMT

At the May 1 AAN business meeting in Boston, members voted unanimously to change the AAN bylaws, enabling the formation of a new American Academy of Neurology Professional Association (AANPA). The AANPA is expected to establish a political action committee (PAC) to enhance the Academy's advocacy work in Washington, DC.

Advocacy: AAN Helps Senator Clinton Draft TBI Legislation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 18:00:00 GMT

On March 13, 2007, more than 100 neurologists visited Washington, DC, to participate in the fifth annual Neurology on the Hill. They advocated for better neurological care and treatment for combat veterans injured during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their efforts highlighted for members of Congress the critically important role of neurology in screening, diagnosing and treating veterans with brain injuries and other complications such as post-traumatic epilepsy.

Advocacy: US Senate Passes Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 18:00:00 GMT

On April 11, the Senate passed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (S.5) by a vote of 63-34. President Bush has threatened to veto this bill, which is nearly identical to the legislation that passed the House and Senate in the previous Congress. Federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research is allowed only for research using embryonic stem cell lines created on or before Aug. 9, 2001, under a policy announced by Bush on that date.

Advocacy: Record Number of AAN Members Attend 2007 Neurology on the Hill

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:10:00 GMT

The Fifth Annual Neurology on the Hill brought 107 Members together in Washington DC to Advocate for Important Issues