ASCO in Action: Your Resource for Public Policy and Clinical Affairs Initiatives from ASCO

ASCO November 2010, Volume 1, Issue 6

ASCO is constantly working for its members in the areas of public policy and clinical affairs to ensure patient access to high-quality cancer care. In an effort to better communicate ASCO's work in these arenas, ASCO has developed the ASCO in Action Web page (www.asco.org/ascoaction). From research policy to clinical affairs, quality of care, and government relations, this is the "one-stop shop" for the latest updates on ASCO's initiatives and projects out of the Cancer Policy and Clinical Affairs Department.

Updated Regularly

Updated almost daily, regular postings include policy recommendations submitted to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), comments sent to the FDA, guideline and clinical practice updates, electronic health record program updates, and high-priority legislative and regulatory action. You will also hear directly from the society in videos and opinion pieces published on an as-needed basis.

Developed in the summer of 2009, ASCO in Action was initially designed to serve as a resource regarding news on the health-care reform legislation. Although health-care reform was a hot issue at the time, it soon became clear that the need was not just for what was going on outside of ASCO, but rather for what ASCO considered priorities in terms of public policy.

Evolving Forum

Officially relaunched in March 2010, the ASCO in Action Web page continues to evolve to better serve our members. While ASCO had communicated with membership on public policy issues through the Cancer Policy Today newsletter, and timely Grassroots Action Alerts, the cohesion among the different communication vehicles needed to be addressed.

This past summer, in conjunction with the ASCO in Action Web page, the Society launched the ASCO in Action Brief-a stand-alone newsletter dedicated to more in-depth feature articles about the topics featured on the ASCO in Action Web page. Members who wish to get involved with ASCO's public policy efforts also receive ASCO in Action Alerts-a call to action around a particular issue or legislation.

For the Society's positions on hot-button policy issues and more information on how ASCO's initiatives impact policymakers and stakeholders across the cancer community, visit ASCO in Action. ■

© 2010. American Society of Clinical Oncology. All Rights Reserved.

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