Charge of the ACOI Government Affairs Committee

1. Justification The ACOI is committed to enhancing the professional and personal development of the family of osteopathic internists through education, advocacy, research and the opportunity for service. The Committee on Government Affairs provides an opportunity for ACOI members to serve their profession by taking an active roll in monitoring federal legislation and regulations and providing guidance to the Board of Directors. Recognizing the significant role federal health care policy plays in the delivery of health care and the ability of physicians to provide the highest level of quality care, the ACOI Committee on Government Affairs shall be established as a standing committee enhancing the value of ACOI membership.
    
2. Objectives
   • Review existing and proposed legislative and regulatory policies of the Federal government impacting the practice of medicine and the operation of physician practices.
   • Monitor and advocate on issues of importance to osteopathic internists such as, but not limited to, physician reimbursement under the Medicare program, medical liability reform, health information technology and coding.
   • Where appropriate, work in conjunction with the ACOI Committee on Practice Management to identify and analyze federal health care policy that impacts the economics of the health care delivery system.
   • Encourage advocacy efforts by ACOI membership and staff that promote the College, osteopathic internal medicine and the osteopathic profession.
   • The Committee shall make recommendations to the Board of Directors in conjunction with its review and analysis of federal health care policy.
3. Committee Membership
   • The Committee shall consist of at least six (6) members selected by the President and approved by the Board of Directors. The President shall choose the chairman from the Committee membership for a term of one year. A chairman may serve consecutive years.
   • Committee members shall serve a term of three (3) years with a maximum of two (2) terms permitted. A term limit may be waived at the recommendation of the President and with the consent of the Board of Directors.
   • The Committee shall include at least one (1) member of the ACOI Committee on Practice Management.
4. Accountability
   • A report shall be submitted to the Board of Directors at the semiannual meetings.
   • The chairman of the Government Affairs Committee shall determine, in conjunction with the Committee membership, the frequency of meetings to conduct the business of the Committee and accomplish the charge set forth.
5. Responsible Staff Person The Executive Director or staff appointee shall be assigned to the Committee to facilitate the Committee�s operation. The Executive Director or staff representative may serve as the Secretary of the Committee.
    
6. Self Evaluation Plan The Committee shall evaluate itself annually. The evaluation should provide for a review of the activity of the Committee, a reporting of the participation of the Committee members in Committee meetings and a review of any actions taken or recommendations made by the Committee. Emphasis of the report should relate to the mission of the ACOI and enhancing the benefits made available to ACOI membership.