The Virginia Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (VCACC) works for you on regulations, with CPT codes, other issues; about how to form coalitions with the American College of Cardiology, Medical Society of Virginia, the Heart Association and others.

Chapter Statement on COPN

The VCACC has major concerns about the COPN process and its effects on patient's access to care. We are concerned that the process is unnecessarily costly and burdensome to applicants. We are concerned that the COPN process serves to the advantage of existing programs and stymies competition and innovation. We are concerned that it inhibits the development of new programs that give patients access to more choices on where to seek care. We are concerned that the process can be affected by undue influence of some participants, and thus subject to "regulatory capture."

Click here to read VCACC letter to the Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee Task Force on COPN.

Volunteer as a Legislative Contacts

VCACC is seeking cardiologists who have a special relationship with a Virginia General Assembly member or a Congressional Representatives. "Special relationship" means that the legislator might be your neighbor, patient, friend or acquaintance - someone with whom you have developed a comfortable, working association.

Legislatively, as in past, there will be variety of important issues put forth by Virginia General Assembly members. The most effective and productive method of promoting VCACC's side of an issue is through a cardiologist who personally knows his or her legislators. Physicians in the trenches understand the need to either promote or oppose a piece of proposed legislation. You also would know best how to explain the effect pending legislation would have on the quality of patient care.

To get an accurate listing of your House and Senate members, click here and enter your residential or office information.

It's also important for us to know who you are and who you know. If you're willing to be a legislative contact VCACC staff will assist you from there. We will present and explain background information and position sheets on major medical legislation, answer questions you may have about particular bills and assist you in making an initial contact with your legislators both prior and during session.

For further information or to submit your name as a volunteer, please contact Jennifer Ray Beckman at jlrbeckman@vcacc.com or Bob Shor, Chair of the Advocacy Committee at rshor@tcg.md. Only as a unified body can physicians make a difference.