Pennsylvania Chapter American College of Cardiology

“The society has a management service agreement with the pa medical society (pamed) in which pamed provides administrative services to the society, which includes membership/administration coordination, board and committee support, marketing and communications, meeting coordination, technology management, and financial management. In return for these services, the society pays pamed a monthly base fee of 14,636.”

“Membership is managed by the american college of cardiology. The chapter's membership is open to all members of the cardiovascular team, including physicians, cardiovascular team members, administrators, and more, with a number of different types of membership. All pennsylvania-based acc members are automatically pa chapter members. Acc creates the membership categories, processes applications and collects both national and chapter dues. Chapter dues are sent to us on a monthly basis. The two paacc chapter governors-elect and the two cardiovascular team (cvt) liaisons are elected by the members via a nominating and election process run by the acc. The secretary/treasurer seat is the only office held by a member who is nominated by the paacc nominating committee and put forward to all voting members of the paacc for an election. All other seats on the governing body are appointments by the two governors. Other than the elections outlined above, members would vote only on issues presented at the annual business meeting.”

“The members elect the governing body.”

“The members approve certain actions by the governing board.”

“The staff of the pa medical society initially review the form 990. The entire board is provided with a copy of the return before the return is filed with the internal revenue service.”

“A conflict of interest statement is completed annualy by officers, directors, and key employees. The president and staff monitor the policy. Family and business relationships are expressly mentioned in the policy. Board members and other interested persons shall disclose all facts material to the conflict. Such person will not participate in or be present to hear discussions on the conflict except to disclose material facts and respond to questions. The person will not vote on any questions regarding a conflict.”

“The organization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policies, and financial statements available to public inspection upon request.”

“The purpose of the chapter is to contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases; to insure high quality of care for individuals with such diseases; to advance the knowledge, science and practice of cardiovascular medicine; to assist cardiovascular practitioners in the training; to foster the cooperation of all who are concerned with the medical, psychological, social and economic aspects of cardiovascular diseases; to represent the views and opinions of its membership before the governing bodies of the american college of cardiology (acc); and to present the views and opinions of the governing bodies of the chapter before its membership. The chapter actively participates in the development and implementation of laws and regulations affecting the practice of cardiovascular medicine and the delivery of quality cardiovascular care to the citizens residing within the boundaries of the commonwealth of pennsylvania.”

“The paacc promotes the same values of the american college of cardiology: professionalism - the interests of patients are primary. Knowledge - the acc and paacc must promote growth, dissemination and knowledge about cardiovascular medicine. Value of the cardiovascular specialist - the cardiovascular specialist makes a distinct contribution to medical care that should be recognized and enhanced. Integrity - honesty, compliance with legal requirements and ethical behavior are essential in all activities. Member driven - the acc, paacc and their major activities must be led by active members and must promote volunteerism. Inclusiveness - the acc and paacc involves a broad range of volunteers that reflects the composition of its membership.”