State Leaders Meet to Address Critical Policy & Practice Issues Facing the Cancer Care Delivery System

November 5, 2018

On October 25, leaders from the ASCO State Affiliate Council met to discuss pressing issues in oncology, including drug pricing, Medicaid work requirements, changes to the Medicare physician fee schedule, and the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

During the meeting, Council members also discussed emerging issues, including access to opioids for pain management, utilization management techniques that may hinder access to cancer care, and drug wastage. Attendees also focused on effective state advocacy and strategies to improve member engagement and recruitment.

State Affiliate leaders also met on Friday, October 26 for the State Affiliate Leadership Conference, which provided practical information and tools on topics like data privacy, engaging with employed physicians, succession planning, and other topics geared at strengthening societies.

The State Affiliate Council was established in January 2012 to serve as an advisory group to ASCO’s Board of Directors on issues relating to ASCO’s State and Regional Affiliates and their members. The Council collaborates with and supports effective communication between the ASCO Board and ASCO’s domestic membership. Specifically, the Council:

  • Identifies unaddressed needs and develops consensus for Board consideration
  • Disseminates information about ASCO’s public policy priorities to its membership
  • Responds to Board of Directors inquiries
  • Provides feedback to ASCO on draft policy statements

Learn more about the State Affiliate Council and find your state or regional affiliate.

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