From: Frank Ryan, Director, State Government Affairs

MEMORANDUM

To: Chapter Executives ACC Board of Governors

Date: December 5, 2014

Subject: Consultants for state advocacy. Lobbyists, attorneys, public affairs experts: ACC funding for two chapters.

Background The most successful state advocacy programs rely on local consultants such as contract lobbyists, attorneys and public affairs experts to represent them before lawmakers and in the court of public opinion. Consultants leverage institutional knowledge, public policy expertise and personal relationships to ensure their clients concerns are addressed. Ten ACC chapters currently retain consultants and over the last ten years, seven others have retained them for targeted projects. In each instance the chapter achieved its legislative objective and raised its visibility with decision-makers. Because cardiology’s state issues are more challenging than ever, the College has decided to provide funding for consultants for two ACC chapters. This pilot project is part of the State Government Affairs Team’s Member Engagement in State Capitols initiative. We’d like to make this a permanent program with some costs covered by the chapters.

Features and Chapter Benefits ACC covers most costs, including consultant fees, travel and expenses and handles most administrative tasks. The primary tasks of the consultant are to raise the Chapter’s profile in state capitols, educate lawmakers on an urgent issue and position chapter members to effectively advocate. Depending on specific needs, the two qualifying chapters would get one year of services from one type of consultant as described below:

 Public affairs/media expert: to secure media coverage and develop a public education campaign around key issues

 State health care attorney to help navigate complex state health regulations and represent the chapter before gubernatorial committees who oversee cardiovascular services

 Contract lobbyist to represent the chapter before the state legislature and position members to develop constituent relationships with key lawmakers

If you are interested in applying, please complete the application and fax to Frank Ryan at 202-375- 6847 BY FRIDAY DECEMBER 19, 2014. APPLICATION FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES

Tell us about your state advocacy challenge or opportunity

1. Identify the type of consultant you are seeking and explain why you need the particular services they provide. Sample response: “Negative and inaccurate press reports about imaging utilization has alarmed legislators and the public. It is critical that we change the tone of media coverage and educate local thought leaders.”

2. Describe the public policy issue you wish to address and its potential effect on your members.

3. Briefly explain why the political environment in your state merits the need for a consultant. Sample response: “With Republicans now holding a majority in the state senate there is an opportunity to pass legislation that sets caps on non-economic damages for medical malpractice verdicts.”

Feel free to contact Frank Ryan for help with the application. (202-375-6409 or 240-620-9352) to further discuss your needs. And feel free to call Frank while you are completing the application.

Next Steps: Applications are due on December 19. They will be reviewed immediately and chapter awardees will be announced in January.

 When the two chapters are chosen, the State Team will work with them to choose the consultant that best fits their needs

 ACC will negotiate the contract and cover all associated costs and execute payments. ACC and the chapter will meet with the consultant to discuss an advocacy plan and set goals

 ACC, the chapter and the consultant will communicate throughout the term of the contract to discuss strategy implementation

 After the term of the contract, ACC and the chapter will meet to evaluate the consultant’s performance and to what extent the arrangement benefitted the chapter’s advocacy agenda