TASCS’s Capitol Day during the 87th Texas Legislative Session

Last week, the Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society (TASCS) held its bi-annual Capitol Day virtually. The event was a success that included meetings with a focus group of ambulatory surgery center (ASC) members and various legislative offices, including a welcome kick-off from Senator Dawn Buckingham, MD herself. 

Texas Senator Dawn Buckingham welcomes TASCS Capitol Day to discuss 87th Legislative Session initiatives concerning the healthcare industry.

The day consisted of conversations focused on key bills such as the Governor’s EMS & Trauma Advisory Council (GETAC) bill (HB 3605 by Rep. John Turner and SB 1763 by Sen. Drew Springer) that adds an ASC representative to the GETAC. There was overwhelming support from centers wanting to be part of future emergency preparedness for disaster, incited by early state responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

TASCS President Dr. Kimberly Persley, a Gastroenterologist from Dallas Endoscopy Center, spoke with legislative offices about SB 429, adopting and implementing a surgical smoke evacuation system policy at certain healthcare facilities. Dr. Persley emphasized ASC community support to care for healthcare workers in the surgical room and educated policymakers that, as the current bill is written, it includes all facilities, even those that do not use surgical smoke.

TASCS President Dr. Kimberly Persley, a Gastroenterologist from Dallas Endoscopy Center, spoke with legislative office Rep. Julie Johnson about the way the surgical smoke evacuation system effects specialized centers.

Discussion continued on topics ranging from anesthesia assistants’ licensure and colon cancer screening to third-party medical billing and PPE exemption from sales and use tax. 

Holding a virtual Capitol Day allowed TASCS members Christine Whittle, Administrator for Central Texas Day Surgery Center Killeen and Adam Hornback, Administrator for North Texas Team Care Surgery Center, to walk legislative participants through their ASCs in real-time and to introduce staff working at the centers. It also allowed for attendees from all over the state to safely and easily join in online.

Christine Whittle, Administrator for Central Texas Day Surgery Center Killeen, shows Grace Watson with Sen. Bob Hall office a tour of her ASC. Adam Hornback, Administrator for North Texas Team Care Surgery Center, tours Sitara Seth Legislative Aide Intern for Rep. Jacey Jetton office a tour of his ASC.

 

TASCS wants to thank everyone who helped make the event possible and for helping us to continue shining a light on the benefits of the ASC industry in Texas.

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James McClung - Monday, April 26, 2021
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