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.
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.
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.
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.