In an effort to raise patient confidence and improve patient safety, the ACC's Maryland Chapter initiated an effort to mandate external peer review for cardiac catheterization labs. Thanks in part to the Maryland Chapter's efforts, the Maryland General Assembly has passed a law requiring the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) to create regulations that address this issue as well as volume requirements for operators. Two MD-ACC members served on the Clinical Advisory Group that advised the MHCC. The final regulations, issued in August, mandate internal peer review and a semi-annual external peer review of 5 percent of each institution's cases. This is just one example of how advocacy efforts can impact patient care. ACC's State Advocacy team is dedicated to helping chapters advance public policies that support cardiovascular professionals and their patients.

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