American College of Cardiology

Yesterday, the membership of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) voted in support of an initiative that will enable the College to expand its advocacy efforts on behalf of cardiovascular specialists and their patients while strengthening its commitment to cutting-edge continuing medical education and quality-of-care efforts.

"Technically, this is a fine-tuning of our organizational structure that allows us to expand our activities in compliance with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations," explained ACC President George A. Beller, MD. "This enables us to enhance our advocacy activities in support of our members, both nationally and at the local level, without changing the College's core values or commitment to education."

Based on this vote there will be two legal entities: the American College of Cardiology, a 501(c)(6) corporation; and the American College of Cardiology Foundation, a 501(c)(3) corporation. To comply with IRS regulations, the 501(c)(3) will be responsible for continuing the traditional scientific, research, and educational activities, with expanded opportunities for charitable giving. The 501(c)(6) will be responsible for general membership activities, including an increased level of advocacy and lobbying. Full implementation of this plan is anticipated for January 2002, contingent on final approval by the IRS.

"This was a very significant decision by the membership," added Douglas P. Zipes, MD, who will be installed as the ACC's 2001-02 president at this evening's Convocation ceremony. "Given the increasing stresses of practice, it is absolutely critical that we expand our advocacy activities on behalf of our member physicians to ensure continuous improvement in quality of care for our patients."