American's Society of Anesthesiologists-Political Action Committee

1. Name of PAC: The name of the PAC is the American’s Society of Anesthesiologists.
2. Goal of PAC: The goal of the ASA is to improve medical standards for anesthesiologists as well as improving clinical care for patients of anesthesiologists (American Society of Anesthesiologists). They aim to provide the most comfort for all patients receiving anesthesia.
3. Membership: (How many members are there in this PAC? Generally, who are members?) Currently, there are nearly 50,000 members of the ASA. Only doctors of medicine or osteopathy who can legally practice medicine are permitted to join.
4. Specific policy aims or recent legislation: On June 24, 2011, the ASA sent a letter to Congress asking for a repeal to the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), arguing that the IPAB will result in Medicare payment cuts, thus prohibiting patients from quality healthcare. Another key issue for the ASA is the Truth and Transparency Legislation. The ASA has pushed for this legislation to make it unlawful to misrepresent one’s degree and education (American Society of Anesthesiologists). For example, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists cannot introduce themselves as anesthesiologists (physicians) since they have a nursing degree (RN) and not a medical degree (MD).
5. Amount of money given to candidates: In 2012, the ASA spent $900,000 on Republicans and $500,000 on Democrats. Democratic Representative Ron Barber received $25,000 while Republican Representative Dan Benishek received $15,000. Democratic Senator Ben Cardin received $12,000 while Republic Senator Todd Akin only received $10,000 (OpenSecrets). Republicans overall, however, still received more many than Democrats.
6. Which candidates benefit the most from this PAC? Republican candidates benefit the most from the ASA. In 2012, their total contribution to federal candidates was about $1.5 million, while 36% was contributed to Democrats and 64% was contributed to Republicans (OpenSecrets).
7. Any other important facts: (Leadership, Advertising, etc.) As of 2011, the President of the American Society of Anesthesiologist is Jerry A. Cohen (American Society of Anesthesiologists). Anesthesia Associates PAC contributes the most to the ASA, and the ASA contributes the most to the Republican Governors Association. Most of the ASA’s money is spent on contributions and fundraising. In 2012, $3.5 million was raised while $3 million was spent. The ASA spent $593 on media, $51,000 on campaign expenses, and $16,000 for administrative purposes in 2012 (OpenSecrets).

Works Cited

"American Society of Anesthesiologists." American Society of Anesthesiologists. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Aug. 2013.

"American Society of Anesthesiologists Summary." Opensecrets RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Aug. 2013.