Association of Community Cancer Centers Launches New Public Policy Website

The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC), anational interdisciplinary organization defining quality cancer care, haslaunched a public policy website—www.accc-cancer.org/publicpolicy/—dedicatedto the regulatory and legislative issues affecting patients with cancer. Thewebsite was developed to assist in educating patients and their families aboutpublic policy that has an impact on cancer care.

The website is also designed to serve as a tool to bringpatients and physicians together to discuss important cancer issues, such as newtherapeutic modalities, insurance reimbursement, and clinical trials. The sitefeatures information for patients and their families regarding access to cancercare, and details on oral cancer drugs and the congressional actions affectinguse of such drugs.

Timely Launch

"The launch of ACCC’s public policy website comesat an opportune moment," said Christian G. Downs, JD, MHA,managing director of provider economics and public policy. New Medicareregulations, which took effect on January 1, 2002, may drastically cutreimbursement for cancer therapies in the hospital outpatient setting andthreaten patient access, he noted. "Our hope is that this new Webdestination will raise awareness about this and other critical issues affectingcancer care. The website offers an opportunity for patients with cancer andtheir families to contact their congressional representatives, alerting them toproposed regulations or legislation that may adversely affect cancer care."

Included in ACCC’s new website is a section onlegislative alerts, general information about Capitol Hill legislators, and tipsfor cancer patients and their families on communicating with theirrepresentatives. The site also provides a directory of ACCC member hospitals andphysicians, a list of patient advocacy organizations, and contact informationfor representatives and senators.

"By providing patients and families with information about thepublic policies that impact cancer care and helping them learn about thelegislative process, they will be able to fully act on their rights and enlistthe government in their personal battle against cancer," said Margaret A.Riley, MN, RN, CNNA, chair of ACCC’s Ad Hoc Committee for Advocacy.