Restructuring for Advocacy
On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Board of Trustees unanimously approved the formation of Heart Rhythm Advocates (HRA) as a new, shared vision, cause-related nonprofit 501(c)(4) advocacy organization to complement the primary 501(c)(3) nonprofit structure of the Heart Rhythm Society.
An increase in the number of patients being diagnosed with AFib and other arrhythmias has led to a rise in the number of EP procedures in the United States. This trend, together with rapidly evolving practices in heart rhythm care, has elevated U.S. government scrutiny on the cost of procedures which is outpacing the payment structure. Resulting reductions in reimbursement are creating challenges in retaining and attracting heart rhythm specialists. With too few trained electrophysiologists, patients with heart rhythm disorders will be at a greater risk of limited access to care, healthcare disparities and compromised quality outcomes.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursement policy resulted in drastic cuts for HRS members over the past few years and poses a continuing threat to our members and their patients. Through its unwavering commitment to supporting members, policy experience, expertise in advocacy, and long-standing relationships, HRS led numerous efforts to protect fair reimbursement for AFib ablation, gain approval for PFA codes, and include ambulatory surgery centers for coverage. The establishment of Heart Rhythm Advocates (HRA) allows HRS to participate in greater lobbying influence and political activity for the benefit of both patients and members which is limited under HRS' 501(c)(3) structure.
In addition to adding new capabilities and establishing a focused leadership structure, HRA can leverage the existing infrastructure, staff, experienced volunteers, and relationships HRS has established over 45 years of advocating for its members and their patients. HRS will be providing $1,000,000 in initial funding to establish HRA. Your continued support will sustain and strengthen the HRA's ability to influence reimbursement policy for many years to come.
The formation of HRA directly supports the HRS strategic plan pillar of Advocating for EP and allows HRS to strengthen its focus on the pillars of Advancing Education and Driving Innovation. All three pillars are in support of fulfilling the shared vision of ending death and suffering due to heart rhythm disorders. The strength of HRS over the years has been serving as a unified voice of EP. While the impact of our field is great, the number of U.S. electrophysiologists by comparison to other subspecialties is small. Continuing to stand together is critical in protecting and advancing the field.
HRS is establishing the new Heart Rhythm Advocates structure immediately. In the next few months, HRS will share further details on ways to get involved in support of HRA, campaigns notifying lawmakers and stakeholders of our efforts, a return of HRS Fly in Days to Congress and our new capacity to provide financial support to political organizations and candidates that align with HRA's positioning.
