·	AANSPAC
·	Board of Directors
·	Contributions
·	Contacts
·	Founders Club (contributors)
·	Other Contributors

AANSPAC Brochure (PDF 687KB)

AANSPAC

Nearly 30 years ago, the AANS realized that the decisions made on Capitol Hill and in Washington, DC have a profound effect on an individual member’s ability to practice neurological surgery. For some of the most important issues facing neurosurgeons, including the need for medical liability reform, stabilization of reimbursement rates, increased research funding, clarification of emergency on-call requirements and others, the road leads through Washington, DC. Like it or not, federal policymakers have a huge impact on how we practice, when we practice, what we get paid and what patients we see. And this influence is only growing stronger. In order to maximize our effectiveness, we have added another tool to our advocacy arsenal: a political action committee. AANSPAC will work to ensure neurosurgery has a strong voice on Capitol Hill. Policymakers must know what is important to neurosurgery and our patients; they must know we will fight hard for what we believe is right; and they must be held accountable for their decisions.

What is AANSPAC?
AANSPAC is the new political action committee of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. AANSPAC’s mission is simple: support candidates for federal office who support neurosurgeons. AANSPAC does this by making direct campaign contributions to candidates for the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives who are supportive of the issues important to neurosurgery. AANSPAC is nonpartisan and does not base its decisions on party affiliation, but instead focuses on the voting records and campaign pledges of the candidates.

When was AANSPAC formed?
AANSPAC was formed in August 2005.

Doesn’t Neurosurgery already have a PAC?
The American Neurological Surgery Political Action Committee (ANSPAC) operated as an independent, non-affiliated organization from 1997 to 2005. It was dissolved in July 2005. The new AANSPAC is directly affiliated with and sponsored by the AANS, which has many advantages over an independent political action committee.

Who may contribute to AANSPAC?
By law, AANSPAC may only solicit contributions from AANS members in the United States who pay dues or have voting privileges. These members include active, active provisional, lifetime, associate and allied members. Honorary, resident, fellow and international members may not contribute to AANSPAC. Also, foreign nationals cannot contribute to AANSPAC. However, non-citizens who have permanent resident status may contribute to AANSPAC. Contributions to AANSPAC are entirely voluntary.

How much may I contribute to AANSPAC?
AANSPAC may receive up to $5,000 per year from any one individual.

How do I contribute to AANSPAC?
Contributions to AANSPAC must be made in the form of a PERSONAL credit card or PERSONAL check. Corporate, university or practice credit cards or checks CANNOT be accepted. Cash contributions are only acceptable up to $100. Contributions should be made payable to AANSPAC and mailed to: AANSPAC, 5550 Meadowbrook Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-3852.

What information does AANSPAC need from contributors?
Federal election law requires that AANSPAC obtain the name, address, occupation and name of employer of each contributor.

Is my contribution tax deductible? No, donations to political action committees are not deductible for federal and state tax purposes.

What will my contribution by used for?
AANSPAC is funded entirely by contributions from AANS Members. Contributions are used to support federal candidates who support the legislative and political goals of neurosurgeons and their patients.

What is the difference between AANSPAC and NPHCA?
Neurosurgeons to Preserve Health Care Access (NPHCA) is a non-profit advocacy organization developed jointly between the AANS and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. NPHCA’s mission is to inform the public about the medical liability crisis. The majority of NPHCA’s funds are used to support Doctors for Medical Liability Reform (DMLR), a coalition of 10 medical specialty groups dedicated to educating the media and general public about the devastating effects of the medical liability crisis. NPHCA works to bring attention to the issue of medical liability reform. AANSPAC makes political contributions to candidates who support reform.

Should I contribute if I already contributedto NPHCA?
Yes. While it is confusing at times, both the public education (NPHCA) and political (AANSPAC) arms of the medical liability campaign need to be funded. For 2005-06, both NPHCA and AANSPAC need to raise $1 million. NPHCA has focused on fundraising in 2005 and has almost met its $1 million goal. AANSPAC now must raise $1 million for use in the 2006 elections.

Who do I contact if I have questions?
Questions regarding AANSPAC should be directed to the AANSPAC Washington Office at:
(202) 628-2072.