Government Affairs

An association can only be effective in the legislative and regulatory arena if its members are active, involved participants in the process. Even the most professionally run, well-funded, and fully supported government affairs program is doomed to fail if its membership does not fully understand how valuable their involvement is to the process. The fact is, many members believe that advocacy is something HCMA does for them, rather than something that HCMA does with them.

One of the best ways members can make their involvement count is by maintaining constant communication with legislators at the local level. To this end, HCMA has created the Key Contact Program, which is an organized way of helping members become active, involved participants in their very own communities. Here’s what you need to know:

THE GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF A KEY CONTACT

• Develop personal relationships of trust and respect with elected officials.
• Establish sound two-way communication with a legislator.
• Keep the legislator fully informed on HCMA activities and priorities.
• Maintain good communication with the lawmaker’s staff.
• Report to the appropriate HCMA so that results can be passed on to HCMA Board of Directors.

PROFILE OF A KEY CONTACT

• Lives or practices in the legislator’s district.
• Maintains a personal relationship with the legislator.
• Enjoys frequent social contact.
• Is consulted by the legislator on health issues.