CHEST and NAMDRC jointly announce intent to combine operations
The two organizations will leverage their rich advocacy history and clinical expertise to influence policies that are critical to the well-being of patients receiving pulmonary, critical and sleep care.
March 12, 2020
Glenview, IL – The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) and the National Association for Medical Direction of Respiratory Care (NAMDRC) announced today their official intention to join efforts by integrating NAMDRC activities and operations into CHEST. Pending a vote and approval from NAMDRC membership, this move will strengthen their combined efforts and further expand CHEST’s involvement in patient advocacy and policy.
For decades, CHEST and NAMDRC have shared an overlapping membership and long-standing, collaborative history of empowering patients through the advancement of public policy and clinical education. After months of discussion, leadership members from both CHEST and NAMDRC have mutually determined to integrate their efforts on a united front.
“It’s CHEST’s responsibility to actively progress and strengthen our advocacy efforts. This acquisition will amplify our voice in Washington, D.C.,” said Dr. Stephanie M. Levine, CHEST President and Chair of the CHEST Board of Regents. “Public policy and regulatory decisions directly impact our patients. For both CHEST and NAMDRC members, our patients are always our highest priority.”
To drive these efforts, CHEST’s new joint Health Policy and Advocacy Committee, comprising an equal selection of CHEST and NAMDRC leadership, will work directly with policymakers and target legislative and regulatory issues impacting pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine.
“The Health Policy and Advocacy Committee will be a great jumpstart to our integrated efforts,” said Dr. James Lamberti, President, NAMDRC Board of Directors. “NAMDRC has been a relentless advocate for pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine for over 40 years. As a unified organization, it’s evident that our combined efforts will bring our already successful advocacy efforts to the next level.”
In accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, where NAMDRC’s executive office is located, dissolution of a nonprofit organization requires a vote of approval by membership within a 25-day waiting period. Yesterday, members of both organizations were notified of the integration and NAMDRC members will next receive a ballot by email. Final approval will be confirmed in April.
About the American College of Chest Physicians®
CHEST is the global leader in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chest diseases. Its mission is to champion advanced clinical practice, education communication and research in chest medicine. It serves as an essential connection to clinical knowledge and resources for its 19,000+ members from around the world who provide patient care in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. For information about the American College of Chest Physicians, and its flagship journal CHEST®, visit chestnet.org.
About the National Association for Medical Direction of Respiratory Care
Established over three decades ago, the National Association for Medical Direction of Respiratory Care (NAMDRC) is a national organization of physicians whose mission is to educate its members and address regulatory, legislative and payment issues that relate to the delivery of health care to patients with respiratory disorders. NAMDRC members, all physicians, work in close to 2,000 hospitals nationwide, primarily in respiratory care departments and critical/intensive care units. They also have responsibilities for sleep labs, management of blood gas laboratories, pulmonary rehabilitation services and other respiratory-related services. For more information about the National Association for Medical Direction of Respiratory Care, visit namdrc.org.