Legislative Advocacy

On February 4, 2009, Reps. Randy Forbes (R-VA) and Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) introduced H.R. 855, the “Enhancing SIMULATION (Safety in Medicine Utilizing Leading Advanced Simulation Technologies to Improve Outcomes Now) Act of 2009.” The bill would advance the use of medical simulation within the health care system. On March 17, 2009, Senator Harkin (D-IA) introduced a companion bill, S. 616, in the United States Senate. This is the first time the medical simulation bill was introduced in the Senate! The Senate version of the bill is identical to H.R. 855.

2010 AIMS Conference and Exhibition - Huge Success!

May 21, 2010

On March 22, 2010, over a hundred participants traveled to Washington, DC to show their support for the advancement of medical simulation training. Washington, D.C. - Conference goers heard excellent presentations from key government officials and medical simulation stakeholders, and held meetings with their elected representatives on Capitol Hill to advance medical simulation training. This year’s presentations included:

Multiplying Medical Simulation's Voice
Eric Brown, MD, SSH Board of Directors and Director, Palmetto Health - USC School of Medicine Simulation Center

Patient Safety at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Paul Jeffrey Brady, MD, MPH, Captain, U.S. Public Health Service, Patient Safety Portfolio Lead, AHRQ

From "Boot Camp" to "Suspended Animation:" Cutting Edge Applications of Pediatric Simulation in the Real World
Vinay Nadkarni, MD, Medical Director, CHOP Center for Simulation, Advanced Education and Innovation, University of Pennsylvania
Ellen Deutsch, MD, Surgical Director, CHOP Center for Simulation, Advanced Education and Innovation, University of Pennsylvania
Melinda Fiedor Hamilton, MD, Medical Director, Simulation, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, WISER Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Medical Simulation as an Enabler for Wounded Warrior Care
Robert Foster, PhD, Office of the Secretary of Defense

Department of Veterans Affairs: Simulated Learning Enhancement and Advanced Research Network (SimLEARN)
Louise R. Van Diepen, Deputy Chief Learning Officer, Veterans Health Administration, US Department of Veterans Affairs

How Large Systems Plan to Institute Simulation Training: The Kaiser Case Study
Jeff Convissar, MD, Director, National Risk Management, Kaiser Permanente

On Day 2 of the conference participants took to the halls of Congress to garner support from elected officials. Fifty-three participants visited Congressional offices from 19 states! Additionally, AIMS hosted an interactive medical simulation exhibition for Members of Congress and their staff to showcase the latest medical simulation technologies. The sponsor of the Enhancing SIMULATION Act (H.R. 855), Representative J. Randy Forbes (R-VA), and Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) personally visited the exhibition. As a result of the day's activities, we were able to increase awareness of medical simulation training and obtained promising new leads for additional cosponsorship of S. 616/H.R. 855.

The AIMS Medical Simulation Health Policy Tool Kit

The AIMS Medical Simulation Health Policy Tool Kit is a comprehensive guide to help those in the AIMS community most effectively inform policymakers about all of the possibilities that medical simulation offers.

The Tool Kit includes a detailed look at the current medical simulation health policy agenda, with specific "asks" that members should bring to meetings with policymakers. Additionally, it provides an overview of the legislative process and information about relevant committees, as well as tips for effective interactions with Members of Congress and their staff.

For a copy (PDF) of the Tool Kit, please click here.

The Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus

What is a Caucus?
Caucuses are formally organized and recognized entities formed by Members to direct focus and attention to specific issues. Separate and distinct from congressional committees, caucuses are neither restricted in membership nor tied to the political makeup in the Congress, so any Member can join.

Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus
Founded in 2005, the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus serves as a venue for Members of Congress to discuss issues pertaining to modeling & simulation. The caucus showcases modeling and simulation (M & S) initiatives, promotes the M & S industry, and provides a forum to understand the policy challenges facing this growing and versatile technology. Currently, the caucus has a total of 10 Congressional members representing 7 states. To learn more about the Congressional M & S Caucus, please click here.

Members of the House Modeling and Simulation Caucus: 111th Congress
Chairman: Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA)
Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA)
Rep. John Carter (R-TX)
Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX)
Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA)
Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY)
Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT)
Rep. C.A. Ruppersberger (D-MD)
Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA)
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)