Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1479222
10 ASC MANAGEMENT 8 fast facts on the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association Political Action Committee By Claire Wallace T he ASC Political Action Committee uses collected funds to lobby for the interests of ASCs and ASC owners through supporting candidates, ballot measures and other political interests. According to data compiled by money-in-politics tracker Open Secrets, the ASC PAC raised over $35,000 in the 2021-2022 election cycle. Eight fast facts on the ASC PAC in 2021 and 2022: 1. The PAC raised a total of $35,215. 2. The PAC spent $44,410. 3. The PAC donated a total of $19,750 to federal candidates. 4. Of the contributions, 51.9 percent, or $10,250, went to Democrats; the other 48.1 percent, or $9,500, went to Republicans. 5. The PAC gave its highest House candidate donation amount, $5,000, to both John Larson (D-Conn.) and Devin Nunes (R-Calif.). 6. The PAC gave its highest Senate candidate donation amount, $1,500, to Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). 7. The PAC's largest donor was the Dallas Endoscopy Center, contributing $3,000. 8. The PAC's donations decreased significantly between 2018 and 2022, raising $290,393 in 2018 and $35,215 in 2022. n Florida ASC cyberattack compromises 2,200 patient records By Paige Haeffele In June, Florida Springs Surgery Center in Spring Hill reported to HHS that the personal data of 2,203 patients was leaked in a cyberattack between March 25 and June 2. According to the center's website, patient information that may have been accessed includes full names, addresses and dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver's license and state identification numbers, financial account information and medical records. n Questions about ASC's accreditation arise following lawsuits, physician's felony charges By Carly Behm A physician lawyer is raising questions about a plastic surgery ASC that remains accredited aer one of its surgeons was charged with involuntary manslaughter, ABC affiliate KGTV reported Aug. 8. Christian Jagusch, MD, a physician and attorney, represents three parties who sued Carlos Chacon, MD, of Bonita, Calif.-based Divino Plastic Surgery Center. Dr. Jagusch told KGTV he feels the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care should revoke the ASC's accreditation amid three lawsuits and six felony counts. e Medical Board of California restricted Dr. Chacon's license aer he was charged with involuntary manslaughter aer his patient, Megan Espinoza, died following a breast augmentation procedure at the ASC. Dr. Chacon and Heather Lang, RN, pleaded not guilty in December. "I believe there's at least some ethical responsibility for a credentialing organization to say, 'Whoa. Maybe this isn't who we want to validate as [an example of ] excellence in healthcare safety,' as they so claim," Dr. Jagusch told KGTV. A letter from the AAAHC posted on the Medical Board of California's website says the ASC's accreditation was revoked in April but reversed a month later. e accreditation is subject to a discretionary survey. e organization also told KGTV in a statement that "AAAHC accreditation decisions are made in accordance with the policies and procedures of the applicable accreditation handbook." n