The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Applauds Congressional Action on Legislation to Improve Care for Patients with Diabetes and Other Metabolic Diseases
09-21-2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (September 21, 2016) – A pivotal piece of legislation intended to benefit patients with diabetes and other metabolic, autoimmune and insulin-resistant diseases is headed to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote after its passage today by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The National Clinical Care Commission Act, the top legislative priority of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), calls for the creation of a public/private sector commission that will draw on the expertise of the country’s foremost diabetes specialists, physicians, non-physician health care professionals and patient advocates to improve the communication and coordination among federal agencies and help evaluate current federally administered clinical care initiatives to ensure they are meeting the goal of improving the quality of patient care.

Testifying at a congressional hearing recently on behalf of AACE was AACE President-Elect Dr. Jonathan Leffert.

“Given the upward trajectory of the incidence of diabetes, its related complications and the extraordinary costs incurred by our nation in treating this epidemic,  I am sure you will agree that maintaining the status quo with respect to this disease is not an option” Leffert noted. “A coordinated national response driven by the commission’s expert recommendations will help to reverse the extraordinary burden diabetes and related diseases place on patients, their families and the healthcare system.”

As long-time advocates of this legislation, we’re extraordinarily pleased that this bill is moving to the House floor for consideration,” said AACE President Dr. Pauline Camacho. “Our appreciation goes to bill sponsors Representative Pete Olson (R-22nd-TX) and Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-2nd-IA) and their colleagues who supported this bill and to the many other diabetes organizations across our nation that joined AACE in advocating for its passage.”

The bill has strong bipartisan support in Congress, with over 226 co-sponsors in the House and 33 Senate co-sponsors, led by Senate bill sponsors Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). Additionally, more than 40 organizations representing physicians, allied healthcare professionals, patients, industry and community-based organizations have joined AACE in voicing strong support for the legislation and urging its enactment this year, among them the Diabetes Advocacy Alliance, American Diabetes Association and the JDRF.

About the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) represents more than 6,500 endocrinologists in the United States and abroad. AACE is the largest association of clinical endocrinologists in the world. The majority of AACE members are certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism and concentrate on the treatment of patients with endocrine and metabolic disorders including diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, growth hormone deficiency, cholesterol disorders, hypertension and obesity. Visit our site at www.aace.com.