Nebraska State Sen. Robert Hilkemann (left) is presented with his State Legislative Patient Safety Hero award by ASDSA member David Watts, MD.
Rolling Meadows, Ill. (PRWEB) November 19, 2015
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association has announced the 2015 winners of its Patient Safety Hero Awards.
The awards – announced during the recent 2015 ASDS Annual Meeting in Chicago – recognize leaders who have taken an active role in the promotion and protection of patient safety in dermatologic procedures.
“This year’s honorees made a real difference in enhancing patient safety,” said ASDSA President Naomi Lawrence, M.D. “ASDSA is proud to salute their efforts in this critically important advocacy role.”
The Nebraska Dermatology Society was honored with the State Dermatological Society Patient Safety Hero award for its work to pass Legislative Bill 452 containing amendments to the Uniform Credentialing Act that set new truth in advertising standards.
The new legislation requires those advertising health care services to clearly state their credentials and to refrain from false and misleading advertising. ASDSA considers the measure to be an important step in helping patients make informed decisions about who should provide their medical care.
“Patients weighing decisions that affect their medical care deserve access to accurate and straightforward information,” Lawrence said. “The Nebraska Dermatology Society did a great service for residents of its state by making this measure a priority.”
Two ASDSA members – Lawrence J. Green, M.D., and David J. Watts, M.D. – were presented with Physician Patient Safety Hero awards.
Green worked diligently in Maryland on several patient safety issues, assisted the Resident State Advocacy Work Group with educational videos and testified before the FDA on behalf of ASDSA regarding Kybella, which was approved in April as an injectable drug to treat submental fullness (double-chin fat). He also is Chair of the ASDSA Research and Policy Priorities Work Group.
Watts, a member of the ASDSA State Affairs Work Group, was active in the successful effort to pass the truth in advertising bill in Nebraska.
Nebraska State Sen. Robert Hilkemann, who sponsored the truth in advertising bill, was recognized as the State Legislative Patient Safety Hero. Hilkemann was given his award at the Nebraska Medical Association Annual Membership Meeting this fall.
About ASDSA
With a membership of nearly 6,100 physicians, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, a 501(c)6 association, was created to promote the educational and professional interests of dermatologic surgeons; provide a vehicle for advocacy and public education efforts on behalf of dermatologic surgeons and their patients; and address socioeconomic issues that impact the practice of dermatologic surgery as a specialty. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association advocates for patient safety and access to quality care, skin cancer prevention and education, and fair and appropriate office-based surgery regulation.
About ASDS
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery is the largest specialty organization exclusively representing dermatologic surgeons who have unique training and experience to treat the health, function and beauty of your skin. ASDS members are pioneers in the field. Many are involved in the clinical studies that bring popular treatments to revitalize skin and fill and diminish wrinkles to the forefront. Their work has helped create and enhance many of the devices that remove blemishes, hair and fat, and tighten skin. Dermatologic surgeons also are experts in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment. As the incidence of skin cancer rises, dermatologic surgeons are committed to taking steps to minimize the life-threatening effects of this disease. For more information, visit asds.net.
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Contact:
Jay Schwab
Communications Manager
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
jschwab(at)asds(dot)net
847-956-9143