2020 Health Physics Society Midyear Meeting & ExhibitionWAM-B
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| Chair(s): Craig Little, David Connolly |
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WAM-B.1 10:00 The HPS Government Relations Program: Connecting Members with Agencies and Congress. Little Craig A.*, HPS agencyliaison@hps.org
The HPS Government Relations Program (GRP) is designed to make the HPS and its members available to government entities for issues related to radiation protection of workers, the public and the environment. The GRP has three parts: The Federal Agency Liaison (FAL), the Congressional Liaison (CL) and the Government Relations Committee (GRC). In conjunction with the HPS Board of Directors and in concert with the HPS Strategic Plan, the three entities work together to give HPS a voice in Washington by commenting on proposed regulatory changes and upcoming legislation of interest to HPS. The Federal Agency Liaison is responsible for keeping abreast of potential changes in regulations as well as tracking legislation that might impact the health physics profession. In coordination with the Congressional Liaison, the FAL schedules semiannual visits to Washington to meet with selected agencies and congressional staff. The presentation describes the organization of the GRP, recent successes in championing legislation and continuing relationships with various agencies and congressional committees. |
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WAM-B.2 10:20 “What Can the HPS Government Relations Program Do For You?”. Connolly David* davidaconnollyjr@gmail.com
Abstract What Can the HPS Government Relations Program Do for You? David A. Connolly HPS Congressional Liaison The legislative program of the Health Physics Society is designed to allow Society representatives the opportunity to interact with Senators, Representatives, their staffs and those of the Committees of each body on matters of mutual interest to the Society and the Congress relating to radiation safety. After a brief overview of the structure of the two chambers of the Congress: the Senate and the House of Representatives, a description will be given as to the means and techniques that the Society utilizes to communicate with them. The presentation will focus on the semi-annual meetings of the Society’s leadership team on Capitol Hill, and the day-to-day activities of the Congressional Liaison in maintain open lines of communication with the Congress.Finally, a number of the present issue areas of importance to the Society will examined along with a prediction about the future of science policy in the Trump Administration and the Congress. |
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WAM-B.3 10:50 HPS Government Relations Committee. Ring Joseph*, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center jpring@bidmc.harvard.edu
The Health Physics Society’s Government Relations Committee reviews and comments on regulations and legislation affecting the health physics community. The goal is to have the HPS recognized as an independent, professional, and expert source of information on radiation sciences and radiation safety. The intended end result is to have legislation, regulations, and public policies based on current, sound science and good practice in radiation safety. It is important for health physicists to assist our legislators and regulators in developing sound guidance because we are experienced in a difficult and complex scientific field. Without our input, the regulations that we are obligated to follow may be ill advised. Establishing the HPS as a credible resource in this area is a long-term project that requires consistent, non-biased input. An established track record of input will put the Society in a position where the advice is solicited and even requested earlier in the process. This presentation will review the methods used to draft comment and ensure they are consistent with Society positions and sound science. It will also discuss accomplishments. |