Public policy issues having a direct impact on the discipline are actively monitored and communicated by the Public Policy Committee, which is making recommendations to influence issues as they are raised in the nation's capital.
2008 Public Policy Agenda
Notice of Availability of Serum Samples and Research Support for Validation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Biomarkers
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, announce the availability of biologic samples from persons who participated in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial, approximately 50 of whom have thus far developed hepatocellular carcinoma during the course of the study. Numerous serum samples obtained prior to and following the identification of the liver cancer are currently stored in a repository. These samples are available for a study of early predictor biomarkers of liver cancer. Detailed information is available in the NIH guide (http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/index.html) and at the NCI’s EDRN (Early Detection Research Network) website (http://cancer.gov/edrn).
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-DK-08-014.html
Workforce Issues in Hepatology: What is Needed?
Over the past several years, it has become increasingly apparent that there are insufficient numbers
of physicians trained in hepatology (general, advanced, or transplant) to meet the needs that
have evolved. In the 1980s, hepatology was often considered an esoteric discipline that was largely limited to basic research investigation. One needs only to look at the presentations
given at the annual meetings of AASLD back then to confirm that was the case. Over the past 25 years, this situation has changed...
AASLD and Public Policy: Coming in Out of the Cold
This issue of HEPATOLOGY contains the first of a new form of communication about public policy -- an article on public policy of interest to AASLD and its members, written by an expert in the field. This is the first in a series of articles on topics identified by the AASLD Public Policy Committee (PPC), and is the result of the leadership of AASLD and the PPC recognizing the need to keep members of the association aware of public policy issues and actions taken by AASLD...
Advocacy: What Is a Nice Scientist Like You Doing in Washington, DC?
Many members of AASLD are surprised to learn that their association has an active public policy presence in Washington, DC. In many ways, politics is the antithesis of science. It is emotional and reactive, not precise and hypothesis-driven. It is sometimes used to interfere with science rather than to advance it...
Acetaminophen Toxicity: Changing Perceptions on a Social/Medical Issue
Acetaminophen overdoses are the leading cause of acute liver failure (ALF) in the United States,
Great Britain and most of Europe. Acetaminophen toxicity accounts for approximately 50% of all cases of ALF in the United States and carries a 30% mortality. Nevertheless,
acetaminophen has been a highly successful product...