Introduction
A collective effort has been found to be more effective when pursuing matters of political, social or economic interests. Although political parties sometimes tend to play this role, they have been found to lack some ideals because they may lack partiality in their operations.
An interest group consists of people who join hands to press a particular goal or issue in a bid to persuade the government of the day to address the concerns. These groups work through the process of lobbying whereby they seek support over particular legislative matters which they need redress. This paper explores the structure and operating principles of the American Hospital Association as one of the most notable interest groups in United States today.
Background of the American Hospital Association
The American Hospital Association serves the interest of healthcare units by offering fair representation of their concerns in all matters regarding their operations. In addition, patients are also represented in this organisation because they form a very important part of the healthcare sector.
The American Hospital Association has a wide membership base ranging from individual membership who totals about thirty seven thousand to hospitals and other health units which numbers about five thousand. These groups together constitute the umbrella body called the American Hospital Association.
The main role of AHA is to make sure that members’ voice and concerns are heard not just at the local level but also at the national platform where necessary deliberations can be made and pieces of legislations adopted in the interest of members. The advocacy and lobbying efforts are directed towards the law making body as well as the executive branch of the government. The association was incepted in 1898 with the main role of advancing further training and educational needs for healthcare professionals. Important information on matters of health are also provided by the association The American Hospital Association may be classified as a single issue and also a public interest group because it only lobbies for matters on health and which is also an issue of public interest (Walker, 56).
Mission and Vision
The Vision of the American Hospital Association is “of a society of healthy communities, where all individuals reach their highest potential for health” (American Hospital Association, par.2) while its mission is “to advance the health of individuals and communities. The AHA leads, represents and serves hospitals, health systems and other related organizations that are accountable to the community and committed to health improvement” (American Hospital Association, par.3).
Membership requirements
There are three types of membership to AHA namely the associate, personal and institutional membership. In order to qualify as a member, there are annual levies which are aid to the association (American Hospital Association, par. 3). For example, a sum of about 3000 dollars is paid on an annual basis by the associate membership. These three categories of membership ensure proper funding of the association.
Leadership and Governance
The association has a leadership structure which embodies the Board of Trustees under which the president is the chief officer and assisted by a chairman alongside other trustee members who serve in different capacities. They also form part of the executive management of the association. For example, advocacy and public policy for the association is a discharged by the executive vice president. Besides, different regions are also represented by regional executives who represent the association at the grass root level (American Hospital Association par. 1).
Current legislation
The current bill which the association has been fighting for is the assistance on Medicaid which is supposed to be advanced to the states. The bill has passed through some voting stages and is awaiting the final passage.
Conclusion
In summing up this paper, I strongly agree with the working principles, vision and mission of the American Hospital Association in articulating the perspectives of its members in matters regarding healthcare. This is owing to the fact health issues form an integral part of the society and cannot be done away with. This is also the reason why the group has been very successful in the operation.
Works Cited
American Hospital Association. About the American Hospital Association. 2010. Web.
Walker L. Jack. Mobilizing interest groups in America: patrons, professions, and social Movements. Michigan: University of Michigan Press, 1991.