Why Join AIS

Why Join Arrhythmia Intervention Society (AIS)

AIS is the only organization dedicated exclusively to representing and advocating for the unique business and professional needs of U.S. cardiac electrophysiologists. By joining AIS, you are investing in the future of your practice, elevating your profession, and strengthening the specialty of electrophysiology. Together, we advance patient care, protect our field, and ensure that your voice shapes the future of cardiac electrophysiology in the U.S.

1. Core Missions:

While other educational organizations serve the cardiac electrophysiology community, the mission of the Arrhythmia Intervention Society (AIS) is distinctly different.

AIS is a trade association created to advocate for the specific needs of electrophysiologists in professional, regulatory, and legislative settings. AIS exists to represent the interests of its members in policy discussions, focusing on areas like reimbursement rates, scope of practice, and healthcare regulations that directly impact the financial and operational success of electrophysiologists' practices.

2. AIS is a 501(c)(6) That Can Focus on the Business Interests of the Profession

• AIS is organized as a 501(c)(6) trade association explicitly designed to represent the business and professional interests of cardiac electrophysiologists. As a 501(c)(6) trade association, AIS is not restricted by the same IRS rules as organizations that are 501(c)(3) charitable and educational or 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations. AIS can directly lobby on issues critical to the profession, such as:

  • Medicare and private-payer reimbursement rates

  • Electrophysiologists practice autonomy

  • Regulatory changes that impact the day-to-day operations of practices

  • The future of healthcare policies affecting the specialty

  AIS is member-driven, and governance is directly accountable to its members' will. This governance structure ensures that members have a direct say in shaping the society’s policies and advocacy priorities. Members directly elect the AIS board and work transparently, prioritizing the concerns and input of the community it serves.

3. 501(c)(3): Charitable and Educational Organizations Have Strict Limitations

A 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization is board-driven and must focus on the interests of the public and not the business interests of its members. This structure works well for a global organization focused on education and research, but it limits its ability to effectively advocate for professional interests in a democratic and member-focused way. The needs and concerns of practicing electrophysiologists may not always align with the priorities of 501(c)(3), which is more concerned with long-term scientific and public goals.

In contrast, AIS is accountable to its members, not just a board. This ensures that AIS' advocacy efforts are laser-focused on the challenges and priorities of practicing electrophysiologists, with members having a direct say in how their interests are represented. This responsiveness to members' needs is crucial for ensuring the profession remains viable in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

4. Examples of TypesTypes of Nonprofit, Tax-Exempt Organizations:

• 501(c)(3) – A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is restricted to charitable, educational, or scientific purposes and must serve the public good. Donations to 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible, but their ability to engage in lobbying is highly restricted, and there is an absolute prohibition on political campaign activities. Example: The American Heart Association (AHA) provides education and research grants but does not directly advocate for the business interests of cardiologists.

• 501(c)(6) – A 501(c)(6) organization, like AIS, is designed to serve the business and professional interests of its members. It can engage in unrestricted lobbying and advocacy activities to influence legislation and regulations directly affecting its members. Example: The American College of Cardiology (ACC), which advocates for Cardiologists' professional interests, lobbying for healthcare policies and reimbursement rates that benefit doctors.

• 501(c)(4) – A 501(c)(4) must be operated for the promotion of social welfare and is allowed to participate in some advocacy and political activities as long as its primary purpose serves the public good. Examples of 501(c)(4) organizations include AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) and Sierra Club.

So, Why Join AIS…?

US Electrophysiologists need a voice genuinely focused on their business and professional well-being, and AIS provides that platform. Here’s why joining AIS is crucial for practitioners:

• Direct Advocacy for Your Profession: AIS can actively and aggressively advocate for issues that matter most to US practicing electrophysiologists—without the limitations that bind other types of organizations.

• Member-Driven Governance: AIS is accountable to its members. This ensures that the society is always aligned with the community's needs, not a distant board with broader, non-member priorities.

• Focused on Your Business: While other 501(c)(3) organizations excel in education and research, AIS is focused on protecting the financial viability, operational efficiency, and professional autonomy of its members. Our advocacy is directly related to ensuring the sustainability of the profession.