Starting a new local chapter

General information

AAPC local chapters exist to support and promote the AAPC and are incorporated under the AAPC Chapter Association (AAPCCA). They are designed to:

• Support the national membership by providing educational and networking opportunities on a local level (providing low to no cost CEUs)

• Promote AAPC by expanding the organization’s visibility and membership

• Increase and promote national recognition and awareness of the business side of medicine

• Provide personal growth through leadership opportunities as local chapter officers

Local chapters are formed under the direction of the national office of the AAPC and are operated by local chapter officers. The local chapter exists solely to extend the benefits of AAPC membership to members locally.

Chapters are expected to abide of The Chapter Handbook and are required to hold at least seven education events per year where CEUs are offered.

Criteria for starting a new local chapter

The formation of a new local chapter is based on the need of the AAPC members in a specific geographic area. The member making the request must be AAPC certified, a member in good standing, and willing to hold an office for a minimum of two years.

Geography

• The next closest chapter should be over 40 miles away or an hour’s drive (considerations for densely populated areas will be taken into consideration)

• The membership of the closest chapter should be 150 members or more

• There should be 20 or more members interested in the area (rural areas are given consideration)

• The general membership has outgrown the chapter area and needs to be divided (500 plus members)

Officers

• Every chapter must have:

  • President (must be a certified member)

  • Vice President (must be a certified member)

  • Secretary/Treasurer

• There are three other offices that are not mandatory but recommended if the membership base will support the positions:

  • Member Development Officer

  • Education Officer (must be a certified member)

  • Secretary/Treasurer is usually divided into separate offices

• Please note that personal contact information (phone/email) will be listed on the AAPC website for each officer.

Process

• AAPC’s local chapter department will research all requests for a new local chapter, create a report of the findings which will then be presented to the Chapter Advisory Board Local Chapter Development Committee. The committee will review the findings and make a recommendation on whether or not to open the new local chapter.

• New local chapters will be considered for formation by consulting with existing chapters in the area, and discussion with the Chapter Advisory Board members who represent the region.

• All new local chapters are put on a six-month probation, once opened. You will work directly with the Local Chapter team at AAPC’s national office and the AAPCCA representatives from your region. This probationary period gives the new chapter an opportunity to create a solid foundation for starting and fostering a successful local chapter.

If you are interested in starting a new local chapter, please complete the application and submit it localchapters@aapc.com.