01/11/2026

A Letter from Andrea

Dear Members,

When I first started in this industry, ASCs were in their infancy. Throughout the past thirty odd years many physicians, Administrators, and colleagues became dear friends as we helped shape our industry to what it is today in Maryland. At that time, the Maryland Hospital Association tried hard for many years to legislate and regulate us out of business. We were seen as the competitor that cherry picked our cases, and were going to put them out of business. During that time there was no state licensing for ASC’s, no required accreditation, no quality reporting state or federal, and our contracts were a percentage of fee for service! Those of us who were running the few ASCs in the state, spent more time during the legislative session meeting with lobbyists and running to Annapolis to testify than we did running our centers. Although you may think we are over-regulated now, and in some ways we are, the board of MASA fought hard to gain the respect of the hospital system, the MHCC and the legislators in this state. After years of fighting to for an understanding of the AC industry, we were invited to a seat at the table whenever applicable. Many of us fought and won the battle for state licensure and rewrote the CON rules to allow expansion from one OR to two without a CON. We fought many bills introduced to tax our profits and negatively affect how we hire staff and do business.

So, I urge you all to join and support MASA, who is out there to fight against legislation adverse to our industry and to serve as a liaison to our departments of government oversight. MASA is volunteer board who sacrifices numerous hours on your behalf. 

I recently retired from my role as an ASC Administrator and have stepped down as President of MASA, a role I have filled for over 15 years. A new slate of Board Members has been recently elected and I know with your support they will continue to offer educational and networking opportunities as well as represent the Maryland ASCs in both regulatory and legislative matters.

Thank you all for your support and friendship during my cherished years as an Administrator and member of MASA.   Best, Andrea