Annual Report: National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

Legislation Note: On Wednesday, March 10,  the Senate passed H.R. 4213, a bill to extend certain tax policies and stimulate job growth, by a vote of 62-36.  The bill includes provisions that would further extend current Medicare physician payment rates until October 1, 2010.  The legislation will now be sent to the House, where amendments are possible.  Consequently, it is not certain if this extension of Medicare payment rates can be signed into law before the current Medicare physician payment freeze expires on April 1.

Registrations Now Open:

AASLD/EASL Clinical Research Single Topic Conference Intensive Care of the Patient with Acute on Chronic Liver Failure

AASLD member registration and housing is now open. Register on or before April 2, 2010, and registration is only $95.  After April 2, 2010, registration fees will rise to $195.

AASLD/FDA/PhRMA Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Getting the Medicine and Science Together

President's Column: How to Close the Gap Between Patients Who Need Liver Care and Available Providers
Arun J. Sanyal, MD, AASLD President writes that if progress is to be made in eradication of liver disease and promotion of liver wellness, fixing the manpower shortage must become a national priority.