General Information
About Your Membership
About Our Website
About Our Programs and Teleconferences
About Our Publications
About Practice Groups
Q. What is the American Health Lawyers Association?
A. The American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA) is the nation's largest, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) educational organization devoted to legal issues in the healthcare field with more than 10,000 members.
Q. Who are AHLA's members?
A. AHLA's membership is diverse—members come from varied backgrounds, and work in a variety of practice areas and settings. Members include attorneys, in-house counsel, solo practitioners, government and public interest attorneys, academicians, students, paralegals, and health professionals. Information about the Association's different membership levels and types is available online.
Q. How much is membership?
A. Dues rates are based on member type and are calculated on a sliding scale that is dependent on the bar admission or college graduation date. Look at AHLA's latest membership application for the current rates.
Q. How do I contact AHLA?
A. By mail: American Health Lawyers Association,1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036. By phone: (202) 833-1100. By fax: (202) 833-1105. By email: msc@healthlawyers.org.
Q. ?
A. AHLA offers a variety of advertising and sponsorship opportunities. For information about advertising in the monthly magazine or on our website, please contact Katy Shearman at (410) 584-1982. For information about sponsorships, please contact Valerie Eshleman at (202) 833-0784.
Q. Does AHLA rent its membership list?
A. While AHLA never rents or shares members' email addresses with any outside party, it does occasionally make its membership list available to organizations that offer products deemed to be of professional interest to members. A member may opt out and choose to exclude his/her name and address from the list that is rented. To opt out, contact AHLA at (202) 833-1100, prompt #2.
Q. Can my company rent AHLA's membership list?
A. AHLA's membership list is available for rental for approved uses only through Medical Marketing Service, Inc. (MMS), exclusive AHLA list manager. Contact MMS at (800) MED-LIST (633-5478) or sales@mmslists.com. A data card outlining list selections and pricing can be viewed online.
Q. I'm looking for an attorney for legal advice. Can you refer one to me?
A. AHLA is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) educational organization and cannot provide referrals or recommendations for attorneys. Please feel free to contact your local state bar association for further assistance.
Q. What is my Member ID number?
A. If you are a regular member, you can find your member ID number above your name on the address label of the monthly magazine. If you receive your benefits electronically and thus don't receive the magazine in print, you can contact AHLA's membership department at msc@healthlawyers.org or (202) 833-1100, prompt #2 to request your member ID number.
Q. Can I view my membership information online?
A. Yes. When you are on the AHLA website at www.healthlawyers.org, scroll over "AHLA Member" (found in the upper left-hand corner) and then click on "My Account" to view your account information. You will find information related to your membership expiration, volunteer activities, and contact information we have on file for you. You can also click on the tabs across the top to "Change Password," "Change Login," and "View Transactions."
Q. How do I update my contact information?
A. Yes. When you are on the AHLA website at www.healthlawyers.org, scroll over "AHLA Member" (found in the upper left-hand corner) and then click on "My Account." Click "Edit" (located at the bottom of the page), then make and approve your changes.
Q. How do I renew my membership?
A. Login to www.healthlawyers.org and locate the link to "Renew AHLA Membership." This will allow you to renew online with a credit card. If you need a copy of the invoice, you may print the first page of the online renewal form. If your membership has lapsed, you may not be able to view your invoice online. For assistance, contact AHLA's membership department at (202) 833-1100, prompt #2 or email msc@healthlawyers.org.
Q. What discounts do I qualify for as a member of AHLA?
A. Members receive special pricing on program and teleconference registration and receive discounts when purchasing AHLA publications. Additionally, only members are able to enroll in one or more of the Association's Practice Groups and once enrolled also receive additional discounts when registering for PG-sponsored teleconferences and luncheons.
Q. What information will I receive on a regular basis?
A. Members receive the Health and Life Sciences Daily, the Health Lawyers Weekly and Health Law Digest every Friday. In addition, members receive the Association's magazine every month. Regular members receive the magazine in print and electronic members (E-government, E-academic, E-paralegal), students, and international members receive a digital edition of the magazine that can be viewed at www.healthlawyers.org/connections.
Q. How can I network with my colleagues?
A. The best way to network with your colleagues is to join one or more of AHLA's sixteen Practice Groups (PGs). PGs are composed of members who share a similar work setting or interest in specific areas of health law. Members who enroll in the PGs are able to increase their level of expertise in and knowledge of health law issues, grow professionally, gain valuable leadership experience, and network with other health lawyers from across the country.
Members may subscribe free of charge to one or more of the Association's Discussion Lists. They are able to network with colleagues who work in the health law industry, pose and respond to questions, and exchange information about topics of interest. (To subscribe, go to Fast Track to Networking, which is located on the bottom left-hand corner at www.healthlawyers.org and click on "List Subscriptions.")
Q. How do I find contact information for other members?
A. All members are able to access the Membership Directory on the website at www.healthlawyers.org (see Fast Track to Networking, located in the bottom left-hand corner).
Q. I am a student, but do not see an option to join online. What do I do?
A. To join as a student member, please contact AHLA's membership department at (202) 833-1100, prompt #2.
Q. I am a student member and just graduated from law school. What do I need to do to maintain my AHLA membership?
A. Your membership transfers wherever you go so make sure AHLA has your correct mailing address and email. When your membership is about to expire, you will receive an invoice that should reflect an updated member type and dues rate. If it does not, please contact AHLA's membership department at (202) 833-1100, prompt #2.
Q. How can I obtain a receipt for membership dues for my accounting department?
A. If you join online, you will receive an automatic email receipt within 24 hours. If you mail or fax your membership application to AHLA, please allow approximately two weeks to process your transaction. After your membership is processed, you will receive a receipt by email. AHLA's membership department, which can be reached by calling (202) 833-1100, prompt #2 can send you a copy of your receipt too.
Q. How do I remove my email address from AHLA marketing emails?
A. Choosing to unsubscribe your email address will terminate all emails from AHLA, including the Health and Life Sciences Law Daily and Health Lawyers Weekly. If you wish to no longer receive those emails, simply click "unsubscribe" at the bottom of any email that was sent to you or contact AHLA's membership department at (202) 833-1100, prompt #2 or msc@healthlawyers.org.
Q. How can I re-enter or change my email address so that I begin receiving emails from AHLA again?
A. When you are on the AHLA website at www.healthlawyers.org, scroll over "AHLA Member" (found in the upper left-hand corner) and then click on "My Account" to view your account information. Click on "Edit" at the bottom of your screen and then change your email address. You may also call AHLA's membership department at (202) 833-1100, prompt #2 or email msc@healthlawyer.org.
Q. What is my login?
A. If you are a member (or a non-member but have created a contact record in the past), your initial login will be your email address and your password will be your ID number. If you have misplaced the email containing your login/password information, you can email msc@healthlawyers.org or call AHLA's membership department at (202) 833-1100, prompt #2.
Q. How do I change my password?
A. You can change your password by logging into www.healthlawyers.org. Scroll over "AHLA Members" (found in the upper left-hand corner) and click on "My Account." Locate the "Change Password" tab at the top of the page.
Q. I am not an AHLA member but have attended an AHLA program or have purchased an AHLA publication in the past. Do I have login information for the website?
A. Yes, a contact record is created the first time you sign-in to AHLA's website. You should have received a confirmation providing you with your login and password information. AHLA defaults your user name to your email address and your password to a 6-digit identification number. If you do not know your contact number, please contact AHLA's membership department at msc@healthlawyers.org or call (202) 833-1100, prompt #2 for assistance. If a contact record has already been created for you, please do not create a duplicate record.
Q. I am a member, but I do not see my name listed in the Membership Directory. What should I do?
A. If you are a new member, or allowed your membership to lapse and have just renewed, please allow approximately two weeks to process your application. If it has been longer than that, please contact AHLA's membership department at msc@healthlawyers.org or call (202) 833-1100, prompt #2 for assistance.
Q. Do you have job postings on your website?
A. Yes. Visit our Job Bank (upper right-hand corner at www.healthlawyers.org) to view the most recent and updated postings from employers across the nation. The Job Bank also lists any available openings at AHLA headquarters.
Q. Where can I find a calendar of upcoming AHLA events?
A. Visit www.healthlawyers.org and select the tab for "Programs Calendar" for complete information about upcoming In-Person Programs and "Teleconferences/Webinars Calendar" for information related to upcoming Teleconferences and Webinars.
Q. When is AHLA's In-House Counsel Program and Annual Meeting?
A. AHLA's In-House Counsel program and Annual Meeting are held every summer. The 2009 meeting will occur June 28-July 1 in Washington, DC. In 2010, the meeting will take place in Seattle, WA on June 27-30. For more information. please consult our website.
Q. How do I register for an AHLA program?
A. To register for any program, go online to www.healthlawyers.org and select the program(s) you would like to attend. Once there, insert your user name and password and follow the prompts. If you wish to pay by check, download the PDF and return the registration form located on the program page. You may also register by contacting AHLA's membership department at msc@healthlawyers.org or call (202) 833-1100, prompt #2.
Q. What is AHLA's Conference Cancellation Policy?
A. Registrations for programs may be cancelled in writing no less than two (2) weeks prior to the date of the program. A cancellation fee of $125 will be applied to all requests. Registrations for teleconferences/webinars are non-refundable.
Q. How can I get information on CLE credits and/or obtaining a CLE certificate after I have attended an AHLA program?
A Visit our Continuing Legal Education page located on our website. Each attendee must complete the Continuing Education Credit Request Form distributed at each program and return it to AHLA in order to receive credit. You may view and print your CLE certificate after logging in to the website. All CLE inquiries can be directed to KJ Forest.
Q. How do I submit a proposal to speak at an AHLA program?
A. Members may submit a request to speak at a teleconference/webinar or program. Go to www.healthlawyers.org/volunteer for more information.
Q. If I attend a program, what materials will I receive?
A. Attendees at AHLA in-person programs receive online access to program materials prior to the event, as well as a CD of the materials when they arrive onsite. Printed binders of program materials are available for an additional fee when registering for the program.
Q. Can I purchase materials and audio files from a program that has already occurred?
A. Yes. You may purchase an eProgram (for programs after March 2009) or a post-program CD (prior to March 2009) of most of our in-person events. The downloadable file (eProgram) or CD includes the program materials, PowerPoint© presentations, and the audio files.
Q. What is an eProgram?
A. ePrograms are an electronic file that contains written materials, PowerPoint© presentations, and audio files from an in-person AHLA program. Members purchasing an eProgram will receive an email with hyperlinks to the compressed files, which enables members to then download to their computer. ePrograms may be pre-ordered before the program, or ordered after the dates of the program. Approximately five weeks after the program has concluded, the eProgram is completed, and members who previously purchased the eProgram will receive notification as to its availability. Visit our bookstore to see a list of all available ePrograms or to order one today.
Q. How long after I order an eProgram, Post-Program CD or Post-Teleconference CD should I expect to receive it?
A. Links to eProgram materials are available approximately five weeks after the conclusion of the in-person program. Members who purchase a post-program CD (available for in-person programs held before March 2009) can expect to receive the product approximately two weeks after ordering. Members purchasing a post-teleconference CD can expect that the product will be shipped approximately four weeks following the date of the teleconference/webinar.
Q. How do I submit a proposal to write a publication for AHLA?
A. Members may submit a request to write a publication by going to www.healthlawyers.org/volunteer.
Q. Does AHLA publish legal resources?
A. Yes. Please visit our online bookstore for a full list of our available publications or contact Lexis Nexis at (800) 533-1637 for information and to purchase.
Q. I just ordered a book. How long will it take for me to receive it?
A. Please allow 7-10 business days for shipping. The AHLA bookstore is handled by LexisNexis. A bookstore representative can be reached by calling the toll-free number at (800) 533-1637.
Q. What do I do if I'm not receiving my monthly magazine?
A. Verify that AHLA has your correct mailing address by checking your account record. You can do this online by logging into the AHLA website, scrolling over the "AHLA Members" tab (found in the upper left-hand corner) and clicking on "My Account." Make any changes that are necessary. You may also correct your record by contacting AHLA's membership department at msc@healthlawyers.org or (202) 833-1100, prompt #2. If you are an e-member and receive your benefits electronically, you will not receive a print magazine. Rather, you will receive an email notifying you when the current month's issue has been posted online. All members may also go to www.healthlawyers.org/connections to view and/or print issues of the magazine.
Q. I am interested in subscribing to the Journal of Health and Life Sciences Law. What do I do?
A. AHLA offers an annual subscription to the Journal of Health & Life Sciences Law. It is published quarterly in a digital format. To subscribe, follow the link (or go to www.healthlawyers.org/JHLSL), then click on "subscribe." You may also contact AHLA's membership department at msc@healthlawyers.org or by calling (202) 833-1100, prompt #2.
Q. I am interested in subscribing to the Health Law Archives. What do I do?
A. AHLA offers an annual subscription to the Health Law Archives. To subscribe, scroll over "Health Law Resources" and click on "Health Law Archive." You may also contact AHLA's membership department at msc@healthlawyers.org or call (202) 833-1100, prompt #2.
Q. What are Practice Groups?
A. Practice Groups are composed of AHLA members who share a similar work setting or interest in specific areas of health law. Practice Group members also share a desire to increase their level of expertise in and knowledge of health law issues, grow professionally, gain valuable leadership experience, and network with other health lawyers from across the country. There is a nominal fee to join a Practice Group. Members enrolling in at least four Practice Groups also have the option to gain electronic access to the remaining Practice Groups for an additional fee.
AHLA has 16 Practice Groups that produce timely updates and resources, such as email alerts, Member Briefings, newsletters, and toolkits, and educational teleconferences, webinars, podcasts, and in-person luncheon meetings. Enrollment is open to all AHLA members.
To access detailed information on teleconferences, newsletters, member briefings, executive summaries, AHLA Connections feature articles, tutorials, and to view the hundreds of volunteers that made all of these publications and activities possible, please visit www.healthlawyers.org/PG/Volunteers
Need more reasons to join? Access samples of the vast range of benefits that Practice Groups provide at www.healthlawyers.org/PG/Benefits
For a list of Practice Group leaders (by Practice Group), please go to www.healthlawyers.org/PG/Leadership
To contact the Practice Groups staff, please email pgs@healthlawyers.org.
Q. I am a member and am interested in enrolling in a specific Practice Group. How do I enroll?
An individual must be a current AHLA member to join a Practice Group (each is $45). The enrollment period is matched to a member's membership expiration. The PG enrollment fee is not prorated when a member adds a Practice Group. To enroll in a Practice Group, complete an enrollment form or contact AHLA's membership department at (202) 833-1100, prompt #2.
Ask about signing up for an Affinity Group. Several Practice Groups have established these groups to provide an additional networking opportunity for colleagues within a Practice Group who share similar professional interests. An Affinity Group provides targeted benefits and education to a sub-specialty or subset of members of a particular Practice Group. There is no cost to join.