2011

• Publication of the Expert Consensus Statement on the Management of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) in patients nearing end of life or requesting withdrawal of therapy.
• Successfully advocated for a unique CMS physician specialty code for cardiac electrophysiology.
• Approval of the Measures Development Initiative.
• Introduced Rhythm Theatre, a dedicated space for Annual Scientific Sessions exhibitors to present information about their product, services or therapeutic areas to attendees.
• Introduced Joint Sessions, a reformatted Scientific Sessions program option for international and affiliate associations.
• 2010 media coverage resulted in more than 3,000 media placements and nearly 425 million potential readers — a 38 percent increase.
• New criteria to become a Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society (FHRS) were created, tailored to the Society's diverse and international membership.
• As part of the AF 360° and SCA 360° disease state initiatives, the Society developed and distributed more than 1,200 complimentary resource kits to providers and launched a pilot outreach program. The Hospital Outreach Program aims to increase awareness and dialogue between patients, providers and the media.
• AF/SCA Sketcher application for the Apple iPad designed allowing animation of the normal heart as well as AF and SCA disease states for health care professionals.  .
• Catheter Ablation Course provided step-by-step approaches to diagnose and ablate complex atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, as well as common arrhythmias made challenging by anatomic complexities and uncommon variations.
• Development of the EP Virtual Manual, a chapter-based resource that serves as a useful 'how to' guide for physicians and allied professionals managing patients with heart rhythm disorders.
• The International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) developed an EP certification examination for physicians, with an adult and pediatric module; adopted a new Recertification Policy.
• The Furman Fund expands its travel scholarship program to three recipients including one allied professional.
•  Heart Rhythm Foundation announces its first Visionary donor.

2010

• AF and SCA 360° Resource Centers included more than 50 CME/CE hours of educational resources. Collaborated with the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association (SCAA) to execute a one day SCA symposium and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to hold a SCA Summit. Launch of the 'Apples and Oranges' Campaign for SCA.
• Allied Professional Regional Programs around EP and Device Therapy launched in five locations. Creation and distribution of an IBHRE Certification Exam Work Book for Allied Professionals.
• Two live webcasts offered: Reality EP: Pulling the Trigger on Ablation for VT/VF and Challenging Times in Lead Management: From Implant to Extraction or Abandonment. Emerging Electrophysiologists: Transition to Practice: a program designed to equip second year EP fellows with the business and management skills to make a successful transition into practice.
• Membership Growth (5,300+ members), 5 percent growth.
• Launched Rhythms In History Podcasts.
• Exceeded 50,000 average monthly visitors to www.HRSonline.org. Increased Social Media Presence: Facebook, LinkedIn, EP Insights Blog, Twitter. Media Relations secured more than 2,400 media placements; 40 percent increase.
• HeartRhythm Journal: cover and website redesign, increase in page count.
• The Society influenced CMS to retroactively reverse National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) that prohibited billing the professional component of a 90-day remote monitoring period for a pacemaker or ICD service with the technical component of the service.
• Created a new coding structure for device monitoring services which includes 20 new implantable device codes and 3 new wearable device codes.
• Organized Safety Evaluation of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Using a Collaborative -Stakeholder Critical Path Registry Model where 100 AF experts representing the federal government, professional societies, academics and industry participated; the first step toward the creation of a AF Ablation Registry.
• ICD Longitudinal Study launched which examines the appropriateness, effectiveness and safety of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) therapy; the outcomes will be followed and assessed. Urged NHLBI to allocate more funding toward heart rhythm disorders research in the report accompanying the 2010 Labor, Health & Education Appropriations legislation. Heart Rhythm 2010: select sessions featuring a quality commentator.
• Opening Plenary focused on Health Care reform discussion. Rhythm Theater introduced in Exhibit Hall. Mini Courses included in the full registration fee to offer attendees added value. Expansion of Joint Sessions with international societies.
• The International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
• The Heart Rhythm Foundation announced twelve new or upgraded pledges to the Foundation totaling over 120 pledges.
• The Furman Fund confirms that the awarding of traveling scholarships will be offered annually.

2009

• Record media coverage of Heart Rhythm 2009. A market study of the field was conducted to inform the work of a volunteer Task Force, which met twice and laid the groundwork for a 60-person Strategic Planning Summit which culminated in a new 3-5 year Strategic Plan.
• Launch of the Career Center.
• The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month Concurrent Resolution passed by Congress.
• HRS, in partnership with the ACC, created a new coding structure for device monitoring services which includes 20 new implantable device codes and three new wearable device codes. Three webinars in conjunction with the new Coding Guide were presented.
• The AF Summit was held in conjunction with the Annual Scientific Sessions and featured a program created in collaboration with the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS).
• Introduction of two Forums: Allied Professionals and Basic Science, which was presented in partnership with the Cardiac Electrophysiology Society (CES).
• The abstract poster presentation area was redesigned as Postertown. Hyde Park Corner, an innovative, free-form presentation format was introduced to provide new or controversial ideas or techniques. Introduction of Online Self-Study Program focused on AF and SCA.
• AF Roundtables: Series of 5 AF Roundtables with George Washington University presented to targeted physician populations.
• AF Symposium at ACC presented. Rate & Rhythm Pocket Guide based on the ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation distributed.
• AF and SCA 360°online Resource Centers introduced.
• Regional Allied Professional Programs around EP and Device Therapy launched.
• The Furman Fund, under the auspices of the Heart Rhythm Foundation, supported two travel scholarships to young physicians and scientists interested in electrophysiology to attend the Annual Scientific Sessions.

2008

• Clinical Trials page on website formatted into the three primary disease states.
• SCA 360° and AF 360° Resource Centers created to provide health care professionals with an area for all relevant education, science, clinical guidelines and programs.
• Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI) created online professional development area for female EPs.
• Allied Professional Subcommittee created under the Education Committee. LIVE Reality EP Series launched.
• Unopposed abstract sessions with expanded Abstract Plus made a permanent part of the annual scientific sessions.
• Two-year research fellowships were approved. The Longitudinal ICD Registry study design to evaluate device firing was approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
• Furman Fund created to continue founder Dr. Sy Furman's vision. Revised Heart Rhythm Foundation and mission and Board of Directors established.
• Society grows to 46 staff members.

Previous Heart Rhythm Society History:

2007 AFib Summit held in conjunction with annual scientific sessions. AF 360°, three year initiative dedicated to expertise and resources to advancing optimal diagnosis, treatment and management of patients begins. Piloting an AFib CME Outcomes Campaign. Debut of ICD/CRT Resource Content online. Online Prep-Course in Cardiac Pacing & Cardioversion Defibrillation available. Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI) established with the appointment of 16 leading women in EP to the WLI Task Force. Launch of SCA 360. First-ever world-wide LIVE Atrial Fibrillation Webcast broadcast. Launch of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Coalition to raise awareness on Capitol Hill. First collaboration of HRS/European Heart Rhythm Association and European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society on Catheter and Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation document. ICD Registry™ First Quality Outcomes Reports released to 1448 hospitals. Membership tops 4,200. NASPExAM changes its name to IBHRE (International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners). 2006 Society releases recommendation on Device Performance Policies and Guidelines. Class of 172 Fellows of Heart Rhythm Society inducted. 27th Annual Scientific Sessions includes: Simultaneous translation of eight major sessions in Mandarin, Chinese and Japanese, live, remote mini-course on Ablation, ABM Recertification Course. Founding Father and past president of the Society and NASPExAM, Seymour Furman, MD, passed away at the age of 74. NASPExAM offered online preparatory course, physicians eligible to sit for exam two times a year. An Atrial Fibrillation Pilot Program is launched. Society proposed Code of Ethics and Professional Standards. Society considered as "major medical group," in national media. Heart Rhythm Foundation successful fundraising campaign includes 116 members of the Founders/Chairman's Society/Ambassadors of the Foundation. 2005 Second Strategic Planning Conference held. HRS Chairs National ICD Registry Working Group. First ICD Cardiac Resynchronization Devices conference held. First ABIM Preparatory Course offered. On-line Grassroots Advocacy system launched. Heart Rhythm Foundation Public Awareness Programs on Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Atrial Fibrillation launched in strategic locations. Recognition of the Heart Rhythm Foundation's Donor Levels: Chairman's Society and Founders. 2004 NASPE (North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology) celebrates its 25th anniversary and becomes Heart Rhythm Society. Headquarters moves to Washington, DC. Heart Rhythm Foundation is established. New official journal HeartRhythm is launched. 2003 Standards of professional practice for allied professionals in pacing and electrophysiology published; enhanced patient materials available; reimbursement-coding audioconference held; kick-off 25th anniversary year; repositioning of NASPE – Heart Rhythm Society; corporate forum held. 2002 Strategic Plan and New Mission approved. Formal commencement of "Focus on the Future" campaign. Number of endowment and dedicated funds grows to seven. Membership reaches 3,500. 2001 James Youngblood joins the NASPE team as the Chief Executive Officer. NASPE establishes the Advanced Training Clinical Fellowship Awards. 2000 Live Ablation Case Presentation transmitted via satellite to the Scientific Sessions in Washington. CME credit available throughout year using Medscape.com. Abstracts submitted and graded electronically. Established Carol McGlinchey Professional Development Fund. Awarded Provider status for continuing education in nursing. Working groups established to support the development of patient and medical professional educational material for website. 1999 Celebration of NASPE's 20th birthday in Toronto. Membership reaches 3,000. NASPE purchases headquarter building. Public Awareness Campaign is launched. Establishment of a Benevolent Fund.

1998 NASPE offers International Luncheon Forums at Annual Scientific Sessions. Primary Care Programming offered. 1997 Membership reaches 2,500. Industry forum established. 1996 First CD-ROM Highlights of the Annual Scientific Sessions. Website developed and released. Expansion of Annual Scientific Sessions to four days. NASPE sponsors Board Review EP Course with ACC co-sponsorship. Opening Evening Poster Reception offered at Annual Scientific Sessions. 1995 Membership reaches 2,000. NASPE opens satellite Washington office. NASPE begins joint programming with European Society of Cardiology Working Groups on Arrhythmias and Pacing. NASPE establishes Committee for the Promotion of Basic Science. 1994 Publication of 2nd Edition of CAP Educational Guidelines. Expansion of Annual Scientific Sessions to three full days. Annual Program for Fellows offered. Introduction of interactive audience response sessions at Annual Scientific Sessions. First "Hands-on" Educational Session at Annual Scientific Sessions. NASPE moves to current office in Natick, Massachusetts. JCE becomes official journal.   1993 Annual Fellowship Training Program Directors meeting begins. 1992 Washington Report established. Mini-courses added to Annual Scientific Sessions. Board Review Course in Electrophysiology offered. 1991 NASPE hosts IXth World Symposium in conjunction with Annual Scientific Sessions. NASPETAPES released. 1990 Annual Scientific Sessions moves to a convention center. Audiotapes of Annual Scientific Sessions available. CAP Educational Guidelines published. 1989 Moved to larger offices in Newton, Massachusetts. Celebration in Toronto of 10th birthday of NASPE. Membership reaches 1,000. Long Range Plan established. First Examination of Special Competency for Allied Professionals. 1988 First Fellowship Training Program listing published. Health Policy consultant appointed. 1987 NASPE General Endowment Fund founded. Michael Bilitch Endowment Fund founded. 1986 First Examination of Special Competency for Physicians. 1985 Board of Trustees established. Council of Allied Professionals (CAP) organized. First Annual Scientific Sessions held outside USA — Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 1984 First stand-alone Annual Scientific Sessions. Membership reaches 500. NASPE moves to larger office in Wellesley, Massachusetts. 1983 ACCME accreditation to provide CME for physicians. 1982 First Policy Conference. Position paper written and published in PACE. First Fellowship awarded. 1981 First issue of NASPENews. Affiliation with PACE as official journal. Young Investigators Awards established. 1980 Date of incorporation, February 25, 1980. First National Meeting of NASPE, March 18, Houston, Texas. 1979 NASPE founded. Office established at Massachusetts General Hospital.