Much of AATB's work is conducted through its councils and committees, which provide members with the opportunity to drive change within our industry.
What are AATB Councils?
AATB Councils represent the viewpoints of the various disciplines that relate to tissue recovery, processing, storage, distribution, transplantation, research, and education. Each council consists of AATB members interested in that particular discipline or council.
Accredited Tissue Banks Council
The Accredited Tissue Banks Council (ATBC) consists of AATB members, each of whom has been designated by his/her respective Accredited Institutional Member (AIM) to serve as its representative on the Council. ATBC members are given the opportunity to discuss and weigh in on current topics affecting AATB-accredited tissue banks. Topics may include but are not limited to the accreditation process, inspection compliance, collaborative relationships, and changes in FDA standards and regulations.
Contact the Accredited Tissue Banks Council Leaders
Donor Family Services Council
The Donor Family Services Council consists of AATB members who have an interest in sharing best practices and fostering collaboration among family service representatives in the tissue banking profession.
Contact the Donor Family Services Council Leader
Living Donor Council
The Living Donor Council consists of AATB members who have an interest in the science, technology, procurement, collection, processing, and storage of birth and reproductive tissue and/or cells from living donors.
Contact the Living Donor Council Leader
Non-Transplant Anatomical Donation Council
The Non-Transplant Anatomical Donation (NADO) Council consists of AATB members who have an interest in the science, technology, and practice of non-transplant anatomical tissue banking for education and research. Council members share best practices and foster collaboration between NADOs and the AATB Membership to further increase awareness of the industry.
Contact the Non-Transplant Anatomical Donation Council Leader
Physicians Council
The Physicians Council consists of AATB members who are legally authorized to practice medicine, dentistry or osteopathy, and who work or have an interest in tissue banking for transplantation or non-anatomical donation/use for education and research. The Council works to ensure that physicians’ concerns are fully considered when addressing issues related to tissue banking, transplant medicine, and AATB Standards, policies, and programs.
Membership Requirements: Council members must hold an MD/DO.
Contact the Physicians Council Leader
Processing and Distribution Council
The Processing and Distribution Council consists of AATB members who have an interest in the science, technology, and practice of quality systems in tissue banking. The Council works to ensure the safety and efficiency of tissue processing and distribution.
Contact the Processing and Distribution Council Leader
Quality Council
The Quality Council consists of AATB members who have an interest in the science, technology and practice of quality systems in tissue banking. The Council works to promote safe donor selection, effective tissue recovery, and the appropriate testing, processing, and distribution through quality practices, processes, and AATB Standards.
Contact the Quality Council Leader
Recovery and Donor Eligibility Council
The Recovery and Donor Eligibility (RADE) Council consists of members who have an interest in the science, technology and practice of tissue recovery, and the testing and screening of donors to determine eligibility. RADE Council members work to enhance the quality of tissue recovery, screening, suitability assessment, and family support services by advancing AATB Standards, best practices, and education.
What are AATB Committees?
AATB Committees are charged with performing functions that are often essential to the operation of the association. Most committees have established criteria for membership, and committee membership changes accordingly and when applicable, however, the purpose of the committee and its functions generally do not change.
Accreditation Committee
The Accreditation Committee is responsible for the development of policies and materials for the administration of the Accreditation Program, including the application, processing, inspection, evaluation, and approval of applicants for accreditation.
Membership Requirements: Committee members must have at least five (5) years of tissue banking experience and no more than two individuals from a single tissue bank may serve concurrently on the Committee. Quality or regulatory background preferred.
Bylaws and Ethics Committee
The Bylaws and Ethics Committee is responsible for reviewing the Association’s Bylaws, which govern the membership and the affairs of the Association, and for recommending necessary revisions as provided in the Bylaws, Article XIII. The Committee is also responsible for the development and interpretation of the Association’s ethical codes, policies, and statements.
Certification Committee
The Certification Committee is responsible for the development, review, update, and evaluation of the Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) examination.
Membership Requirements: Committee members must have a current CTBS and at least three (3) years of tissue banking experience. Additional designations may be considered at the discretion of the committee chair.
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee is responsible for the Association's communications activities and programs. The committee supports AATB membership through the development and sharing of communications best practices and timely collaboration in the event of a crisis or urgent media event.
Membership Requirements: Committee members must be professionals in the fields of communications, public relations, marketing, or media affairs.
Education Committee
The Education Committee is responsible for the development of various educational programs and documents, including webinars and training guides, and provides additional support to AATB committees and councils as needed.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing the Association’s finances, including accounting policies and practices, annual audits, budgets, financial reports, and tax submissions.
Membership Requirements: Committee members must have significant experience with finance and budgeting policies and practices.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is responsible for the recruitment and retention of Individual Members and Accredited Institutional Members.
Nominating and Awards Committee
The Nominating and Awards Committee is responsible for selecting candidates for election to fill the Association's offices in accordance with the Bylaws, Article VIII. The Committee is also responsible for nominating individuals to the Board of Governors for the Association's annual Achievement Awards.
Membership Requirements: Committee members must have at least five (5) years of tissue banking experience and no more than two individuals from a single tissue bank may serve concurrently on the Committee.
Program Committee
The Program Committee is responsible for developing the programs for the annual and periodic meetings of the Association as well as the various other workshops and seminars.
Scientific and Technical Affairs Committee
Subject to prior approval of the Board of Governors, the Scientific and Technical Affairs Committee (STAC) is responsible for the design and execution of AATB-sponsored research and the publication of any resulting data and/or conclusions. The Committee is also charged with reviewing, investigating, and making recommendations to the Board of Governors on relevant scientific and technical questions.
Membership Requirements: Committee members must have a PhD/MD or advanced degree in scientific/engineering discipline and experience in research or areas of their organizations where research/product or process development is conducted.
Standards Committee
The Standards Committee is responsible for drafting, reviewing, and providing recommendations to the Board of Governors for all standards, including variances thereto, and guidance documents. Committee members must have at least five years of tissue banking experience.
Membership Requirements: Committee members must have at least five (5) years of tissue banking experience.