Councils & Committees

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. 

Request to Join the Accredited Tissue Banks Council

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.

Request to Join the Donor Family Services Council

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.

Request to Join the Living Donor Council

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.

Request to Join the Non-Transplant Anatomical Donation Council

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.

Request to Join the Physicians Council

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.

Request to Join the Processing and Distribution Council

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.

Request to Join the Quality Council

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. 

Request to Join the Recovery and Donor Eligibility Council
 

Interested in Joining a Council?

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.

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. 

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.

Interested in Joining a Committee?