Each month a new set of 200 consecutive epochs from a sleep record is posted online for the AASM Inter-scorer Reliability Testing Program. This convenient online program provides sleep centers, educational programs and research labs with the opportunity to compare the scoring ability of their staff and students with the AASM Gold Standard Scorer.

Until February 28, 2011, AASM individual and center members have the opportunity to save $20 on each pack of 100 personalized patient education brochures ordered from the AASM (a savings of more than 30 percent!).

Individuals who register before March 14 for one of the AASM's Board Review for the Sleep Specialist courses will receive free access to three 200-Epoch Scoring Review online learning modules and Online Practice Exams.

In celebration of its 25th Anniversary Meeting, the APSS will host the Silver Jubilee networking reception on the evening of Sunday, June 12, 2011, from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Tickets are $50 per person and include an extensive selection of hors d'oeuvres throughout the evening, two drink tickets and live music.

To receive accreditation for out of center sleep testing, sleep disorders centers currently accredited by the AASM only need to complete and return the attestation form that was previously sent by e-mail to the sleep center’s primary contact.

The new online learning modules include presentations from AASM courses and workshops such as last week's The Business of Sleep Medicine: Making Medicare More Meaningful in 2011, as well as training modules and lectures covering the basics of sleep medicine.

All members who have not yet renewed your 2011 membership must renew by this Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, to keep your membership active as well as to be included in and receive the 2011-2012 Printed Membership Directory.

The Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (A-STEP) Introductory Course was developed to provide technicians new to the profession with the fundamental education needed to begin a career in sleep technology.

A new grant opportunity from the American Sleep Medicine Foundation (ASMF) is the Humanitarian 20 Projects Award, which addresses sleep problems or sleep education needs in disadvantaged populations. The ASMF is particularly interested in projects that develop or promote novel approaches to address human suffering in under-served populations as it relates to inadequate or non-restorative sleep, or sleep disorders in disadvantaged groups.

AASM members have access to the full text of each article in the Feb. 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine when you log in on the website. You also can earn continuing medical education (CME) credits online by reading designated articles and taking the online CME exams within one year of the date of publication. Use the "My CME Credits" page to access your records and print letters of participation.

Abstracts may be submitted from Friday, Feb. 25, to Wednesday, March 23, 2011. Up to five abstracts will be accepted for oral presentations in which authors will present their high-quality emerging data found between December 2010 and March 2011.

General registration and discounted hotel rooms for the meeting are now open to all individuals following the end of the members-only registration period. At present, several sessions are near capacity; register early to ensure that you are able to attend all of your desired sessions.

Sleep service entities interested in obtaining accreditation as a provider of out of center sleep testing can download the application now available on the AASM website. Sleep disorders centers currently accredited by the AASM should note that they do need to complete the full application to receive accreditation for out of center sleep testing; accredited centers instead must complete an attestation form.

The 2011 American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) sleep medicine certification exam will be the final opportunity for physicians to apply under the Practice Pathway

Milestones in 2010 include the opening of the state-of-the-art AASM National Headquarters in Darien, IL, new high points in membership and accreditation, new electronic initiatives and the continual development of educational resources for members.

Earning accreditation for out of center sleep testing from the leader in sleep medicine enables sleep medicine providers to offer broader options to your patients and for your facility to gain recognition as a out of center sleep testing provider that meets the highest standards of quality care.

Members who do not renew by February 28, 2011, will not be included in the directories. If you have not yet renewed your membership for 2011, login to the Members-Only section of the AASM website to renew online or to download a renewal invoice to return via mail or fax.

Three courses are scheduled for 2011, and the advanced registration deadline to save for the March course in Los Angeles, California is next Thursday, February 17, 2011.

After registering for the meeting, take advantage of discounted hotel room rates by booking your hotel reservation through the SLEEP 2011 Housing Bureau. Room blocks have been reserved at a discounted rate at several conveniently located hotels.