NAEC is a non-profit association with a membership of more than 230 specialized epilepsy centers in the United States. NAEC published its first iteration of its Guidelines for Essential Services, Personnel, and Facilities in Specialized Epilepsy Centers in 1990. The Association continues its work to develop standards of care and promote their adoption by epilepsy centers through its accreditation program. NAEC pursues an active agenda, educating public and private insurers, policymakers, and government officials about the complexities of and need for patient access to specialized epilepsy services.
NAEC was founded in 1987 by physicians committed to setting a national agenda for quality epilepsy care. NAEC is indebted to Robert J. Gumnit, M.D. for his stewardship of the organization from 1987 – 2010.
Mission
NAEC supports epilepsy centers in delivering quality comprehensive care to people with epilepsy, by setting standards of care, advocating for access to high quality epilepsy center services, and providing knowledge and resources to its member centers.
NAEC accomplishes its mission by:
Setting standards of care
NAEC is committed to continuously improving its Guidelines for Essential Services, Personnel, and Facilities in Specialized Epilepsy Centers in the United States to ensure that the Guidelines are comprehensive and evidence-based. The Association accredits specialized level 3 and 4 epilepsy centers that meet these Guidelines.
Advocating for access to high quality epilepsy centers
NAEC’s advocacy objectives concentrate on maintaining support for epilepsy centers at all levels of government, with private insurers and in collaboration with other medical professionals. NAEC works closely with professional associations and non-profit organizations with similar goals in epilepsy care and with federal health agencies interested in epilepsy care, treatment, research, outreach, and education.
Providing knowledge and resources to member centers
NAEC is committed to providing resources and support to its members in the operation of a comprehensive epilepsy center, as well as, addressing the needs of individuals centers as they arise.
An executive summary of the 2016-2019 NAEC Strategic Plan is available here.
NAEC Bylaws and Policies
- Bylaws
- Accreditation Policy and Procedure Manual (Adopted January 2018)
- Board Policy: Surveying NAEC Members and Release of NAEC Data (Adopted April 16, 2014)
- Board Policy: NAEC Guidelines and Rural Centers (Adopted September 25, 2012)