Annual Fees, Dues Billing and Statement

Annual Fees, Dues Billing and Statement

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the different items that are billed on a dues statement?
A: The initial annual billing contains three items that are billed: The annual Certification Maintenance Fee (CMF) for Diplomates, or dues for Regular members which are mandatory payments required to remain in "good standing".  Also, there is an Auxiliary dues payment that is voluntary provided the member's spouse does not want to participate as a member of the Auxiliary.

Q: What is the period that is covered by the Annual CMF or Dues?
A: The period that is covered by yearly dues is January 1 to December 31 of the billing year, or at any point within the billing year until December 31 of that same year. (Example: If joined in April 2010, then membership in AAPS is from April 2010 to December 31, 2010.)

Q: If I join as a New Member or Diplomate later in the year, do I have to pay the full year's CMF or dues?
A: Annual CMF or dues are prorated in quarterly increments over the course of a year. The  membership amount is based on the date in which you are certified (become a Diplomate) or the date your membership application was received and the annual fees were billed. The percentage amounts are as follows: January 1 - March 31, 100% of annual fees, April 1 - June 30, 75% of annual fees, July 1 - September 30, 50% of annual fees, October 1 - December 31, 25% of annual fees.

Q: Who is considered a New Member?
A. This is an individual who has never been certified with ABPS, and who has never paid annual fees to the organization at any time. Prior to paying the annual fees, these are applicants provided they have a membership, certification, or both applications on file.

Q: When will I receive a CMF or dues notice?
A: Initial annual fees or dues notices are mailed in October for the following year to allow members adequate time to pay their annual fees prior to the first of the next year. Additional notices are distributed in December, February (with late fees added), and a letter informing the member of removal from "good standing" is mailed on April 1, if a member has not paid their annual fees by that time.

Q: Do I have to pay my annual CMF or dues by January 1?
A: No. However, it is recommended your payment is remitted as soon as possible, but it is not required to be received by January 1. Fees or dues received after January 31 are billed a late fee. Also, in order to remain a member in "good standing", annual fees or dues must be received no later than March 31 of the involved year.  Inactive/Suspended Diplomates or members who pay their CMF or dues after July 1 of the billing year will be required to pay the next year's CMF or membership dues.

Q: What is a member in "good standing" and how does it affect me?
A: A member in "good standing" is a Diplomate or member with up-to-date fees or dues for the current billing year or prior year(s) before March 31 of the billing year. Only Diplomates or members in "good standing" receive organizational mailings, information and credentials verified by AAPS.

Q: What will I have to do, if my membership lapses?
A: If a membership is lapsed, the member will have to pay all outstanding fees or dues, late fees, and reinstatement fees up through the current year prior to their membership being reinstated.

Q: What are the Auxiliary Dues?
A: Auxiliary dues are to support the various social events  or programs offered by AAPS/ABPS. These dues are totally voluntary and are not mandatory payments for a member to remain in "good standing" except for Auxiliary board officers.

Q: What are late fees & reinstatement fees and when are they charged?
A: Late and reinstatement fees are added at certain points in the billing year for member(s) who have not yet paid required certification maintenance fees (CMF) or membership dues. Late fees are billed to Diplomates or members who have not paid their annual fees/dues before January 31 of the billing year. Reinstatement fees are billed to members who have not paid their annual fees/dues by March 31, and are no longer a member in "good standing". Both fees are mandatory payments billed to the individual.

Q: How can I pay my annual dues?
A: Annual fees/dues can be paid via check, money order, Visa, MasterCard and American Express.  There is no fee for Visa and Master Card; however, a 3% fee of the total charge (over $1,000) is applicable for American Express credit card charges.

2010 Statement Notice Diagram

NOTE:  All pricing is subject to change prior to annual billing cycles starting. This diagram is only for reference and description purposes. It should not be used at any time to determine current dues amount owed. In order to determine this amount reference actual dues invoice, or call AAPS for the amount.

1. Organizational/Return Address.

2. Invoice Reminder Number.

3. Member ID Number and Member Type.

4. Annual CMF or Dues Fee (Mandatory Fee to remain a Member in "Good Standing").

5. Late Fees (Mandatory Fee Payment for Dues Paid after February 1 of the involved year. This amount will not appear on dues statement until after 1 February of the involved year.)

6. Reinstatement Fee (Mandatory Fee Payment for Dues Paid after March 31 of the involved year.  (This amount will not appear on dues statement until after 31 March of the involved year.)

7. Total amount billed including both mandatory and optional fees.

8. Member Mailing Address.  This is the preferred mailing address as noted by the member.  If this address is incorrect, please place correct address in area # 17 on the remittance stub.

9. Involved Year and Purpose of Invoice.

10. Terms of Payment.

11. General Information Area.

12. Annuals Payment/Fee schedule.

13. Lobbying Funds Disclaimer.

14. Remittance Stub. Please ensure to return with dues payment to ensure proper credit of payment).

15. Email Address: If email address is new or updated, please note in this area.

16. Change of address area.  If address in area # 9 is incorrect please note corrections or proper/preferred address in this area.  Note: All items sent from AAPS to member will be sent to this address.

17. Verification Statement.

18. Signature and Date. This is signature verification for the statement in area # 18. 

Still have questions? Please use the AAPS Contact Us and select "Dues" for your area of interest and all questions will be directed to the AAPS Director of Finance and Operations.