ASCA board member joins New York state public health council

Interviewed by Sahely Mukerji June 9, 2026

One-on-one with Jon Van Valkenburg, CASC

ASCA Board Member Jon Van Valkenburg, CASC, executive director of Upstate Orthopedics ASC in East Syracuse, New York, will represent ASCs at the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council. Governor Kathy Hochul appointed and the New York State Senate confirmed Van Valkenburg to the seat last week.

ASC Focus talked to Van Valkenburg about the position and what this seat means for ASCs. Below is an excerpt.

Tell me about this seat on the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council. Is there a term limit?

Jon Van Valkenburg (JVV): The Public Health and Health Planning Council consists of the commissioner of health and 26 members. Membership on the council is required to reflect the diversity of the state’s population, including the state’s various geographic areas and population densities. The members must include representatives of the public health system; healthcare providers that comprise the state’s healthcare delivery system; and individuals with expertise in the clinical and administrative aspects of healthcare delivery, in issues affecting healthcare consumers, health planning, healthcare financing and reimbursement, in healthcare regulation and compliance, and in public health practice.

The main things that the council does are adopting and amending New York state health regulations and reviewing and approving certificate of need applications by hospitals, ASCs, nursing homes, home care agencies and hospices.

The full council meets in person five times per year. There are also five separate meeting dates each year for committee meetings. Meetings are held in either Albany or New York City.

The appointment is for a six-year term and council members are eligible for reappointment by the governor.

What does the addition of this independent ASC seat mean for New York ASCs?

JVV: The addition of this seat for freestanding ASCs means that New York ASCs will finally have representation on this body that has a major impact on regulations affecting ASCs, as well as the approval of new ASCs and changes to existing ASCs.

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Tell me about the process. When did it start and how?

JVV: It all started several years ago when the New York State Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers prioritized supporting legislation that would create a seat category on the council for freestanding ASCs. By law, there were established seat categories for many different stakeholders, including hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, healthcare labor organizations, healthcare payers and healthcare consumer advocacy organizations. We knew that ASCs are an increasingly important part of the healthcare continuum in New York state and critical to increasing access to high-quality healthcare services. We felt that the council would benefit greatly from the unique perspective that could be offered by freestanding ASCs.

The bill adding the seat passed, but the seat sat vacant for the past two years. The New York state ASC association recommended several different candidates over that time period, but for one reason or another, none proceeded to nomination by the governor. Earlier this year, New York state ASC association President Jeffrey Flynn contacted me and asked if the association could recommend me for the seat. After some reflection, I agreed to go through the process and accept appointment if nominated by Governor Hochul and confirmed by the state Senate. I went through a vetting process by the governor’s appointments office and proceeded to be nominated for the seat by Governor Hochul. The state Senate confirmed the appointment on June 4, 2026. I do not know who else may have been considered for the seat by the governor’s office.

What will be your top priorities representing NY ASCs in this position?

JVV: My top priority is to serve the people of New York by contributing to the council the unique perspectives and values of ASCs. I feel that ASCs can help solve some of the healthcare challenges that the state is facing, especially as it relates to access and cost.

How do you feel about this appointment?

JVV: I am deeply honored to be appointed by Governor Hochul to the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council. The council plays a critical role in shaping the accessibility, quality and equity of healthcare across our state. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow council members to address our most pressing public health challenges and to ensure our healthcare delivery systems serve all New Yorkers effectively.