American Burn Association (ABA)
The American Burn Association (ABA) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injury. With over 3,000 members worldwide, ABA focuses on promoting and supporting burn-related care, prevention, education, and research. The association brings together professionals from various disciplines to advance quality care, advocate for prevention, provide educational resources, and foster research in the field of burn injuries. ABA is also recognized for its leadership in advocacy, professional development, and the establishment of best practices and guidelines for burn care. The ABA regularly hosts conferences, develops clinical guidelines, and partners with organizations to raise awareness and improve outcomes for burn survivors.
What We Do
The official journal of the ABA, publishing research and advancements in burn care.
A data registry platform for tracking and improving burn care quality.
An online platform offering educational resources and courses for burn care professionals.
A comprehensive dataset for burn research and clinical trials.
A major event for burn care professionals to share knowledge, research, and best practices.
A training program for healthcare professionals in the initial management of burn patients.
Application Area
Regenerative Medicine
Digital Health Technologies
News & Updates
Awarded to Kathleen A. Hollowed, RN, MSN, for outstanding contributions in the burn field.
Awarded to Jeffrey R. Saffle, MD, FACS, for lifetime outstanding achievement and contribution to burn care.
Awarded to an outstanding North American scientist for contributions in the burn field.
Presented to Marty Ahrens, MSW, for exceptional burn prevention efforts.
Awarded to Michael D. Peck, MD, ScD, FACS, for stellar contributions to the field of thermal and non-thermal injuries.
Awarded to Brittany Ayers, MPAS, PA-C, for professional development and learning in burn care.
Received a $1.99M grant for research on Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in severely burned patients.
Awarded to Palmer Q. Bessey, MD, FACS, MS, for lifetime outstanding achievement and contribution to the field of burn care.
The holiday season sees a rise in cooking-related burn injuries. The ABA provides tips and resources for safe cooking.
Spotlight on Natalie Fitzgerald, highlighting the skills and dedication of ABA's community members.
New Medicare coding and payment policy changes effective October 1, 2024, impacting hospital payments for burn care.
Explains the role of the AMA's RUC in recommending physician payment values to the federal government.
The New York Times highlights the rise in burns from hot sidewalks and roads, featuring ABA member insights.
The Senate passed S.870, the Fire Grants and Safety Act, on June 18, 2024.
ABA President Ingrid Parry comments on Jay Leno's recovery and the importance of specialized burn care.
ABA released updated Guidelines for Burn Patient Referral.
ABA released the Burn Prevention Framework in the Journal of Burn Care and Research.
ABA released the Clinical Practice Guideline: Early Mobilization and Rehabilitation of Critically Ill Burn Patients.
ABA hosted a Research and Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC, September 12–13, 2023.
ABA President Robert Cartotto, MD, shares tips for preventing contact burns in children during hot weather.
ABA released the Strategic Quality Summit 2022 paper in the Journal of Burn Care & Research.
ABA joined the CNTR as a Core member, with two representatives named to the CNTR Board.
House Appropriations Committee advanced the FY2021 defense appropriations bill, providing $10 million for the Military Burn Research Program.
ABA member Ernest Grant re-elected as the American Nurses Association’s National President.
ABA reaccredited to provide Nursing Continuing Professional Development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
ABA partners with the Board of Certification of Emergency Nurses (BCEN) to develop a burn nursing certification.
Registration opens for the 2022 Annual Meeting, the first live meeting since 2019.
Recap of the ABA State and Future of Burn Science meeting in New Orleans.
Palmer Q. Bessey, MD, FACS, MS, receives the 2020 ABA Lifetime Achievement Award.
On February 7, 2024, Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Dave Joyce (R-OH) introduced H. Res. 1004, officially recognizing February 4–10th, 2024 as National Burn Awareness Week.
The House FY23 Defense Appropriations letter requested continued funding for the Military Burn Research Program.
ABA developed a position statement to educate the public on preventing burn injuries and deaths from home medical oxygen.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) announces the formal recognition of burn nursing as a nursing specialty.
The Primer provides burn centers and ABA members with coding and reimbursement information relevant to burn care.
The House Appropriations Committee approved the FY2022 defense appropriations bill, providing $10 million for the Military Burn Research Program.
The ABA stands in solidarity against racism and hate, affirming its commitment to address disparities and foster inclusivity.
The ABA supported guidance for re-entry of health care facilities and medical device representatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ABA released Burn Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, available as an eBook.
The ABA released new Guidelines on the Management of Acute Pain in the Adult Burn Patient.
CMMI launched a new payment model, the Part D Payment Modernization Model, and updated the Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design Model.
CMS issued a final rule on 'Pathways to Success,' overhauling Medicare’s National ACO Program.
The ABA, in partnership with the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors and Empathy Museum, announced the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newest exhibit at the Annual Meeting.
A premier two-day event for burn surgeons, focusing on clinical and operational leadership, held September 11-12 in Chicago, IL.
A session for participants to discuss registry participation, onboarding, and reporting with the ABA quality team and technology partner BData. Scheduled for June 26, 2025.
First in the 2025 Disaster Response Series, covering toxic chemical emergencies and the role of burn centers. Scheduled for June 26, 2025.
A monthly journal club discussing evidence-based scar management interventions after burn injury. Scheduled for July 10, 2025.
The Southern Region Burn Conference will take place in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, October 10-13, 2024.
The Western Region Annual Meeting is making a comeback in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, June 19-21, 2024.
The FABA Induction Ceremony was held at the ABA Annual Meeting 2024, celebrating the induction of new Fellows of the American Burn Association.
Hennepin Healthcare hosted the Midwest Burn Conference at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.