To use images or tables from any ASE guideline (or JASE article) you must apply for permission to the JASE publisher, Elsevier. This is done via CCC RightsLink(opens in new tab).

A shortcut is to find the guideline or article you need on JASE (onlinejase.com) and then select the “get rights” link (which looks like a copyright symbol) and it will take you to the CCC RightsLink form for that specific guideline or article.  Note that you may request more than one image/table from a guideline on the same form, but you will need separate forms for each guideline or article.

ASE members may become involved in proposing an ASE Guideline through participation in one of the ASE Councils(opens in new tab) or ASE Specialty Interest Groups(opens in new tab). ASE members may also login to the member portal to download the ASE Guideline Development Manual (updated June 2023) and download the ASE Guideline Proposal Template (see instructions here(opens in new tab)) for more information. Note that guideline proposals are reviewed, prioritized, and approved by ASE leadership depending on topic.

ASE supports collaboration with other medical societies and organizations that develop clinical practice guidelines, appropriate use criteria, position statements, and other communications related to echocardiographic imaging. ASE views collaboration as an opportunity to harmonize clinical recommendations, improve the delivery of patient care, and advance cardiovascular ultrasound to improve lives. 

Guidelines and other clinical guidance documents developed by external organizations may be considered for ASE endorsement when they address topics relevant to ASE and its membership and meet the basic criteria for review, including: 

• Medical and scientific soundness. 

• Alignment with ASE policies. 

• Alignment with the ASE strategic plan. 

At the discretion of the ASE Executive Committee, a request for review of a submitted clinical guidance document may not be accepted. Submission and review do not guarantee endorsement, and ASE endorsement does not guarantee publication in the Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography (JASE). 

ASE Endorsement Process 

ASE endorsement requires: 

• Formal review by the ASE Guidelines and Standards Committee to assess the appropriateness of endorsement. 

• Approval by the ASE Executive Committee. 

External organizations may approach ASE to request review and endorsement of guidelines developed without ASE involvement. Although such documents may be considered, the likelihood of consideration is increased when ASE has been involved in, and has knowledge of, the development process. 

Organizations seeking ASE endorsement must submit the guideline to ASE Guidelines staff for consideration and complete ASE’s Endorsement Letter of Agreement (LOA). The requesting organization should submit the final manuscript along with the endorsement request. 

Categories of ASE Recognition 

Clinical guidelines developed by external organizations that are relevant to patient care in cardiovascular ultrasound may be categorized as follows: 

Endorsed 

The guideline meets ASE’s criteria for endorsement, and ASE fully endorses the document. 

Whenever feasible, ASE’s involvement in the development and review of an endorsed document should include one or more of the following: 

• ASE representation on the writing committee, with at least one member appointed by the ASE Executive Committee. 

• ASE participation in peer review of the final document. 

• The sponsoring organization’s written response to ASE peer-review comments and provision of the final document to ASE for review. 

Affirmation of Value 

The guideline does not meet the requirements for full endorsement, or ASE cannot endorse all of the recommendations. However, ASE determines that the guideline provides value in improving patient care as it relates to the advancement of cardiovascular ultrasound. 

Not Endorsed 

ASE does not endorse the guideline. 

Dissemination of Endorsed Documents 

If ASE fully endorses a document: 

• ASE may disseminate the document to its members with permission from the primary organization. 

• ASE may request permission to publish the full document, a portion of the document, or a summary on the ASE website, or to provide a link to the article after publication by the primary organization. 

The requesting organization should submit the endorsement request and final manuscript to ASE Guidelines staff for consideration.