Council of State Neurosurgical Societies

The Council of State Neurosurgical Societies (CSNS) is a professional surgical society in the United States. It was established in 1976 to provide a national platform for the State Neurosurgical Societies in the country. The CSNS focuses on discussing and addressing socioeconomic issues related to neurological surgery. It is composed of active neurosurgeons who are members of state neurosurgical societies, with one representative per 50 state society neurosurgeon members. In addition, members are appointed by the Presidents of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), and 13 neurosurgery residents are elected as delegates. The CSNS meets twice a year before the annual meetings of the AANS and CNS to consider resolutions and receive reports from committees. Adopted resolutions are sent to the AANS/CNS for further consideration and potential implementation.

The history of the CSNS dates back to the formation of regional, national, and international neurosurgical societies in the early 20th century. As socioeconomic issues began to affect the practice of neurosurgery, the CNS established a Socio-Economics Committee in 1963. In 1973, a group of neurosurgeons formed the National Advisory Group, which later became the CSNS. The group divided itself into four regions to facilitate information exchange and support the formation of state societies. The National Advisory Group reported to the Joint Socio-Economics Committee and met twice a year during its meetings. Over the years, the CSNS has played a crucial role in addressing socioeconomic issues in the field of neurological surgery.