Though the federal deadline has been extended, the MBA is continuing its request to obtain members' permission to continue to send faxes to alert them of valuable programs, services and benefits.
In July 2003 the FCC changed its interpretation of rules governing facsimile communications and gave organizations until late August 2003 to obtain written consent in order to send faxes to recipients.
However, on Aug. 18 - after several organizations including the American Society of Association Executives filed petitions to stay and clarify the rules - the FCC extended the written consent deadline to Jan. 1, 2005. The Commission determined the public interest would best be served by allowing senders of information additional time to obtain express permission before the new rules become effective.
The extension follows the FCC's July 3 report and order that ruled "an established business relationship will no longer be sufficient to show that an individual or business has given express permission to receive unsolicited facsimile advertisements."
The MBA thanks all members who have sent in written consent forms to receive fax communications about association programs, products or services. And the MBA is continuing its request for members to send in signed consent forms in order for the MBA to continue being able to notify members of valuable programs and benefits following the Jan. 1, 2005, deadline.
To do so, please fill out a fax consent form - which may be obtained from the MBA's Web page, MassBar.org. - and return it to the MBA at your earliest convenience.