Administration officials and medical association executives gave details of the meeting in separate interviews today.

The emphasis on government relations is clear just from the backgrounds of many association executives.

"Our official position is that Equitas has plenty of money," an association executive said.

Janet Yale is a Canadian telecommunications lawyer and association executive.

"As an association executive, I will never say that anything is dead, because I will get 27 calls from different people," he said.

Other association executives described Mr. Helm's announcement as a surprise.

The 58 attendees consisted of hospital physicians, nurses, superintendents, business managers, trustees and association executives.

Just after the panel convened, President Clinton spoke to trade association executives defending his proposal and expressing optimism about its future.

For example, some 1,300 top executives in associations have worked to achieve the designation of Certified Association Executive.

He is a member of the American Society of Association Executives.