Message from the Chair of the House of Delegates
As I write you, we have received three excellent resolutions for
this year's HOD to consider--they hit upon key issues we are all
dealing with--survey and NP scope of practice. Frankly, I had hoped
that our Denver meeting and the intense level of activity between
national and state chapters would prompt more resolutions. The deadline
is past, but if you hurry I will still consider accepting "hot"
resolutions.
I have appointed a Resolutions Committee that is committed to
following the revised procedure which I have outlined in previous
communications. They are ready to assist, so please consider those
sentinel issues that you have been facing or fighting in your state and
consider how national policy or action may help.
In the past, resolutions have framed important policy initiatives
and resulted in advances and clarifications that have had impact down
to the individual grassroots member.
In the year ahead, AMDA's national office will be making a
significant effort to reach out to attending physicians with a new
educational program. I myself worked on this and taught in the pilot
held in Kansas this November. It was a successful meeting with 40
attendees hungry for the knowledge we offered. As you well know, we
cannot do our job as medical directors without the services of
enlightened, committed attendings. AMDA is beginning to address the
barriers to their participation in quality long term care and this
program is just the first step. You may want to consider what policy
initiatives we need to undertake as well.
We also have four amendments to the bylaws to consider--regional
chapters, bylaws interpretation, disciplinary process, and making the
bylaws committee a standing committee. Let's be ready to discuss these
changes when we meet in Atlanta.
AMDA has a history of good work that starts with the thoughts,
needs, and dedication of individual physicians working in long term
care. Please join me in continuing this work at our next HOD meeting.
Randall D. Huss, MD, CMD
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