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All legislative power of the WSMA is vested in the voting members of the House of Delegates.

House of Delegates

For the compendium of all policies passed by the House of Delegates, visit our What’s Our Policy? page.

Video Overviews of the WSMA House of Delegates

The WSMA has created two videos to help delegates and members better understand how the WSMA House of Delegates works.

How the 2026 WSMA House of Delegates Is Improving the Delegate Experience – In our first 5-minute video, WSMA staff review new processes introduced this year that are designed to improve efficiency, accessibility, and delegate engagement. Updates include an online resolution submission tool, expanded use of the virtual reference committee, and revised deadlines that provide more time to review policy proposals before the annual meeting.

How Physician Ideas Become WSMA Policy – In our second, in-depth video, Speaker of the WSMA House of Delegates, Matthew Grierson, MD, walks through the policymaking process at the House of Delegates, from identifying an issue and developing a resolution to the virtual reference committee, testimony, amendments, reference committee recommendations, and final House consideration. Audio-only version: MP3 | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Official Actions of the 2025 House of Delegates

For the official policies and other business acted on by the 2025 WSMA House of Delegates, download the Official Actions of the 2025 WSMA House of Delegates (June 2026 update).

For information on policies and directives adopted by the 2024 House of Delegates, download the final status report of the Official Actions of the 2024 WSMA House of Delegates.

If you have any questions about the business of the House of Delegates, email WSMA Director of Policy Jeb Shepard at jeb@wsma.org.

About the House of Delegates

The WSMA House of Delegates comprises elected delegates from each county medical society, qualified state specialty societies, and members of the WSMA board of trustees. There is one young physician delegate, one resident delegate, and three student delegates (one from each of the three medical schools in Washington state). Each county society has one delegate for every 50 members of the county society who are active or active limited WSMA members.

Each medical specialty society is entitled to elect or appoint one delegate and one alternate, provided that such specialty society has as members at least 100 active members of the WSMA, or if the specialty society has fewer than 100 members, 50% of its members must belong to the WSMA.

How the House of Delegates Operates

The WSMA House of Delegates meets once a year, typically in September or October. Learn more about the Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates and how policy is made by the House. When the House of Delegates is not in session, the WSMA is governed by the board of trustees. The board has all the powers of the House except amending the bylaws or establishing dues or assessments.

How to Serve as a WSMA Delegate

If you are interested in serving as a delegate, contact your county medical society or state specialty society. If you are unsure who to contact, email WSMA staff at hod@wsma.org.

Delegates are expected to be available for one year of service from the beginning of the House of Delegates meeting until the House of Delegates meeting the following year. Delegates shall be available to provide input and information and guidance to the board of trustees and executive committee as they administer and interpret policy set by the House of Delegates, and as they make policy decisions when the House of Delegates is not in session.

To fulfill your responsibilities as a delegate:

  1. Be familiar with the WSMA. The WSMA priorities for the year are available from the Seattle office. Read WSMA Reports and the Membership Memo.
  2. Review the official actions of the previous House of Delegates and the WSMA bylaws included in the delegate handbook, available no later than 30 days before the WSMA Annual Meeting).
  3. Alert your colleagues that you are a delegate to the WSMA. Seek their comments and recommendations on WSMA programs and policies.
  4. Communicate your society’s or your individual recommendations for the establishment of WSMA policies or programs through the introduction of a resolution.
  5. Be thoroughly familiar with the reports and resolutions contained in the delegate handbook.
  6. Work with your delegation. Divide reference committee responsibilities so your members are represented in the deliberations of each of the reference committees. Encourage all members to attend and participate in reference committee hearings.
  7. Take action! If you have an issue or concern, write the president, call the CEO, introduce a resolution, or volunteer for a WSMA committee.
  8. Review the WSMA Policy Compendium to learn about existing policies.

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