Reform

The WSMA believes that any health care reform must include an effective public health system. (Res C-8, A-08)

The WSMA considers restoration and improvement of our primary care system one of its highest priorities legislatively, with insurance companies, and in support of the system changes needed toward this end. (Res A-13, A-08)

The WSMA promotes data use policies that reflect confidentiality standards, case mix, and quality and not just resource consumption. (Reaffirmed A-17)

The WSMA supports legislation or regulation that requires uniform public disclosure of each Certified Health Plan's administrative costs as a percentage of premium, services covered and provided by whom, utilization review processes, and consumer participation requirements. (Amended A-17)

The WSMA supports legislation that requires Certified Health Plans to use uniform provider credentialing and recredentialing forms. (Amended A-17)

The WSMA supports legislation or regulation that would require Certified Health Plans to disclose to physicians the individual within the CHP who is reviewing their work, including the individual's name and credentials, and that CHPs be held proportionately responsible for their utilization review decisions. (Amended A-17)

The WSMA supports legislation or regulation that would mandate that any reviews, accreditation or licensing surveys conducted within the state of Washington be accomplished at the same time and that uniform standards should be applied. (Reaffirmed A-17)

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Abbreviations for House of Delegates report origination:

EC – Executive Committee; BT – Board of Trustees; CPA – Council on Professional Affairs; JC – Judicial Council; CHS – Community and Health Services