House of Delegates

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

House of Delegates

All legislative power of the WSMA is vested in the voting members of the WSMA House of Delegates. For the compendium of all policies passed by the House of Delegates, visit our What’s Our Policy? page.

Official Actions of the 2024 House of Delegates

The actions taken by the WSMA House of Delegates during its 2024 annual meeting produce the policies that will help guide WSMA’s advocacy and operations moving forward.

Download the November 2024 update of the Official Actions from the 2024 House of Delegates. This update features assigned staff for each official action, including referrals, as approved by the WSMA board of trustees at its Nov. 19 meeting.

Starting in December, the WSMA will produce and distribute monthly updates to the official actions report that will include actions taken by staff to meet new directives and policies. These updates will be distributed after WSMA executive committee review and approval, approximately the second Friday of every month or soon thereafter.

For information on policies adopted at the 2023 WSMA Annual Meeting, download the final status report of the Official Actions of the 2023 WSMA House of Delegates. If you have any questions about the business of the House of Delegates, please reach out to 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). The House may also be called into special session at any time by the WSMA president on the written request of 15 members of the House.

All business of the House is conducted according to parliamentary procedures as outlined in "The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure."

WSMA Governance Outside of the Annual House of Delegates Meeting

When the House of Delegates is not in session, the WSMA is governed by the board of trustees. The board meets quarterly and is responsible for carrying out the mandates and policies of the House. The board has all the powers of the House except amending the bylaws or establishing dues or assessments.

From the board of trustees, the WSMA president, president-elect, vice president, immediate past president, and secretary-treasurer form the executive committee. The committee meets monthly and acts for the board in implementing WSMA programs and establishing interim policy.

The WSMA president is the spokesperson for the association.

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.

Delegate Duties

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:

Be familiar with the WSMA. The WSMA priorities for the year are available from the Seattle office. Read WSMA Reports and the Membership Memo.
Review the official actions of the previous House of Delegates and the WSMA bylaws (included in the delegate handbook).
Alert your colleagues that you are a delegate to the WSMA. Seek their comments and recommendations on WSMA programs and policies.
Communicate your society’s or your individual recommendations for the establishment of WSMA policies or programs through the introduction of a resolution.
Be thoroughly familiar with the reports and resolutions contained in the delegate handbook.
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.
Take action! If you have an issue or concern, write the president, call the CEO, introduce a resolution, or volunteer for a WSMA committee.
Review the WSMA Policy Compendium to learn about existing policies.

Current County, Specialty, and Section Delegate and Alternate List

Data pager
Data pager
1 2 Item 1 to 40 of 62 Page:of 2 Page size:

Expand Collapse

Data pager
Data pager
1 2 Item 1 to 40 of 62 Page:of 2 Page size:

Show all 62

COUNTY

Asotin County

COUNTY

Benton-Franklin County

COUNTY

Chelan-Douglas County

COUNTY

Clallam County

COUNTY

Clark County

COUNTY

Cowlitz-Wahkiakum County

COUNTY

Grant-Adams County

COUNTY

Grays Harbor County

COUNTY

Jefferson County

COUNTY

King County

COUNTY

Kitsap County

COUNTY

Kittitas County

COUNTY

Klickitat-Skamania County

COUNTY

Lewis County

COUNTY

Lincoln County

COUNTY

NorthEast Tri-Counties

COUNTY

Northwest Washington Medical Society

COUNTY

Okanogan County

COUNTY

Pacific County

COUNTY

Pierce County

COUNTY

Skagit-Island County

COUNTY

Snohomish County

COUNTY

Spokane County

COUNTY

Thurston-Mason County

COUNTY

Walla Walla County

COUNTY

Whitman County

COUNTY

Yakima County

SPECIALTY

American College of Surgeons, Washington State Chapter

SPECIALTY

Infectious Diseases Society of Washington

SPECIALTY

Medical Student Section

SPECIALTY

Northwest Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

SPECIALTY

Northwest Association of Occupational & Environmental Med

SPECIALTY

Pacific Northwest Gastroenterology Society

SPECIALTY

Resident & Fellow Section

SPECIALTY

Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

SPECIALTY

Washington Academy of Family Physicians

SPECIALTY

Washington Association of Neurological Surgeons

SPECIALTY

Washington Chapter, American College of Cardiology

SPECIALTY

Washington Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians

SPECIALTY

Washington Chapter, American College of Physicians

Physician Leadership News

Data pager
Data pager
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Item 1 to 3 of 20 Page:of 7 Page size:

Data pager
Data pager
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Item 1 to 3 of 20 Page:of 7 Page size:

Show all 20

ceo-rounds-nov-22-2024-keeping-a-watchful-eye-on-both-washingtons

CEO Rounds: Nov. 22, 2024 - Keeping A Watchful Eye on Both Washingtons

Leadership

Shared_Content/News/ceo-rounds/2024/ceo-rounds-nov-22-2024-keeping-a-watchful-eye-on-both-washingtons

<div class="col-md-12"> <div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/Weekly%20Rounds/ceo-rounds-article-graphic-2024-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="CEO Rounds graphic" /></div> <h5>November 22, 2024</h5> <h2>Keeping A Watchful Eye on Both Washingtons</h2> <p>Jennifer Hanscom, CEO</p> <p>As your state medical association, the WSMA's primary focus is, necessarily, on our state-we keep a close eye on what's happening in Olympia and the decisions made at state agencies, in the Legislature, or by the governor, and how those actions may affect our members and their patients.</p> <p>At the same time, we can't-and don't-ignore what is happening in the other Washington.</p> <p>As last week's Advocacy Report newsletter highlighted, there are three bills before Congress, one each on Medicare payment, prior authorization, and telehealth, that are crucial to your work. We urge all members and their teams to make their voices heard on these proposals. Take a moment and reach out to your congressional representatives and Washington's two senators to push for passage of these bills before <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2024/urgent-action-needed-on-bills-to-preserve-medicare-patients-access-to-care.aspx?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=N0Ew9">Congress adjourns for the year</a>.</p> <p>Additionally, we have heard from many of you with concerns regarding proposed cabinet appointments as the incoming Trump administration begins to take shape. These appointments include leadership roles overseeing Medicare, Medicaid, public health, and regulatory decisions, and have far-reaching implications for physicians and patients alike.</p> <p>Understanding the process of Senate confirmation and recess appointments is essential to advocate for leaders who prioritize patient care and the stability of our health care system.</p> <p>Here's a quick summary of the process: Under the U.S. Constitution, many high-ranking federal positions require Senate confirmation. The process is designed to ensure that appointees are qualified and reflect the nation's interests.</p> <p>How it works:</p> <ul> <li>Nomination: The president nominates an individual for a role.</li> <li>Committee hearings: Senate committees hold hearings to evaluate the nominee's qualifications, vision, and potential conflicts of interest.</li> <li>Full Senate vote: After the hearings, the nominee goes to the full Senate for a vote. A simple majority is needed for confirmation.</li> </ul> <p>This process enables the Senate to vet appointees thoroughly, ensuring accountability and transparency.</p> <p>There has been coverage in the media about possible recess appointments. When the Senate is not in session, the president can make recess appointments to fill vacancies temporarily. That process is outlined in Article II, Section 2, Clause 3 of the Constitution.</p> <p>How it works:</p> <ul> <li>Appointment: During a Senate recess, the president appoints someone to a vacant position without waiting for Senate approval.</li> <li>Duration: The appointee serves until the end of the Senate's next session. If not confirmed by the Senate before this deadline, the position becomes vacant again.</li> <li>Controversy: Recess appointments can bypass Senate oversight temporarily, leading to tension between the executive and legislative branches.</li> </ul> <p>What lies ahead is anyone's guess, but the WSMA will monitor appointments and engage with Washington's senators to advocate for health care leaders who prioritize patient care and support the medical community. Physicians can amplify these efforts by staying informed, contacting your senators directly, and collaborating with professional organizations to ensure your voice is heard. As a constituent, you too can add your voice by contacting Sen. Patty Murray and Sen. Maria Cantwell.</p> <h3>2025 Legislative Summit: Doctors' Day on the Hill</h3> <p>Closer to home, we encourage you to don your white coats and join your colleagues in Olympia on Jan. 22 for WSMA's yearly Legislative Summit. We will be joined by newly elected Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer. While the WSMA typically engages on hundreds of bills during the legislative session, we anticipate that for the Summit we'll focus on:</p> <ul> <li>Securing across-the-board Medicaid rate increases.</li> <li>Defending against inappropriate scope of practice expansions.</li> <li>Supporting our health care workforce by increasing education and training investments and promoting retention of existing workforce.</li> <li>Opposing tax increases on the physician community and other proposals that adversely impact the viability of physician practices.</li> <li>Issues related to public health.</li> </ul> <p>Be sure to <a href="[@]wsma/events/legislative_summit/wsma/events/wsma_legislative_summit/legislative_summit.aspx?hkey=795731a5-79ba-45b0-b78b-b9dfbfc336e5&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=O0Ew9">register today for this event</a>, which is free for members. You can read more about <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/advocacy-topics/wsma/advocacy/advocacy-topics/advocacy-topics.aspx?hkey=962a716c-d454-4e58-a72a-5931ef47cd68&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=P0Ew9">WSMA advocacy issues on our website</a>.</p> <p>And as Thanksgiving draws near, I'll close with words of gratitude. Your involvement and engagement with the WSMA make a real difference-for the profession, for your patients, and for your colleagues. With new leadership in Olympia and Washington, D.C., we look forward to working together to keep the physician voice front and center.</p> <p>We are stronger and better because of you.</p> <p>Here's wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!</p> </div>

11/22/2024 12:00:00 AM

1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM

carrie-horwitch-md-on-how-mastering-emotional-intelligence-can-benefit-all-clinicians

Carrie Horwitch, MD, on How Mastering Emotional Intelligence Can Benefit All Clinicians

Leadership

Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/november-8/carrie-horwitch-md-on-how-mastering-emotional-intelligence-can-benefit-all-clinicians

<div class="col-md-12"> <div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2024/november/carrie-horwitch-eqi-course-video-still-no-button.png" class="pull-right" alt="Carrie Horwitch, MD" /></div> <h5>Nov. 8, 2024</h5> <h2>Carrie Horwitch, MD, on How Mastering Emotional Intelligence Can Benefit All Clinicians</h2> <p>As WSMA Foundation Vice President Carrie Horwitch, MD, explains in <a href="[@]wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/transcending-clinical-excellence-mastering-emotional-intelligence.aspx?_zs=A3aFd1&amp;_zl=4tDr9">this brief video</a>, all clinicians, regardless of leadership experience or roles, can benefit from mastering emotional intelligence. Whether you're seeking to enhance your leadership abilities, strengthen your clinical relationships, or simply enrich your personal life, mastering the ability to recognize and regulate your own emotions while honing your empathy to better comprehend the feelings of others is key-and a new course from the WSMA Foundation is here to help.</p> <p>Enroll in <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMTcyMzI2MSZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExMTg0NTk4Ng/index.html">Transcending Clinical Excellence: Mastering Emotional Intelligence</a> and get ready to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and interpersonal growth. The course, held virtually on Fridays from Jan. 31-March 28, 2025, is longitudinal (your progress will be measured over time), and multimodal (the course features different methods of learning), allowing learners to have multiple touchpoints on different aspects of emotional intelligence, allowing for deep understanding and opportunities to apply skills in practice. The program is available to physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and all other clinicians looking to increase their emotional intelligence, foster more meaningful connections, and resolve conflicts in the workplace empathetically.</p> <p>Learn more about this course and register on the <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMTcyMzI2MSZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExMTg0NTk4Ng/index.html">WSMA website</a>. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em><sup>TM</sup>.</p> </div>

11/8/2024 12:00:00 AM

1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM

new-wsma-foundation-report-outlines-wellness-criteria-for-health-care-employers

New WSMA Foundation Report Outlines Wellness Criteria for Health Care Employers

Leadership

Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2024/november-8/new-wsma-foundation-report-outlines-wellness-criteria-for-health-care-employers

<div class="col-md-12"> <div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2024/november/thriving-in-medicine-report-cover-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Thriving in Medicine report cover" /></div> <h5>Nov. 8, 2024</h5> <h2>New WSMA Foundation Report Outlines Wellness Criteria for Health Care Employers</h2> <p>With increasing attention being placed on systemic, organizational issues driving physician and practitioner burnout, the WSMA Foundation convened a committee in 2023 to research and publish criteria for health care employers to utilize in support of well-being in the workplace. This summer, the Foundation's Wellness Action Committee concluded its work and has published its findings and resulting criteria in a new report, Thriving in Medicine: Cultivating Choice, Competence, and Community, which is now available to WSMA members and to anyone in health care wishing to implement change within their organization.</p> <h3>A wellness playbook</h3> <p>Thriving in Medicine: Cultivating Choice, Competence, and Community is a playbook for organizations to start, or to reevaluate and renew, processes to allow physicians and practitioners to thrive.</p> <p>Using self-determination theory as the psychological framework for addressing workplace wellness, the report provides evidence-based examples of what works for developing leadership support, empowering choices, providing skill enhancement, and fostering community. The report also contains a list of resources with point people to connect with to help members get started in that work.</p> <p>Download <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2024/wsma-thriving-in-medicine-report.pdf]">Thriving in Medicine: Cultivating Choice, Competence, and Community</a>.</p> <h3>Dedicated resources needed</h3> <p>The report makes clear that workplace wellness also takes dedicated resources and support. Wellness programs that are supported with time and financial support are viewed most positively by employees, have better outcomes, and foster a greater sense that leadership supports joy in medicine.</p> <p>The WSMA Foundation Wellness Action Committee encourages all physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practitioners to read the report and use it as a resource, regardless of their leadership position. Physicians not in leadership roles can introduce the report to their leadership team.</p> <p>The Wellness Action Committee presented the report to health care CEOs and CMOs at an October meeting hosted by the WSMA and will reconvene with these leaders regularly to follow up on progress.</p> <p>For more on the wellness report, including perspectives from two lead participants in its development-Dr. Alka Atal-Barrio and Dr. Chris Bundy-see the November/December of <em>WSMA Reports</em> ("Choice Competence, and Community," pp. 14-15), mailed to members and available <a href="[@]wsma/about_us/wsma-reports/wsma-reports-archive/wsma/about/wsma-reports/wsma-reports-archive.aspx?hkey=ecc0cfb2-b1fe-4e76-b1fa-b0354d3d558e">on our website</a>.</p> </div>

11/8/2024 12:00:00 AM

1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM

Join or renew your membership today!

Join/Renew