House of Delegates

All legislative power of the WSMA is vested in the approximately 200 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 2022 House of Delegates

For policies adopted at the 2022 WSMA Annual Meeting, download the Official Actions of the 2022 WSMA House of Delegates (updated December 2022).

For previous years' reports, contact the WSMA Seattle office at wsma@wsma.org or 206.441.9762.

About the House of Delegates

The WSMA House of Delegates is comprised of elected delegates from each county medical society, qualified state specialty societies, and members of the WSMA Board of Trustees. There is one resident delegate, one student delegate, and one young physician delegate. Each county society has one delegate for every 50 active 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 one hundred 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 fifteen 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 slb@wsma.org.

Delegate Duties

Learn more about your responsibilities and the expectations of service as a delegate.

House of Delegates Members

Contact your county medical society or state specialty society if you are interested in serving as a delegate at the 2023 meeting, Sept. 23-24, 2023, at the Westin Bellevue. If you are unsure who to contact, you can email WSMA staff at slb@wsma.org.

Asotin County - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Benton-Franklin County - 2

Delegate

Saravanan Kasthuri, MD, Richland

Chelan-Douglas County - 6

Delegates

Rachel W. Clement, MD, Wenatchee
Rachel A. Reeg, MD, FACP, Wenatchee

Clallam County – 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Clark County - 12

Delegates

Bruce J. Andison, MD, Ridgefield
Rebecca L. Hoffman, MD, Vancouver
Alan L. Melnick, MD, MPH, Portland
Douglas R. Myers, MD, Vancouver
Dino W. Ramzi, MD, Washougal

Cowlitz-Wahkiakum County - 3

Delegate

No delegate on record

Grant-Adams County - 2

Delegates

No delegate on record

Grays Harbor County - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Jefferson County - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

King County - 53

Delegates

Christopher Belcher, MD, Seattle
Nancy Connolly, MD, MPH, Seattle
Amish J. Dave, MD, MPH, Seattle
Beth E. Ebel, Md, MSc, MPH, Seattle
Jeffrey M. Frankel, MD, Mercer Island
Teresa M. Girolami, MD, Redmond
Matthew J. Grierson, MD, Bothell
Kevin Johnson, MD, Bellevue
Richard A. Kaner, MD, Bellevue
Rajneet S. Lamba, MD, Kirkland
Mark R. Levy, MD, Mercer Island
Daniel H. Low, MD, Renton
Shane E. Macaulay, MD, Bellevue
Julia Murray, MD, Seattle
Tony S. Quang, MD, JD, Seattle
Donald J. Ross, MD, Seattle
Bruce C. Smith, MD, Issaquah
Angela J. Sparks, MD, Seattle
Michelle Terry, MD, Seattle
John H. Vassall II, MD, FACP, Seattle
Mark R. Vossler, MD, Kirkland
Hope A. Wechkin, MD, Seattle
Sarah K. Weinberg, MD, Mercer Island

Kitsap County - 6

Delegates

Dawson S. Brown, MD, Silverdale
Glen Carlson, MD, Bremerton
Christopher C. Johnson, MD, Silverdale
Dana A. Jungschaffer, MD, Silverdale
Steffan R. Tolles, MD, Silverdale
Duane C. Whitaker, MD, Bainbridge Island

Alternate

Paul Tice, MD, OFEM, Bainbridge Island

Kittitas County - 1

Delegate

Vanessa S. Wright, MD, Spokane

Klickitat-Skamania County - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Lewis County - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Lincoln County – 0

Northeast Tri-Counties - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Okanogan County - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Pacific County - 1

Delegate

Dave R. Cundiff, MD, MPH, Ilwaco

Alternate

Frank A. Hing, MD, Raymond

Pierce County - 19

Delegates

Julian S. Arroyo, MD, Lakewood
Neil R. Batta, MD, Gig Harbor
Tamara Y. Chang, MD, Tacoma
Anthony L. Chen, MD, MPH, Tacoma
Kenneth M. Foerster, MD, Tacoma
Breck Lebegue, MD, MPH, Steilacoom
Richard S. Hawkins, MD, Tacoma
Nicholas Rajacich, MD, Tacoma
Dina C. Titova, MD, PhD, Auburn

Skagit-Island County - 3

Delegate

Wirt A. Hines III, MD, PhD, Anacortes
Krishnaraj Jayarama, DO, Bellingham

Snohomish County - 13

Delegates

Troy K. Bender, PA-C, DMSc, MSPAS, Gold Bar
Gary M. Goldbaum, MD, MPH, Seattle

Spokane County - 15

Delegates

Frank Andersen, MD, Spokane
Dawn E. DeWitt, MD, MSc, MACP, Spokane
Erin R. Medina, MD, Spokane
Thomas P. Schaaf, MD, MHA, Spokane
Brian J. Seppi, MD, Spokane

Thurston-Mason - 7

Delegates

Lucinda Grande, MD, Seatac
Julia L. Hamilton, DO, Olympia
Alexandra E. Harmony, DO, Olympia
Robert G.R. Lang, MD, Olympia
Amie E. Mower, DO, Shelton
Kim H. Wadsworth, DO, Olympia
Robert J. Widrow, MD, PhD, Olympia

Alternate

Henry L. Stockbridge, MD, Olympia

Walla Walla County - 1

Delegates

No delegate on record

Whatcom County - 7

Delegates

Rodney J. Anderson, MD, Bellingham
John E. Dunne, MD, Bellingham
Megan B. Ellingsen, MD, MPH, HMDC, Bellingham
Eric R. Frankenfeld, MD
Garrett S. Jeffery, DO, Bellingham

Whitman County - 1

Delegate

Laura Baker, MD

Yakima County - 2

Delegates

Linda M. Dale, PA-C, Yakima
Emily Simmons, Selah

Medical Student Section - 1

Delegate

Brian Carlson, Spokane

Alternate

Adam Knott, Spokane

Resident & Fellow Physician Section - 1

Delegate

Kelsie M. Smith, DO, Spokane

Young Physician Section - 1

Delegate

Jennifer M. Maxwell, MD, Yakima

Alternate

Peter A. Barkett, MD, Bremerton

Washington Society of Addiction Medicine - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Washington State Society of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists - 1

Delegate

Timothy W. Clement, MD, Wenatchee

Washington Chapter, American College of Cardiology - 1

Delegate

Ruchi Kapoor, MD, PhD, Seattle

Washington State Dermatology Association - 1

Delegate

Kendra G. Bergstrom, MD, Seattle

Washington Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Washington Academy of Family Physicians - 1

Delegate

June G. Bredin, MD, Ellensburg

Alternate

Lydia Bartholomew, MD, Edmonds

Pacific Northwest Gastroenterology Society - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Infectious Diseases Society of Washington - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Washington Society for Post-Acute & Long-Term Care - 1

Delegate

Jason W. Heffernan, MD, MS, Spokane

Washington State Medical Oncology Society - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Washington State Neurological Society - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Washington Association of Neurological Surgeons - 1

Delegate

Robert G.R. Lang, MD, Olympia

Washington Section, American College of OB/GYN - 1

Delegate

Jane A. Dimer, MD, Mercer Island

Alternate

Nariman Heshmati, MD, FACOG, Mukilteo

Washington State Obstetrical Association - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Northwest Association of Occupational & Environmental Medicine - 1

Delegate

Eric B. Smith, DO, MPH, Tacoma

Alternate

Srivani Kanumuri, MD, MPH, Sammamish

Washington State Orthopedic Association - 1

Delegate

Thomas C. Kennedy, MD, Yakima

Northwest Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Washington State Society of Pathologists - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Washington State Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics - 1

Delegate

Beth E. Ebel, MD, MSc, MPH, Seattle

Washington State Academy of Physician Assistants - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Washington Chapter, American College of Physicians - 1

Delegate

Stephanie M. Fosback, MD, FACP, Pullman

Washington Society of Plastic Surgeons - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Washington State Psychiatric Association - 1

Delegate

Wade Reiner, MD, Bellevue

Washington Public Health Officers Society - 1

Delegate

James G. Wallace Jr., MD, MPH, Winthrop

Washington State Radiological Society - 1

Delegate

Jennifer L. Favinger, MD, Seattle

Washington Rheumatology Alliance - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

American College of Surgeons, Washington State Chapter - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Washington Thoracic Society - 1

Delegate

Erik R. Swenson, MD, Seattle

Washington State Urology Society - 1

Delegate

No delegate on record

Physician Leadership News

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first-two-episodes-of-better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast-now-available

First Two Episodes of Better Prescribing, Better Treatment Podcast Now Available

Leadership

Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/june-9/first-two-episodes-of-better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast-now-available

<div class="col-md-12"> <div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/june/wsma-bpbt-seafoamevergreen-logo-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Better Prescribing, Better Treatment logo" /></div> <h5>June 9, 2023</h5> <h2>First Two Episodes of Better Prescribing, Better Treatment Podcast Now Available</h2> <p>This week, the WSMA is launching a 14-episode podcast featuring conversations with experts on an array of topics about how we can reduce the dependence on opioids for pain management where appropriate, help those suffering with chronic conditions safely, and help those with addiction. A sole production of the WSMA and hosted by Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, the podcast is available at no cost to all physicians, physician assistants, and health professionals, and supports the goals of the <a href="[@]wsma/resources/opioids/better_prescribing_better_treatment/wsma/resources/opioids/better-prescribing-better-treatment.aspx?hkey=b6fb0ec0-8bc2-4e53-bf4c-9f148599cbeb">Better Prescribing, Better Treatment safe-prescribing program</a>.</p> <h3>About the podcast</h3> <p>Through the course of the series, the WSMA Better Prescribing, Better Treatment Podcast will address the gaps in practice that exist between the current state of prescribing and the best practices surrounding opioid and controlled substance prescriptions. The risks of both short- and long-term administration of opioids in combination with and separately from sedative medications impose risks that cross specialties and systems. </p> <p>Each podcast episode is available to all physicians and health professionals either as audio or audio and video. Episodes will be posted on the <a href="[@]wsma/resources/opioids/better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast/wsma/resources/opioids/better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast.aspx?hkey=5d4ff39d-6d34-45da-a94f-d95e682b2863">WSMA Better Prescribing, Better Treatment Podcast webpage</a> approximately every two weeks through the summer months, with the first episode now available. Creation of the podcast is made possible through funding from the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Washington State Department of Health.</p> <h3>About the host</h3> <p>Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, MBA, FACEP, is an emergency room physician with TeamHealth Northwest and St. Joseph Medical Center and is a past president of the WSMA. Dr. Schlicher is the physician lead for the Better Prescribing, Better Treatment safe-prescribing program.</p> <h3>About the first episode: The Future of the Better Prescribing, Better Treatment Program at the WSMA</h3> <p>In this podcast, Dr. Schlicher is joined by WSMA Program Manager Monica Salgaonkar, MHA, CPHQ, and WSMA Director of IT Troy Brown to discuss the new areas of development in the Better Prescribing, Better Treatment program at the WSMA.</p> <p>Learning objectives:</p> <ul> <li>Recall the history and background of Better Prescribing, Better Treatment.</li> <li>Describe the areas of expansion of Better Prescribing, Better Treatment.</li> <li>Using data components, determine how the data may be used to drive improvement.</li> <li>Get more involved in Better Prescribing, Better Treatment and know who to contact for questions or coaching.</li> </ul> <p>This activity is approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em><sup>TM</sup>. <a href="[@]wsma/resources/opioids/better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast.aspx">Access the podcast from the WSMA website</a>.</p> <h3>About the second episode: The History of Opioid Prescribing Legislation</h3> <p>In this podcast, Dr. Schlicher sits down with WSMA Policy Director Jeb Shepard to discuss the history of opioid prescribing in the state, the origins of BPBT, and its overall impact on prescribing.</p> <p>Learning objectives</p> <ul> <li>Summarize the history and background of opioid prescribing legislation over the years.</li> <li>List the stakeholders involved in addressing the opioid use public health crisis in Washington state.</li> <li>Understand the effects of HB 1427 and SB 5380 on opioid prescribing in Washington state and have strategies to comply with them.</li> <li>Get engaged in Olympia and testify on rules and regulation of important medical issues.</li> </ul> <p>This activity is approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em><sup>TM</sup>. <a href="[@]wsma/resources/opioids/better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast.aspx">Access the podcast from the WSMA website</a>.</p> </div>

6/9/2023 12:00:00 AM

1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM

weekly-rounds-june-2-2023-help-keep-the-wsma-physician-driven-by-telling-us-what-you-think

Weekly Rounds: June 2, 2023 - Help Keep the WSMA Physician Driven by Telling Us What You Think

Leadership

Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2023/weekly-rounds-june-2-2023-help-keep-the-wsma-physician-driven-by-telling-us-what-you-think

<div class="col-md-12"> <div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/Weekly%20Rounds/Weekly-Rounds-Article-Graphic-2022-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Weekly Rounds logo" /></div> <h5>June 2, 2023</h5> <h2>Help Keep the WSMA Physician Driven by Telling Us What You Think</h2> <p>Jennifer Hanscom, CEO</p> <p> One of my favorite things about WSMA's events is that I can connect face to face, once again, with our members. It's a great way to get feedback, hear your concerns, and learn more about what matters to you. The downside is that I can only hear from the folks who attend! </p> <p> As we round out the first half of 2023, I'd like to check in with you. I know there's no way our thousands of members can all attend WSMA's in-person events, so as an alternative, I'm inviting you to share your opinions <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DHZ6GK5">via a quick survey</a>. It shouldn't take too much time to complete, and your answers will most definitely help shape WSMA's work on your behalf. </p> <p> The WSMA is a physician-driven organization. Your voice matters as we strive to ensure that our work is focused on issues and activities that matter to you. </p> <p> Your feedback will be closely reviewed and considered. The WSMA Executive Committee will meet soon to reflect on WSMA's current strategic plan, achievements to date, and consider where our attention and resources should be focused in the future. </p> <p> Let us hear from you! Please take a moment to <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DHZ6GK5">raise your voice and be heard</a>. The reliability of the survey results depends on a strong response. Your responses will be anonymous and confidential. Please complete the survey by Friday, June 23. </p> <p> Thanks for taking time to offer your feedback. As always, thanks for all you do! </p> </div>

6/2/2023 12:00:00 AM

1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM

house-of-delegates-resolutions-due-by-aug-4-for-inclusion-in-delegate-handbook

House of Delegates Resolutions Due by Aug. 4 for Inclusion in Delegate Handbook

Leadership

Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/may-26/house-of-delegates-resolutions-due-by-aug-4-for-inclusion-in-delegate-handbook

<div class="col-md-12"> <div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/may/venticinque-221001-9210-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA House of Delegates speaker" /></div> <h5>May 26, 2023</h5> <h2>House of Delegates Resolutions Due by Aug. 4 for Inclusion in Delegate Handbook</h2> <p>Resolutions are one of the key drivers of legislative and regulatory policy for the WSMA. The following guidance and key dates will help you succeed in creating and submitting your resolutions for consideration by the WSMA House of Delegates. And don't forget to mark your calendars: The 2023 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates will take place Sept. 23-24 at the Westin Bellevue. This yearly conference is WSMA's primary policymaking event, where resolutions will be debated by WSMA members and considered for adoption by the association's House of Delegates.</p> <h3>First steps</h3> <p>If you have an idea for a policy that you'd like the House of Delegates to adopt, take a moment and consult the <a href="[@]wsma/about/policies/whats_our_policy/policy_index.aspx">WSMA Policy Compendium</a> to make sure the subject isn't already addressed in current WSMA policy. Alternatively, you may seek to modify existing WSMA policy. If you'd like to advance a change in the governance and regulation of the WSMA, review the <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2023/wsma-bylaws-2022.pdf]">WSMA Bylaws</a>&nbsp;for reference.</p> <h3>Check for health equity impact</h3> <p>Policies may disparately impact communities, particularly various disadvantaged or marginalized communities. Before submitting your policy proposal in the form of a resolution, use this <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2023/health-equity-polices-evaluation-tool.docx]">equity evaluation tool</a>&nbsp;to consistently assess the diversity, equity, and inclusion impacts of potential new WSMA policy. The <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/about/who_we_are/dei-committee.aspx">WSMA DEI Committee</a> will be using the tool as it evaluates resolutions before the House and will add a health equity note as appropriate.</p> <h3>Formatting and submitting your resolution</h3> <p>After you've completed the preceding steps, you must then <a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/how_to_write_a_resolution/wsma/events/annual_meeting/How_to_Write_a_Resolution/how_to_write_a_resolution.aspx?hkey=a22cd977-aaed-4445-9ee2-6fc4716a7136#howto">organize your policy proposal as a resolution</a>, the required format for consideration by the House of Delegates. Resolutions must be sponsored by at least two members of the House of Delegates (which includes delegates, alternate delegates, and members of the board of trustees), and must be submitted in writing by one of those sponsors. If you are interested in authoring a resolution but are not a delegate or board member, the WSMA will work with you to develop your resolution idea and find sponsors. Contact us at <a href="mailto:hod@wsma.org">hod@wsma.org</a> or 206.441.9762 for assistance.</p> <h3>Resolution deadlines</h3> <p>Resolutions must be submitted to the WSMA for review at <a href="mailto:hod@wsma.org">hod@wsma.org</a> by the following deadlines:</p> <ul> <li>Aug. 4 - Deadline for resolutions and reports to be submitted for publication in delegate handbook.</li> <li>Aug. 24 - Final deadline for resolutions and reports. Resolutions received after this date must have the consent of two-thirds of the House at the opening session to be considered.</li> <li>Aug. 24 - Delegate handbook will be available for download.</li> <li>Sept. 23-24 - The 2023 WSMA Annual Meeting.</li> </ul> <p>After submission, WSMA staff will review the resolution for any legal or legislative concerns and will work with you to establish a fiscal note (the cost, if any, to implement the resolution if adopted).</p> <h3>More information</h3> <ul> <li><a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">WSMA Annual Meeting</a></li> <li><a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/How_to_Write_a_Resolution/How_to_Write_a_Resolution.aspx">How to Write a Resolution</a></li> <li><a href="[@]wsma/about/policies/whats_our_policy/policy_index.aspx">What's Our Policy?</a> - <em>make sure your resolution isn't already a policy!</em></li> </ul> <p>Should you have additional questions on the meeting or resolution drafting, contact the WSMA policy department at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.</p> </div>

5/26/2023 12:00:00 AM

1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM

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