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
Official Actions of the 2024 House of Delegates
is the final report of the actions of the House of Delegates during its
2024 annual meeting, outlining the policies that will help guide WSMA’s
advocacy and operations moving forward.
For updates on policies adopted at the 2023 WSMA Annual Meeting, download
the
monthly status report of the Official Actions of the 2023 WSMA House of
Delegates (updated August 2024). For questions, contact the WSMA Seattle
oDice at wsma@wsma.org or 206.441.9762.
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
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 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.
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