NYSAFP Membership Packet

New York State Academy of Family Physicians: 

New York State Academy of Family Physicians Membership Packet

FROM THE PRESIDENT…….: 

FROM THE PRESIDENT……. I am pleased to provide you with this information packet designed to give you up-to-date information on Academy programs and activities. I hope you will read through the packet so that you will have an overview of what the NYSAFP has to offer and what it does on your behalf. In order for any association to be successful, it must rely on its members. We need your ideas, input and support to meet our goal of addressing and serving your needs as a family physician. Through this packet, I hope you will take advantage of learning more about the NYSAFP and will participate according to your interests and the time you can commit. We are faced with many challenges today, from scope of practice issues to reimbursement issues to how best to tell the public what we do. I believe the NYSAFP is doing a good job, but we can be better, and we want to do the best for you and our specialty. Please contact the NYSAFP office if you have questions on programs or activities. We value your comments and suggestions. Sincerely, Marianne LaBarbera, MD President

THE NEW YORK STATE ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICANS…..: 

THE NEW YORK STATE ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICANS….. The New York State Academy of Family Physicians is a State association of doctors who are engaged in family practice. The Academy with a membership of over 4,000 has county chapters in most of the New York State Counties. The NYSAFP was established in 1947 and is the second largest medical association in this State and the largest medical specialty association. Membership requirements in the Academy are listed in the Constitution & Bylaws. A copy of this booklet is available through the NYSAFP office. The AAFP became the first medical association to require continuing medical education of its Active members, 150 hours every three years, creating a pattern that is now being emulated by various national and state organizations. The Academy is a nonprofit association. Income is produced from members’ dues and conferences held throughout the year. A newsletter is produced monthly, except for July & August, and is emailed or mailed to the membership.

NYSAFP Staff……: 

NYSAFP Staff…… Vito Grasso, MFP, CAE Executive Vice President vito@nysafp.org Patricia Poklemba Director of Education & Information pat@nysafp.org Bobbi Markowitz Administrative Assistant bobbi@nysafp.org Ken Scallon Director of Finance ken@nysafp.org Ronald Rouse Consultant 518—674-8465 rrouse2272@aol.com Bob Reid & Steve Weingarten Weingarten & Reid 1 Commerce Plaza, Suite 1103 Albany, NY 12210 BobR@lobbywr.com or SteveW@lobbywr.com NYSAFP 260 Osborne Road Albany, NY 12211 518-489-8945 or 800-822-0700 Fax 518-489-8961

LOCAL COUNTY CHAPTERS…..: 

LOCAL COUNTY CHAPTERS….. Albany County Chapter Bronx-Westchester Chapter Central Mohawk Valley Chapter Chautauqua Chapter Clinton County Chapter Columbia County Chapter Dutchess County Chapter Erie County Chapter Fulton County Chapter Kings County Chapter Lewis County Chapter Nassau County Chapter New York City County Chapter Niagara County Chapter Oneida County Chapter Onondaga County Chapter Ontario County Chapter Oswego County Chapter Queens County Chapter Rensselaer County Chapter Richmond County Chapter Rochester County Chapter There are presently 33 local county chapters of the New York State Academy of Family Physicians. Because we believe involvement of members from their local areas is imperative to our Academy, NYSAFP officers will be happy to meet with representatives of local chapters to assist those chapters which have not been active in recent years. Please contact the NYSAFP office to set up a meeting. The following list notes the county chapters throughout the state. If you have questions on the level of activity of your local chapter or what county chapter you should be involved in please contact the NYSAFP office. Rockland County Chapter St. Lawrence County Chapter Saratoga Springs County Chapter Schenectady County Chapter Seneca County Chapter Southern Tier County Chapter Suffolk County Chapter Sullivan County Chapter Tompkins County Chapter Warren-Washington County Chapter Wayne County Chapter

NYSAFP MISSION STATEMENT…….: 

NYSAFP MISSION STATEMENT……. To advance the science and art of medicine for the betterment of the health and well being of our patients and to reserve the patient’s right of free choice of physicians. To establish an organization of family physicians to advance and maintain high standards of the family practice of medicine and surgery. To encourage and assist physicians and students to enter the specialty of family practice by supporting and training in the specialty of family practice. To encourage and assist physicians in preparing, qualifying and establishing themselves in family practice. To encourage and assist physicians in certification and recertification by the American Board of Family Practice. To preserve the rights and privileges of Family Physicians and to encourage and assist them to engage in medical and surgical procedures for which they are qualified by training. To assist in developing and promoting quality continuing medical education courses for family physicians and to encourage and assist family physicians in participating in such education.

NYSAFP COMMISSION INFORMATION…: 

NYSAFP COMMISSION INFORMATION… Commission on Family Practice Advocacy: Chaired by Philip Kaplan, MD, this commission is responsible for monitoring governmental and legislative developments, and their impact on Family Medicine and Family Physicians.  The commission advocates for Family Physicians on issues that affect them in their professional lives.  In the past year, the commission has worked with our lobbyists, coordinated the Health Policy Conference, and lobbied in Albany several times, meeting with legislators and key legislative staff.  Commission on Education: Chaired by Mark Josefski, MD, this commission is responsible for developing policy recommendations and programs to support the education of the next generation of Family Physicians.  In the past year, it has developed programs and mechanisms to recruit and support volunteers to teach medical students and residents.  The commission also supports student and resident member activities and participation in the Academy, including programs at the Scientific Assembly, Winter Weekend and National Congress of Resident and Student Members.  The commission also serves as the selection committee for several awards, including research externships, high school and college scholarships, resident awards and the Family Practice Educator of the Year.  

NYSAFP COMMISSION INFORMATION…: 

NYSAFP COMMISSION INFORMATION… Commission on Leadership Development: Chaired by Larry Novak, MD, this commission's mission is to nurture and support leadership training of Family Physicians and to encourage diversity in Academy leadership.  Its current goals are:  1. To ensure that officers and directors reflect the demographics of Academy membership 2. To train leaders to run an efficient organization that is able to respond rapidly to member needs and interests. 3. To communicate with all members of the Academy so they can easily understand Academy operations. Commission on Membership and Member Services: Chaired by Wendy VanBellingham, MD; this commission is responsible for recruiting and retaining members; making recommendations regarding new and existing member services, and coordinating the annual Congress of Delegates.

NYSAFP COMMISSION INFORMATION…: 

NYSAFP COMMISSION INFORMATION…  Commission on Operations: Chaired by Maggie Blackburn, MD; this commission is responsible for finances, personnel, headquarters operations and governance issues.  This commission develops and monitors the budget, reviews leases and contracts and develops bylaws amendments.  Commission on Public Health: Chaired by Norm Wetterau, MD, this commission has three broad areas of action: Education of the public to ensure health. Policy development to promulgate public health measures. Widening access to care for special populations such as the aging, children, and those in underserved areas. Specifically, the commission has worked on vehicular safety; the Health Care Reform Act; tobacco and other substance use; HIV and needle exchange; pharmaceutical company relationships and ethics in research.  Many of these are topics of ongoing activities of the commission.  The commission will continue to pursue appropriate measures as Academy members raise new topics relating to health care.

CME REQUIREMENTS …….: 

CME REQUIREMENTS ……. Benefits of Reporting Your CME Review of your CME record is necessary to determine your eligibility for re-election to active membership every three years. In addition, although CME requirements of the AAFP and many other organizations are not equivalent, reporting your CME to AAFP in a timely manner will help you in the following ways: Active members due for ABFP recertification need not report CME to the ABFP if they have been Active AAFP members for at least five years, re-election has occurred within the preceding three years and sufficient CME (as defined by the ABFP) has been reported to AAFP since the last re-election. You will be assured of a timely computer record from AAFP which will assist you in reporting your CME to other organizations. CME Requirements for Re-Election to AAFP Membership Active members must accrue at least 150 hours of AAFP Prescribed & Elective credit within each three-year reporting period, of which: at least 75 must be AAFP Prescribed credit at least 25 are from group learning activities not more than 25 are from enrichment activities not more than 30 are from presentation or publication of an original scientific or socioeconomic paper pertaining to medical care at AAFP, constituent chapter or other medical society level not more that 45 are from publication in a state or national “refereed” journal of original scientific or socioeconomic research pertaining to patient care, public or community health not more that 15 are from preparation and presentation at AAFP or constituent chapter level of a scientific medical exhibit. Active members are due for re-election every three years on December 31st, based on your active member enrollment date. Your current re-election period is noted on the AAFP CME printout below your address.

CME REQUIREMENTS …….: 

CME REQUIREMENTS ……. Definitions of AAFP Prescribed and Elective Credit: Prescribed credit indicates programs have received prior approval from the AAFP and have family physician input to ensure relevance to family practice. (The AMA accepts AAFP Prescribed credit as equivalent to AMA Category 1 credit for the Physician’ Recognition Award). Programs approved by the AAFP but sponsored by an institution accredited by the ACCME for AMA Category 1 credit are automatically acceptable as AAFP Elective credit. Programs not accredited by the AAFP or ACCME are enrichment activities, you are limited to 25 credits during the three years. Please Remember….. It is your responsibility to report your CME to the AAFP. All but 25 of your required hours can be obtained from self-learning activities. Submitting the quiz cards from American Family Physicians and Family Practice Management each month will also fulfill your Prescribed credit requirements.

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATESNEW YORK STATE ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS57th ANNUAL CONGRESS OF DELEGATESJUNE 4 - 5, 2005DESMOND HOTEL, ALBANY, NY: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES NEW YORK STATE ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS 57th ANNUAL CONGRESS OF DELEGATES JUNE 4 - 5, 2005 DESMOND HOTEL, ALBANY, NY ELECTION OF OFFICERS: PRESIDENT: MARIANNE LABARBERA, MD PRESIDENT-ELECT: MAGGIE BLACKBURN, MD VICE PRESIDENT: GEORGE DUNN, MD SECRETARY: MARK KROTOWSKI , MD TREASURER: S. RAMALINGAM, MD CHAIR OF BOARD: MARK JOSEFSKI, MD DIRECTOR: MICHAEL KERNAN, MD DIRECTOR: STEPHEN OFFORD, MD DIRECTOR: LINDA PRINE, MD DELEGATE TO AAFP: MAGGIE BLACKBURN, MD ALTERNATE DELEGATE TO AAFP: JOSE ‘JUN’ DAVID, MD SPEAKER, CONGRESS OF DELEGATES: WENDY VANBELLINGHAM, MD VICE SPEAKER, CONG. OF DELEGATES: JAMES GREENWALD, MD DELEGATE TO MSSNY: NEIL NEPOLA, MD RESIDENT REP. TO BOARD: BINDU NINAN, MD ALT. RESIDENT REP. TO BOARD: ELIZABETH NATAL, MD UPSTATE STUDENT REP. TO BOARD: TBD DOWNSTATE STUDENT REP. TO BOARD: TBD

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… Dr. Larry Fields, President-Elect of the AAFP welcomed the members of the NYSAFP Congress and gave a brief update regarding what is going on at the AAFP regarding the Future of Family Medicine Project. He also advised the Congress regarding a Strategic Plan nationally that is aligned with the Future of Family Medicine Project and aligned with the AAFP’s budget. He reported that the “Practice Resource Center” has been established as an independent national project, with its own Board of Directors and two functions: validate the new model of family medicine provide to all members a “turn key” operation to institute part or all of the new model of Family Medicine in your practices at a reasonable cost. He said a “Strike Force” on Physician Payment, chaired by Dr. Mary Frank, has been created. This group is looking at solutions to problems of payment in order to get us from where we are today to where we must be in the future. A “Strike Force” on Medical Liability, which he is chairing will work towards achieving affordable quality accessible medical care provided by well trained, well paid Family Physicians who are free from the constraints of a tort system that causes us to practice unnecessarily expensive defensive medicine.

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… REPORT OF THE REFERENCE COMMITTEE ON OPERATIONS The Committee wishes to place on the CONSENT CALENDAR the following items: The President’s Annual Report on pages 23-24 of the Delegates Handbook The Secretary’s Annual Report on page 25 of the Delegates Handbook The Treasurer’s Annual Report on page 26 of the Delegates Handbook The Executive Vice President’s Annual Report on pages 27-30 of the Delegates Handbook The Annual report of the Commission on Academy Operations on pages 33-34 of the Delegates Handbook The Annual Report of the Commission on Education on pages 37-39 of the Delegates Handbook The Annual Report of the Commission on Leadership Development & Nominations on pages 40-41 of the Delegates Handbook The Annual Report of the Commission on Public Health on pages 44-48 of the Delegates Handbook The Annual Report of the Commission on Membership & Member Services on pages 42-43 of the Delegates Handbook The Annual Report of the NYSAFP Foundation, which can be found on pages 49-50 of the Delegates Handbook. There were questions regarding the Annual Report of the Commission on Education and the Annual Report of the Executive Vice President. These questions were technical in nature and will be corrected by the chair of the Education Commission and the Executive Vice President. Mr. Grasso provided additional information regarding the current status of the Foundation. He explained that the Foundation was revised following discussion at the 2004 Congress to focus on management of contracts with the NYSDOH. The Committee moves adoption of the Consent Calendar as listed. THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED WAS APPROVED.

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… The Committee considered Resolution ‘05-9 “Empower AAFP to Advocate More Effectively for the Private Sector” on pink paper and introduced by President Andrew Merritt. RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians (NYSAFP) recommends that the AAFP Board of Directors implement the following actions: Establish a confidential national clearinghouse for collection of information regarding undesirable practices by healthcare insurers, to identify trends and support the development of effective policy. 2. Establish a formal advocacy process to support any Family Physician who is threatened with restriction of his/her practice, reduction in compensation, termination, or exclusion from healthcare organizations. 3. Report regularly to its members and leadership concerning its activities, and make public reports and comments regarding its findings as deemed necessary by the Academy. 4. Cooperate with the American Medical Association and other state medical associations to promote practices by healthcare insurers and regulators to assure that quality-driven, efficient medicine can be practiced, with adequate reimbursement and without unnecessary office visits or procedures. All testimony supported this resolution. The Committee recommends adoption of Resolution ‘05-9 with the addition of the further resolve as accepted by the maker of the resolution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP present this resolution to the 2005 Congress of Delegates of the AAFP. (And the following deletion (recommends that the AAFP Board of Directors implement) with the substitute resolve reading: RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians (NYSAFP) supports the following actions:

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… Resolution ‘05-9 should read as follows: RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians (NYSAFP) supports the following actions: 1. Establish a confidential national clearinghouse for collection of information regarding undesirable practices by healthcare insurers, to identify trends and support the development of effective policy. 2. Establish a formal advocacy process to support any Family Physician who is threatened with restriction of his/her practice, reduction in compensation, termination, or exclusion 3. Report regularly to its members and leadership concerning its activities, and make public reports and comments regarding its findings as deemed necessary by the Academy. 4. Cooperate with the American Medical Association and other state medical associations to promote practices by healthcare insurers and regulators to assure that quality-driven, efficient medicine can be practiced, with adequate reimbursement and without unnecessary office visits or procedures. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP present this resolution to the 2005 Congress of Delegates of the AAFP. The Committee recommends adoption of Resolution ‘05-9 as amended above. RESOLUTION ’05-9 WAS ADOPTED AS AMENDED

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… The Committee considered Resolution ‘05-10 “Promotion of Residency Training in Full Spectrum Women’s Health Care” on pink paper and introduced by Linda Prine, MD, on behalf of the New York County Chapter. RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians recommend that Family Medicine Residency Programs provide residents with annual up-to-date lectures in evidence-based contraception and pregnancy options counseling and be it further RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians recommend that Family Medicine residencies adopt an “opt out” policy on abortion training. Training in medical and surgical abortion would be included in residency curriculum, but residents may choose not to participate if they are opposed to performing abortions. Testimony was divided regarding this resolution. The Committee recommends that the RESOLVED clauses be separated and acted upon individually, with the consent of the maker of the resolution. IT WAS AGREED TO VOTE ON EACH RESOLVE SEPARATELY There was substantial testimony in support of the first RESOLVED clause. Mr. Speaker, we recommend adoption of the first RESOLVED clause as written. THE FIRST RESOLVE AS WRITTEN WAS APPROVED

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… There was extensive discussion regarding the second RESOLVED clause. It was acknowledged that abortion is a common procedure and that residents should have the opportunity, if they so desire, to receive training in this commonly performed procedure. Since the majority of testimony was opposed to an opt-out policy that would mandate that abortion training be part of the curriculum, we recommend a substitute resolution. RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians recommends that Family Medicine residencies in New York State include abortion training. Training in medical and surgical abortion should be included in residency curriculum, but residents may individually choose not to participate. After further discussion the above substitute resolution was changed to read as follows: RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians recommends that Family Medicine residencies make available, when possible, abortion training for those residents desiring it. The Committee recommends the substitute resolution be adopted. THE AMENDED SUBSTITUTE SECOND RESOLVE WAS APPROVED. Resolution 05-10 was approved reading as follows: RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians recommend that Family Medicine Residency Programs provide residents with annual up-to-date lectures in evidence-based contraception and pregnancy options counseling and be it further RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians recommends that Family Medicine residencies make available, when possible, abortion training for those residents desiring it.

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… The Committee considered Resolution ‘05-11 “Student Loan Interest Relief” on pink paper and introduced by Erika Lambert, MD. RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians (NYSAFP) advocate for deduction of all student loan interest on New York State income taxes, regardless of income level, and be it further RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP request that the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) advocate for deduction of all student loan interest on federal income taxes, regardless of income level, and be it finally RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP request that the AAFP encourage legislation to support the refinancing of both federal and private student loans. Most of the testimony was in support of the resolution. There was discussion regarding an amendment that would establish a debt-to-income ratio to determine who would be eligible for the proposed tax benefit and that the proposed benefit should apply only to family physicians. In its deliberations regarding the best way to amend the resolution the Committee determined that the complexity of how to adequately define the class of potential beneficiaries and how to structure a ratio was beyond the scope of the Committee’s ability. The Committee determined that these issues could be addressed and resolved as the resolution moves forward and with the benefit of expertise that may be accessed by advocates for the resolution.

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… However, the committee recommends substitution of the 1st two resolves and addition of a 4th resolve. RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP advocate for deductibility of student loan interest, based on a fair and reasonable student loan debt/income ration, on NYS income taxes and be it further RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP request that the AAFP advocate for deductibility of student loan interest, based on a fair and reasonable student loan debt/income ratio, on federal income taxes. and be it further RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP request that the AAFP encourage legislation to support the refinancing of Both federal and private student loans, and be it finally RESOLVED, that this resolution be referred to the 2005 AAFP Congress of Delegates. The Committee recommends adoption of the substitute resolution. SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION ‘05-11 WAS APPROVED. Resolution 05-11 was approved to read as follows: RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP advocate for deductibility of student loan interest, based on a fair and reasonable student loan debt/income ration, on NYS income taxes and be it further RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP request that the AAFP advocate for deductibility of student loan interest, based on a fair and reasonable student loan debt/income ratio, on federal income taxes. and be it further RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP request that the AAFP encourage legislation to support the refinancing of both federal and private student loans, and be it further RESOLVED, that this resolution be referred to the 2005 AAFP Congress of Delegates

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… The Committee considered Resolution ‘05-2 “Preventing Restriction of Scope of Practice” on pages 52-53 of the Delegates Handbook and submitted by Linda Prine, MD, on behalf of the Commission on Public Health. RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP will work with all state chapters to work with local insurers and regulators to establish fair and equitable professional liability insurance rates and health insurance reimbursement rates for family practice physicians who provide a range of services within their scope of practice, including medication and early aspiration abortion, among other services often limited by prohibitive costs of liability coverage and inadequate reimbursement by health plans and be it further RESOLVED, that the AAFP will support state chapter efforts to resolve issues of insurers restricting scope of practice, and serve as a resource for advice and information sharing on solutions as they appear in individual states. This will affirm that it is the AAFP, and not insurers, that determines and will continue to determine the scope of practice for family physicians and definition of family practice. Scope of practice will continue to be determined by training and experience and not by providers of professional liability insurance or health insurance and be it further RESOLVED, that this resolution be referred to the 2005 AAFP Congress of Delegates. There was substantial discussion as to the resolution as written. After meeting with the makers of the resolution the committee recommends the following substitute resolution: RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP will ask the AAFP to encourage all state chapters to work with local insurers and regulators to establish fair and equitable professional liability insurance rates for family practice physicians who provide a range of services within their scope of practice, including reproductive health (contraceptive care, maternity care, medical and early aspiration termination of pregnancy care) and other services often limited by prohibitive costs of liability coverage.

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP will ask the AAFP to support state chapter efforts to resolve issues restricting scope of practice, and serve as a resource for advice and information sharing on solutions as they appear in individual states. This will affirm that it is the community of Family Medicine that determines and will continue to determine the scope of practice for family physicians and the definition of family medicine. Scope of practice will be determined by training and experience, and not by providers of RESOLVED, that this resolution be referred to the 2005 AAFP Congress of Delegates. SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION ‘05-2 WAS APPROVED AS SUBMITTED The Committee considered Resolution ‘05-5 “Membership Directory”, on page 57 of the Delegates Handbook and introduced by the Onondaga County Chapter. RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP request that the AAFP either publish and distribute a paper membership directory, or improve the membership section of the website to allow a more robust ‘search and compare’ function. There was overwhelming support for this resolution therefore the committee recommends adoption of this resolution with the addition of a further resolve as accepted by the maker of the resolution. RESOLVED, that this resolution be referred to the 2005 AAFP Congress of Delegates. The Committee recommends adoption of Resolution 05-5 as amended. RESOLUTION ’05-5 WAS APPROVED AS AMENDED

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… The Committee considered Resolution ‘05-14 “Commission on Health Care Coverage Reform” on pink paper and introduced by Leon Zoghlin, MD, and Heidi Zinkand, MD, on behalf of the Rochester County Chapter. RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians stands ready to participate in the deliberations of the commission and requests an appointment of our representative to each of the committees. This request to be submitted to the sponsor of the bill in the Assembly and its companion bill in the Senate. The committee heard testimony that the senate did not pass the above named bill. Additionally the bill was not available for review; therefore the committee recommends referral of this resolution to the board of directors of the NYSAFP. RESOLUTION ’05-14 WILL BE REFERRED TO THE NYSAFP BOARD OF DIRECTORS THIS PORTION OF THE COMMITTEES’ REPORT WAS ADOPTED THE COMMITTEES’ REPORT AS A WHOLE WAS ADOPTED The Committee would like to thank the members of the Academy who testified for their insight and their cooperation. They would also like to thank our staff who assisted the Committee in preparing this report.

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… REPORT OF THE REFERENCE COMMITTEE ON POLICY The Committee wished to place on the Consent Calendar the following items: The Annual Report of the Commission on Family Practice Advocacy, which can be found on pages 35-36 of the Delegate’s Handbook. The Committee moves adoption of the Consent Calendar as listed. THE CONCENT CALENDAR WAS APPROVED The Committee considered Resolution ‘05-6 “Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatments (MOLST), which is on pages 58-59 of the Delegates’ Handbook and was introduced by Pamela Horst, M.D., Onondaga County. Resolves as submitted: RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP encourage its membership, through its newsletter and other publications, to use MOLST in their offices and health care institutions, and be it further RESOLVED, that the appropriate NYSAFP commission be encouraged to investigate methods of funding the distribution of MOLST forms and instructions, and be it further RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP lobby for a change in Department of Health regulations to allow EMS to recognize MOLST as a valid DNR order, and be it finally RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP approach HANYS, MSSNY, NYS specialty societies, NYSHFA, NYAHSA, NYACP, and NYHPCA to jointly advocate for recognition of MOLST as a method for honoring the wishes of patients desiring enhanced end of life care.

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… Resolves as Amended: RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP make its membership aware of MOLST, through its newsletter and other publications, being careful to explain the legal status of MOLST in New York State and be it further RESOLVED, that the appropriate NYSAFP commission be encouraged to investigate methods of funding the distribution of MOLST forms and instructions, and be it further RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP lobby for a change in Department of Health regulations to allow EMS to recognize MOLST as a valid DNR order, and be it finally RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP approach HANYS, MSSNY, NYS specialty societies, NYSHFA, NYAHSA, NYACP, and NYHPCA to jointly advocate for recognition of MOLST as a method for honoring the wishes of patients desiring enhanced end of life care. The Committee recommends that this amended Resolution ‘05-6 be adopted. AMENDED RESOLUTION ’05-6 WAS ADOPTED The Committee considered Resolution ‘05-1, “Medicaid Funding” which is on page 51 of the Delegate’s Handbook and was introduced by the Commission on Public Health. Resolution ’05 – 1 as originally presented: RESOLVED, that it is the position of the NYSAFP that the current funding mechanism for Medicaid is inherently unfair, and be it further RESOLVED, that it is the position of the NYSAFP that the current funding mechanism for Medicaid inappropriately shields the elected officials in the State Legislature from the responsibility of providing funding for programs they enact and be it further

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… RESOLVED, that it is the position of the NYSAFP that the cost of funding Medicaid for the citizens of New York State should be borne equitably by the taxpayers of New York, regardless of the where in New York the beneficiaries or the taxpayers reside and be it finally RESOLVED, that the leadership and lobbyists of the NYSAFP will actively promote these positions at the annual Lobby Day and in other contacts with the Legislature, Governor and other appropriate state administrative agencies and departments. It is the recommendation of the Committee with the approval of the author that the resolves be combined to read as follows: RESOLVED, that it is the position of the NYSAFP that the current funding mechanism for Medicaid is inherently unfair, and that the current funding mechanism for Medicaid inappropriately shields the elected officials in the State Legislature from the responsibility of providing funding for programs they enact and that the cost of funding Medicaid for the citizens of New York State should be borne equitably by the taxpayers of New York, regardless of the where in New York the beneficiaries or the taxpayers reside and that the leadership and lobbyists of the NYSAFP, in collaboration with MSSNY, will actively promote these positions at the annual Lobby Day and in other contacts with the Legislature, Governor and other appropriate state administrative agencies and departments. The committee recommends adoption of the resolution as amended. AMENDED RESOLUTION ’05 – 1 WAS APPROVED

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… The Committee considered Resolution ‘05-4, “Notification of Physicians of Multiple Physician Narcotic Prescriptions,” which is on page 56 of the Delegate’s Handbook and was introduced by Norman Wetterau, M.D. Resolve as originally submitted: RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians request that the health department notify physicians when their Medicaid patients are receiving narcotics from several physicians Resolve as amended: RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians request that the health department notify physicians when their Medicaid patients are receiving controlled substances from several physicians. The Committee recommends that Resolution 05-4 as amended be adopted. AMENDED RESOLUTION ’05 – 4 WAS ADOPTED The Committee considered Resolution ‘05-7, “Managed Care Reform,” which is on page 60-61 of the Delegates Handbook and was introduced by Michael Fishkin, DO. Resolves as originally submitted: RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians will propose legislation to compel health insurance carriers to compensate family physicians for all work they perform for patients, including referrals to specialists, processing appeals for patients who have been declined coverage, preauthorization for pharmaceuticals and diagnostic tests and such other responsibilities as may be necessary to fully and effectively treat patients, and be it further

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… RESOLVED, that this resolution be forwarded to the American Academy of Family Physicians with the request that the AAFP pursue similar legislation in the Congress of the United States to require all federally funded health insurance programs to compensate family physicians for all work they perform for patients, including referrals to specialists, processing appeals for patients who have been declined coverage, preauthorization for pharmaceuticals and diagnostic tests and such other responsibilities as may be necessary to fully and effectively treat patients. Resolves as amended: RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians will partner with primary care societies and MSSNY to lobby for and advocate that the Legislative and Executive Branches of government encourage health insurance carriers to compensate family physicians for all work they perform for patients, including referrals to specialists, processing appeals for patients who have been declined coverage, preauthorization for pharmaceuticals and diagnostic tests and such other responsibilities as may be necessary to fully and effectively treat patients, and be it further RESOLVED, that this resolution be forwarded to the American Academy of Family Physicians with the request that the AAFP advocate at the federal level to require all federally funded health insurance programs to compensate family physicians for all work they perform for patients, including referrals to specialists, processing appeals for patients who have been declined coverage, preauthorization for pharmaceuticals and diagnostic tests and such other responsibilities as may be necessary to fully and effectively treat patients. The Committee recommends that this amended Resolution be adopted. RESOLUTION ’05 – 7 AS AMENDED WAS APPROVED

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… The Committee considered Resolution ‘05-8, “Impact of HIPAA,” which is on pink paper and was introduced by Chisara Adonai, MD. RESOLVED, that the full impact of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) on the practice of high quality medical care and on the medical profession be investigated by the appropriate organizations and that this resolution be carried to the American Academy of Family Physicians’ (AAFP) Congress of Delegates for their consideration. Although the Resolution is worthwhile because it requires an evaluation of the effects of HIPAA, some of its wording is vague, e.g., “investigated by the appropriate agencies.” Despite the fact that testimony was expressed in favor of Resolution 05-8, the Committee concluded that it be referred to the Board for further consideration and clarification. RESOLUTION ’05 – 8 WILL BE REFERRED TO THE NYSAFP BOARD FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION AND CLARIFICATION. The Committee considered Resolution ‘05-3, “Support Comprehensive Sexuality Education,” which is on page 54-55 of the Delegate’s Handbook and was introduced by Linda Prine, MD. Resolves as originally submitted: RESOLVED, that AAFP add to its recommendations for Adolescent Health Care, Sexuality and Contraception, that the AAFP defines effective sexuality education and pregnancy and sexuality transmitted disease prevention programs as those using a comprehensive approach to sexuality education that includes medically accurate information on contraception and abstinence. The NYSAFP believes that this approach to sexuality education has been proven effective in reducing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and be it

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP Present this resolution to the 2005 Congress of Delegates of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Resolves as amended: RESOLVED, the NYSAFP endorses the additions to existing AAFP recommendations for Adolescent Health Care, Sexuality and Contraception, that the AAFP defines effective sexuality education and pregnancy and sexuality transmitted disease prevention programs as those using a comprehensive approach to sexuality education that includes medically accurate information on contraception and abstinence. The NYSAFP believes that this approach to sexuality education has been proven effective in reducing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP present this resolution to the 2005 Congress of Delegates of the American Academy of Family Physicians. The Committee recommends that this amended Resolution ‘05-3 be adopted. AMENDED RESOLUTION ’05 – 3 WAS ADOPTED The Committee considered Resolution ‘05-12, “Erectile Dysfunction Medication and Medicare Benefits,” which is on pink paper and was introduced by Paul Okosky, MD. RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians (NYSAFP) strongly support improved health care benefits for retired, elderly and disabled Americans, not only health insurance relief but also prescription benefits and be it further

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP strongly object to the funding of erectile dysfunction medication in it’s Medicare benefits package except to those instances where Erectile Dysfunction drugs may be helpful in procreation or of use in those Medicare beneficiaries 65 years of age meeting appropriate criteria of need and be it finally RESOLVED, that if accepted by the NYSAFP in this or amended form, that the NYSAFP Congress instruct it’s delegates to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) to introduce this resolution at the AAFP Congress in San Francisco, CA in September, 2005. The Resolution attempts to address the larger issue of the high costs of drugs; however, its approach would not comprehensively address it. Further, its wording could be perceived as offensive to older persons’ sensibilities regarding their sexual activity. Since testimony indicates that the Congress has a future interest in resolutions in the marketing, development, and excessive costs of drugs, perhaps a resolution should be crafted that will meet this purpose. The Committee recommends that Resolution ‘05-12 not be adopted. RESOLUTION ’05 – 12 WAS DEFEATED

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… The Committee considered Resolution ‘05-13, “Preservation of Patients’ Access to Prescription Medications,” which is on pink paper and was introduced by Dr. Emefre Udo. Resolves as originally presented: RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians go on record to oppose measures that interfere with prompt dispensing of prescription medications; especially emergency contraception, which must be taken quickly to optimize efficacy, and be it further RESOLVED, that this resolution be referred for consideration at the 2005 AAFP Congress of Delegates We heard testimony cautioning against general statements referring to all medications and also that we should limit our statement to emergency contraception. The Committee offers the following amended resolution: RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians go on record to oppose measures that interfere with prompt dispensing of emergency contraception, which must be taken quickly to optimize efficacy and be it further RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP should collaborate with the Pharmacists’ Society of NYS to eliminate barriers to prompt access to all contraceptives and finally be it RESOLVED, that this resolution be referred for consideration at the 2005 AAFP Congress of Delegates. The Committee recommends that this amended Resolution 05-13 be adopted. AMENDED RESOLUTION ’05-13 WAS ADOPTED.

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… I move the adoption of the Committee’s report as a whole. THE REFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON POLICY WAS APPROVED AS A WHOLE The Chair would like to thank the members of the Committee for their participation in the deliberation process as well as all of the many members who gave testimony and contributed to the spirited discussion that was held. In addition, I would like to thank the Speaker and those who assisted in the preparation of this report. NEW BUSINESS: RESIDENT REPORT: Dr. Bindu Ninan advised that they don’t have an official report but unofficially many items were discussed and for the coming year they plan to have a leadership skills workshop for incoming residents. There will be an attempt to better Resident participation and get the word out to other Residents of what is available to Residents through both the NYSAFP and the AAFP. STUDENT REPORT: Mr. Mark Baretto advised that they didn’t have an official report but appreciated the opportunity to attend.

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES………: 

ACTIONS OF THE CONGRESS OF DELEGATES……… Announcements: Dr. Ramalingam reminded the delegates of the availability of positions on the six (2) NYSAFP Commissions. Dr. David announced the Regional Family Medicine Conference at the Prime Hotel in Saratoga Springs on 9/10/05. Regarding Winter Weekend, final arrangements haven’t been made at this date with the hotel, but it will probably be 2/26-29/06. Dr. Kaplan reported that there is legislation being introduced for the medical use of marijuana. He asked members to send their opinions to the Academy so that they can be forwarded to the Commission on FP Advocacy for their information. Mr. Grasso advised that we are working with several of our local county chapters in developing programs in 2006. We are working with the Catskill region members to produce our Congress of Delegates in May or June of 2006 and we are working with the Erie County Chapter to produce our Fall Cluster in 2006. (During the Board meeting after the Congress, the Board decided to move the 2006 Congress to Albany and to hold a future cluster in the Catskills instead.) THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE CONGRESS WAS ADJOURNED AT 12:15 PM