HJNO Sep/Oct 2024

52 SEP / OCT 2024 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS MEDICAL SOCIETY COLUMN MEDICAL SOCIETY Last week, local physician leaders from MASELA, OPMS, and JPMS represented our physician membership at the LSMS Annu- al Meeting and House of Delegates. LSMS President and former JPMS President Rich- ard Paddock, MD, championed key advoca- cy wins in the recent Louisiana Legislative sessions such as protecting physician scope of practice, prior authorization reform for insurers, blocking the Blue Cross-Elevance merger, as well as protections for the med- ical malpractice cap on non-economic damages. George Ellis, MD, a local pediat- ric ophthalmologist and past president of OPMS andMASELA, was elected as an LSMS delegate to the American Medical Associa- tion House of Delegates (HOD). Delegates from OPMS and JPMS were in attendance, including Mark Rice, MD, MASELA presi- dent and former JPMS president; John Cole, MD, OPMS president-elect; Josh Lowentritt, MD, OPMS president; and HaroldMiller, MD, JPMS president andMASELAsecretary gen- eral. Several LSMS past presidents from the New Orleans area also attended and gave their insights into protecting the practice of medicine including, Jay Shames, MD; Dan- iel H “Stormy” Johnson, MD; and Michael S. Ellis, MD. Josh Lowentritt, MD OPMS President During the meeting, delegates engaged in proposing and debating policies, electing leaders, and various other critical activities. Prior to the meeting, LSMS members had the opportunity to submit resolutions to the HOD for consideration. These resolutions often culminate in policies that steer our advocacy efforts throughout the legislative process and play a pivotal role in determin- ing how LSMS addresses myriad issues. Resolutions fall into four distinct categories: • 100 — General Business, Bylaws. • 200 — Legislation. • 300 — Scientific, Public Health. • 400 — Socioeconomic. The OPMS and JPMS delegations have representation in the HOD as component societies, meaning they have delegates to the HOD based on total membership and can submit an unlimited number of reso- lutions as determined by their respective boards. Resolution ideas can originate from individual members, committees, the board, or staff, reflecting the issues and challeng- es faced by physicians and patients. Res- olutions must be approved by the OPMS or JPMS board before submission. They can also be co-submitted or cosponsored by both OPMS and JPMS. When crafting resolutions, it is essential to adhere to the following guidelines: • The title of a resolution should accu- rately encapsulate the subject of the “resolve(s).” • The information contained within the resolution, including “whereas” statements, must be verified for ac- curacy. Inflammatory statements or language that may tarnish the soci- ety’s reputation are inappropriate and unacceptable. • The resolve(s) should clearly articulate the desired action and be capable of standing alone since the House adopts only the resolve(s), and the whereas statements do not appear in the official proceedings of the House. Resolutions are submitted through the Membership Virtual Engagement Portal at lsms.org. This streamlined process ensures that resolutions are thoughtfully considered and effectively integrated into the broader agenda of the LSMS House of Delegates. By participating in this critical process, dele- gates help shape the future of medical prac- tice and policy, advocating for both physi- cians and patients alike. AWord from Josh Lowentritt, MD OPMS President