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Annually, MMA works on a number of resolutions adopted at the House of Delegates session at the Annual Meeting. Here is an easy way to keep up-to-date on the progress MMA is making on the 2011 resolutions.
Just find the resolution in the list, click and you will see the resolution, author, proposed action steps and current status.
 = Completed Resolution
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Resolutions Adopted
100 MMA Bylaws Changes Related to MMA Annual Meeting
RESOLVED, the component medical society may authorize MMA to appoint Delegates and Alternate Delegates on behalf of the component medical society. The MMA may appoint delegates for unfilled positions for non-staffed component medical societies no sooner than 75 days before the House of Delegates meeting, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the bylaws changes contained in Exhibit A be adopted.
Submitted by: MMA Executive Committee/Bylaws Committee
Action: Adopted as amended
Action Steps: Update MMA bylaws with approved changes.
Status: Completed – bylaws changes incorporated and published on website.
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101 Sunset Policy Review
RESOLVED, that the three “questionable” policies identified during the 2011 sunset policy review process be subject to further review by Minnesota Medical Association staff and leadership and recommended action on them be brought to a future meeting of the MMA House of Delegates, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the MMA compendium of archived MMA policies, which contains MMA polices that are no longer relevant, but can be consulted for historical or informational reasons, include the attached recommended “archive” policies (39), and be it further
RESOLVED, that the MMA reaffirm support for the attached recommended “retain” polices (8), and be it further
RESOLVED, that the MMA approve and reaffirm support for the attached recommended “retain as edited” policies (9).
Submitted by: MMA Executive Committee
Action: Adopted
Action Steps: Update MMA Policy Compendium to reflect retained and archived policies; staff and/or committees to analyze questionable policies to develop recommendations.
Status: To be incorporated in policy review by MMA committees.
Archived policies will be removed with the 2012 annual policy compendium update.
Retained policies will be noted with the 2012 annual policy compendium update.
Retained as edited policies will be revised and noted with the 2012 annual policy compendium update.
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102 The Democratic Process
-- A) For a Moratorium on Implementation of R106-2010 and,
-- B) For the Formation of a New Bylaws Work Group
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association continue to refine the resolution review process and report back to the 2013 House of Delegates meeting with an evaluation and recommendations for modifications with proposed bylaws changes, if appropriate, consistent with MMA Policy 420.78, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the MMA continue to explore, through the Governance Task Force, the governance responsibilities of the House of Delegates and the Board of Trustees.
Submitted by: Michael Ainslie, MD; Richard Baron, MD; Lee Beecher, MD; Peter Dehnel, MD; Robert Geist, MD; Ron Hansen, MD; Richard Morris, MD; and Thomas Siefferman, MD
Action: Adopted as amended
Action Steps: Continue the Resolution Review Committee and process for 2012 Annual Meeting. Evaluate process based on 2011 and 2012 experience. Develop recommendations for changes and/or bylaws changes for 2013 meeting.
Status: In process for 2012.
Action Steps: Process through MMA Governance Task Force.
Status: The task force was convened in late September and has met twice. Currently, in process of meeting with Board of Trustees and component medical societies to discuss findings and obtain member input.
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105 Employment of Physicians by Organizations Which Provide Direct Patient Care
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association amend current policy 470.04 (Minnesota Professional Firms Act) to reflect current Minnesota law. The amended policy will read as follows: The MMA opposes any amendments to the Minnesota Professional Firms Act that would further erode the corporate practice of medicine doctrine or reduce physician autonomy.
Submitted by: Twin Cities Medical Society
Action: Adopted as amended
Proposed Action Steps: Adopted as policy statements.
Status: Completed (updated policy language to be incorporated during annual update to policy compendium).
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106 Valuing, Tracking and Communicating Resolutions passed by MMA House of Delegates
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association attach the names of all individual authors and appropriate component medical society authors to all resolutions submitted to the House of Delegates, and be it further
RESOLVED, that MMA ask resolution authors, or their designee, to testify, if necessary, on their proposals at meetings of the MMA Board of Trustees and MMA committees, and be it further
RESOLVED, that MMA continue to improve communications to members and delegates on resolutions passed by the House of Delegates.
Submitted by: Twin Cities Medical Society
Action: Adopted as amended
Action Steps: Communicate author tracking process to MMA staff and all component medical societies during resolution submission process.
Status: To be implemented with 2012 resolution submission.
Proposed Action Steps: Communicate expectations to all MMA staff that support committees/task forces.
Status: Completed - communication to staff sent
Proposed Action Steps: Explore additional means of informing members and delegates about resolutions adopted by the HOD.
Status: In process – communication to delegates planned for January 2012; status document to be posted on MMA website.
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107 Collaborative Legal Reform for Malpractice Reform in Minnesota
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association support medical malpractice reform that investigates the possibility of enacting the collaborative law participation agreement as drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws as part of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in Minnesota.
Submitted by: Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians
Action: Referred to the Board of Trustees
Action Steps: Refer to MMA Ethics and Medical-Legal Affairs Committee for development of a recommendation for consideration by the MMA Board of Trustees.
Status: Expected to be considered at February 27, 2012 meeting.
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108 Mcleod-Sibley Medical Society Merger
RESOLVED, that the McLeod County Medical Society and the Sibley County Medical Society merge to become the McLeod-Sibley Medical Society.
Submitted by: Non-Staffed Component Medical Society Workgroup
Action: Adopted
Action Steps: Complete necessary merger details.
Status: Completed
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202 Ten-Minute Physical Activity Breaks Offered as Part of the Workday
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association recommend that employers in Minnesota encourage increased physical activity among their employees where appropriate through worksite wellness programs such as exercise breaks, discounted membership to fitness centers, health coaching, and other proven mechanisms.
Submitted by: MMA Medical Student Section
Action: Adopted as amended
Action Steps: Communicate MMA policy (physical activity recommendation) to Minnesota employers as appropriate.
Status: In process – researching the best options for communicating message to Minnesota employers.
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203 Mandatory Accurate Disclosure of Provider Credentials to Current and Potential Patients and the Public
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association support legislation which mandates by law, precise and accurate disclosure of specific academic credentials in all patient interactions, advertising/media, and in public/legislative forums; precise verbal disclosure to patients and/or the public in a professional capacity, and visible title accurate provider ID shall be required by statute to identify fully and transparently provider’s degree.
Submitted by: Twin Cities Medical Society
Action: Adopted
Action Steps: Analyze current state law to identify potential gaps/changes needed (e.g., current law requires use of name tags with credentials). MMA has previously supported legislation requiring transparency in health care advertising. Incorporate issue into MMA advocacy priority planning process to determine specific MMA role/timing.
Status: Completed - MMA supports SF 707 (2011) that would require any advertising for a provider to include education, license, and appropriate board certification information. Current law requires all health care providers to wear nametags that list the title of the practitioner and the degrees held by that person.
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204 Treatment of Mental and Substance-Related Disorders in Minnesota
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association develop and appoint a task force of primary care physicians and psychiatrists to recommend and to oversee the development of good/best direct care and consultation practices consistent with the aims and architecture of the medical home, that meet a reasonable standard of individualized comprehensive evaluation and direct treatment of mental and substance-related disorders.
Submitted by: Twin Cities Medical Society
Action: Adopted as amended
Action Steps: Convene a task force to explore issues identified in resolution and to develop recommendations for consideration by the MMA Board of Trustees.
Status: In process – first meeting scheduled for January 25, 2012.
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205 Discontinuing the Secure Examination as part of the ABMSMOC Program
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association delegation to the American Medical Association direct the AMA to work with the American Board of Medical Specialties to discontinue the requirement for a secure examination as part of their Maintenance of Certification program.
Submitted by: Lake Superior Medical Society
Action: Adopted
Action Steps: Resolution submitted to I-11.
Status: Although recommended for adoption by the reference committee, the AMA House of Delegates referred Resolution 911 to the AMA Board of Trustees for additional study and discussion with the ABMS prior to implementation.
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206 Vaccinations Given in Healthcare Settings and in for-profit Pharmacies
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association work with the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Legislature to pass legislation requiring that any entity providing vaccines to patients enter the data into the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) registry.
Submitted by: Lake Superior Medical Society
Action: Adopted
Action Steps: Work with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to address topic and need for greater participation in MIIC. Incorporate issue into MMA advocacy priority planning process to determine specific MMA role/timing.
Status: In process - initial conversations with MDH have occurred.
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207 Prohibiting Low-Cost Medication Prior Authorization
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association support prohibiting requirements for prior authorization for medications that are administered for costs less than $25.00, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association work with the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) to meet with the Minnesota Council of Health Plans to institute this prohibition as soon as possible, and be it further
RESOLVED, that if the health plans refuse to abide by this prohibition, that the MMA ask the Minnesota Department of Health to take action as the means to help control health care costs.
Submitted by: Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians
Action: Adopted as amended
Action Steps: In conjunction with MAFP, work with the Minnesota Council of Health Plans (or, as needed, individual plans) to pursue options for exempting low-cost drugs from prior authorization. If needed, explore regulatory (MDH) options for such an exemption.
Status: Planned for 2012 meetings with MN Council of Health Plans and/or individual plans.
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208 Regulation of Pharmacy Benefit Managers
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association pursue legislation to regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in Minnesota to:
- require their personnel, especially those making coverage or denial decisions, to be medically knowledgeable and have basic information about the patient’s medical status and diagnoses, as supplied by the insurer (a parallel to utilization review protections), especially as there is a pending requirement to have all prior authorizations done electronically;
- exempt other well-proven and effective medications from prior authorization requirements after they have been reviewed and approved by an appropriate multi-disciplinary formulary oversight group; and,
- require connectivity and information exchange between insurers and PBMs so that medication coverage decisions are not made without knowledge and understanding of the patient’s condition.
Submitted by: Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians
Action: Referred to the MMA Board of Trustees
Action Steps: Refer to MMA Health Care Access, Financing & Delivery Committee for development of recommendation for consideration by MMA Board of Trustees.
Status: Expected to be considered at April 2 or May 3 committee meeting.
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209 Indoor Tanning
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association actively support legislation developed by the Minnesota Dermatological Society (MDS) with support from the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatological Surgeons, the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Cancer Society, that would prohibit those under 18 years of age from using tanning beds, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the MMA encourage the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Legislature to establish stronger requirements for the education, training, testing, and re-certification of tanning bed employees and for the posting of warning requirements for customers on the risks of usage.
Submitted by: Zumbro Valley Medical Society
Action: Adopted as amended
Action Steps: Work with relevant partners to support legislative change and to address education, training, and customer warning issues. Incorporate issue into MMA advocacy priority planning process to determine specific MMA role/timing.
Status: In process – reviewed draft legislation from MDS; met with Cancer Alliance and other potential supporters; shared with legislative leader. Chief authors identified and bill drafted for 2012 session.
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210 Community Measurement Waiver for Quality Research
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association work with Minnesota Community Measurement (MNCM), through its role on the Minnesota Community Measurement Board of Directors and its work groups and committees, to develop policies that allow for waivers from public reporting of quality data for Minnesota researchers and physicians who are participating in clinical research studies. These policies should consider criteria including, but not limited to, funding source, topic of research, study registration status, and the degree to which there is conflict with current measure specifications.
Submitted by: Zumbro Valley Medical Society
Action: Adopted as amended
Action Steps: Advance issue through relevant MNCM committees/work groups.
Status: New MNCM task force created to address issue; first meeting scheduled for Jan. 31, 2012.
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300 Health Insurance Exchange Study
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association work with the Minnesota Department of Commerce to ensure physicians are involved in the development of Minnesota’s health insurance exchange, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association study the ramifications of all the options relevant to physician practices and patient care that might be brought forward as part of the implementation of Minnesota’s health insurance exchange.
Submitted by: Twin Cities Medical Society
Action: Adopted as amended
Action Step: Urge Minnesota Department of Commerce to include physician member on advisory work group.
Status: Completed – letter sent September 22, 2011.
Action Steps: MMA staff to identify key issues for MMA analysis/policy development. Engage relevant committees as appropriate.
Status: Guiding principles for exchange development developed by MMA Access, Financing and Delivery Committee and MMA Quality Committee; MMA Board to consider principles at January 21 meeting. Series of articles/updates on exchange development planned.
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301 (Subst.) Greater PMAP Transparency to Achieve the Triple Aim
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association continue to support transparency of quality of care, cost of care, and physician payment data in the Prepaid Medical Assistance Program and other state-supported medical plans to ensure efficient use of state dollars, quality care delivery, and access to care by patients.
Submitted by: Twin Cities Medical Society (301)
Submitted by: Lake Superior Medical Society (303)
Action: Adopted in lieu of Resolution 301 and Resolution 303
Action Steps: Adopt as policy statement.
Status: Completed (updated policy language to be incorporated during annual update to policy compendium).
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302 Restore Reimbursement for Consultation Codes
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association adopt as policy that reimbursement for consultation codes should be restored by all payers.
Submitted by: Twin Cities Medical Society
Action: Referred to the MMA Board of Trustees as amended
Action Steps: Refer to MMA Health Care Access, Financing and Delivery Committee for development of recommendation for consideration by MMA Board of Trustees.
Status: On February 7, 2012 committee agenda.
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305 (Subst.) Affordable Asthma Medications
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association work with public and private payers to ensure lowest co-pays for at least one inhaled steroid and one short acting beta adrenergic inhaler in their formularies, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the MMA work with public and private payers to ensure coverage for at least one nebulizer and one asthma inhaler spacer, and that any co-pays be at their lowest tier level.
Submitted by: Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (305 and 306)
Action: Adopted in lieu of Resolution 305 and Resolution 306
Action Steps: Work with individual health plans to pursue coverage consistent with resolution.
Status: To be discussed at scheduled 2012 health plan meetings.
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307 Health Care Home Certification
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association work with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to evaluate the complexity and administrative burden of the health care home certification and recertification criteria, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the MMA work to extend the time period between health care home certification and recertification.
Submitted by: Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians
Action: Adopted as amended
Action Steps: Work with the Minnesota Department of Health to understand (or develop) evaluation plans for certification and recertification criteria.
Status: Met with MDH and Department of Human Services staff to understand evaluation work plan/timeline (report due 2013); an RFI is expected to be issued in 1Q 2012 to which MMA will respond.
Action Steps: Work with MDH to change time period between initial certification and recertification.
Status: Discussed state’s progress with recertification process to date; value of legislative/regulatory change on time between certification and recertification not clear at this time – likely will require more experience and results from evaluation.
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Resolutions Not Adopted
RRC-1 State Controlled and Funded Family Medical Accounts (FMAs)
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association support, help develop, and lobby for the use of state funded and controlled medical accounts coupled with a state-funded high deductible health plan for applicable Medicaid populations.
Submitted by: Twin Cities Medical Society
Action: Referred to MMA Board of Trustees by Resolution Review Committee
Action Steps: Background: The MMA House of Delegates (HOD) previously has considered a resolution on this topic in 2006, 2008 and 2009. It was referred to the Board of Trustees in 2006 and, following a committee study and recommendation, it was not adopted. It was not adopted (by fairly large margins) by the HOD in both 2008 and 2009. Given the significant time and resources needed to influence ACA implementation. (e.g., insurance exchange with integration of Medicaid eligibility for essential benefit sets), as well as recent state policy to take advantage of the early Medicaid expansion option, the Board of Trustees should consider the capacity of the MMA to again evaluate this proposed policy.
Status: Completed – the Executive Committee recommended, and the Board of Trustees concurred, that the resolution not be adopted.
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103 Prohibit CMS Waivers of Anti-Fee Splitting Laws
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association request that Congress and the Administration prohibit federal officers from giving waivers that would repeal patient protection laws including anti-fee splitting laws, civil monetary penalties laws, Stark anti-self referral law, and anti-kickback laws, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association implement this resolution by addressing it to the United States Congress, the appropriate congressional committees, the Minnesota members of Congress, appropriate officers in the executive branch of the US government, the Minnesota Legislature, and appropriate Minnesota state officers in the executive branch.
Submitted by: Twin Cities Medical Society
Action: Not Adopted
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104 Independent Practice
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association assess the prevalence of, location, and identified special needs of independent physician practices in Minnesota, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association hold as a priority, in its state and federal policy and advocacy activities, the survival and success of Minnesota independent physician practices.
Submitted by: Twin Cities Medical Society
Action: Not adopted
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200 Simplification of Quality Measures for Minnesota Physicians
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association continue to advocate for alignment and harmonization of state and federal quality measures, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association convene public and private sector community stakeholders to identify statewide high-value quality measurement and improvement priorities, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association evaluate alternatives to standardized statewide quality measurement and reporting, including methods for individual clinics/medical groups to measure and report on clinical topics that address their practice’s needs based on their specific patient populations and gaps in care.
Submitted by: MMA Quality Committee
Action: Not adopted
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201 Chlamydia Screening
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association support annual screening for Chlamydia among all males and females in the 15-25 age range with repeat screening at the discretion of the physician.
Submitted by: MMA Committee on Public Health
Action: Not Adopted
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304 Wellness Incentives
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association support legislation to provide wellness incentives for all Medical Assistance recipients.
Submitted by: Range Medical Society
Action: Not adopted
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308 Support the Minnesota Health Plan
RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Medical Association support the Minnesota Health Plan that provides universal, publicly-funded health care for all Minnesotans.
Submitted by: Elizabeth Frost, MD
Action: Not adopted
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