By Alesa G. McArthur, Deputy Executive Vice President
The first meeting of the Congress of Delegates took place via Zoom on Thursday, October 20 at 6 p.m. Approximately 100 members were in attendance.
Several resolutions were brought forward by membership, including an update to one-third of the GAFP policies, which are reviewed annually by leadership. Members spoke for and against each of these, and following this meeting, the Reference Committee met and recommended the following actions…
ITEM 1 – Resolution 1-A: POLICY STATEMENT – COD-Flag and Pledge of Allegiance
Resolution 1-A from GAFP Policy Group entitled, “COD-Flag and Pledge of Allegiance,” the resolved portion is printed below:
Displaying the US flag and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance
The GAFP displays the flags of the United States and the State of Georgia at the front of the room at the Congress of Delegates and the Exhibit Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance is to be recited at the opening session of the Congress of Delegates.
The reference committee heard testimony from the Board Chair, representing the policy group of the Board Chair, Speaker, and Vice Speaker that policy continues to be an important priority of all GAFP members. They recommend that this policy be re-adopted as written.
RECOMMENDATION: The reference committee recommends adopting Resolution 1-A as written.
ITEM 2 – Resolution 1-B: POLICY STATEMENT – GAFP Mission Statement
Resolution 1-B from GAFP Policy Group entitled, “GAFP Mission Statement,” the resolved portion is printed below:
Original Mission Statement: The Mission of the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians is to promote the health of the citizens of Georgia by advancing the specialty of Family Medicine through education, advocacy and service to family physicians in the State of Georgia.
The reference committee heard testimony from the Board Chair, representing the policy group of the Board Chair, Speaker, and Vice Speaker that with more than one program, this policy needed slight editing, upon which discussion was missed during the COD session. They recommend that this policy be re-adopted as edited:
Edited version: The mission of the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians is to promote the health of the citizens of Georgia by advancing the specialty of Family Medicine through education, advocacy and service to Georgia’s family physicians.
RECOMMENDATION: The reference committee recommends adopting Resolution 1-B as edited.
ITEM 3 – Resolution 1-C: POLICY STATEMENT – Legislative Lobbying for Family Medicine
Resolution 1-C from GAFP Policy Group entitled, “Legislative Lobbying for Family Medicine,” the resolved portion is printed below:
The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians lobby for increased funding for Family Medicine departments and residency programs at the federal and state level.
The reference committee heard testimony from the Board Chair, representing the policy group of the Board Chair, Speaker, and Vice Speaker that policy continues to be an important priority of all GAFP members. They recommend that this policy be re-adopted as written.
RECOMMENDATION: The reference committee recommends adopting Resolution 1-C as written.
Item 4 – POLICY STATEMENT: Resolution 1-D – Area of Training for Family Medicine Residents
Resolution 1-D from GAFP Policy Group entitled “Area of Training for Family Medicine Residents,” the resolved portion is printed below:
The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians unconditionally supports the concept that family medicine residents be trained in all major disciplines of medicine, including, but not limited to, the care of pregnant women and hospitalized patients.
The reference committee heard testimony from the Board Chair, representing the policy group of the Board Chair, Speaker, and Vice Speaker that policy continues to be an important priority of all GAFP members. They recommend that this policy be re-adopted as written.
RECOMMENDATION: The reference committee recommends adopting Resolution 1-D as written.
Item 5 – POLICY STATEMENT: Resolution 1-E – Healthy Lifestyle and Weight for Children and Adults
Resolution 1-E from GAFP Policy Group entitled “Healthy Lifestyle and Weight for Children and Adults,” the resolved portion is printed below:
The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians both supports and encourages policies that promote a healthy lifestyle and healthy weight for both children and adults.
The reference committee heard testimony from the Board Chair, representing the policy group of the Board Chair, Speaker, and Vice Speaker that policy continues to be an important priority of all GAFP members, but the question came up about whether weight loss drugs are covered by insurance.
RECOMMENDATION: The reference committee recommends adopting Resolution 1-D as written with a suggestions to add to the 2023-2024 legislative survey regarding advocating for weight loss drugs be covered by healthcare insurance.
Item 6 – POLICY STATEMENT: Resolution 1-F – Hospital Operative and Non-Operative Obstetric Privileges for Family Physicians
Resolution 1-F from GAFP Policy Group entitled “Hospital Operative and Non-Operative Obstetric Privileges for Family Physicians,” the resolved portion is printed below:
The GAFP will support the American Academy of Family Physician’s policies and procedures as it relates to Family Physician’s obstetrics credentialing and will continue to support individual member’s credentialing efforts, and the GAFP will develop a member group to report back to the 2020 COD including but not limited to:
– Educating stakeholders at Georgia Hospital Association on the FP/OB model and training and;
– Encourage their members to recruit Family Medicine residents to provide comprehensive maternity care and offer to post jobs on the GAFP website.
The reference committee heard testimony from the Board Chair, representing the policy group of the Board Chair, Speaker, and Vice Speaker that review one-third of COD policies annually. The group recommends to re-adopt the policy as edited below, as the activities listed above have already occurred or no longer needed:
RECOMMENDATION: The reference committee recommends re-adopting Resolution 1-F as edited:
The GAFP will support the American Academy of Family Physician’s policies and procedures as it relates to Family Physician’s obstetrics credentialing efforts.
Item 7 – POLICY STATEMENT: Resolution 1-G – Remove barriers to physician credentialing in rural and physician-shortage areas
Resolution 1-G from GAFP Policy Group entitled “Remove barriers to physician credentialing in rural and physician-shortage areas” the resolved portion is printed below:
The GAFP will support action that requires insurers and health care networks to not delay physician credentialing applications once all requirements are met. and will draft a formal statement regarding the issue of physician credentialing and its effect on patient access to care as well as how it creates a significant financial hardship for both private practices and rural hospitals that depend on this reimbursement to continue to provide health care services in their community.
The reference committee heard testimony from the Board Chair, representing the policy group of the Board Chair, Speaker, and Vice Speaker that review one-third of COD policies annually. The group recommends to re-adopt the policy as edited below.
RECOMMENDATION: The reference committee recommends re-adopting Resolution 1-G as edited:
The GAFP will support action that requires insurers and health care networks to not delay physician credentialing applications once all requirements are met.
Item 8 – POLICY STATEMENT: Resolution 1-H – Support fair reimbursement maternity care services in rural areas
Resolution 1-H from GAFP Policy Group entitled “Support fair reimbursement maternity care services in rural areas” the resolved portion is printed below:
The GAFP will continue to support equality of payment for like services regardless of specialty and support legislation that requires insurers and health care networks to pay obstetrical physicians regardless of specialty for their maternity related services. and develop a link on their website where physicians and practices can submit information regarding issues with reimbursement of obstetrical services.
The reference committee heard testimony from the Board Chair, representing the policy group of the Board Chair, Speaker, and Vice Speaker that review one-third of COD policies annually. The policy group recommends to re-adopt the policy as edited below, noting that it is problematic for reimbursement to be shared/compared (antitrust). However, staff and leaders continue to work with members on specific concerns and complaints:
RECOMMENDATION: The reference committee recommends re-adopting Resolution 1-H as edited:
The GAFP will continue to support equality of payment for like services regardless of specialty and support legislation that requires insurers and health care networks to pay obstetrical physicians regardless of specialty for their maternity related services.
ITEM 9 – Resolution 2: Best Practices Implementation on Naming Disease to Reduce Stigma
Submitted by: James Mayers Jr, JD, MD, Resident, Augusta University entitled, “Best Practices Implementation on Naming Disease to Reduce Stigma,” the resolved portion is printed below:
RESOLVE THAT, GAFP in accordance with WHO guidance rename Monkey pox and other viral diseases with names outside of guidance to the most specific scientific name and year of the outbreak began. For example, Orthopox (genus) 22 (2022).
RESOLVE THAT, GAFP recommend that family physicians and Georgia Health Department use guidance compliant terminology in all communications about disease until the CDC or WHO adopt a compliant term.
RESOLVE THAT, GAFP further resolves to adopt the CDC or WHO best practices compliant term when available.
There were several members who spoke about the need to support this resolution. However, as the first two resolve clauses would be difficult to carry out as the GAFP does not name diseases and doesn’t give guidance to others, the Reference committee adopt the third resolve clause only and by substitute.
RECOMMENDATION: The reference committee recommends that Resolution 2 be adopted by substitute:
RESOLVE THAT GAFP leadership and staff strives to include WHO and CDC best practice compliant disease naming terms in GAFP communications.
ITEM 10 – Resolution 3: Introduction to Advocacy Initiative
Submitted by: James Mayers Jr, JD, MD
Resolution 3 from James Mayers Jr, JD, MD of Augusta entitled “Introduction to Advocacy Initiative Resolution” the resolved portion is printed below:
RESOLVE THAT, GAFP sponsor and develop an annual introduction to Georgia Advocacy course where Family Medicine residents are exposed to current physician advocacy initiatives and activities in our state.
RESOLVE THAT, GAFP may further recommend that Family Medicine residency programs provide notice and encourage course attendance to all residents.
The reference committee heard testimony both in support and opposition to this resolution. It was brought up that the annual Day at the Capitol event might be an event where a training session could be added but noting that the 2023 Legislative Day at the Capitol will be a small, limited attendance event and that this event is shared with our Primary Care Coalition group, the group realized that this would not work for 2023. Therefore, it was recommended that these resolved clauses be referred to the Board for further consideration and work in 2023.
RECOMMENDATION: The reference committee recommends that Resolution 3 be referred to the GAFP Board of Directors.
ITEM 11 – Resolution 4: Endorse Georgia Council on Aging Perennial Budget Issue- Increased Funding for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Submitted by: Adrienne Mims, MD, MPH – Vice Chair Georgia Council on Aging, GAFP Member, Geriatrician
Resolution 4 from Adrienne Mims, MD, of Atlanta, entitled “Endorse Georgia Council on Aging Perennial Budget Issue- Increased Funding for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS),” the resolved portion is printed below:
RESOLVED that: GAFP endorses the Georgia Council on Aging Perennial Budget Issue requesting increased funding for Home and Community Based Services from the state-to eliminate waitlists for services that support Georgia family caregivers to keep loved ones aging at home.
After discussion with a lot of support among members, the Reference Committee recommended that this resolution be adopted as amended:
RESOLVED that: GAFP writes a letter of endorsement to the Georgia Council on Aging Perennial Budget Issue requesting increased funding for Home and Community Based Services from the state-to eliminate waitlists for services that support Georgia family caregivers to keep loved ones aging at home.
RECOMMENDATION: The reference committee recommends that Resolution 4 be adopted as amended.
ITEM 12 – Resolution 5: Auto-renewal Contract Limitations
Submitted by: Ralph Peeler, MD
Resolution 5 from Ralph Peeler, MD, of Atlanta, entitled “Auto-renewal Contract Limitations,” the resolved portion is printed below:
RESOLVED that, GAFP alert our members to the pitfalls of such contracts and GAFP through its legislative committee and lobbyists seek and support legislation in the Georgia General Assembly to impose limitations on such Auto-renewal contracts and
RESOLVED that, such limitations require notice and affirmative written consent to renewal of such contracts between 30 and 60 days prior to any deadline for cancellation or contract renewal and
RESOLVED that, all such contracts contain clear and conspicuous descriptions of the provisions for auto-renewal and any cancellation costs or penalties
RESOLVED that, and failure to comply with such provisions shall cause the good or service to be classified as an “unconditional gift” to the consumer.
The reference committee heard testimony from the resolution writer about this issue. However, there was little testimony on this issue, other than referencing that this is not a current legislative priority and would expend a great deal of GAFP resources while impeding our ability to advance our current strategic plan.
RECOMMENDATION: The reference committee recommends that Resolution 5 not be adopted.
ITEM 13 – Resolution 6: Opposing and Eliminating All Types of Restrictive Covenants on the Practice of Medicine Resolution
Submitted by: Ralph Peeler, MD
Resolution 6 from Ralph Peeler, MD, of Atlanta, entitled “Opposing and Eliminating All Types of Restrictive Covenants on the Practice of Medicine Resolution,” with the resolved portion is printed below:
RESOLVED that, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians advocate with state and federal lawmakers to support the passage of US Senate Bill 2375, the “Freedom to Compete Act” which amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to eliminate non-compete clauses, and
RESOLVED that, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians advocate with state lawmakers to ban “soft” non-compete practices, in which termination of employment may be used as a threat or punitive response to a family physician informing patients of their intent to practice outside of their current employment or publicly disclosing their intent to change practices, and advocate for the abolition by the legislature of such restrictive covenants and non-compete agreements in physician employment contracts in Georgia and be it further
RESOLVED that, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians advocate and support resolution 507 before the AAFP Congress of Delegates opposing restrictive covenants and non-compete agreements in physician contracts as against public policy, in order to better preserve the physician – patient relationship.
There was a lot of support for this resolution. It was noted, however, that the AAFP already has a resolution to this effect (Resolution 507) which passed last month. Therefore, the Reference Committee discussed and agreed that, in order to bring this to a wider physician audience, while the third resolved clause could be stricken, the first two resolved clauses should be sent to the Medical Association of Georgia’s House of Delegates, while supporting the AAFP resolution.
RECOMMENDATION: The reference committee recommends that Resolution 6 be adopted by substitution, and referred to the MAG House of Delegates as amended:
RESOLVED that, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians advocate with state and federal lawmakers to support the passage of US Senate Bill 2375, the “Freedom to Compete Act” which amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to eliminate non-compete clauses, and
RESOLVED that, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians advocate with the Medical Association of Georgia and the House of Medicine and state lawmakers to ban “soft” non-compete practices, in which termination of employment may be used as a threat or punitive response to a family physician informing patients of their intent to practice outside of their current employment or publicly disclosing their intent to change practices, and advocate for the abolition by the legislature of such restrictive covenants and non-compete agreements in physician employment contracts in Georgia.
ITEM 14 – Resolution 7: From the Augusta University Residency Program Report
Submitted by David L. Kriegel II, MD, FAAFP
- Expanding existing retention benefits for Family Medicine residents to remain in practice in Georgia
- Improving awareness of any existing benefits above
- Development of a meaningful educational collaborative for Family Medicine residencies throughout the state
The reference committee agreed that these issues are already priorities of the GAFP and in process.
RECOMMENDATION: The reference committee recommends that Resolution 7 be filed for information.
To review the 2022 COD Resolutions in full, please visit the GAFP website and click the About tab, then select Congress of Delegates. You can download important information related to the Congress of Delegates including the 2022 COD Handbook and 2022 Resolutions (includes recommended policy revisions) starting on page 107 of the Handbook.
The COD 2nd session is live at the GAFP Annual Meeting and is scheduled for Saturday, November 12 at 1 pm at the Marriott NW in Atlanta. The 2nd session is where final discussion and voting occurs. COD delegates and alternate delegates, officers, and past presidents can address the Congress in person.