Disaster Readiness, Public Safety, Tort Reform Up for Discussion at IM 2001

MMS members will debate the appropriate Medical Society response to disasters such as the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the U.S., at the 2001 Interim Meeting of the House of Delegates.

The House, which convenes November 16-17 at the Hyatt Regency, Cambridge, will take up issues such as public education on bioterrorism and disaster preparedness and coordination of resources to ensure effective and appropriate action in case of a public health emergency.

Other topics on the House agenda include

• Preventing the spread of diseases from shared needles
• Enhancing access to emergency contraception
• Improving resident work schedules
• Reducing toxic waste in the environment
• Increasing driver safety
• Reforming the state's tort system
• Expanding federal funding for stem cell research
• Ensuring patient protections for MassHealth participants
• Improving health plan claims processes
• Reducing physician risk in managed care contracts

Following the opening House session on Nov. 16, four reference committees will hear testimony on the more than 40 resolutions and reports for action submitted by MMS members and committees, respectively. The reference committees will report their findings to the full House the following day, when delegates will decide what actions to take on the resolutions and reports. All members are encouraged to participate in the reference committee hearings.

The Medical Society will also honor four physicians for their contributions to the medical profession, public health, teaching and the Medical Society at an awards luncheon on Friday, Nov. 16.

The Massachusetts AMA Delegation is hosting an information session on Nov. 16 at 2:30 p.m. Individuals interested in hearing more about the work of the Delegation, AMA Council updates, and anticipated issues to be addressed at the AMA Interim Meeting are encouraged to attend. A question and answer session will follow the presentations.

– Marcia Tabenken

For more information, contact the Department of Governance Services and Regional Offices at (781) 434-7331 or interim@mms.org.