Policy and Advocacy

Submit a Resolution for the 2010 Annual AMA Organized Medical Staff Section Assembly

The deadline for resolutions is Friday, April 30, 2010.

Information about the development and submission of resolutions.

Resolutions should be submitted to Jim DeNuccio.

Make Your Voice Heard During the AMA-OMSS Policy Development Process

Go to the AMA organized medical staff section discussion forum and give AMA-OMSS your feedback and thoughts on policy matters coming before the AMA-OMSS Assembly in the near future, including credentialing and principles for strengthening the physician-hospital relationship. All AMA-OMSS representatives have been invited to join this online message board. If you did not receive your invitation, please contact kathryn.tinney@ama-assn.org.

OMSS Governing Council Reports

The actions of the OMSS Assembly have led to the development of reports on a broad range of medical staff and health care issues. The reports are prepared by the Governing Council and generally contain an introduction, background information (relevant AMA policies, ethical opinions, Joint Commission standards, and research), discussion, conclusions, and recommendations. They often serve as a valuable resource in developing policy, increasing awareness of issues, and educating physicians. If you would like to request a copy of a Governing Council report, please contact the OMSS staff.

OMSS White Papers

Quality and Clinical Culture: The Critical Role of Physicians in Accountable Health Care Organizations, 1998, Gosfeld, A.G. (PDF), considers the critical role that physicians have to play within the system and addresses those areas to which their expertise ought to be directed.

Report Safety and Quality Concerns

Physicians and other hospital staff concerned about patient care or non-compliance with Medicare Conditions of Participation can file anonymous complaints against Medicare-certified providers or facilities. Learn more about filing a complaint.

Report Hospital Governing Board Non-Compliance with Joint Commission Standards

Send complaints to The Joint Commission and AMA OMSS.
See AMA's protocol for action.

Take Action on Key Legislative Issues

Form a Legislative Advocacy Team

Medical staffs are a logical organizational unit to effect actions on behalf of patients and colleagues in responding to the medical liability crisis as well as other important issues. Their well developed communications mechanisms can reach physicians immediately and greatly help facilitate the organization of legislative advocacy teams. The AMA OMSS has developed Guidelines for forming effective legislative advocacy teams, and encourages physicians' engagement in this process to affect positive change at both the national and local levels.