The AMA Senior Physicians Section (SPS) held its 2025 Interim Meeting on Friday, Nov. 14 in National Harbor, Maryland.
SPS education sessions
The SPS sponsored two education programs on Friday, Nov. 14. The first program entitled, “Safeguarding Senior Care—Public Law 119-21 (OBBBA) and WISeR,” featured Margaret Garikes, JD, AMA vice president, government affairs and Annalia Michelman, JD, senior attorney, Advocacy Resource Center. This session explored the impact of Public Law 119-21 (OBBBA), that includes significant cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) projected to leave nearly 12 million people without insurance by 2034.
Additionally, the session examined the upcoming WISeR pilot from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), that introduces AI-driven prior authorization requirements for select outpatient Medicare procedures in six states over six years. The program was moderated by Jenny Boyer, MD, JD, PhD, chair of the SPS Governing Council.
A second education program entitled “LifeGuard®—Enhancing Clinical Competency and Professionalism Among Senior Physicians,” featured speaker Tracey Ziegler RN, BSN, director, LifeGuard® Program, part of the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. The program explored how LifeGuard® identifies cognitive or behavioral concerns, delivers individualized assessments and offers ongoing monitoring to support physicians in enhancing their performance. The program was moderated by Michael DellaVecchia, MD, PhD, chair-elect of the SPS Governing Council.
SPS resolutions
The SPS Assembly meeting included a discussion of policy items relevant to senior physicians as well as senior patients. The SPS Governing Council reviewed House of Delegates (HOD) resolutions and reports related to senior physician issues, including three SPS resolutions:
- Resolution 227: Call for Immediate and Aggressive Action by the AMA to Reverse Medicaid Cuts Impacting Seniors
- Resolution 920: Alcohol and Aging: Educating Physicians and Advocating for Safer Warnings
- Resolution 921: Prioritizing Deprescribing in Seniors
For additional information on the 2025 SPS Interim Meeting, visit the section's agenda and resources.
