NYSAFP Congress of Delegates 2008

Actions of the Congress

Reports of Officers & Commissions
All reports were accepted as presented.

Resolutions
Resolution 08- 1, NYSAFP POLICY "HEALTHCARE FOR EVERYONE" by Andrew Merritt, M.D.

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP adopt the AAFP plan for universal health care, "Health Care for Everyone" as its policy, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP no longer espouse a single payor system as payment mechanism for universal health care.

This resolution was not adopted.

Resolution 08-2, "NYSAFP OPPOSE THE USE OF CLINICAL GUIDELINES TO RANK PHYSICIANS UNLESS THE GUIDELINES ARE FREE OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND SPECIAL INTEREST" submitted by Stephen Offord, MD, Saratoga County, Linda Prine, MD, New York City.

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP oppose the use of clinical practice guidelines to rank family physicians unless the guidelines have been supported by an organization, such as, the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, that is free from pharmaceutical and special interests and be it

RESOLVED, that the Delegates from the NYSAFP submit this resolution to the national AAFP COD for support.

The reference committee recommended adoption of the following substitute resolution:

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP should be directed to oppose physician ranking without a consensus with the AAFP on its parameters

The substitute resolution was referred to the board.

Resolution 08- 3, "PHYSICIAN RANKING BY INSURANCE COMPANIES" submitted by the Linda Prine, MD, New York City, Stephen Offord, MD, Saratoga County:

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP opposes family physician ranking by the insurance industry and agrees to look for alternative means to evaluate family physicians on the quality of care they provide and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Delegates from the NYSAFP submit this resolution to the national AAFP COD for support.

The reference committee recommended adoption of the following substitute resolution:

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP opposes family physician ranking by the insurance industry.

This substitute resolution was adopted.

Resolution 08-4, "REFUSE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ABSTINENCE-ONLY-UNTIL-MARRIAGE PROGRAMS" submitted by the NYSAFP New York County Chapter.

BE IT RESOLVED, the NYSAFP use its lobbyists in Albany to advocate for New York State to refuse future funding from all funding streams for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NYSAFP use its lobbyists to encourage the New York State Senate to pass the Healthy Teens Act, which was passed by the State Assembly in May 2007 and would establish funding for comprehensive sex education and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP asks the AAFP to draft a letter opposing all federal funding of abstinence-only-until-marriage programs to be sent to the Administration for Children, Youth and Families, which oversees the CBAE and Title V programs, and the Office of Population Affairs, which oversees AFL, and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP Congress instruct its delegates to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) to introduce this resolution at the AAFP Congress in San Diego in September 2008.

The reference committee recommended adoption of the following substitute resolution:

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP advocate for opposition of state funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, as well as encourage the AAFP to do the same on a federal level.

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP use its lobbyists to encourage the New York State Senate to pass the Healthy Teens Act, which was passed by the State Assembly in May 2007.

The substitute resolution was adopted.

Resolution 08- 5, "SUPPORT THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT IN NEW YORK STATE" introduced by the NYSAFP Public Health Commission.

THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP affirms that existing policy on scope of practice, criminalization of medical practice, and the importance of safe, legal abortion care, indicates our support for the Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act in New York State and instructs our lobbyists to support the RHPPA with advocacy efforts in the New York State Senate and New York State House of Assembly.

The reference committee recommended adoption of the following substitute resolution:

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP lobbyists should support The Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act through advocacy efforts in both the NYS House of Assembly and Senate.

The substitute resolution was adopted.

Resolution 08 - 6, "TOBACCO PREVENTION AND CESSATION – Public Playgrounds" submitted by The NYSAFP Public Health Commission.

RESOLVED, that the NYS AFP advocate to the NYS Legislature and Governor Paterson that legislation be enacted to ban smoking in all public playgrounds in New York State (defined here as public spaces formally designated for recreational activities that include people under the age of 18).

The resolution was adopted.

Resolution 08- 7, "FLU VACCINE", which is found on page 77 of the Delegates Handbook and introduced by the NYSAFP Commission on FP ADVOCACY.

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP advocate for legislative or regulatory action to make state or federal government the purchaser and distributer of flu vaccine, and further be it

RESOLVED, that our delegation to the AAFP promote such advocacy by the AAFP.

The resolution was adopted.

Resolution 08- 8, "DENIAL CODES BY NYS HMO'S", which is found on page 78 of the Delegates Handbook and introduced by the NYSAFP Queens County Chapter.

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP begin an investigation into denial codes by all NYS HMO's to determine where our scope of practice is being limited and infringed upon.

The reference committee recommended adoption of the following substitute resolution:

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP gather information from its members related to denials of payment, and that the NYSAFP encourage the use of the MSSNY Hassle factor form in addition to advocating on behalf of its members when our scope of practice is being limited and infringed upon.

The substitute resolution was adopted.

Resolution 08- 9, "WORKERS COMPENSATION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING" introduced by the NYSAFP Queens County Chapter.

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP take a position advocating for the return of physician and patient choice, with respect to where patients can go for diagnostic testing for conditions resulting from work-related injuries.

The resolution was adopted.

RESOLUTION '08 – 10, "ACCURACY IN NYSAFP PUBLIC STATEMENTS" SUBMITTED BY Thomas J. Kuettel, M.D.

RESOLVED, that any member of the N.Y.S. Academy of Family Physicians (including the president) refrain from identifying their positions as representing the family physicians of New York State unless:

1. A prior vote has been taken by all N.Y.S. Family Physicians on the specific issue, and

2. That all Family Physicians agree on the issue

This resolution was withdrawn by the maker.

RESOLUTION '08 – 11, "REFUND OF POLITICAL PORTI0N OF N.Y.S. ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIAN DUES submitted by Thomas J. Kuettel, M.D.

RESOLVED, that the N.Y.S. Academy of Family Physicians reimburse any member that portion of their dues that went for lobbying in areas that an individual member finds objectionable.

This resolution was not adopted.

Resolution 08- 12, "THE SCOURGE OF TOBACCO" introduced by Thomas J. Kuettel, M.D.

RESOLVED, that the N.Y.S. Academy of Family Physicians recommend a ban on the sale of all tobacco products in the State of New York, and recommend to the national AAFP, that all tobacco products be immediately banned for sale in the United States.

This resolution was not adopted.

Resolution '08 – 13 "Universal Health Care Physician Tax" by Thomas Kuettel MD.

RESOLVED, that NYSAFP physicians who demand universal health care agree to paying a tax equal to 90% of any additional net income derived from a universal health care program, and that this tax be used to provide additional support to public schools.

This resolution was not adopted.

Resolution 08- 14, "NYSAFP POLICY "HEALTHCARE FOR EVERYONE" by Thomas J. Kuettel, M.D..

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP refrain from any further actions promoting universal health care until resolutions are passed by the NYSAFP establishing that health care is a right, protected under the Constitution.

This resolution was not adopted.

Resolution '08 – 15 "Full Disclosure" by Thomas Kuettel, MD.

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP accompany every promotion of the single payer system and/or universal health care, with a disclaimer acknowledging such financial gain.

This resolution was not adopted.

Resolution '08 – 16 "Commission Procedures" by Thomas Kuettel, MD.

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP formally require that each year, all Commissions identify and vote on what set of procedures they will follow to conduct their meetings at the first quarterly meeting after the annual COD

This resolution was referred to the board.

Resolution '08 – 17 " by Thomas Kuettel, MD.

RESOLVED, that the NYSAFP impose a $25.00 tax per downstate physician who does not arrive at the annual COD using public transportation (defined as bus or train), and be it further

RESOLVED, that the proceeds from this "Upstate Carbon Footprint Tax" be reimbursed to all NYSAFP downstate physicians who arrive by bicycle.

The reference committee recommended adoption of the following substitute resolution:

RESOLVED: That the New York State Academy of Family Physicians will consider development of a policy to reimburse members for attending meetings that encourages energy conservation.

The substitute resolution was adopted.

Resolution 08- 18, "AAFP ENDORSEMENT OF SINGLE PAYOR HEALTH INSURANCE" by ROCHESTER CHAPTER, NYSAFP.

RESOLVED, that the New York State Academy of Family Physicians renew our endorsement of a universal government financed single payer health plan, and be it further

RESOLVED, that we recommend to the State of New York and the Congress of the United States the program of Physicians for a National Health Plan (herewith outlined)

  1. Principles.

    Access to health care is a human right.

    The right to choose a physician is fundamental.

    The public should set health care policy.
  2. Eligibility

    All residents of the United States.
  3. Governance
    • Regional, state or local board or commission with representation from:
      • government
      • consumers
      • providers
      • business
      • labor
  4. Coverage

    All medically necessary services as determined by a group of experts and community representatives appointed by the governing board.
  5. Hospital Payment

    A monthly sum to cover operating expenses negotiated on the basis of:
    • past budgets
    • clinical performance
    • demand for service
    • proposed new programs
  6. Physician (provider) payment.
    • Fee for service
    • Capitation
    • Salary
  7. Long term care

    Global budget to local agencies who then contact the providers.
  8. Capital spending.
    • New construction
    • Expensive equipment
  9. Funding
    • Income Tax
    • Payroll Tax
    • Philanthropy
    • Long Term Bonds

And, finally be it

RESOLVED, that this resolution be carried to the Congress of Delegates of the American Academy of Family Physicians for their consideration.

The reference committee recommended adoption of the following substitute resolution:

RESOLVED, that the current policy with regard to single payor as stated in resolution 06-10 be carried to the Congress of Delegates of the American Academy of Family Physicians for their consideration.

The substitute resolution was adopted.

Resolution 08- 19, "Resolution to Support an HPV Vaccine Mandate for School Entry in New York State" by NYSAFP Commission on Public Health.

THEREFORE, in the interest of equitable coverage and health care for all patients, BE IT RESOLVED that the New York State Academy of Family Practice supports mandating the HPV vaccine for school entry in 6th grade, just as every other ACIP-endorsed vaccine is mandated for school entry at an appropriate grade in New York State.

The reference committee recommended adoption with a minority report as follows:

Minority Report: Although no one contested the benefit of the HPV vaccine, testimonial support for this resolution was equally split. The largest controversy was regarding the mandate of a vaccine for a disease which may not be communicable in a school setting and which is in divergence from current AAFP policy which states that it is premature to make this a mandated vaccination.

This resolution was not adopted.