MAFP Membership Adopts Resolutions Addressing Medical Aid in Dying, Sexual Abuse in Indigenous Communities, Medical Claims Processing

Resolution writing is an impactful way for members to hone their advocacy skills and help shape their Academy and profession. Seven resolutions—formal proposals for change introduced by Michigan Academy of Family Physicians members—were discussed and voted on at the 2024 Annual Meeting on July 15.

Any member in good standing, as defined in the MAFP Bylaws, may vote and speak to a resolution on the floor. This includes resident, student, and life members. The result of any majority vote during the Annual Meeting controls the acts of the Academy and its Board of Directors, officers, committees, agents, and employees.

During the meeting, 2023-2024 Speaker Dr. Brandon Karmo, thanked members for attending. 

"I applaud your accomplishments in carrying out your responsibilities at the Annual Meeting on behalf of all MAFP members," he said. "Your dedication is appreciated. I would also like to thank our Parliamentarian, Dr. Delicia Pruitt, who volunteered her service to assist in running our Annual Meeting today."

Below is a summary of the membership’s actions on the resolutions brought forward for its consideration at MAFP's 2024 Annual Meeting.

Terminology Related to Medical Aid in Dying
Introduced by: Jessica Heselschwerdt, MD, FAAFP; Kristi VanDerKolk, MD, FAAFP and Vincent Winkler-Prins, MD, FAAFP
Action Taken: Adopted

Medical Aid in Dying
Introduced by:Jessica Heselschwerdt, MD, FAAFP; Kristi VanDerKolk, MD, FAAFP and Vincent Winkler-Prins, MD, FAAFP
Action Taken: Adopted

Increase Michigan Family Medicine Physician Awareness to Missing Murdered Indigenous People Crisis 
Introduced by: Frank Animikwam, MD
Action Taken: Adopted

Increase Michigan Family Medicine Physician Awareness to Sexual Abuses in American Indian, Alaska Native, and Indigenous Communities
Introduced by: Frank Animikwam, MD
Action Taken: Adopted

Promote Racial Equity in the Care of Substance Exposed Newborns
Introduced by: Lauren Oshman, MD, MPH, FAAFP and Carol Shetty, MD
Action Taken: Adopted

Prior Authorization – A Barrier in Integrated People Centered Care
Introduced by: Priyanka Chaudhari MD, MPH and Rose Hall MD, FAAFP
Action Taken: Referred to MAFP Board of Directors

Insurance Claims Processing Simplification
Introduced by: Timothy J Tobolic, MD
Action Taken: Adopted with Amendments