Interim Session 2009 Minutes in Brief

The Texas Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors met on Saturday, March 14, 2009, to hear reports and recommendations from TAFP’s committees, commissions and sections. Below are the highlights of the meeting. For a complete copy of the minutes, contact Kathy McCarthy at (512) 329-8666 ext 14 or at kmccarthy@tafp.org.

TAFP FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Foundation announced the creation of the TAFP Foundation Research Endowment. The Board of Trustees recognized the need for a sustained source of support for the research efforts of the TAFP Foundation. The Foundation will begin a campaign to develop named “funds” within the endowment. The honorees will be known as Research Champions. The Foundation announced at the Board meeting that this year the 100th TAFP Foundation medical student scholarship will be given.

BYLAWS COMMITTEE

The Committee prepared two amendments for approval at Annual Session. See the proposed bylaws amendments on this page.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Recognizing a trend of decreased grant support from the pharmaceutical industry, the Committee proposed a new policy that says that TAFP revenue in excess of expenses will be invested with a goal of amassing an endowment that will allow investment returns to provide a significant source of non-dues revenue in the future when pharmaceutical grant funding disappears.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The Committee recommended the election of Linda Siy, M.D., to fill the position of AAFP Alternate Delegate with a term to expire after the 2010 AAFP Congress of Delegates. They also recommended Robert Youens, M.D., to represent TAFP on the Primary Care Coalition with a term to expire in 2012.

The Committee proposed the following slate of officers for 2009-2010:

• President-elect: Melissa Gerdes, M.D.
• Vice President: Troy Fiesinger, M.D.
• Treasurer: I. L. Balkcom, IV, M.D.
• Parliamentarian: Clare Hawkins, M.D.

The Committee also re-nominated Justin Bartos, M.D., for the position of AAFP Delegate and Erica Swegler, M.D., for the position of AAFP Alternate Delegate both for terms to expire at the end of the 2011 AAFP Congress of Delegates.

COMMISSION ON ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

The Commission requested that TAFP support the position that the ACGME should retain oversight of residency duty hours and that TAFP bring a resolution to AAFP to also support this position.

COMMISSION ON ANNUAL SESSION AND CME

The Commission reviewed and approved various policies and procedures to keep TAFP in compliance with ACCME regulations. Due to declining grant support, the Commission recommended that TAFP not hold the Doctors in Motion program in 2010 and reassess the viability of the program at the 2010 Interim Session meeting.

COMMISSION ON CORE DELEGATION

The Commission recommended that TAFP send a letter to voting TMA delegates in support of the candidacy of Lewis Foxhall, M.D., and Joe Cunningham, M.D., for the TMA Board of Trustees.

COMMISSION ON HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND MANAGED CARE

The Commission heard a presentation from TriHealix, a company that provides real-time information at the point of service about patients’ health insurance, including what services are covered, the amount of their deductible and co-pay, and an estimate of what the plans will pay for services. The Commission requested that TAFP further explore TriHealix and its competitors to see if there are opportunities for favorable features and rates for TAFP members and report back to the Commission.

COMMISSION ON MEMBERSHIP AND MEMBER SERVICES

The Commission recommended that TAFP initiate a new award, the Special Constituencies Leadership Award, honoring a special constituent who has demonstrated leadership and service to the Academy and to his or her community.

SECTION ON SPECIAL CONSTITUENCIES

The Section organized a service project in conjunction with the TAFP Annual Session. With the TAFP Foundation, TAFP will collect donations for the Bob Mann Medical Clinic in Arlington. Donations can be made directly to the TAFP Foundation or with Annual Session registration.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TAFP BYLAWS

The proposed amendments to the TAFP Bylaws are in accordance with the TAFP Bylaws, Chapter XIV, Amendment of Bylaws. An affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members present and voting at the annual business meeting shall constitute adoption. If you would like to receive a complete copy of the TAFP Bylaws, contact Kathy McCarthy at (512) 329-8666, ext. 14.

Chapter III VISION STATEMENT
The Texas Academy of Family Physicians is dedicated to the promotion of a health care environment that values the vital role of family physicians in providing quality, comprehensive care to all Texans.

Recommendation of the Bylaws Committee: FOR
Action of the Board of Directors:
The Board of Directors recommended adoption of this proposed amendment at the March 14, 2009 meeting.

Chapter IV
MISSION STATEMENT
The Texas Academy of Family Physicians unites the family physicians of Texas through advocacy, education and member services, and empowers them to provide a medical home for patients of all ages.

Recommendation of the Bylaws Committee: FOR
Action of the Board of Directors:
The Board of Directors recommended adoption of this proposed amendment at the March 14, 2009 meeting.