Last night, the NCMS Legislative Cabinet met to discuss the current political landscape and issues facing physicians and physician assistants during the legislative session set to begin next week. The Legislative Cabinet consists of 15 NCMS members from diverse specialty backgrounds with proven experience in the advocacy arena. They meet regularly in order to develop legislative strategy, analyze proposals in light of current NCMS policy and advise the NCMS Board on all matters related to political advocacy.
The Legislative Cabinet approved three key objectives as recommendations for the Society’s 2012 legislative priorities. The following recommendations will go to the NCMS Board for review:
- Ensure continued access to high-quality care for Medicaid patients by defending against further rate reductions, cuts to essential medical services and further erosions to the mental health care system.
- Defend the significant improvements to the medical liability reform system achieved in 2011.
- Continue to protect our patients by opposing proposals by practitioners to be licensed, relax current regulatory safeguards, or expand licensure beyond their training and abilities.
As the NC General Assembly convenes, look for upcoming articles and action alerts to provide resources for you to connect with your legislators about these and other important medical issues being debated.
