How TMA’s 2010 Legislative

Package Will Be Determined

Prepared by the TMA Legal &

Government Affairs Division
Step 1: Sources of Ideas
TMA House of Delegates
Medical specialty societies
Component medical societies
Individual members
Staff
AMA “model” legislation
Legislation from other states
Step 1: Sources of Ideas
 House of Delegates
 “legislative and business body of the Association”
 Board of Trustees
 “shall determine the policy and details of
management of the Association between sessions
of the House of Delegates”
 “shall seek in good faith to fulfill the
responsibilities and directives given by the House
of Delegates”
Step 1: Sources of Ideas
Thus, while the Board should make a good
faith effort to fulfill the directives of the
House, the Board is not absolutely bound by
the House’s directives. The Board can follow
the Legislative Committee’s recommendation
that seeking legislation directed by House
resolution is not in TMA’s best interest due to
other higher priorities, minimal chances for
passage or the fiscal note associated with the
issue.
Step 2: Ideas Submitted
The TMA Committee on Legislation receives a
"laundry list” of ideas for the legislative
package each year. On September 15, 2009
the Legislative Committee will hold a video
conference meeting to receive member ideas
for 2010 legislation.
Step 3: Committee Review
The TMA Committee on Legislation reviews all
submitted ideas for legislation on October
14th; prioritizes them; and submits a
recommended TMA legislative package to the
TMA Board of Trustees. Recommendations
are based on perceived need for the
legislation and prospects for passage.
Step 4: Board Approval
The TMA Board of Trustees has final approval
of the TMA legislative package, possibly as
early as its scheduled October 17, 2009
meeting.
Step 5: Communication
The final approved TMA legislative package is
communicated to members via Tennessee
Medicine, e-News, Legistat, and tnmed.org.
Written explanations explaining the actions
of the Committee/Board will be sent to
participants who have made suggestions for
legislative initiatives.