Legislatve Affairs

The TMA Alliance works closely with the Tennessee Medical Association to influence state and national legislators in support of issues that affect the practice of medicine and legislation that improves the health and well-being of our citizens.
 

AMA:  Fix Medicare Now!

The American Medical Association (AMA) is urging patients and physicians to tell Congress that the time for repeal of the broken Medicare physician payment formula is now.   Dr. Peter W. Carmel, AMA President spoke to the AMA Alliance members in Chicago at the Leadership Development Conference  and asked that they initiate a grassroots initiative to help get the Medicare SGR formula repealed  before it takes effect on January 1, 2012. Please contact your Tennessee U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives about this important issue.  Additional information and links to your senators and representatives can be found here.

TMA Alliance Legislation Resources

How A Bill Becomes A Law

TMA Alliance Advocacy Flow Chart

Update 2011 Legislative Presentation (PowerPoint)

Medical Liability Reform

Among the highlights of the 2011 legislative session was passage of the Governor's bill that established, amoung other provisions, caps on non-economic and punitive damages, a huge win for organized medicine, other health care providers and numerous business partners in the state.  TMA and TMAA had established comprehensive tort reform as a priority nearly 10 years ago and in 2011 the goals of medical liability reform were finally accomplished.  For news about other achievements in 2011, click here.

The highlight of 2011 for organized medicine was passage of tort reform supported by Governor Bill Haslam that establishes caps on non-economic damages in civil actions.  The victory for medicine will reap benefits down the road as fewer lawsuits and lower damage awards create a better practice climate, draw more physicians to the state and increase access to care for patients.

 

IMPACT

IMPACT is the bi-partisan political action committee that supports policy makers and state legislators who are physician friendly and who are allies of organized medicine. In contrast, IMPACT plans to defeat those incumbents who introduce negative legislation that is against good healthcare in Tennessee. Alliance membership is $100, physician membership is $300, Capitol Hill Club is $1000. Please mail check to:

IMPACT, 2301 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212.

Paying monthly by credit card is also available.