Year: 2010
Resolution Number: 85
Action Taken: Approved as Amended
Status:
Author(s): Jayne E. Courts, MD
Sponsor: Domenic R. Federico, MD
On behalf of: Kent County Delegation
Committee: B (Legislation)
Resolved Section(s):
RESOLVED: That MSMS seek legislation in Michigan for volunteer physicians that provides indemnity except in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That the Michigan Delegation to the AMA ask the AMA to initiate and oversee a cooperative effort among state licensure boards to allow short-term (less than 90 days) physician volunteerism including, but not limited to, temporary licensure and indemnity.RATIONALE: The Committee discussed the existing laws that encourage physician volunteerism as well as some obstacles that have been identified in natural disasters that have occurred in the past related to physician relief efforts. The Committee discussed that Michigan is, from a regulatory perspective, well situated to deal with a natural disaster. However, the author made a very compelling point that it is much easier to volunteer in a foreign country than it is in Michigan. The Committee recommended that one of the resolved portions be deleted as it simply asked the AMA to recognize the need to allow physicians to volunteer. The Committee believed that organized medicine recognizes the need to allow physicians to volunteer and that the focus should be simply on specific barriers to volunteer efforts.
RESOLVED: That MSMS seek legislation in Michigan for volunteer physicians that provides indemnity except in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That the Michigan Delegation to the AMA ask the AMA to initiate and oversee a cooperative effort among state licensure boards to allow short-term (less than 90 days) physician volunteerism including, but not limited to, temporary licensure and indemnity.RATIONALE: The Committee discussed the existing laws that encourage physician volunteerism as well as some obstacles that have been identified in natural disasters that have occurred in the past related to physician relief efforts. The Committee discussed that Michigan is, from a regulatory perspective, well situated to deal with a natural disaster. However, the author made a very compelling point that it is much easier to volunteer in a foreign country than it is in Michigan. The Committee recommended that one of the resolved portions be deleted as it simply asked the AMA to recognize the need to allow physicians to volunteer. The Committee believed that organized medicine recognizes the need to allow physicians to volunteer and that the focus should be simply on specific barriers to volunteer efforts.
Fiscal Note: NULL
Resolution: View PDF for Short-Term Physician Volunteer Opportunities Within the United States