2021 House of Delegates

NJAFP 2021 Resolution # 1
Proposed by Sally Mravcak, MD

Insurance Coverage for Sign Language Translation 

Whereas: The Americans with Disabilities Act requires healthcare providers to provide sign language translation for hearing impaired patients, and

Whereas: effective communication between patients and their healthcare providers is paramount to providing safe and effective healthcare, and

Whereas: The cost of sign language translation is an uncompensated financial burden on healthcare practices, now therefore be it

RESOLVED:  That the NJAFP advocates for insurance coverage for sign language translation by all NJ payers, and be it further

RESOLVED:  that the NJAFP petition the AAFP via resolution to the AAFP COD and/or direct communication with the AAFP Board to advocate for insurance coverage for sign language translation.

NJAFP 2021 Resolution # 2
Proposed by Sally Mravcak, MD

 

Using Claims Data in Value-Based Programs for Tabulation of Compensation Rate

 

Whereas: Insurance companies are transitioning from fee for service to value-based payment structures, and

Whereas: Patient completion of preventive cancer screenings are routinely used as a value-based metric, and

Whereas: Written reports for cancer screenings done outside the primary care office are not always sent back to the primary care provider despite the screening having been completed, and

Whereas: Primary care practices meet value-based metrics by submitting data from their eHR’s and will be penalized if proof of the written report for a cancer screening cannot be submitted via the eHR, even if the screening has been completed, and 

Whereas: Proof of completed cancer screenings can be obtained from insurance claims data, now therefore be it

RESOLVED:  that the NJAFP advocate for a requirement that New Jersey value-based programs supplement data submitted by practices with claims data when tabulating completion rates for cancer screenings, and be it further

RESOLVED: That the NJAFP petition the AAFP via resolution to the AAFP COD and/or direct communication with the AAFP Board to advocate for a requirement that value-based programs supplement data submitted by practices with claims data when tabulating completion rates for cancer screenings.

NJAFP 2021 Resolution # 3
Proposed by Sally Mravcak, MD

 

Gender Affirming Therapies

 

Whereas: Gender affirming hormone therapy and surgeries for transgender people reduces rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide, reduces the cost of mental healthcare and substance abuse care, and improves employment rates for transgender individuals, and

Whereas: A decision to engage in gender affirming therapies should be a shared decision in the context of a therapeutic doctor-patient relationship, taking into account risks, benefits, and medical evidence, and

Whereas: the state or federal government should not dictate therapeutic options that may or may not be offered to patients within the doctor-patient relationship, now therefore be it 

RESOLVED: That the NJAFP petition the AAFP via resolution to the AAFP COD and/or direct communication with the AAFP Board to oppose any legislative measure that restricts a physician’s ability and right to prescribe gender affirming therapies to their transgender patients.

NJAFP 2021 Resolution # 4
Proposed by Roger Thompson, MD

National Review of US COVID Response

 

Whereas: New Jersey Family Physicians have been intimate witnesses to the nation’s response to the Covid Pandemic and

Whereas: Maintaining a strong community based primary care network was an unrecognized essential front-line defense, providing much needed care for patients and preventing hospital and ER overload and

Whereas: We witnessed repeated instances of ignoring of this essential front line by all levels of government, and

Whereas: We were left out of most aspects of the public health pandemic planning, preparation, supply, patient care, essential information, vaccine chain, etc., yet we were expected to manage patient care, testing and vaccination issues as the result of pop-up site activities, and

Whereas: Our witness raises serious concerns about our current public health system, how it responded to the pandemic and how it was buffeted by politics, we are therefore concerned for its preparedness for another pandemic, or other health crisis, now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the NJAFP petition the AAFP via resolution to the AAFP COD and/or direct communication with the AAFP Board to advocate for the creation of an independent, 9/11-style commission which would have representation from practicing primary care physicians and be charged with the review of the nation’s COVID response and the current and future status of the nation’s public health system including its ability to protect the nation not only through the remainder of the COVID pandemic but in future public health emergencies.

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BACKGROUND:  911-Covid-2

NJAFP 2021 Resolution # 5
Proposed by Sydney Asselstine, MD

 

Preparticipation Physical Evaluation and Return to Sport Guidelines in the COVID-19 Era

 

Whereas: over 35 million school-age youth participate in a form of athletics, and

Whereas: family physicians often take part in performing preparticipation physical evaluations, and,

Whereas: the COVID-19 era has brought new challenges related to risks of disease transmission amongst athletes and potential cardiorespiratory sequalae of infection requiring modification of return to sport and preparticipation guidelines, and,

Whereas: the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Society for Sports Medicine have developed interim guidance for return to sports in COVID-19, therefore be it

RESOLVED:  that the NJAFP request that the AAFP put forth a position statement on interim preparticipation guidance and return to sport in the setting of COVID-19, and be it further

RESOLVED: that the NJAFP request that the AAFP work with other professional organizations to develop and enforce the use of a new standardized preparticipation physical evaluation form to be utilized by schools and youth athletic programs that addresses COVID-19 factors, and be it further

RESOLVED: that the NJAFP request that the AAFP provide education to family physicians regarding return to sport guidelines after COVID-19 infection based on their own and other professional organizations research. 

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Fiscal impact: none

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Background:

With over 50% of American youth taking part in some form of sport, being able to provide a safe environment for athletic participation should be a priority. (1) The AAFP has acknowledged the benefits of physical activity in children and encouraged its members to identify any potential barriers to participation within the community. (2) A nationwide barrier throughout the past year has been the COVID-19 pandemic. Family medicine providers are often tasked with the responsibility of determining eligibility for activities with the preparticipation screen and providing guidance for return to sport after an illness or injury. This responsibility has changed now that we must consider the risks of COVID-19 transmission amongst athletes and the potential sequalae of infection, ranging from mild symptoms to major cardiorespiratory complications. (3,4,5) The AAFP typically collaborates with other professional societies to produce guidance for preparticipation screenings, namely the Preparticipation Physical Evaluation Monograph which was last published in 2019 prior to the onset of this lifechanging pandemic. (6) The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine have both released interim guidance for return to sport in this new era. (7,8) The AAFP has not yet provided input on this matter or put forth educational materials for its members to utilize when making decisions regarding young athletes’ participation in athletic activities during these evolving times. In order to best guide and maintain the safety of parents and youth athletes it is important that providers receive updated recommendations. With this concern there will also be a need to create a new standard for preparticipation evaluations which includes a screening form that acknowledges the new era we are in due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Swanson, B. (2017, June 29). Youth sports participation by the numbers. Retrieved March 15, 2021, from https://www.activekids.com/football/articles/youth-sports-participation-by-the-numbers
2. Physical activity in children. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2021, from https://www.aafp.org/about/policies/all/physical-activity-children.html
3. Soumya, RS., Govindan Unni, T., and Raghu, KG. Impact of COVID-19 on the Cardiovascular System: A Review of Available Reports. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2020: 1-15.
4. Rodriguez-Gonzalez, M. et al. Cardiovascular impact of COVID-19 with a focus on children: A systematic review. World J Clin Cases. 2020; 8(21):5250-5283
5. Fraser, E. Long term respiratory complications of COVID-19. 220; 370.
6. American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.) Preparticipation Physical Evaluation. Retrieved March 15, 2021, from https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/Pages/PPE.aspx
7. American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.) COVID-19 Interim Guidance: Return to Sports and Physical Activity. Retrieved March 15, 2021 from https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-interim-guidance-return-to-sports/
8. Diamond, A. et al. (n.d.) Interim Guidance on the Preparticipation physical Exam for Athletes During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Retrieved March 15, 2021 from https://www.amssm.org/PublicationFiles/Interim-Guidance-PPE-COVID.pdf

BYLAWS
NEW JERSEY ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS

As revised and adopted June, 2018

This Revision of the Constitution and Bylaws supersedes our original Constitution and Bylaws which were adopted in 1948. This revision incorporates all amendments adopted May 1960, January 1963, January 1965, February 1969, March 1972, February 1973, March 1975, March 1976, March 1979, March 1980, March 1981, March 1982, March 1984, March 1985, April 1991, June 1994, and May 1995. June 1996, May 1997, May 2000, June 2002.

ARTICLE I

Name

The name of this association shall be the New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians, hereinafter referred to as the NJAFP and shall be governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey and in compliance with the laws and regulations applicable to corporations exempt from income tax under Section 501 (c) (6) of the Internal Revenue Code.  This association is a constituent chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians, a corporation existing under the laws of Illinois and is possessed only of those rights and powers conferred by said corporation on this organization. No rules, regulations, or policies adopted by this organization shall be in conflict with the rules, regulations, or policies of the American Academy of Family Physicians or the Charter issued by said Academy to this association.

Mission Statement, Purposes and Powers

SECTION 1.

The Mission of the New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians is to promote excellence in the standards and practice of Family Medicine to the benefit of the citizens of the State of New Jersey.

To promote excellence in the standards and practice of Family Medicine, the New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians:

1. Promotes the importance of the patient/physician relationship.
2. Assists individuals entering the practice of medicine.
3. Promotes and supports continuing medical education.
4. Enhances the image of Family Medicine in the State of New Jersey.
5. Promotes Family Medicine objectives before various legislative bodies.
6. Promotes and increases interest in the practice of Family Medicine to medical students and college graduates.

SECTION 2.

This organization shall have no capital stock. It is not conducted for pecuniary profit and does not contemplate pecuniary gain of profit to the members thereof.

SECTION 3.

To accomplish the foregoing aims, ideals and objectives, this Academy shall have the power to acquire, own, and convey real and personal property; to carry on research, to issue publications; to establish, conduct and maintain schools, courses, museums, libraries, and other institutions for graduate study in which, from time to time may seem to it desirable.

Note: The personal pronouns used throughout this document are intended to be generic in nature and are not to be interpreted as indications of gender.

ARTICLE II
Membership

SECTION 1.

The qualifications and conditions of membership and the classes of membership shall be the same as those now and hereafter provided in the Constitution and Bylaws of the American Academy of Family Physicians. The method of election shall be as provided in the Bylaws. (Any Active member in good standing shall be eligible to vote and hold office, as provided in the Bylaws.)

Acceptance of membership in this organization shall constitute an agreement by such member to comply with the Bylaws of this organization and those of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Subject to the right of appeal to the American Academy of Family Physicians, in a manner provided in the Bylaws of said corporation, a member accepting membership in this organization shall recognize the Board of Directors of this organization as the sole and only judge of his/her right to be or remain a member.

All right, title and interest, both legal and equitable, of a member in and to the property of this organization shall cease and terminate in the event of any or either of the following:

(a)The expulsion of such member
(b)The striking of his/her name from the roll of members,
(c)His/her death or resignation. 

SECTION 2.

The dues for Active members of this Academy shall be as determined by the American Academy of Family Physicians and by this constituent chapter in accordance with their respective Bylaws. The dues shall be due and payable in accordance with the policies of the AAFP. Special assessments may be made upon affirmative vote of the House of Delegates present and voting.

SECTION 3.

The amount of annual dues shall be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors. Recommended changes shall require approval by a majority of the House of Delegates present and voting at any session.

SECTION 4.

Any member whose dues or assessments are unpaid or in arrears at the time of any annual meeting shall be ineligible to vote or hold office.

SECTION 5.

Any meetings of the NJAFP may be held either in person, virtually or as hybrid thereof unless prohibited by New Jersey state law.

ARTICLE III 

Notice of general or special meetings shall be given by the Secretary to all members at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of such meeting, either by letter mailed to the member's address of record or by publication in the print and/or electronic communications of the organization. .

ARTICLE IV

Vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled by the Board of Directors, provided however, that such appointment shall terminate at the next Annual Meeting at which time the Nominating Committee shall present a nominee for the unexpired term, if possible from the same county as that from which the vacancy occurred.

ARTICLE V
Officers

SECTION 1.

The officers of this organization shall be a President, President-elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Members of the Board of Directors, all of whom shall be Active members.

SECTION 2.

The President, President-elect, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall have been an Active member of the NJAFP for at least the two (2) years immediately prior to his/her election. A member of the Board of Directors shall have been an Active member of the NJAFP at least the two (2) years prior to his/her election. This two (2) year requirement does not apply to new physician, resident or student Board members.

SECTION 3.

The control and administration of this organization between Annual Meetings shall be vested in a Board of Directors composed of elected members, the President, President-elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, the Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the American Academy of Family Physicians, two delegates from the New Physician category as defined by the AAFP, the President of the New Jersey Association of  Family Medicine residency Directors (as a non-voting member),  two delegates from the Family Medicine Residency organizations two student delegates who are enrolled and in good standing at any of the accredited medical schools in New Jersey , the Immediate
Past President and two (2) voting members elected by and from the Past Presidents who are Active members, with such election occurring at a
meeting of the Past Presidents scheduled at the Annual Meeting. All other Past Presidents shall be nonvoting members.

SECTION 4. Successor to the President

If the President dies, resigns or is removed from office, the President-elect shall immediately become the President and shall serve for the remainder of the term of his/her immediate predecessor. If by similar circumstances the vacancy recurs in the office of President, the President's functions and duties shall devolve upon the other officers in order listed: Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer. The office of
President-elect shall then remain vacant until the next meeting of the House of Delegates.

Such service on the part of an officer for a partial term as President shall not affect or diminish the regular presidential tenure.

SECTION 5. Term of Office

The officers, except the Board of Trustees, shall hold office as follows:

• President — 1 year, may not succeed him/herself.
• President-elect — 1 year, may not succeed him/herself.
• Vice President — 1 year, may not succeed him/herself.
• Secretary — 1 year, may succeed him/herself.
• Treasurer - 1 year, may succeed him/herself.

 

ARTICLE VI
Board of Directors

SECTION 1.

The members of the Board of Directors, excluding the Past Presidents, shall hold office for three years or until their successors are elected and assume office except as provided elsewhere in these Bylaws.

SECTION 2.

The President of the New Jersey Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors, or their designee member of that organization will serve a two-year term as a non-voting member of the Board of Directors, having been elected and recommended by the Association. Nine members of the Board of Directors shall be elected by the House of Delegates so that three members' terms expire each year. Members are limited to two full three-year terms. Partial terms shall not be counted as a full-time term. The new physician representatives, the student representatives, and resident representatives shall serve single two-year terms. The Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the American Academy of Family Physicians shall serve during their tenure of office. The two Past Presidents elected at the Annual Meeting shall serve for one year, but may succeed themselves.

SECTION 3.

All Officers shall assume office immediately at the termination of the annual meeting of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians - except the President-elect, who shall assume the office of the President at the termination of the next Annual Meeting of the New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians.

SECTION 4

Delegates and Alternates to the American Academy of Family Physicians Congress of Delegates shall assume office immediately following adjournment of the House of Delegates at which they were elected. The terms of office shall be for two years or until their successors are elected and assume office.

SECTION 5.

Tenure of office shall not preclude the incumbent from being considered for another elected position.

ARTICLE VII
Annual Meeting

SECTION 1. Annual Meeting

Unless otherwise ordered by the Board, there shall be an Annual Meeting of the Academy which shall include meetings of the House of Delegates and of the Scientific Session (Assembly) together with such meetings of the Board of Directors and other committees as may be fixed by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2. Board of Directors

The times and places of the Annual Meeting shall be determined by the Executive Vice President and the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VIII.
Scientific Session (Assembly)

The Scientific Assembly of this Academy is the convocation of its members for the presentation and discussion of subjects pertaining to the art and science of Family Medicine.

ARTICLE IX.
House of Delegates

SECTION 1.

The legislative body of the Academy is the House of Delegates. The House of Delegates shall transact all business of the Academy not otherwise specifically provided for in the Constitution and Bylaws, and shall elect the officers. The House of Delegates shall meet annually. Sessions may be recessed as may be necessary but shall not conflict with the Scientific Session.

SECTION 2. Composition

The House of Delegates shall be composed of Active members, who are delegates, officers, members of the Board of Directors and Past Presidents. Past Presidents who are not Active members and past members of the Board of Directors shall be members of the House of Delegates without the right to vote. There shall in addition be two voting student delegates selected from currently matriculated students of anyaccredited medical school in New Jersey.

SECTION 3. Qualifications

To be eligible for membership in the House of Delegates, a physician must be an Active member of the NJAFP and must have been so for the year immediately preceding the session of the House of Delegates in which he/she is to serve. The Student representatives and the Resident representatives to the House of Delegates must be members in good standing of the NJAFP.

Delegates and alternate delegates elected by the component chapters and those elected by the Active members in counties without a component chapter shall be elected for two (2) years and shall assume office immediately upon election provided.

SECTION 4. Apportionment

Each component chapter of each county shall have at least two delegates. If two or more counties combine to form a region they shall not have fewer delegates than they are entitled to individually. There shall be two delegates for the first twenty (20) members; one for each 30 members thereafter. No county shall have more than five delegates. Apportionment to be determined using the number  members on record on December 31 of the year immediately prior to the meeting of the House of Delegates at which they will sit.

SECTION 5. Order of Business

The agenda for the House of Delegates will be published for the annual meeting. A majority of the House of Delegates may change the order of business.

SECTION 6.

All members may attend the meetings of the House of Delegates except when in executive session.  The House of Delegates may meet in open, closed or executive sessions.

SECTION 7.

Resolutions to be considered by the House of Delegates shall be presented in writing to the Resolution Committee at least forty-five (45) days before the annual meeting. Resolutions deemed emergent or extremely timely may be accepted at the discretion of the Resolution Committee provided they are presented in writing prior to the noon recess on the day of the meeting of the House of Delegates. A negative decision by the Resolution Committee may be appealed to the House of Delegates.  The Resolution Committee will be comprised of willing members of the Executive Committee

SECTION 8.

Special sessions of the House of Delegates may be called by the Board of Directors, by the House of Delegates while they are in session, or by the Secretary upon written request often percent of the membership of three (3) component chapters, at a time and place determined by the Board of Directors.

The only business to be considered at a special session, is that for which the session has been called. Only germane resolutions from component chapters shall be accepted.

SECTION 9.

A majority of the total number of delegates shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the House of Delegates.

SECTION 10.

The speaker of the House of Delegates will be elected by the NJAFP Board of Directors and will serve at the pleasure of the House of Delegates.

 

ARTICLE X

SECTION 1.

The President shall, on an annual basis, seat such committees, task forces, and work groups as he or she sees fit to carry out the business of the Board.  Duties and responsibilities will be determined by the President.

SECTION 2. Committee Reports and Responsibilities

Each committee shall furnish a progress report at each regular meeting of the Board of Directors. The chairperson shall submit a written report to the secretary thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting for presentation and consideration of the House of Delegates.
No action of a committee will be binding on the Academy without approval of the Board of Directors or House of Delegates.

 

ARTICLE XI
Ethics

SECTION 1.

The Principles and Medical Ethics of the American Medical Association, as they now or hereafter may provide, shall be the principles of ethics of this organization and shall be and hereby are made a part of these Bylaws.

SECTION 2.

If any member is believed in good faith to have violated the Principles of Medical Ethics or the Constitution and Bylaws of this organization or of the American Academy of Family Physicians, or to be otherwise guilty of conduct justifying censure, suspension, or expulsion from the organization, any member may prefer charges against him in the form and manner hereinafter specified. Such charges must be in writing and signed by the accuser or accusers and must state the acts or conduct complained of with reasonable particularity. Such charges must be filed with the secretary and at the first meeting of the Board held after the filing of said charges, the secretary must present said charges to the Board. The Board shall then or at any adjournment of said meeting but not more than thirty (30) days thereafter, consider the charges and shall proceed as hereinafter set forth. If the Board fails to dismiss said charges, it shall within fifteen (15) days thereafter cause a copy of the charges to be served upon the accused by depositing in the United States mail a copy thereof, registered and addressed to the last known address of the accused. The Board shall also and at the same meeting fix a time and place for hearing said charges and the accused shall be notified of the time and place for hearing the said charges at the same time and in the same manner as provided for the serving of the charges. The time set for said hearing shall be not less than fifteen (15) days nor more than six (6) months after service of charges.  The accused may answer in writing but need not do so, and failure to answer shall not be an admission of truth of the charges or a waiver of the accused rights to a hearing.

The Board shall after having given to the accuser and the accused every opportunity to be heard, including oral arguments and the filing and consideration of any written briefs, conclude the hearing and within thirty (30) days thereafter shall render a decision. The affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Board present and voting shall constitute the verdict of the said Board which by such
vote may exonerate, censure, suspend or expel the accused member. The decision of the Board shall be expressed in a resolution which shall contain no opinion and shall be signed only by the Chairman or the Board and the Secretary.  Any member of the Board not present for the entire time of the hearing shall not be entitled to vote.

Censure shall mean a reprimand by the Chairman of the Board of Directors administered to the accused in the presence of the said Board. No member shall be suspended for more than one year and at the expiration of the period of suspension shall be reinstated to membership upon his application and the payment of dues accrued during the period of suspension. The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final.

Any member who has been censured, suspended, or expelled, may appeal such action to the American Academy of Family Physicians pursuant to the Bylaws of said corporation.

 

ARTICLE  XII
Amendments

Bylaws may be amended at any annual meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members of the House of Delegates present and voting providing the proposed amendment shall:

1. Have been submitted to the Secretary in writing.
2. Have been considered by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee who shall submit an opinion by the next subsequent meeting of the House of Delegates.
3. Have been published in the official publication of this at least thirty (30) days before the Annual Meeting at which action is to be taken.

 

ARTICLE XIII

Sturgis Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedures shall control all parliamentary procedure of the annual or special meetings of the House of Delegates and the Board of Directors except when these Rules are in conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws of this Academy and/or the American Academy of Family Physicians.