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Section Application Process - How to form a section

Applications for section establishment:

  • Are supported by AMA staff and overseen by the AMA Board.
  • Are presented to the AMA Representative Forum for consideration and decision.
  • Must be received by September 30 to be considered at a Spring RF meeting, or March 31 to be considered at a Fall RF meeting.
  • Must be sponsored by no fewer than 50 AMA members.
  • Require a consultation process with impacted sections.

How to form a section

Requirements for section establishment are outlined in Board policy GP-4: Establishment of Sections and the AMA Bylaws (articles 11.2 and 11.3).

 

The section establishment application process includes the following

  1. Application phase:

    • Contact the AMA Executive Office to request an information package.
    • Participate in the initial consultation with impacted sections and AMA staff.
    • Submit the completed application (cover letter; Section Application Questionnaire; Section Sponsorship Forms).
    • Application is reviewed by staff for completeness and provided to the Board for information.

  2. Formal consultation phase:

    • Section presidents and RF delegates are notified of the application and invited to participate in the consultation.
    • A consultation report is prepared, summarizing outcome of the discussions.
    • The report is provided to the Board for information; there is an opportunity for the applicant or impacted sections to meet with the Board at this time.

  3. Decision phase:

    • The application and consultation report are provided to RF for decision.
    • If the application is approved, the Board finalizes the economic role of the new section.
    • The new section undertakes the required work (e.g., establishes interim section executive, drafts bylaws, holds inaugural section meeting, etc.)

  4. Probationary phase:

    • A two-year probationary period has been adopted for new sections.
    • Staff are available to assist new (and all) sections in meeting their roles and responsibilities under AMA bylaws and policy.

Other Considerations

  • Do you have concerns related to fees or allocation? It’s important to know: (1) establishing a section does not guarantee a primary economic role within the allocation process, (2) you do not need a new section to request a new fee code or to request a change to an existing fee code, (3) you do not need a section to form an alternative relationship plan. Email [email protected] to connect with Health Economics staff for advice regarding physician compensation, fees and allocation.
  • Do you have concerns related to section governance? Informal mediation is available for disputes within and between sections. Email the RF Governance Oversight Group Chair at [email protected] with your concerns. Depending on the particulars of the request, inquiries will be handled by the GOG Chair or referred to the appropriate individual or group.
  • Are you looking to advocate on a particular issue? Check out some of the AMA’s advocacy initiatives and advocacy resources available to members.

Interested in establishing a section within the AMA?

Contact Nicole Finnigan or Christina Robbins for more information.