The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) holds a House of Delegates (HOD) meeting annually. Typically, the meeting occurs at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA. PAMED's Board of Trustees voted to hold this year's HOD meeting as a Hybrid, with a Virtual Opening Session held on Saturday, September 21 and House Business from Friday, October 25 - Sunday, October 27.
As the legislative and policymaking body of PAMED, the HOD's purpose is to democratically hear the diverse voices of the membership and, after deliberation and consideration, establish broad policy on health, medical, and governance matters.
This document is intended to provide a basic overview clarifying the annual HOD meeting's purpose and its processes. To view PAMED's full bylaws that govern the HOD, please go to
www.pamedsoc.org/bylaws.
This document is not intended to take the place of the bylaws, but rather serve as an orientation and guide to individuals interested in the HOD.
Key Topics Discussed Include:
- Communications
- Resolutions
- Delegates
- The HOD Process
- Parliamentary Procedure
- Elections
Download HOD Manual
PAMED's HOD uses parliamentary procedure to ensure an orderly and fair process. Here are a few parliamentary procedure resources to help you follow along.
For specific parliamentary procedure concerns or questions, please connect with your Speakers.
Participants will use Meeting Pulse to participate in the meeting regardless of being on-site or in-person. You will use your device (preferably a laptop or tablet) for Parliamentary items, and watch the proceedings in the room.
Download Cheat Sheet
Poll – will be a “Yes/No” poll used to adopt/refer the extracted items of discussion.
Extractions – will only be available during the time extractions are being called. It is an open-ended text box that users will enter the item number of the Resolution they wish to extract
from the Consent Calendar. After items are extracted and the remaining of the consent calendar has been adopted, the extraction button will be turned off.
Speak - this will be used as the equivalent of “raising your hand” in previous meetings. This is an open-ended text box that users will enter “M” or “T” to signify
“Motion” or “Testify” followed by their last name. This will create a queue on the admin side of users in the order to which they submitted their information. Once it is their turn to be recognized, they will be asked
to unmute themselves on the Zoom panel on the left if participating virtually.
If someone wishes to remove themselves from the queue they can comment on their original post and ask for it to be removed.
Points – this function should be used infrequently, as it delays business. However, if you believe a Point is in order, you will type “P” into the queue and the Speakers will ask
you to share your point of order.
Q&A/Help – this is a direct connection to PAMED Staff to ask questions outside of the scope of Business such as for technical questions. Only Staff will see your questions.
More – additional buttons/content beyond the original 4 icons.
These final reports are based on written and verbal testimony and supporting documentation. We thank all members who actively participated in the process. Your thoughtful input has been so valuable. YOU MUST BE LOGGED IN TO ACCESS THESE REPORTS.
You can access all the additional ORB Documents under the HOD Resources Tab.
Reference Committee A: Bylaws and Governance
Reference Committee B: Education, Science, Public Health
Reference Committee C: Managed Care, Other Third-Party Reimbursement
Reference Committee D: M-Care Fund, Tort Reform, Legislative Regulations
Reference Committee E: Membership, Leadership, Subsidiaries
This form is to be used for amendments longer than 3 words that you’d like to submit prior to the item being extracted. Virtual and in-person participants must use this form so your changes can be displayed on the screen for all HOD
participants. As a reminder for extractions, you may NOT want to extract items where you largely agree with the reference Committee’s recommendations. Once extracted, further debate and amendments could significantly change the resolution
from your intention. Please note that BOLD = ADDITIONS and BOLD & RED = DELETIONS. This form will open October 1.
How to Submit a Long Amendment
When Recognized, Please State:
- Your Name
- Your county or component
- Your intention – whether you’re speaking FOR or AGAINST the issue or if you are making a new motion.
Only if applicable:
- Any financial interest you have in the matter under debate.
- If an Alternate standing in for a Delegate, please announce the Delegate’s name you are representing.
Pause for the Speaker to acknowledge you and start the timer.