Dear friends and colleagues,

There has never been a time in medicine that was more important for physicians to speak with a unified voice. We have come to a time where our practices and our livelihoods are under fire from all directions. Physicians are on the verge of losing control of our profession forever, and we need to be united to reverse course. 

There has never been a more important time for you to join or renew your membership in the Charlotte County Medical Society.

For the past few years, the Charlotte County Medical Society has been years ahead of the curve, leading the charge at the FMA for a novel solution to our medical malpractice issues in the state. We have introduced multiple resolutions to move forward the concept of a Patient Compensation System, a no-fault, no-blame system where doctors have no personal financial liability for medical errors. You probably never heard of this solution that has been introduced in the Florida legislature for the past few years, but quietly died without support. This week, this solution was featured on Medscape: 

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/840337

At the end this legislative session, Rep Jason Brodeur, chairman of Health and Human Services committee, vowed to again bring up this issue of tort reform and take on Certificate of Need (CON) laws in the coming year. These are big issues on the radar of CCMS.

Last year, Charlotte County Medical Society led the state and introduced a resolution to the FMA in opposition of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirements, specifically opposing requiring MOC to maintain licensure in the State of Florida. Multiple medical societies co-sponsored our resolution and it was adopted by the FMA House of Delegates. 

The importance of this initiative is highlighted in the most recent issue of Newsweek:

http://www.newsweek.com/ugly-civil-war-american-medicine-312662

Again, the Charlotte County Medical Society was well out in front of this. 

As we attempt to be in front of issues, we see a situation brewing where employed physicians might need to plan for a different future, much like in the late ‘90s, when employed physicians were released without warning. There is a potential future where physicians and patients can contract directly, without the outside influence of third parties. I personally authored this proactive and protective legislation, which was introduced as a bipartisan Health Innovation Sub-Committee bill, HB 7047. This bill was hailed as one of the best pieces of legislation to move through Tallahassee in recent years. Despite its near unanimous support, it suffered the same ill fate as 1,000 other bills, as this legislative session closed abruptly due to the gridlock in Tallahassee. However, its importance was recognized and is one of a handful of bills that will be allowed to be resurrected in the Special Session on the budget beginning June 1.

http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=54523

Our County Medical Society has a stronger voice with a stronger membership. We have large issues facing us ahead. For those that have renewed your membership investment, THANK YOU for your continued support. For those members that have not yet renewed, we continue to fight the fight. We need your continued support. Please renew today. 

For those that are not members, consider what the Medical Society does on your behalf. Also, consider that your Charlotte County Medical Society provides you with the local opportunity of 40 hours of CME during your renewal cycle, including those that are required by the State of Florida. As well as the opportunity in participation in our health insurance policy for you, your family and staff. 

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you.

Regards,

Andre Williams, DPM

President, Charlotte County Medical Societ