Submit a Resolution
Download a pdf version of the resolution guide here.
The Illinois State Medical Society is the voice of Illinois physicians, and ISMS policies and actions help protect our patients and drive the health care agenda in our state. That’s why it’s so exciting that any ISMS member can influence ISMS policy and action by introducing a resolution!
What’s a resolution?
A resolution is a written proposal. It may suggest a change or addition to ISMS policies (i.e., enduring statements of ISMS’ position on an issue), or it may call for ISMS to take specific actions (such as supporting legislation or introducing a resolution to the American Medical Association [AMA]) – or both.
Resolutions consist of two parts: The Whereas clauses, which lay out the reasons and supporting evidence for the proposal(s) that follow, and the Resolved clause(s), which specify what policy or action ISMS should take. Only the Resolved clauses are acted upon, and each must stand alone. A sample resolution is on the following page.
Who can submit a resolution and what if I need help?
Any ISMS member can submit a resolution. Some members will join together and submit as a group. We are here to help. Contact am@isms.org for assistance in crafting and submitting a resolution.
What happens once a resolution is submitted?
Once a resolution is drafted and submitted (by email, to am@isms.org), it will be assigned to an ISMS council or committee for review. Prior to the council meeting, input will be solicited from all ISMS members, typically through an online survey. The resolution’s author will also be invited to participate in the council meeting at which it will be discussed. The council will then make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees, which will act on the resolution.
At the ISMS Annual Meeting – now open to full participation and voting by all ISMS members – a report of the Board’s actions will be given. The members present will then have an opportunity to extract any resolution for further discussion
Tips for success:
- Be clear about whether you are proposing a policy change or a specific action (e.g. instead of "RESOLVED, that ISMS support [idea]," use "RESOLVED, that ISMS adopt policy in support of [idea]" or "RESOLVED, that ISMS support or cause to be introduced legislation that…").
- If you are calling for a resolution to be submitted to the AMA, say so explicitly ("RESOLVED, that the Illinois delegation to the AMA submit a resolution directing the AMA to…").
- Write clearly and concisely.
- Do not refer to your Whereas clauses or any external documents in your Resolved clauses.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help – expert staff are available at any time to help with the wording and format of a resolution.
When are resolutions due?
ISMS accepts resolutions year-round, and they are acted on by the Board of Trustees at its quarterly meetings. This new resolutions process allows ISMS to more swiftly react to emerging practice challenges. Resolutions may be submitted at any time. However, please make note of these important deadlines:
| Meeting Date | Resolutions must be received by: |
|---|---|
| June 22, 2024 Board Meeting | May 24, 2024 at 4:45 p.m. |
| October 19, 2024 Board Meeting | September 13, 2024 at 4:45 p.m. |
| February 1, 2025 | December 13, 2024* at 4:45 p.m. (final deadline) |
* Resolutions arriving after the Annual Meeting deadline will not be considered "on time." No exceptions will be granted unless the resolution is considered "urgent" by the Committee on Rules and Order of Business. Any resolutions received after the deadline would be considered by a council for Board action later in 2025, which would then be reported on the consent calendar at the 2026 Annual Meeting.
"Urgent" means a resolution which meets these criteria:
- The resolution concerns a current, pending, legislative, regulatory or judicial matter;
- The resolution concerns a matter that has arisen 45 or fewer days before the Annual Meeting and that the Board Chair and Speaker believe does not require additional study or research.
ISMS is committed to transparency and maximizing member input, and this process was designed with these goals in mind. Thank you for your membership and participation! Please make your voice heard by submitting a resolution today!
Tripti C. Kataria, M.D.
Speaker
Frank Nicolosi, M.D.
Vice-Speaker