The LSMS Bylaws provide for Official Observers in the HOD. Louisiana physician organizations may apply to the Board of Governors for official observer status in the House. Organizations granted observer status are invited to send one representative to all meetings of the Louisiana State Medical Society House of Delegates. The observer must be a physician member of the named organization and not a hired representative or staff member. Official observers have the right to speak on the floor of the House upon recognition by the Speaker. However, Official Observers do not have the right to introduce business, introduce an amendment, make a motion, or vote. Apportionment of Delegates On November 1st of each year, the LSMS will calculate the number of elected and non-elected delegates eligible to participate in the upcoming House of Delegates; this number is known as the official call. Per LSMS Bylaws, a full dues equivalent method is used within each medical district to determine apportionment to the LSMS House of Delegates. NOTE: to calculate the delegate apportionment for chartered and/or affiliated parish societies those recognized parish medical societies need to submit a copy of their current membership roster to the LSMS no later than October 15th of each year. Failure to do so may result in lost seats to the House. Meeting Overview The LSMS Bylaws specify that the House of Delegates shall meet annually. Typically, the LSMS convenes its annual meeting in late July or early August. Currently the meeting is held annually in Baton Rouge. LSMS Bylaws outline the procedures under which special meetings of the HOD can occur. Information on the dates and location for each annual meeting is available on the LSMS website. The meeting includes events related to awards, elections and the inauguration of the incoming LSMS President. As for the House itself, voting delegates introduce business to the House through the presentation of resolutions as individuals or on behalf of the group they represent. The members of the House can support, oppose, voice concern, or articulate their point of view on items of business under consideration. Ultimately, the HOD will act on all items of business. Meetings Held in Conjunction with the House of Delegates The Board of Governors, Past Presidents Advisory Council, Senior Physician Section, Young Physician Section, Resident and Fellow Section and the Medical Student Section all meet before the House of Delegates. Additionally, other LSMS committees and councils may meet during this time if there is business to conduct. However, travel expenses and meals to attend meetings held during the House are not reimbursable per LSMS policy.
From time to time, the LSMS will host educational sessions before, during and/or after the House of Delegates meeting.
Delegate Credentials and Registration All delegates, both elected and non-elected, must register to attend the meeting. Registered delegates will receive all meeting materials in advance of the meeting. All delegates must be registered and credentialed before being seated on the floor of the House of Delegates. At each HOD meeting, each delegate receives a delegate badge with an appropriate ribbon. All badges
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software