IMA Delegates Address Thorny Advocacy Issues at AMA Annual Meeting

Idaho was well-represented at the recent AMA Annual meeting in Chicago. IMA Delegate Patrice Burgess and Alternate Delegate Zach Warnock voted for candidates in a variety of positions and participated in several reference committees, the PacWest caucus of multiple Western states, and the House of Delegates deliberations. Dr. Burgess was elected Chair Elect of the Council on Medical Service, which addresses the impact of socioeconomic factors on the practice of medicine.

IMA President Richard Nathan and CEO Susie Keller were also actively engaged; Dr. Nathan proudly represented Idaho onstage during the inauguration of the 180th AMA President, Bobby Mukkamala. If you haven't had a chance to watch Dr. Mukkamala's inspirational speech, we highly encourage watching it. Other attendees from Idaho included Loren Colson, a Young Physician Delegate for the American Academy of Family Physicians and Suzanne Allen, a member of the Governing Council of the Academic Physicians Section.

There was vigorous discussion and debate at the meeting on a variety of issues. One in particular that resonated heavily with the Idaho delegation was the issue of how to effectively represent advocacy concerns to legislators and the administration without alienating them to the point that they turn a deaf ear to all matters under consideration. This dialogue came to a head when HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., removed all members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). In response, physician delegates passed an emergency resolution directing the AMA to vocally oppose this decision, despite concerns over potential political repercussions. Subsequently, IMA has co-signed a letter from a federation of medical societies to Kennedy expressing strong concern over his decision.

The AMA Annual Meeting convenes leaders of all state and specialty medical societies so that the policies adopted truly represent a collaboration of all of these groups. CLICK HERE to learn more about the AMA Annual Meeting.

Pictured above: IMA Alternate Delegate Zach Warnock; IMA President Richard Nathan with son Oliver and wife Marta Buitrago; IMA CEO Susie Keller; and IMA Delegate Patrice Burgess.

Pictured below: IMA Delegate Patrice Burgess testifies on Medicaid funding.

Federal health agency says emergency abortion care guidance doesn't reflect administration policy

HHS rescinds EMTALA emergency abortion guidance, months after Trump administration drops lawsuit against Idaho

June 4, 2025

By: Kelcie Moseley-Morris, Idaho Capital Sun

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has rescinded guidance issued in July 2022 that emphasized hospitals are responsible for providing emergency abortion care despite state bans, saying it does not reflect the Trump administration's policy.

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is a federal law requiring hospitals that accept Medicare funding to provide stabilizing treatment to anyone who comes to an emergency room seeking care. After the Dobbs decision in June 2022 that allowed states to regulate abortion access and more than a dozen states implemented total abortion bans, the Health and Human Services Department under former President Joe Biden's administration issued guidance reinforcing hospitals' obligations to patients under EMTALA, regardless of state policy. Abortion is a form of stabilizing care in certain situations, such as when a pregnant patient's water breaks prematurely and the fetus is not yet viable.

"(Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) will continue to enforce EMTALA, which protects all individuals who present to a hospital emergency department seeking examination or treatment, including for identified emergency medical conditions that place the health of a pregnant woman or her unborn child in serious jeopardy," the June 3rd announcement said. "CMS will work to rectify any perceived legal confusion and instability created by the former administration's actions."

The statement did not elaborate further on what that will mean in cases where the EMTALA mandate conflicts with state abortion bans. READ MORE

Apply Now for "Future Physicians of Idaho" Grant Awards

The Idaho Medical Association Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Future Physicians of Idaho Awards.

This year, the foundation will grant $30,000 to support medical students and residents/fellows committed to serving Idaho's healthcare needs. At least three grants will be awarded to 4th-year medical students graduating this spring who have matched to an Idaho residency and plan to stay and work in a medically underserved Idaho community. Another three will go to residents or fellows finishing training this spring -- either in Idaho or out of state in a specialty not offered in Idaho-- who also plan to practice in an underserved Idaho area and can show proof of an employment offer.

The overarching goal of the IMA Foundation is to support efforts to improve Idaho's physician workforce shortages and to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare in Idaho. The IMA Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable arm of the Idaho Medical Association.

IMA members can support the continuation of these awards by donating to the Foundation by texting the word "Give" to (208) 996-8776.

Applications must be submitted no later than July 7, 2025.

To apply, click the appropriate link below:

• Medical Student Application
• Resident/Fellow Application

The IMA Foundation is excited to provide support for the next generation of Idaho physicians. Please email sara@idmed.org or susie@idmed.org with questions or call the IMA at 208-344-7888.

CMS Announces New CLIA-Waived Tests

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced May 29th 2025 the approval of six new waived tests under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), as detailed in MLN Matters article 14025. These tests, authorized by the FDA, are designed to streamline diagnostic procedures in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, physician offices and laboratories.

Effective July 1, 2025, the following tests have been added to the list of CLIA-waived procedures:

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

The 133rd IMA Annual Meeting is closer than you think! Make plans now to join your colleagues October 10-12 at the beautiful Sun Valley Resort.

The weekend is a perfect time to catch up with medical professionals from across the state and help set the 2026 IMA legislative agenda at the House of Delegates sessions. The Annual Meeting also features CME opportunities, family-friendly activities, and a chance to see the latest innovations, products and offerings from regional and national vendors.