AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HOUSE OF DELEGATES

Resolution:  308
(A-00)

Introduced by:	New York Delegation

Subject:	Funding for Graduate Medical Education

Referred to:	Reference Committee C
	(Donald J. Schroeder, MD, Chair)

Whereas, Since 1984, funding for graduate medical education has been provided through the Medicare program; and

Whereas, Funding of residency training programs through Medicare was capped in 1996; and

Whereas, The 1996 capping provided for funding to those hospitals which provided graduate medical education through accredited residency training programs at that time; and

Whereas, No provision was included for updating or changing allocation of Medicare funds to residency programs when they are moved to another hospital or closed and replaced by other programs; and

Whereas, Directors of residency training programs frequently find it advantageous to move residency training sites to different institutions in order to maximize the educational environment of residents in the program; and

Whereas, Changes in hospital designation of residency programs or transfer of a resident physician from one program to another may result in loss of funding for that program or that resident training program or a resident physician going without salary; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That our American Medical Association House of Delegates reaffirm its position that accredited graduate medical education be adequately funded; and be it further

RESOLVED, That AMA seek legislation or regulation to update the Medicare funding for graduate medical education providing annual review of accredited residency programs and direct funding to those institutions where the residents are being trained.

Strategic Plan Component 2.3: Setting, disseminating, and applying standards for medical education to enhance the life-long professional development of physicians.

Fiscal Note: No Significant Fiscal Impact

Received: 5/23/00