2026 AMA House of Delegates Recap

PAMED joined more than 700 physician and medical student delegates in Chicago last week for the 2026 American Medical Association Annual Meeting. The Pennsylvania Delegation was active throughout the meeting and introduced several resolutions, some of which were calls to action from PAMED’s 2025 House of Delegates. PAMED also celebrated Pennsylvania physicians and medical students elected to and continuing to serve in AMA Board and Council positions.

The Pennsylvania Delegation introduced several resolutions to the Annual Meeting, and several of the resolutions were calls to action from PAMED’s 2025 House of Delegates. Please see below for the resolution titles, final dispositions, and notes below. All A26 AMA Business can be viewed here. 

• A 102:  Study for EMTALA Relief in Psychiatric Facilities: Not Adopted 

This resolution called for the AMA to study psychiatric hospital facility relief, exemptions, or modifications from the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). While the resolution was not adopted, the Pennsylvania Delegation’s work elevated an important issue related to psychiatric facility operations, emergency care obligations, and the broader challenges facing behavioral health care access. Through this process, the Delegation was able to identify ways to refine the topic and continue to address this important issue. 

• C 301:  Expanding Resident and Fellow Exposure to Diverse Healthcare Practice Models to Fulfill ACGME Core Competencies: Policy H-295.864 be reaffirmed in lieu of Resolution 301 

This resolution asked the AMA to support greater resident and fellow exposure to diverse health care practice models as a part of Systems-Based Practice training. While the resolution was not adopted as new policy, the reaffirmation of existing AMA policy preserved the spirit of Pennsylvania’s proposal by recognizing the importance of preparing physicians to understand the broader health care system.  

• E 503:  Expansion of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (PAT): Policy H-120.917 and H120.913 Policy H-100.943 be reaffirmed in lieu of Resolution 503 

This resolution called for reaffirmation of existing AMA policy related to psychedelic and entactogenic compounds, including policies supporting continued research and therapeutic discovery while opposing use to treat psychiatric disorders except in the context of FDA approval or approved investigational studies. The final action reaffirmed existing AMA policy in lieu of the resolution, reflecting continued AMA support for scientific evidence-based evaluation in this area of medicine.  

• F 601: Board Chair Term Limits: Resolution 601 adopted in lieu of Resolution 609 

This resolution was submitted in collaboration with several other states, and was adopted in lieu of because multiple states submitted the resolution. There was only one small editorial change made from the original submission, and the call to action directs the AMA to review best practices of board leadership. The resolution encourages longer term availability for board chairs for better leadership continuity. 

• G 702:  Physicians Who Do Not Practice in Hospital Setting: Adopted as Amended 

This resolution sought to address insurer practices that may negatively impact  physicians who do not practice in a hospital setting. As adopted, the policy directs  the AMA to oppose unfair or coercive insurer practices that undermine patient  access and physician practices. 

• Memorial Resolution for Virginia Hall, MD: Adopted 

Presidential, Board, and Council elections also take place at the Annual Meeting, and Pennsylvania was thrilled to celebrate the following results: 

• Marilyn J. Heine, MD: Board of Trustees (Chair-Elect)

We commend Michael Suk, MD, JD, MPH, MBA for his efforts in the President‑Elect race and are pleased he will continue to bring his expertise to the Board of Trustees for the 2026-2027 term. 

Two additional Pennsylvania physicians will also continue their council service during the 2026-2027 term: 

See the full AMA council rosters here. 

We are also thrilled to celebrate the election of a Pennsylvania medical student to an MSS Governing Council position: 

• Denise Ocampo: MSS Governing Council (Speaker) 

The Pennsylvania Delegation was also happy to welcome the following new delegates this year: 

Learn more about the 2026 House of Delegates, AMA Board and AMA Councils candidates' election here.