Evaluates and considers issues in psychiatric medicine and problems related to alcohol and drug abuse, including therapeutic care and prevention. Participates in an advisory capacity with other agencies in promoting pamphlets, short films and educational discussions. Advises individual physicians and organizations.

Reviews proposed changes to the Society’s Bylaws and makes recommendations on approval or disapproval to the House of Delegates. Members are appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has established CACs in almost every state, comprised of representatives from recognized state specialty societies and medical directors and staff from the Medicare carriers. CACs review and refine carrier-developed local and national medical and reimbursement policies. Proposed refinements are subject to a 45 day comment period before implementation. MSSNY representatives participate in the deliberations of the New York State Medicare CAC which is chaired on a rotating basis by the medical directors of the three Medicare carriers as well as a practicing physician co-chair who represents the medical specialties.

MSSNY is recognized as an interstate accreditor by the Accreditation Council of Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). The Committee on Medical Education and its Subcommittee on Surveys review applications, survey CME providers and recommend overall policy for MSSNY's Intrastate Accreditation Program. The Subcommittee on Educational Programs reviews, approves and evaluates all CME activities accredited by the Society, and assists non-accredited physician organizations seeking joint sponsorship for their Category 1 activities.

Reviews appeals of institutions or organizations denied accreditation by the Committee on CME.

The Committee for Physician Health (CPH) is MSSNY’s program to identify, refer for treatment, monitor progress in recovery and advocate for physicians suffering from substance abuse/dependencies and/or other psychiatric disorders. The Advisory Committee provides oversight of the CPH operation, advice and counsel to medical and/or program directors, and expertise on program-related issues; it serves as a resource for outreach and the identification of local volunteers.

Encourages, facilitates and assists in improvement of quality and availability of emergency medical care from pre-hospital emergency care through outpatient recovery.

Addresses the spectrum of health issues across the entire life cycle, from preconception to end-of-life care. Supports educational programs for the general public and for physicians; addresses the various methodologies to promote health and prevent diseases or conditions related to physical and mental health; formulates the development of policy around family health topics; and provides advocacy for these policies and for legislative or regulatory issues.

Subcommittee of the Political Action Committee. Led by Vice Chair of Legislation and Physician Advocacy. There are nine district members appointed by the President of MSSNY, and five at-large members. Makes decisions regarding PAC contributions to individual candidates, party committees, etc.

Evaluates and responds to regulatory and legal influences upon the practice of forensic medicine. Promotes improvement in practice standards and wider understanding and proper utilization of forensic medical services. Reviews pertinent legislation and participates in educational forums.

Advisory committee on needs and concerns of physicians in large group practices and on the role of medical groups within the Medical Society.

Deals with issues emanating from different health care delivery systems: managed care, traditional indemnity, Medicare, Medicaid, etc. Addresses aspects of these programs that impact both the medical community and program recipients. Maintains an effective liaison with health plans and their oversight organizations.

Objectives are to obtain evidence on racial and ethnic health care disparities, identify causes, and propose effective strategies to reduce or eliminate disparities. This will be done through physician awareness and education, patient/ public education, youth-focused mentoring and education programs on the vital role of minority physicians, and improved data collection on race and ethnicity.

Emerging health information technology is transforming the current paper-based system to an interoperative, interconnected system which generates cost efficiencies while reducing medical error and enhancing medical outcomes. The objective of the task force is to assure that physicians play a leadership role in this conversion through education on appropriate systems, and receipt of seed funding re development and/or implementation of technologies for electronic health records and prescribing systems.

Examines diseases related to heart and pulmonary systems, and all types of cancer. Focus is on prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation processes. Encourages and supports research and education activities that enhance and improve patient care and expertise and knowledge of physicians.

Examines and discusses all aspects of HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections as they relate to patients and health care professionals. Educates physicians, conducts relevant programs, develops recommendations, and provides expertise when MSSNY interacts with state agencies and elected officials.

Supervises and evaluates existing membership benefits programs. Investigates new programs that may be of value and interest to physician members and their families, and recommends high-quality offerings for Council approval.

Provides a forum for addressing concerns of physicians who attended medical school abroad.

Reviews and endeavors to resolve problems of mutual interest and concern to MSSNY and the MSSNY-recognized state specialty societies. Issues include health insurers’ policies, reimbursement policies, technical aspects of procedures, etc. Reviews draft policies under consideration by the Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee. Members are recommended by their specialty societies.

Functions as an appeals mechanism for members wishing to contest disciplinary actions taken against them by county medical societies. Members are appointed by the President of MSSNY.

Promotes and advances legislative interests of the medical profession at the state and federal level.

This committee is concerned with the distribution and quality of health care in nursing homes, adult care facilities, assisted living and other supervised programs. Fosters the development of high quality, cost effective home health and hospice services. Works to develop community interest and government support for the feeble and elderly patient population in need of long term care in New York State.

Serves primarily in an educative and consultative role regarding bioethical concerns and issues. Recommends MSSNY policies on these issues.

Formulates ethical opinions concerning a myriad of topics dealing with the practice of medicine. General Counsel acts as advisor.

Monitors activities relating to medical education and medical research at the state and national levels, and promotes activities relating to medical education issues. The Associated Medical Schools of New York are represented.

Proposes and reviews efforts to recruit, retain and recapture members.

MSSNYPAC is a volunteer organization of thousands of physicians who join together to pool their resources to impact the outcome of the electoral process to the advantage of their patients, practices and profession.

Advises, informs and educates on organ transplant issues; develops recommendations on promoting organ donation; promotes collaborative efforts between MSSNY and appropriate organizations; considers issues related to increasing organ and tissues donation through legislation, regulation and education; provides expertise with New York State Department of Health and other state agencies and elected officials.

Interfaces with New York State Department of Health on matters of physician discipline.

Provides assistance on MSSNY’s internal and external communications. Reviews the effective dissemination of information to members and to the public.

Deals primarily with health promotion and disease prevention. Scope of activities includes immunization programs, prevention and risk reduction, early disease detection and health education. Encompasses dental health and nutrition, hospital infection control, occupational health, environmental health hazards and community health. Recommends MSSNY policies to support improved access to quality health care in rural communities of New York State.

Subcommittee of the Political Action Committee. Led by Chair of Legislation and Physician Advocacy. There are nine district representatives appointed by the President of MSSNY, and five at-large members. Makes decisions regarding PAC contributions to individual candidates, party committees, etc.

Addresses relevant aspects of the State Workers’ Compensation program, including schedule of medical payments, performance of carriers, the arbitration process, and related legislation. Identifies and recommends solutions to prevent or reduce accidental injuries which occur in transportation, recreation, work or the home. Considers issues relating to physical medicine and rehabilitation, the injured and disabled, and allied health professionals involved in rehabilitation.

Task forces are formed on an as needed basis. Some others currently in operation include Bioterrorism, Quality Medical Care, and Women Physicians Coalition on Health Care.