200.996 Credentials and Election of New Members:
MSSNY urges county medical societies to find ways of meeting existing credentialing requirements that do not place the burden of compliance on the applicant, and to use online resources for reviewing applicants’ credentials.
MSSNY urges county medical societies to review their credentialing requirements and to remove any that are unnecessary and, as such, may be a barrier to membership. It is recommended that requirements for membership be outlined in a general way in county society bylaws, but that processes for determining eligibility be contained in a “policies and procedures” document that is easier to amend.
MSSNY urges county medical societies to review any materials they send to applicants for language. (e.g. “Submit proof of Board Certification” implies that such certification is a requirement for membership) or requirements (e.g. photographs) that might serve as a serious barrier to completing the application.
MSSNY offers an on-line application for membership and encourages county medical societies to do the same. Applicants should not be required to submit any documents, physical signatures or other materials with their applications (other than dues payment), as this renders the on-line concept useless.
MSSNY encourages county medical societies to accept payment of dues by credit card.
County medical societies are reminded that Article XVIII, Section 2 of the MSSNY Bylaws provides as follows: “…all county medical societies shall utilize a universal membership application form which shall be approved by the Council. Component county medical societies shall act upon the receipt of a membership application in a timely manner not to exceed sixty days.”
MSSNY recommends that a new goal be established that allows for processing of new members within 60 days.
MSSNY will assist any county medical society in amending its bylaws or revising its credentialing and election procedures so as to remove any requirements which can act as a barrier to membership for qualified individuals or interfere with the speedy processing of new members.
White Paper:
Recommendations of Ad Hoc Subcommittee re Resolution 2002-203 – Improve Member Services by Streamlining Membership and Dues Processing Systems Throughout MSSNY and the County Medical Societies (HOD 2003; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2013; Modified and Reaffirmed HOD 2023)
