Feb. 6, 2026
Two Process Changes Coming to the House of Delegates in 2026
Changes will increase accessibility for all members, streamline process
Improving the functionality and accessibility of the WSMA House of Delegates is a priority for the association. Each annual House of Delegates meeting provides an opportunity for WSMA leadership and staff to reflect on ways to enhance future meetings—leveraging technology and refining workflows to improve accessibility, streamline proceedings, and respond to feedback from delegates, county and specialty societies, and the broader WSMA membership.
Since the last annual House of Delegates meeting in September, WSMA leadership and staff have identified two ways to improve the functionality and accessibility of the House of Delegates.
The WSMA will expand the use of the virtual reference committee platform in 2026
Building on member feedback, reference committees will now use testimony submitted through the virtual reference committees to draft preliminary reference committee reports in advance of the Annual Meeting. Reference Committee Reports B and C will be distributed to delegates ahead of the House and presented as consent calendars during Saturday’s committee sessions. Delegates will retain the ability to extract items from the consent calendar for discussion, debate, and amendment during the in-person reference committee meetings. The preliminary reference committee reports will then be revised and considered by the full House on Sunday with the same opportunities for extraction and deliberation.
This change is intended to:
- Increase accessibility for members who are unable to attend in person due to work, family, or other obligations.
- Streamline the House's work by providing reference committee reports in advance of the meeting.
- Allow delegates more time to review and consider policy proposals.
- Allow more time for county societies, specialty societies, and special sections to caucus to discuss the preliminary reference committee reports.
Several other state and national medical associations have successfully adopted similar processes. This approach will further strengthen the House of Delegates by expanding opportunities for meaningful participation while preserving robust debate and delegate authority.
Delegates will be required to submit resolutions through a new online submission form
This new requirement will modernize and streamline resolution intake. Stay tuned; we will be in touch with a link to that website once available.
We appreciate the thoughtful engagement of WSMA members and delegates as we continue to refine House processes. If you have questions or would like to share feedback, please contact us at HOD@wsma.org.
Mark your calendars! The 2026 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates will take place Sept. 26-27 at the Historic Davenport in Spokane.
Important Dates and Information for the 2026 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates
Early 2026
WSMA's new online resolution submission form will go live. Once available, delegates will submit resolutions through the WSMA website. Resolutions that do not adhere to WSMA's resolution template will not be accepted by the online tool. Only resolution submissions that complete all required fields will be accepted.
Per WSMA bylaws, "All proposed resolutions must be sponsored by two (2) members of the House of Delegates, and all resolutions and memorials must be sponsored and submitted in writing by a delegate, alternate delegate or officer." If a resolution is submitted by anyone other than a delegate or alternate delegate of an organization represented in the HOD, or an officer, it will not be accepted.
It is never too early to submit a resolution! Please submit resolutions as soon as possible to allow time for review and approval by WSMA staff prior to the Aug. 27 deadline.
Summer 2026
Virtual reference committees will open to facilitate debate, discussion, and suggested amendments.
Aug. 27
Per the WSMA Bylaws, final deadline for receipt of on-time resolutions. Use the online resolution submission form. The WSMA will send a confirmation email upon receipt of the submission.
Resolutions must be submitted and approved by WSMA prior to the Aug. 27 on-time submission deadline to be considered on time.
No resolution edits/corrections/additions to previously accepted resolutions will be permitted after the on-time submission deadline.
All resolution submissions approved for acceptance by the on-time deadline will be posted to the virtual reference committee for review and comment.
Resolutions received after the deadline will not be posted in the virtual reference committees but will be distributed on Saturday morning of the House of Delegates. They will require consent of two-thirds of the House at opening session to be considered.
Sept. 4
The delegate handbook will be available for download on the WSMA website.
Sept. 11
Virtual reference committees will close at noon. Resolution authors will be given an additional 24 hours until noon on Sept. 12 to address issues raised.
Sept. 18
Preliminary reference committee reports posted to the WSMA website, virtual reference committees, and distributed via email.
Sept. 26-27
2026 WSMA Annual Meeting at the Historic Davenport in Spokane.
Questions? Contact us at HOD@wsma.org.