One of MSMA’s foremost functions is to advocate on behalf of our physicians and their patients. We are the only association in Mississippi that advocates for physicians. Our advocacy efforts extend to both the U.S. and Mississippi State Capitol, to the courtroom and on the front lines for public health. MSMA’s professional, experienced legal team is available to answer questions and assist you in the areas of regulation and policy changes related to your practice and health system reform. The practice of medicine and patient rights are under attack from every angle through government intrusion, lawsuit abuse, over-regulation of insurance companies and other third parties. MSMA is a powerful advocate on legislative issues including tort reform, liability insurance, Medicaid, scope of practice, contracting, and public health and safety issues.

Doctors make most decisions for each one of their individual patients.  However, we cannot make decisions for groups of patients, as in, we do not make health policy.   If we want smart and effective policy, then doctors either need to become politicians or we need to educate the politicians.  That’s what organized medicine can accomplish.  If doctors don’t speak up for and support smart policy decisions to protect patients, then we are not truly treating our patients appropriately.

Jonathan Jones, MD