The roles and terms of the state legislative liaison position vary by state. However, there are a number of best practices which may guide state liaisons as they fulfill their role in the state chapter, including:
- Track state health legislation and regulations that could impact state MGMA members, and keep state members apprised of these items.
- Be available to the state membership as a resource for federal and state legislative and regulatory information.
- Emphasize the importance of legislative issues within your state MGMA board and provide updates on legislative and regulatory matters at all state board meetings.
- Inform and involve state members in federal advocacy by disseminating information to the state members, including federal grassroots alerts and the Washington Connection.
- Foster communication among state members who are implementing state and federal requirements in their practices. Facilitate discussions and strategies for how to best approach challenges.
- Be available to make presentations at educational programs.
- Create a strategic advocacy plan for your state association.
- Communicate with other state legislative liaisons; share information on state health policy changes, legislative priorities and concerns.
- Network with other associations in your state that may share similar advocacy agendas, and collaborate with other associations on common issues.
- Reach out to key state legislators focused on health policy. Make yourself available as a resource for legislators and build relationships with them and their staff.
- Attend developmental conferences, including state, section and national MGMA conferences.
- Keep members informed and engaged with state advocacy efforts. You can do this in a number of ways, such as providing educational materials and programs and arranging letter writing campaigns or meetings with legislators.
- Establish a legislative committee of state MGMA members to help track legislation/regulation, build relationships with legislators and other groups, and educate members on advocacy issues.
- Be available to consult with the MGMA Government Affairs Department staff by phone or email on the potential impact of federal legislation and regulations.
- Establish a training program for an incoming legislative liaison to be thoroughly trained by the outgoing liaison. 16. Keep national MGMA apprised of any changes to contact information or legislative liaison turnover.