Involvement of physicians and OSMA Alliance members is a critical component of OSMA’s legislative success. To make sure your meeting, telephone call, and other communication with lawmakers are successful, follow these simple tips:

• Get to know your legislator before you make contact. Be sure to find out if he or she is a Republican or a Democrat; whether he or she is liberal, moderate, or conservative; and whether he or she serves on a key committee.

• Build a relationship with your elected official before making an actual visit. Start with a letter or a phone call. Making contact repeatedly and being credible and reasonable every time will help build a relationship between you and your representative or senator.

• Stick to one issue at a time. You can always call, write, or visit again on another issue.

• Be concise even at the risk of oversimplification. Keep letters and FAXes to no more than one page. Don’t overwhelm them with details; instead, highlight key facts.

• Know your issue and take along effective handouts. OSMA has prepared materials highlighting key health issues facing the Second Regular Session of the 50th Oklahoma Legislature, the association’s position on those issues, and the reasoning behind those positions. Be sure to access the OSMA website: www.okmed.org for the latest copy of those talking points before meeting with your representative
or senator.

• Start with a compliment...kill them with kindness. Be a good listener – don’t do all the talking. The goal is to have a conversation.

• Be honest – if you lose credibility, you won’t get it back. Never lie, never guess. Just say, “I don’t know, but I will get back to you”... and then get back to them.

• Use personal anecdotes. Nothing drives home the importance of an issue like a personal story. Rely upon your personal knowledge of how legislation or an issue affects your practice and more importantly your patients, who are also their constituents.

• Offer solutions. Don’t just talk about a problem; let your lawmaker know how you think the problem can be fixed.

• Follow-up. Write a brief thank you note or telephone. Indicate that you will be monitoring the issue closely. Answer any questions you could not answer in the meeting.