Andrea I. Schwab, JD, CPA, is in the private practice of law in Austin, Texas. She has more than 19 years of experience practicing health law. From 2010 to 2014, she was with the Texas Medical Association Office of the General Counsel, where she advocated on behalf of TMA and the physicians of Texas through the legislative process, regulatory rulemaking, and litigation. At TMA she worked on many issues including scope of practice, public health, Medicaid, professional liability, privacy, hospital medical staff, bioethics, workers’ compensation, peer review, and end of life, and was actively involved in the drafting and negotiation of Senate Bill 406 (83rd legislative session) regarding physician delegation and supervision of prescriptive authority.

Laura Palmer, BS, FACMPE, is a practice management consultant with more than 25 years’ experience. She has managed urgent care, endocrinology, occupational, family, and internal medicine practices. Her expertise includes staff recruitment, business development, and health care payment plan contracting. She has worked in the hospital setting, multispecialty large groups, diagnostic manufacturing sector, and reference laboratories. Ms. Palmer holds a bachelor of science degree in medical technology from Michigan State University and is a fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives as well as a certified medical practice executive through the Medical Group Management Association.

Dan Finch joined the Texas Medical Association Legislative Affairs staff in August 2006. Prior to this, he served as Associate Director and Director of Public Affairs for the Harris County Medical Society in Houston for 24 years. Dan is a 1975 graduate of the University of North Carolina and holds a degree in journalism.