| access_to_care_and_administrative_burden_identified_by_members_as_top_advocacy_issues | Access to Care and Administrative Burden Identified by Members as Top Advocacy Issues | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/October/state-capitol-olympia-2015-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Capitol building in Olympia Washington" /></div>
<h5>October 22, 2021</h5>
<h2>Access to Care and Administrative Burden Identified by Members as Top Advocacy Issues</h2>
<p>More than 100 physicians and physician assistants provided robust feedback in our recent advocacy survey, where we asked members to identify issue areas important to them and their ability to practice medicine and operate practices. Your feedback has already begun guiding us in identifying top legislative priorities and emerging issues as we look ahead to the 2022 legislative session.</p>
<p>Below are a few key highlights from your feedback: </p>
<ul>
<li>Asked to list their top three issue areas for legislative advocacy, respondents chose: access to care and health care reform (43%), administrative burden (42%), and mental/behavioral health (32%). </li>
<li>Out of 121 participant responses, 92% reported that prior authorization is an issue relevant to them and 67% reported that the impact of prior authorization requirements on their organization have increased and become more burdensome in recent years.</li>
<li>A solid majority of respondents treat patients via audio-visual telemedicine (84%) and audio-only telemedicine (73%). Only 9% of respondents expect fewer services to be delivered via telemedicine in the next year, and most were pleased with the current policy landscape for telemedicine, though many noted the importance of continuing coverage and payment policies permanently. </li>
</ul>
<p>For a more detailed look at the survey results, <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2021/advocacy-survey-2021-results-wsma.pdf]">click here</a>. Thanks to our members who took time out of their day to share their thoughts. Member experiences and perspectives drive the work we do at the WSMA. If you have any questions or comments about the survey, reach out to WSMA Government Affairs and Policy Coordinator Shelby Wiedmann at <a href="mailto:shelby@wsma.org">shelby@wsma.org.</a> </p>
</div> | 10/21/2021 2:36:36 PM | 10/22/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| exemption_eligibility_requirements_for_pmp_ehr_integration_mandate | Exemption Eligibility Requirements for PMP-EHR Integration Mandate | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/October/stock-image-2018-hands-and-computer-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="physician working at a laptop computer" /></div>
<h5>October 22, 2021</h5>
<h2>Exemption Eligibility Requirements for PMP-EHR Integration Mandate</h2>
<p>During negotiations around opioid-epidemic legislation <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5380&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">Senate Bill 5380</a> from 2019, the WSMA successfully secured a hardship waiver for practices facing economic or other difficulties to exempt them from the requirement to integrate their electronic health record with the state's prescription monitoring program by Jan. 1 (applicable to practices with 10 or more prescribers). The Washington State Department of Health has now <a href="https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2021/19/21-19-018.htm">finalized rulemaking</a> around the process.</p>
<p>The new DOH rule establishes hardship waiver eligibility requirements for practices unable to comply with the mandate due to circumstances including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Economic hardship</li>
<li>Technological limitations outside the control of the practice</li>
<li>Other exceptional circumstances</li>
<li>Unforeseen circumstances, such as widespread health care emergencies</li>
</ul>
<p>For details, <a href="https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2021/19/21-19-018.htm">review the final rule</a>. The WSMA is waiting on a response from the DOH regarding when and how practices may submit hardship waivers. We will keep you apprised of developments.</p>
</div> | 10/21/2021 2:06:59 PM | 10/22/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| provider_relief_fund_application_closing_soon | Provider Relief Fund Application Closing Soon | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/October/physician-money-illustration-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="illustrated physician and dollar sign arrow" /></div>
<h5>October 22, 2021</h5>
<h2>Provider Relief Fund Application Closing Soon</h2>
<p>The Biden administration recently announced it will <a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/provider-relief/future-payments">release the remaining $25 billion</a> of the $185 billion that was deposited into the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Provider Relief Fund to assist physician practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventeen billion will go to physicians and providers, with an additional $8.5 billion to rural physicians and providers. The application is still open for <a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/provider-relief/future-payments">Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Phase 4 and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural payments</a>, but only until Oct. 26.</p>
<p>PRF Phase 4 is open to a broad range of physicians and health care providers who have been impacted by the pandemic. ARP Rural is open to Medicare, Medicaid, or Children's Health Insurance Program physicians who serve rural patients. You can <a href="https://cares.linkhealth.com/#/">apply here</a>. Applications must be submitted by Oct. 26, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Visit <a href="http://hrsa.gov/provider-relief">hrsa.gov/provider-relief</a> for more information including application resources and technical assistance webinars that offer guidance on the application process and portal.</p>
</div> | 10/21/2021 2:49:22 PM | 10/22/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| tell_congress_to_cancel_medicare_cuts | Tell Congress to Cancel Medicare Cuts! | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/medicare-barcode-645px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Medicare barcode illsutration" /></div>
<h5>October 22, 2021</h5>
<h2>Tell Congress to Cancel Medicare Cuts! </h2>
<p>In what amounts to a "perfect storm" of payment cuts going into effect on Jan. 1, physician practices face the following stack of Medicare financial hits amounting to a 9.75% cut. These include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Expiration of the current reprieve from the repeatedly extended 2% sequester stemming from the Budget Control Act of 2011. Congress originally scheduled this policy to sunset in 2021 but it will now continue into 2030.</li>
<li>Imposition of a 4% Statutory PAYGO sequester resulting from passage of the American Rescue Plan Act. Should lawmakers fail to act, it will mark the first time that Congress has failed to waive Statutory PAYGO.</li>
<li>Expiration of the congressionally enacted 3.75% temporary increase in the Medicare physician fee schedule (PFS) conversion factor to avoid payment cuts associated with budget neutrality adjustments tied to PFS policy changes.</li>
<li>A statutory freeze in annual Medicare PFS updates under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) that is scheduled to last until 2026, when updates resume at a rate of 0.25% a year indefinitely, a figure well below the rate of medical or consumer price index inflation.</li>
</ul>
<p>These cuts, if allowed to go into effect, would lead to fewer primary care providers, limited access to specialists, a disruption in care, and additional barriers to life-saving treatment.</p>
<p>Now is the time to build on that momentum and demand that Congress take action to address these devastating Medicare cuts before it's too late. Please take a moment and <a href="https://physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/be-heard?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f89064%2fRespond%3fvvcgUT%3dU2n8B9gDicI8Np0q9ql0_w%26unregistered%3dU2n8B9gDicI8Np0q9ql0_w%26vvcgRD%3dB9JMB6NAWfyggPQP%26vvsbr%3dzXUBtzqqnUZO0Xd9TjP4iQ">contact your senators and representative to tell them to cancel the cuts</a>.</p>
</div> | 10/21/2021 2:06:57 PM | 10/22/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_calls_on_all_health_professions_to_condemn_covid_19_misinformation | WSMA Calls on All Health Professions to Condemn COVID-19 Misinformation | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/October/rod-of-asclepius-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Rod Of Asclepius" /></div>
<h5>October 22, 2021</h5>
<h2>WSMA Calls on All Health Professions to Condemn COVID-19 Misinformation</h2>
<p>Endorsing the Washington Medical Commission <a href="https://sharpepr.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f8871e6faa510d5f0c8cd8709&amp;id=e28c2e7d30&amp;e=00bec3e7c9">COVID-19 misinformation position statement</a>, the WSMA has called on all health care professions to condemn the spread of COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation that erode public trust in the medical profession and endanger patients.</p>
<p>In a press release, WSMA President Mika Sinanan, MD, PhD, said, "Any health care provider, whether a physician, dentist, naturopath, or nurse, whose treatment for their patients, whether for COVID-19 or another condition, is based on misinformation or disinformation are putting the public at risk. It is unethical, unprofessional, and dangerous.</p>
<p>"The public puts its trust in our opinions as health care professionals. As physicians, our patients put their lives in our hands. We cannot compromise this trust by touting treatment options that are scientifically unproven or shown to be ineffective and dangerous."</p>
<p>Read the full release on the <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2021/washington_state_medical_association_calls_on_health_professions_to_condemn_covid_19_misinformation">WSMA website</a>.</p>
</div> | 10/21/2021 2:49:56 PM | 10/22/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| 2021_house_of_delegates_concludes_with_new_policies_and_leadership | 2021 House of Delegates Concludes with New Policies and Leadership | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/October_8/2021_house_of_delegates_concludes_with_new_policies_and_leadership | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/October/sinanan-inaugural-speech-no-button-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA President Mika Sinanan, MD, PhD" /></div>
<h5>October 8, 2021</h5>
<h2>2021 House of Delegates Concludes with New Policies and Leadership</h2>
<p>More than 150 physician, resident, medical student, and physician assistant delegates, representing the full spectrum of organized medicine, met virtually this September for the 2021 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates. The delegates determined policy, elected WSMA leaders, and conducted the business of your state medical association.</p>
<h3>New policies and directives adopted</h3>
<p>This year's meeting saw many new policies and directives adopted by delegates. Visit our <a href="[@]WSMA/About_Us/Leadership/House_of_Delegates/WSMA/About/Leadership/House_of_Delegates/House_of_Delegates.aspx?hkey=e2c50002-384d-4ff7-9116-5ce7a51116e7">House of Delegates page</a> to download and review The Official Actions of the 2021 House of Delegates. Check back on that page for a monthly update on the WSMA's progress implementing the actions of the House.</p>
<h3>2021-22 WSMA president inaugurated</h3>
<p>Mika Sinanan, MD, PhD, of Hoodsport was inaugurated as the 2021-22 WSMA president. Dr. Sinanan is a general surgeon at University of Washington Medical Center - Montlake in Seattle, the medical director for contracting and value-based specialty care at UW Medical Center, and a professor of surgery at the UW School of Medicine. Dr. Sinanan celebrated the art of medicine in his inaugural address as WSMA president during the meeting. Watch a <a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">video</a>&nbsp;of his virtual address (or <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2021/weekly_rounds_september_30_2021_what_makes_us_physicians">read a transcript</a>).</p>
<h3>New officers elected</h3>
<p>Delegates adopted a new slate of officers and trustees, including Katina Rue, DO, Yakima family physician, president-elect; Nariman Heshmati, MD, Mukilteo OB-GYN, vice president; and John Bramhall, MD, PhD, Seattle anesthesiologist, for a second term as secretary-treasurer. The fifth officer of WSMA's executive committee is past-president Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, MBA, Tacoma emergency physician, who will serve as committee chair. Newly elected to the board are Alan Urbina-Alvarez, MD, Lakewood gastroenterologist and Reilly Bealer, Spokane medical student. WSMA members elected to new board positions include Alexander Hamling, MD, MBA, Seattle pediatrician, trustee-at-large and Amish Dave, MD, MPH, Seattle rheumatologist, young physician trustee.</p>
<p>Visit the <a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">meeting webpage</a> for videos of key moments of the 2021 WSMA Annual Meeting. And be sure to save the date: The 2022 WSMA Annual Meeting will take place at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane, Oct. 1-2, 2022.</p>
</div> | 10/7/2021 4:11:10 PM | 10/8/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| federal_balance_billing_law_takes_surprise_turn_to_favor_insurers | Federal Balance Billing Law Takes Surprise Turn to Favor Insurers | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/October_8/federal_balance_billing_law_takes_surprise_turn_to_favor_insurers | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/October/billing-invoice-645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="billing invoice" /></div>
<h5>October 8, 2021</h5>
<h2>Federal Balance Billing Law Takes Surprise Turn to Favor Insurers</h2>
<p>Late last year Congress passed the No Surprises Act, which bans balance billing at the federal level effective Jan. 1. The law applies to emergency care and out-of-network physicians and other practitioners treating patients at in-network facilities, generally prohibiting them from billing patients directly for care provided. Federal agencies have been working on rulemakings to implement the law, which took a turn last week when the <a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/what-you-need-know-about-biden-harris-administrations-actions-prevent-surprise-billing-september">latest set of rules</a> dramatically favored insurance carriers, potentially skewing the impact of the law on physicians and shifting even more leverage and profits to insurers.</p>
<p>As passed by Congress, the federal balance billing law largely tracks with Washington state's Balance Billing Protection Act, which went into effect in 2020. In the event care is delivered by an out-of-network physician (or other practitioner) subject to the law, insurance carriers are directed to pay the physician, which the physician can contest through arbitration if the payment is insufficient. The difference between the two laws is that the federal law defers to carriers to set the initial payment rate based on their internal methodologies, and last week's rule instructs arbitrators to assume the insurer's payment is appropriate, stacking the deck against any physician who questions payment through arbitration.</p>
<p>The American Medical Association and national physician specialties were quick to criticize the rule, <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/patient-support-advocacy/how-latest-surprise-billing-rule-entrenches-health">noting in a statement</a> from AMA President Gerald Harmon, MD, that the rule "disregards the insurance industry's role in creating the problem of surprise billing at the expense of independent physician practices whose ability to negotiate provider network contracts continues to erode."</p>
<p>The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has indicated that it will be pursuing legislation in the 2022 session that begins in January to align elements of the state and federal laws, such as the services that are covered under state law and the calculation of patient cost-sharing. The WSMA was one of the principal negotiators of the state balance billing law-which is generally seen as one of the more physician-friendly balance billing laws across states-and will be working to ensure the negative elements of the federal law are not mirrored in state statute.</p>
</div> | 10/4/2021 11:04:44 AM | 10/8/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| input_needed_on_health_care_cost_transparency_board_benchmarks | Input Needed on Health Care Cost Transparency Board Benchmarks | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/October/stethoscope-dollar-sign-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Stethoscope in dollar sign shape" /></div>
<h5>October 8, 2021</h5>
<h2>Input Needed on Health Care Cost Transparency Board Benchmarks</h2>
<p>In 2020, <a href="https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/2457-S2.SL.pdf?q=20200727153325">House Bill 2457</a> established a health care cost transparency board tasked with annually calculating total health care expenditures and health care cost growth, and establishing benchmarks for health care spending. Meeting monthly since February, the board has recently established these benchmarks-and an aggressive timeline for meeting them. Due to the troubling trajectory of this work, we need to hear from members on how these decisions may impact patient care at your practice.</p>
<h3>Quick summary of the issue</h3>
<p>To meet its goals of transparency and a reduction in the growth of costs, the health care cost transparency board will publicly identify health systems, physician practices, providers, and payers that exceed established total cost of health care benchmarks. Those benchmarks, as established by the board at its September 2021 meeting are:</p>
<ul>
<li>2022-2023: 3.2%</li>
<li>2024-2025: 3.0%</li>
<li>2026: 2.8%</li>
</ul>
<p>The board is required to review and consult with entities that exceed the benchmark before publicly identifying them. While there is no enforcement mechanism or penalty for those that exceed the benchmark, the WSMA expects the Legislature to give the board more "teeth" in future years.</p>
<h3>How you can help</h3>
<p>The WSMA is participating in an advisory capacity to the board. Due to our concerns around this work to date, we need to hear from you now to make sure the state understands the perspective of all practice types and specialties that are potentially subject to the benchmark. Real world examples are very helpful-for example, what actions would you need to take at your practice to come in under the 3.2% growth benchmark in 2022? What steps would you need to take to ensure your costs do not exceed 2.8% in 2026? Send us your feedback at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>. </p>
<p>For background on the board, details on its work, and details on WSMA's concerns around the benchmarks and accompanying timeline, visit our new <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/health_care_cost_transparency/health_care_cost_transparency.aspx">Health Care Cost Transparency webpage</a> on the WSMA website under Advocacy.</p>
</div> | 10/4/2021 11:04:41 AM | 10/8/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_announces_2021_apple_award_winners | WSMA Announces 2021 Apple Award Winners | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/October_8/wsma_announces_2021_apple_award_winners | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/October/apple-awards-2021-all-glass-apples-medium-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="2021 Apple Award trophies" /></div>
<h5>October 8, 2021</h5>
<h2>WSMA Announces 2021 Apple Award Winners</h2>
<p>Seven physician members and two health care organizations received WSMA's Apple Awards for extraordinary leadership, service, and contributions to medicine and patient safety.</p>
<h3>2021 winners</h3>
<p>Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, of Seattle received the President's Unsung Hero Award, which recognizes the WSMA member who offers extraordinary service to the profession to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
<p>Yuan-Po Tu, MD, of Everett received the Community Advocate Award, which recognizes a member of the community who provides extraordinary support to, and advocacy for, the house of medicine.</p>
<p>Amish Dave, MD, MPH, of Seattle received the Early Career Member of the Year Award, which recognizes a WSMA member for their service to the association's early career members (physicians in their first 10 years of practice, resident physicians, and medical students).</p>
<p>UW Medicine-Valley Medical Center's Professional Satisfaction and Wellness Committee received the Wellness Award, which recognizes an organization that has worked to put the joy back in medicine for Washington physicians.</p>
<p>Four WSMA members received the Grassroots Advocate Award, which recognizes their advocacy efforts and activities supporting WSMA legislative priorities. They include:</p>
<p>Beth Harvey, MD, of Olympia for her advocacy on behalf of children with the Cascade Pacific Action Alliance and her instrumental support during the pandemic for the reopening of Thurston County schools; Anthony L-T Chen, MD, MPH, of Tacoma for his public health advocacy in Pierce County and support of WSMA's legislative priorities; Katina Rue, DO, of Yakima for her tireless advocacy in the Legislature in 2021 on behalf of WSMA priorities; and Leo Morales, MD, PhD, of Seattle for his efforts toward increasing the Latinx physician workforce and his advocacy on behalf of Latinx physicians and physician assistants at the WSMA.</p>
<p>This year, the William O. Robertson, MD, Patient Safety Award was given to the MultiCare Regional Cancer Center in Auburn.</p>
<p>Congratulations to our 2021 Apple Award winners! Learn more about the awards and this year's winners <a href="[@]WSMA/Membership/Awards_Program/WSMA/Membership/Awards_Program/Awards_Program.aspx?hkey=d0199dab-31de-45e7-b0b3-902ba07a209f">on the WSMA website</a>.</p>
</div> | 10/4/2021 11:04:57 AM | 10/8/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_urges_doh_to_reconsider_support_of_optometrist_scope_expansion | WSMA Urges DOH to Reconsider Support of Optometrist Scope Expansion | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/eye-exam-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="patient getting eye exam" /></div>
<h5>October 8, 2021</h5>
<!-- **************************NEW ARTICLE****************************** -->
<h2>WSMA Urges DOH to Reconsider Support of Optometrist Scope Expansion</h2>
<p>The review and commenting period is now closed for Washington State Department of Health's draft sunrise report that supports, with some caveats, a troubling scope of practice expansion for optometrists. The WSMA submitted comments opposing the proposed expansion and is strongly urging the DOH to reconsider its support.</p>
<p>Earlier this year, the Optometric Physicians of Washington submitted for <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/AboutUs/ProgramsandServices/HealthSystemsQualityAssurance/SunriseReviews/HealthProfessions">sunrise review</a> a proposal to expand optometrists' scope of practice to include certain surgical procedures, the use of lasers and ultrasounds for therapeutic purpose, and broad prescriptive authority without specifying any additional education or training requirements. The DOH supported the concept of the proposal in its draft report, with some limits on services that can be offered and education that optometrists must obtain.</p>
<p>In our <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2021/wsma-comment-doh-draft-rec-optom-sunrise-final.pdf]">comment letter</a>, the WSMA conveyed our high level of concern with the DOH recommendations and our strong belief that there are more appropriate, demonstrated means to accomplish access to quality health care that do not jeopardize patient safety. In addition to these comments, the WSMA heard from a number of physicians who shared their concerns with the DOH by responding to our recent call to action on the issue. Physician feedback is critical to our efforts on this sunrise review and any subsequent legislation that may result. Thank you for your advocacy.</p>
<p>The WSMA will continue to keep you apprised of new developments on this scope of practice proposal as well as any others that may arise before and during the 2022 legislative session.</p>
</div> | 10/4/2021 11:04:39 AM | 10/8/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| getting_started_on_pmp_ehr_integration | Getting Started on PMP-EHR Integration | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/September_24/getting_started_on_pmp_ehr_integration | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/rx-bottle-doctor-laptop-645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Physician holding up prescription medication bottle" /></div>
<h5>September 24, 2021</h5>
<h2>Getting Started on PMP-EHR Integration </h2>
<p>Starting Jan. 1, the prescription monitoring program integration mandate for practices with 10 or more prescribers, as established by Senate Bill 5380 from 2019, will go into effect. The Washington State Department of Health recently issued the following guidance for practices or other health care organizations.</p>
<p>There are currently two ways to integrate a health care organization's electronic health record with the PMP: the state's health information exchange, OneHealthPort, and approved direct integration options, such as Bamboo Health's (formerly Appriss Health) PMP Gateway. </p>
<h3>Integrating using OneHealthPort</h3>
<p>For information on integrating your organization's EHR through OneHealthPort, you may fill out this <a href="https://www.formstack.com/forms/?1688456-sjNVJY8V7I=">OneHealthPort support request form</a>. Under Issue or Question Area select "Other" and indicate you are interested in PMP integration. Someone from OneHealthPort will contact you after the form has been submitted. </p>
<h3>Integrating using Bamboo Health's PMP Gateway</h3>
<p>For information on integrating your organization's EHR through Bamboo Health's PMP Gateway, visit the <a href="https://info.apprisshealth.com/ehrrequest">Appriss Health integration request</a> page and fill out the form on the right-hand side. Once the form is submitted you will receive an email inviting you to register for a product overview webinar. If you have questions about the integration process or specific questions about PMP Gateway, please reach out to <a href="mailto:AccountSupport@apprisshealth.com">AccountSupport@apprisshealth.com</a>.</p>
<h3>Hardship waivers </h3>
<p>The WSMA was instrumental in securing a hardship waiver due to economic or other factors. The DOH is currently promulgating these rules. When finalized, the WSMA will share with members for review to see if your practice may qualify and how to submit a waiver request.</p>
</div> | 9/20/2021 12:48:23 PM | 9/24/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| new_faq_on_apple_health_pmp_check_requirement | New FAQ on Apple Health PMP Check Requirement | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/September_24/new_faq_on_apple_health_pmp_check_requirement | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>September 24, 2021</h5>
<h2>New FAQ on Apple Health PMP Check Requirement</h2>
<p>The Washington State Health Care Authority this week issued a new FAQ document to assist physicians and clinicians in anticipation of the Oct. 1 start date of the state's new requirement to check the prescription monitoring program before prescribing controlled substances.</p>
<p>Download <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/program/apple-health-pmp-check-outpatient-rx-faq.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">FAQ: Apple Health (Medicaid) Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) check for outpatient prescriptions</a>.</p>
<p>As a reminder, starting Oct. 1, physicians must check an Apple Health client's recent prescription history in the PMP before prescribing controlled substances, as required by the federal SUPPORT Act and rulemaking from the Health Care Authority. Physicians may delegate this task to anyone at the practice with authorization to access the PMP, so long as the physician reviews all of the client's prescriptions. The date and time of the retrieval and review of information must be documented in the patient record.</p>
<p>For more information, see the HCA's <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/apple-health-medicaid/support-act">SUPPORT Act webpage</a>. Specific questions about the rule may be sent via email to <a href="mailto:AppleHealthPharmacyPolicy@hca.wa.gov">AppleHealthPharmacyPolicy@hca.wa.gov</a>.</p>
</div> | 9/20/2021 12:48:12 PM | 9/24/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| submit_your_concerns_on_troubling_optometrist_scope_expansion_and_other_proposals | Submit Your Concerns on Troubling Optometrist Scope Expansion and Other Proposals | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/eye-exam-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Patient receiving eye exam" /></div>
<h5>September 24, 2021</h5>
<h2>Submit Your Concerns on Troubling Optometrist Scope Expansion and Other Proposals</h2>
<p>The Washington State Department of Health has issued draft recommendations on three scope of practice proposals under sunrise review. The DOH is now seeking public comment on the recommendations before issuing its final report on the proposals to the Legislature.</p>
<h3>Optometrist scope of practice </h3>
<p>The Optometric Physicians of Washington is proposing to expand optometrists' scope to include certain surgical procedures, the use of lasers and ultrasounds for therapeutic purposes, and broad prescriptive authority without specifying additional education or training requirements. The WSMA expressed <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2021/wsma-comment-optometrist-sunrise.pdf]">opposition to the proposal</a> during the <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2021/sunrise_reviews_on_the_horizon_midwifery_optometrists_and_anesthesiologist_assistants">initial commenting period in July</a>.</p>
<p>In its draft recommendations, the DOH supports the concept of the scope proposal, with some limits about services that can be offered and education that optometrists must obtain. <strong>The WSMA has serious concerns regarding the DOH's inappropriate recommendations. We strongly urge you to submit comments in opposition by Oct. 2</strong>. Email comments to <a href="mailto:optom-sunrise@doh.wa.gov">optom-sunrise@doh.wa.gov</a><strong>.</strong> The DOH draft report with recommendations is available <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/2000/2021/2021DraftOptometrySunrise.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">here</a>.</p>
<h3>Midwifery scope of practice</h3>
<p>The Midwives Association of Washington is proposing an increase in the scope of practice of licensed midwives (not certified nurse-midwives). The proposal includes adding "limited prescription authority for contraception and medications and therapies for various common conditions in pregnancy and postpartum, for those with appropriate training." The WSMA believes additional clarification and safeguards are needed in this proposal, as outlined in <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2021/wsma-comment-re-midwives-sunrise-review-proposal.pdf]">comments issued in July</a>.</p>
<p>In its draft recommendations, the DOH supports the proposal conceptually, believing it has the potential to increase access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services. The DOH does not, however, support the proposal as submitted, due to patient safety concerns regarding the ambiguity of the proposed prescriptive authority and education and training requirements. The DOH lists recommendations for the applicant group, including collaborating with obstetricians and gynecologists to determine appropriate parameters. The DOH draft report with recommendations is available <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/2000/2021/2021DraftMidwiferySunrise.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">here</a>. Comments should be emailed to <a href="mailto:mwsunrise@doh.wa.gov">mwsunrise@doh.wa.gov</a>.</p>
<h3>Anesthesiologist assistant scope of practice</h3>
<p>The Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists is proposing the creation of a license for anesthesiologist assistants. The <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2021/wsma-support-aa-sunrise.pdf]">WSMA submitted comments</a> in support of this proposal in July, acknowledging that the proposal delineates the advanced graduate degrees, extensive training, and advanced patient monitoring techniques necessary for such a license.</p>
<p>The DOH recommended in favor of this sunrise proposal, with some suggested changes to ensure patient safety. According to the DOH, if the recommended changes are made, the proposal will meet the sunrise criteria to demonstrate it protects the public from harm, ensures adequate education and training, and is the most cost-effective option for this credential. The DOH draft report with recommendations is available <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/2000/2021/2021DraftAnesthesAsstSunrise.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">here</a>. Comments should be emailed to <a href="mailto:anesthesiology-sunrise@doh.wa.gov">anesthesiology-sunrise@doh.wa.gov</a>.</p>
<h3>Deadline for feedback</h3>
<p>Comments on the DOH draft recommendations are due by midnight Oct. 2. The WSMA will share our comments on these draft recommendations once they are compiled.</p>
<h3>About sunrise reviews </h3>
<p>In Washington state, the Department of Health makes recommendations to the Legislature on health profession scope of practice proposals in a process called a "<a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/AboutUs/ProgramsandServices/HealthSystemsQualityAssurance/SunriseReviews/HealthProfessions">sunrise review</a>." These recommendations are weighted heavily by the Legislature when considering scope expansion proposals during legislative sessions. The above proposals will likely be in play during the upcoming 2022 session.</p>
</div> | 9/20/2021 12:48:17 PM | 9/24/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_launches_covid_19_vaccination_confidence_campaign | WSMA Launches COVID-19 Vaccination Confidence Campaign | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/talk-to-your-doctor-stevensco-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Talk to your doctor screen image" /></div>
<h5>September 24, 2021</h5>
<h2>WSMA Launches COVID-19 Vaccination Confidence Campaign</h2>
<p>The WSMA this week launched its "Talk to Your Doctor" COVID-19 vaccine confidence campaign to encourage vaccine uptake in rural and disadvantaged communities in our state.</p>
<p>This three-month, multiplatform, data-driven marketing campaign features videos with local doctors promoted across popular web platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, and supplemented with traditional media outreach and print resources. Supported through a grant from the Washington State Department of Health, the first phase of the campaign launched this week in the Tri Counties, with potential additional funding available for a second phase in Southeast Washington later this year or in early 2022.</p>
<h3>Watch the Tri County "Talk to Your Doctor" videos</h3>
<p>For the Tri County campaign, the WSMA produced eight 15-second spots and three 30-second spots, designed to run across Facebook and before and during videos on YouTube and on Google-approved websites. The videos feature familiar local physicians from communities in Pend Oreille, Ferry, and Stevens counties and focus on different key messages to encourage vaccination, each including the tag line to "talk to your doctor about getting the COVID-19 shot." <a href="https://vimeo.com/user/6809798/folder/5498609">Watch the videos</a>.</p>
<p>Many thanks to our participating physicians: Curtis Gill, DO, Newport; Geoff Jones, MD, Newport; Lisa Matelich, MD, Newport; Shannon Radke, MD, Newport; Kal Kelley, MD, Republic; Ramon Canto, MD, Colville; Caleb Holtzer, MD, Chewelah; and Edward Johnson, MD, Kettle Falls. And a special thanks to Sam Artzis, MD, health officer for the Northeast Tri County Health District, for his guidance and support.</p>
<h3>"Talk to Your Doctor" brochure</h3>
<p>A print brochure will be developed for the campaign this fall and will be available to all WSMA members across the state.</p>
<p>If you have questions about the campaign, email Graham Short at <a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 9/20/2021 12:48:28 PM | 9/24/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| act_today_to_prevent_looming_medicare_cuts | Act Today to Prevent Looming Medicare Cuts | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/September_10/act_today_to_prevent_looming_medicare_cuts | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/medicare-barcode-645px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Medicare barcode" /></div>
<h5>September 10, 2021</h5>
<h2>Act Today to Prevent Looming Medicare Cuts</h2>
<p>Congressional Reps. Ami Bera, MD (D-CA), and Larry Bucshon, MD (R-IN), recently circulated a <a href="https://physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/sites/default/files/2021-08/bera-bucshon-medicare-sign-on.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">"Dear Colleague" letter</a> highlighting the financial uncertainty within the Medicare payment system and the dangers facing the physician community if Congress fails to enact legislation to address these problems. We need you to ask your representative to sign on today.</p>
<p>In what amounts to a "perfect storm" of payment cuts going into effect on Jan. 1, physician practices face the following stack of Medicare financial hits:</p>
<ul>
<li>Expiration of the current reprieve from the repeatedly extended 2% sequester stemming from the Budget Control Act of 2011. Congress originally scheduled this policy to sunset in 2021 but it will now continue into 2030.</li>
<li>Imposition of a 4% Statutory PAYGO sequester resulting from passage of the American Rescue Plan Act. Should lawmakers fail to act, it will mark the first time that Congress has failed to waive Statutory PAYGO.</li>
<li>Expiration of the congressionally enacted 3.75% temporary increase in the Medicare physician fee schedule conversion factor to avoid payment cuts associated with budget neutrality adjustments tied to PFS policy changes.</li>
<li>A statutory freeze in annual Medicare PFS updates under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) that is scheduled to last until 2026, when updates resume at a rate of 0.25% a year indefinitely, a figure well below the rate of medical or consumer price index inflation.</li>
</ul>
<p>This would result in a combined 9.75% payment cut on Jan. 1. And all of this comes at a time when physician practices are still recovering from the emotional and financial impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency. It's time to give our nation's physicians the peace of mind they deserve as they continue to fight on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic without having to worry if their practices will survive these potentially catastrophic cuts.</p>
<p>A strong collection of bipartisan cosigners will help demonstrate to House and Senate leadership that this confluence of payment cuts needs to be addressed via legislation before the end of 2021. <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/k8hT3wVFbl3YEs8JheVslg__;!!AI0rnoUB!tsKa7jV3FhEFiG-xeB8t7q_p36o6QP5c3c29iCSwa_wFDpnskdVJQc0U_HI5EFw25iI$">Please contact your representative today</a> and urge them to show their support by signing on to Reps. Bera and Bucshon's Dear Colleague letter.</p>
</div> | 9/9/2021 12:17:50 PM | 9/10/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| is_your_practice_prepared_for_senate_bill_5380s_it_mandates | Is Your Practice Prepared for Senate Bill 5380's IT Mandates? | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/September_10/is_your_practice_prepared_for_senate_bill_5380s_it_mandates | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/doc-laptop-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="doctor working at laptop computer" /></div>
<h5>September 10, 2021</h5>
<h2>Is Your Practice Prepared for Senate Bill 5380's IT Mandates?</h2>
<p>Senate Bill 5380, a measure aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic, was signed into law during the 2019 legislative session. Starting next year, two state IT mandates required by the legislation, the prescription monitoring program integration mandate for practices with 10 or more "prescribers" and one requiring the electronic prescribing of controlled substances, will go into effect.</p>
<p>Originally scheduled for this past January, the WSMA successfully advocated for a delay of both mandates to Jan. 1, 2022 to prevent the associated administrative requirements from burdening organizations already strained by the pandemic.</p>
<p>Below are important updates that you should know about implementing these requirements.</p>
<h3>DOH allows for additional PMP integration options </h3>
<p>After several years of WSMA advocacy, the Washington State Department of Health will permit options other than the state Health Information Exchange to meet the state's prescription monitoring program integration mandate.</p>
<p>Responding to WSMA concerns, the Washington State Department of Health stated in a <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2021/wa-doh-response-wsma-integration-of-pmp-options-07-14-2021.pdf]">letter</a>&nbsp;that it will permit "integration options beyond the state HIE [health information exchange] that meet the State Office of Cyber Security and agency security requirements. The Appriss PMP Gateway product has already been reviewed and approved by our IT security team, so it will be an approved solution."</p>
<p>The WSMA thanks Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, and his team at the DOH for this flexibility. The WSMA will provide more information on these additional tools, including Appriss PMP Gateway, as they become available. To explore integrating your EHR via the existing state HIE option, visit the DOH's <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/ForPublicHealthandHealthcareProviders/HealthcareProfessionsandFacilities/PrescriptionMonitoringProgramPMP">PMP webpage</a>.</p>
<h3>Hardship waivers </h3>
<p>The WSMA secured waivers due to economic and other hardship in SB 5380 for both mandates. The DOH is currently promulgating these rules. When finalized, the WSMA will share with members for review to see if your practice may qualify and how to submit a waiver request.</p>
<p>Don't hesitate to reach out to the WSMA policy team at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a> with questions.</p>
</div> | 9/8/2021 3:02:15 PM | 9/10/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| nyt_bestselling_author_sheri_fink_md_phd_keynotes_the_2021_annual_meeting | NYT Bestselling Author Sheri Fink, MD, PhD, Keynotes the 2021 Annual Meeting | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/September_10/nyt_bestselling_author_sheri_fink_md_phd_keynotes_the_2021_annual_meeting | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/fink-sheri-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Sheri Fink, MD, PhD" /></div>
<h5>September 10, 2021</h5>
<h2>NYT Bestselling Author Sheri Fink, MD, PhD, Keynotes the 2021 Annual Meeting</h2>
<p>There is still time to register for the 2021 WSMA Annual Meeting, being held virtually Sept. 25-26. Don't wait too much longer-preregistration is required for the virtual meeting.</p>
<h3>This year's presenter</h3>
<p>This year's keynote speaker is Sheri Fink, MD, PhD, author of the critically acclaimed New York Times bestselling book "<a href="https://bookshop.org/books/five-days-at-memorial-life-and-death-in-a-storm-ravaged-hospital/9780307718976">Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital</a>," about choices made in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Fink has reported from more than two dozen hospitals in the U.S. and internationally. In her presentation at the Annual Meeting, Dr. Fink will share her observations from the COVID-19 pandemic and how it compares to the lessons learned from the New Orleans Memorial Medical Center's leadership response during Hurricane Katrina.</p>
<h3>How this year's virtual meeting will work</h3>
<p>The 2021 Annual Meeting will take place virtually over two days. The opening session of the House of Delegates and virtual reference committee hearings will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25, followed by the second meeting of the House of Delegates on Sunday, Sept. 26. For a more detailed agenda, visit the <a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">meeting webpage</a>.</p>
<h3>Advance registration required</h3>
<p>The 2021 meeting will use the same meeting configuration used for the 2020 meeting: a combination of Zoom for audio and video and a separate platform to manage the business of the House using parliamentary procedures. You must register for the meeting in advance in order to be set up on the platform prior to the start of the meeting. <a href="[@]Shared_Content/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=ANNMTG2021">Register online at no cost</a>.</p>
<h3>Training available to members and delegates prior to Annual Meeting </h3>
<p>A training session will be offered Tuesday, Sept. 21 from 7-8 p.m. for members of the House of Delegates (other meeting attendees are encouraged to attend as well). Save the date and time; registration information will follow shortly. For those who can't attend the live training, an on-demand recording will be available.</p>
</div> | 9/8/2021 3:02:25 PM | 9/10/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| prescribing_medicaid_physicians_must_check_pmp_starting_oct_1 | Prescribing Medicaid Physicians Must Check PMP Starting Oct. 1 | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/rx-bottle-doctor-laptop-645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Physician holding up prescription medication bottle" /></div>
<h5>September 10, 2021</h5>
<h2>Prescribing Medicaid Physicians Must Check PMP Starting Oct. 1</h2>
<p>As a reminder, starting Oct. 1, physicians must check an Apple Health client's history in the state's prescription monitoring program before prescribing controlled substances, as required by the federal SUPPORT Act and rulemaking from the Washington State Health Care Authority.</p>
<p>Prior to writing and shortly after dispensing a prescription for a controlled substance to a Medicaid patient, physicians and providers will be expected to review the most recent 12-month period prescription drug history of a covered individual in the PMP for:</p>
<ul>
<li>The number and type of controlled substances prescribed and filled.</li>
<li>Who prescribed a controlled substance.</li>
</ul>
<p>Physicians may delegate this task to anyone at the practice with authorization to access the PMP, so long as the physician reviews all of the client's prescriptions. The date and time of the retrieval and review of information must be documented in the patient record.</p>
<p>Outpatient pharmacists will also be required to review the PMP before dispensing a controlled substance.</p>
<p>The Health Care Authority's finalized guidelines will be included in the agency's Oct. 1 prescription drug program billing guide. The WSMA has expressed concerns with the HCA about this lack of detail. For now, practices will need to do their best to adjust workflow with the information we have. <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAHCA/bulletins/2eb061b">See this HCA notice for details</a>.</p>
<p>To receive the latest information, sign up for HCA's email list <a href="https://wsha.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=381c2b109dc0809662b7cd0da&amp;id=c6e70e7d57&amp;e=e55ee2cbd5">here</a>. Specific questions about the rule may be sent via email to <a href="mailto:AppleHealthPharmacyPolicy@hca.wa.gov">AppleHealthPharmacyPolicy@hca.wa.gov</a>.</p>
</div> | 9/8/2021 3:02:13 PM | 9/10/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| your_input_needed_to_help_guide_good_health_policy | Your Input Needed to Help Guide Good Health Policy | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/September_10/your_input_needed_to_help_guide_good_health_policy | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>September 10, 2021</h5>
<h2>Your Input Needed to Help Guide Good Health Policy</h2>
<p>There are now 25 resolutions, along with a bylaws proposal that would transform WSMA's governance, available in our password-protected virtual reference committees. WSMA's virtual reference committees are secure forums that allow members an opportunity to discuss proposals that will be considered for action by the House of Delegates during its annual meeting later this month.</p>
<p>All WSMA members are encouraged to take a moment to review these proposals and provide input. Discussing these proposed policies and directives before the WSMA Annual Meeting helps ensure a broad range of diverse perspectives and expertise are considered, helps develop members' understanding of what's being proposed, and helps to focus discussion at the meeting, allowing for a more streamlined, efficient policymaking process.</p>
<p>The virtual reference committees will be closed for comment at midnight on Monday, Sept. 20. <a href="[@]WSMA/Membership/Discussion_Forums/Virtual_Reference_Committees/WSMA/Membership/Discussion_Forums/virtual_reference_committees.aspx?hkey=d674a5ae-4fb5-48d6-b969-16aab9b63647">Visit the virtual reference committees to get started</a>. These online forums are password protected; sign-in to the WSMA website is required.</p>
<p>WSMA members may also provide testimony during the live reference committee sessions scheduled as part of the virtual 2021 Annual Meeting on Sept. 25-26. <a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">Learn more about the meeting, which is free for members, and register today</a>.</p>
</div> | 9/8/2021 3:02:21 PM | 9/10/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| provider_relief_fund_reporting_deadline_is_sept_30 | Provider Relief Fund Reporting Deadline is Sept. 30 | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/August/physician-money-illustration-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="illustration of $ sign arrow and physician" /></div>
<h5>August 26, 2021</h5>
<h2>Provider Relief Fund Reporting Deadline is Sept. 30</h2>
<p>The Sept. 30 Provider Relief Fund deadline for the first reporting period is fast approaching. The fund reporting portal opened on July 1, 2021 for physicians and providers who need to report the use of these payments in the first reporting period. Time is running out.</p>
<p>Provider Relief Fund payments have made a big difference to physicians and providers on the front lines of the pandemic. When they received these funds, recipients agreed to give an accounting of how the money was used by submitting a report via the <a href="https://prfreporting.hrsa.gov/s/http:/prfreporting.hrsa.gov/">PRF Reporting Portal</a>. If they fail to complete this important reporting step, the federal Health Resources and Services Administration must recoup the funds from non-compliant providers.</p>
<p>These documents may assist with your reporting:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/provider-relief/prf-lost-revenues-guide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Lost Revenues Guide</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/provider-relief/prf-fact-sheet-recruit-retain-personnel.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Allowable Personnel Expenses</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/provider-relief/prf-reporting-resource-guide-aug-2021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Reporting Resource Guide</a></li>
</ul>
<p>For more information, visit the <a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/provider-relief">HRSA website</a> .</p>
</div> | 8/26/2021 10:35:43 AM | 8/26/2021 12:00:00 AM |