| Session_Update__Balance_billing__telemedicine_and_more | Session Update: Balance Billing, Telemedicine and More | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/March/Session_Update__Balance_billing__telemedicine_and_more | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Advocacy/Leg-Session-Updates-Graphic-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>March 18, 2019</h5>
<h2>Session Update: Balance Billing, Telemedicine and More</h2>
<p>
A brief rundown of priority health care bills heard in committees during week nine (March 11-15) of the state legislative session.
</p>
<h3>Week nine (March 11-15) highlights</h3>
<p>
(HB = House bill; SB = Senate bill)
</p>
<p><strong>Balance billing</strong> - <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1065&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">2SHB 1065</a> passed out of the House last week. On Friday, March 15 the bill was heard by the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care Committee. WSMA’s Director of Legislative &amp; Political Affairs, Sean Graham, testified to the WSMA’s concerns with the legislation. While this legislation is closer to what the WSMA hopes to see from legislation on this topic, we still have concerns with components of the legislation in its current form.</p>
<p><strong>Children’s mental health</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5903&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">2SSB 5903</a>, supported by the WSMA, passed the Senate with a vote of 47 to 0&nbsp;with two excused. This legislation requires educational service districts to coordinate behavioral&nbsp;health services&nbsp;and trainings in school districts in their regions.&nbsp;It expands the Partnership Access Line&nbsp;(PALs)&nbsp;to include consultation in schools, establishes certificate programs in evidence-based practices for children&nbsp;and adolescents at the University of Washington, and&nbsp;expands psychiatric residencies in Eastern and Western Washington for&nbsp;residents specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Parent initiated treatment</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1874&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">E2SHB 1874</a>, supported by the WSMA, passed the House with a vote 89 to 8 with one excused. This bill seeks to expand&nbsp;eligible behavioral health providers to include providers from a licensed mental health agency under the direction of a licensed mental health professional, as well as adding professionals who are in training and working under supervision. It would also permit parents of adolescents to request outpatient substance use disorder treatment for the adolescent without consent for a period of up to 12 treatments or three months. It permits the health care professional to provide information about the treatment to the adolescent’s parents without their consent.</p>
<p><strong>Qui tam</strong> – Opposed by the WSMA, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1965&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">2SHB 1965</a>&nbsp;did not pass the house of origin policy committee cutoff on March 13. This legislation would have allowed individuals to seek qui tam (private right of action) on behalf of the state if employers violate&nbsp;several&nbsp;statutes pertaining to workplace law, including but not limited to health care facility employee overtime, safety in health care settings, and health care whistleblower retaliation protection.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Telemedicine in schools</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5389&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SSB 5389</a>&nbsp;passed the Senate with a vote of 45 to 2 with two excused. This legislation requires the University of Washington to develop a training curriculum and delivery system to train middle through high school staff to identify students who are at risk for substance abuse, violence, or youth suicide. It requires schools to train all employees using the curriculum within existing resources and establishes provisions for students to be screened by counselors, and upon consent, to participate in two sessions of psychiatry delivered via&nbsp;telemedicine. The WSMA has concerns with this legislation.</p>
<p><strong>Telemedicine payment parity</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5385&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SSB 5385</a>, supported by the WSMA, passed the Senate with a vote of 46 to 2 with one excused. This legislation requires payment for services delivered via&nbsp;telemedicine to be on par with the rate paid for in-person visits. It adds an exception for groups of 11 or more providers, which may choose to contract with carriers for&nbsp;telemedicine services at lower rates. Payment parity requirements do not pertain to&nbsp;telemedicine delivered via store and forward.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Several additional telemedicine bills have passed the Senate:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Training standards&nbsp;in&nbsp;providing&nbsp;telemedicine services</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5386&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SSB 5386</a> passed the Senate with a unanimous vote. The WSMA supports this legislation as it was amended.</li>
<li><strong>Physician credentialing&nbsp;in&nbsp;telemedicine services</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5387&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SB 5387</a> passed the Senate with a unanimous vote. The WSMA supports this legislation.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Looking forward</h3>
<p>High priority items on the schedule for the week of March 18-22.</p>
<p><strong>Workplace violence,</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1931&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SHB 1931</a> – This bill passed out of the House and is scheduled for a public hearing in Senate Labor &amp; Commerce Committee on March 21. The WSMA is neutral on this legislation.</p>
<p><strong>Medical debt collection</strong>,&nbsp;<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1531&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">SHB 1531</a> – This bill passed out of the House and is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Law &amp; Justice Committee on March 21. The WSMA is neutral on this legislation.</p>
<p><strong>Mergers and acquisitions,</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1607&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SHB 1607</a> –This bill passed out of the House and is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Law &amp; Justice Committee on March 21. The WSMA is neutral on this legislation.</p>
<p><strong>Whistleblower protections,</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1049&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SHB 1049</a> – This bill is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care Committee on March 22. The WSMA supports this legislation.</p>
<p><strong>Sexual misconduct,</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1198&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SHB 1198</a> – This bill is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care Committee on March 22. The WSMA has concerns with this legislation.</p>
<p>If you have a question on a bill you haven't seen covered, contact Hailey Hamilton at <a href="mailto:hailey@wsma.org">hailey@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 3/18/2019 10:21:46 AM | 3/24/2019 12:45:47 PM |
| Watch_This__WSMA_Legislative_Update_with_Katie_Kolan | Watch This: WSMA Legislative Update with Katie Kolan | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Advocacy_Report/2019/Watch_This__WSMA_Legislative_Update_with_Katie_Kolan | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><a href="https://vimeo.com/325104498"><img alt="" src="/images/News/KK-March11-15-LegUpdate-Play_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" /></a></div>
<h5>March 18, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Watch This: WSMA Legislative Update with Katie Kolan</h2>
<p>
</p>
<p>In this week's legislative update video, WSMA Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Katie Kolan covers what we're looking for in upcoming House and Senate budget proposals, and when we expect those budgets to be released. Plus, some good news related to the Senate's public option bill and what's coming up this week in Olympia. Check out this week's video <a href="https://vimeo.com/325104498">here</a>&nbsp;and find archived videos <a href="https://vimeo.com/album/5835487">here</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div> | 3/18/2019 12:04:18 PM | 3/19/2019 8:51:17 AM |
| Nominations_for_WSMA_Leadership_Due_April_30 | Nominations for WSMA Leadership Due April 30 | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Advocacy_Report/2019/Nominations_for_WSMA_Leadership_Due_April_30 | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
March 18, 2019
</h5>
<h2>
Nominations for WSMA Leadership Due April 30
</h2>
<p>The WSMA is now accepting nominations for a variety of positions on the board of trustees. See the 2018-19 board of trustees roster below for a list of positions with terms expiring in 2019.</p>
<p>A demographically representative leadership is crucial to WSMA's success as your premier statewide physician professional association. Serving as a member of the WSMA board of trustees provides physicians an opportunity to get involved and help ensure Washington continues to be the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
<p>Qualifications of nominees and a roster of current board members are below. If you or someone you know is interested in serving, please submit a nomination form, conflict of interest disclosure statement, and candidate information sheet (also below) along with a curriculum vitae to Shannon Bozarth at <a href="mailto:slb@wsma.org">slb@wsma.org</a> (or fax to 206.441.5863) no later than <strong>Tuesday, April 30</strong>.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/About/Leadership/WSMA_BOT_qualifications_2019.pdf]">Qualifications</a> </li>
<li><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/About/Leadership/WSMA_BOT_roster_2019.pdf]">2018-19 WSMA board of trustees roster</a> </li>
<li><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/About/Leadership/WSMA_BOT_nomination_form_2019.pdf]">Nomination form</a> </li>
<li><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/About/Leadership/WSMA_BOT_disclosure_form_2019.pdf]">Conflict of interest disclosure statement</a> </li>
<li><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/About/Leadership/WSMA_BOT_candidate_info_sheet_2019.pdf]">Candidate information sheet</a> </li>
</ul>
<p>The WSMA nominating committee will meet in early June to prepare a slate of nominees for presentation to the House of Delegates at the <a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx">WSMA Annual Meeting</a>, Oct. 12-13, at the Hilton Seattle Airport &amp; Conference Center.</p>
<p>Additional nominations may be made from the floor of the House of Delegates during the annual meeting. All nominees must submit a CV, conflict of interest disclosure statement, and candidate information sheet to the WSMA in advance of the election.</p>
</div> | 3/18/2019 1:46:32 PM | 3/18/2019 3:15:59 PM |
| session_update_wsma_priority_bills_passing_out_of_houses_of_origin | Session Update: WSMA Priority Bills Passing Out of Houses of Origin | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190313/session_update_wsma_priority_bills_passing_out_of_houses_of_origin | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Advocacy/Leg-Session-Updates-Graphic-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
March 13, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Session Update: WSMA Priority Bills Passing Out of Houses of Origin</h2>
<p>
The state legislative session has passed the halfway mark, with its scheduled end, April 28, now on the horizon. Lawmakers in Olympia this week and last have been busy with "floor action," the process of debating and voting on bills, in anticipation of today's deadline for bills to be voted out of their house of origin. The following is a look at those priority bills that have passed out of their respective chambers in recent days.
</p>
<h3>Week eight (March 4-8) highlights</h3>
<p>
(HB = House bill; SB = Senate bill)
</p>
<p>
<strong>Whistleblower protections</strong> – WSMA priority legislation HB 1049 passed out of the House with a unanimous vote. The legislation would provide protections for employed and non-employed physician whistleblowers. <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190313/wsma_whistleblower_bill_passes_unanimously_out_of_house.aspx">Learn more about this bill</a> .
</p>
<p>
<strong>Balance billing</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1065&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1065</a> passed out of the House with a vote of 84 to 13 with one excused. HB 1065 would prohibit balance billing in certain circumstances and set up a framework for physicians and insurance carriers to voluntarily come to agreement either on an acceptable rate of payment or a broader contract. While this bill is closer to what the WSMA hoped to see from legislation on this topic, we still have concerns with components of the legislation in its current form (see this recent <a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/mar/10/washington-legislature-moves-to-address-surprise-b/">Spokesman-Review report</a> for details).
</p>
<p>
<strong>Vaccines</strong> – <a href="https://wsma.sharepoint.com/Shared Documents/Outreach and Advocacy/2019 OA Reports/OA Report for 02-15-2019.docx">HB 1638</a> passed out of the House with a vote of 57 to 40 with one excused. HB 1638 would remove the personal/philosophical exemption for children for the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. The WSMA is strongly supporting this bill and SB 5841, which would remove the personal and philosophical exemption more broadly for all childhood vaccines, most recently penning an editorial on the issue co-authored by WSMA President Tom Schaaf, MD, Immediate Past President Donna Smith, MD, and WSMA board member Gary Goldbaum, MD, and published in the <a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/mar/10/wsma-supports-stronger-immunization-policies/">Spokesman Review</a> and the <a href="https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/opinion/columnists/2019/03/11/your-turn-support-bills-strengthen-immunization-policy/3131177002/">Kitsap Sun</a>. At the time of this writing, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5841&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SB 5841</a> currently awaits a vote in the Senate.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Undetectable and untraceable firearms</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1739&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1739</a> passed out of the House with a vote of 57-39 with two excused. HB 1739 would make it illegal to manufacture, own, buy, sell, loan, furnish, transport, or have in possession undetectable and untraceable (3D-printed) firearms. This bill is similar, but not identical, to <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5061&amp;Chamber=Senate&amp;Year=2019">SB 5061</a>, which would prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of untraceable or 3D-printed firearms. SB 5061 currently awaits a vote to pass out of the Senate. The WSMA supports both bills.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Public option (aka Cascade Care)</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1523&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1523</a> passed out of the House with a vote of 57 to 41. HB 1523 would create a public option insurance plan procured by the Health Care Authority and offered to the public on the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. Reimbursement for the plan is capped at Medicare rates. Plan benefit design would be standardized to decrease cost-sharing requirements for enrollees. The WSMA shares the goal of finding a solution to universal coverage, but has serious concerns with this proposal, particularly with the rate-setting component. We are currently surveying members to gauge the proposal's potential impact on medical practice (if you haven't yet taken the survey, <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JZ5FZ3D">please do so today</a>).
</p>
<p>
<strong>Drug price transparency</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5292&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SB 5292</a> passed out of the Senate unanimously. SB 5292 would require issuers and drug manufacturers to report certain prescription drug pricing data to the Health Care Authority and would require a summary of the prescription drug pricing data be provided with reports to the Legislature and the HCA. The WSMA supports this legislation.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Opioid use disorder treatment</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5380&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SB 5380</a> passed out of the Senate with a vote of 47 to 0 with one absent and one excused. SB 5380 would make changes to treatment and access to care for opioid use disorder treatment. There are laudable components to this bill, but it also includes a mandate on groups of 10 or more providers to integrate the state's prescription drug monitoring program into EHRs. The WSMA supports this bill in its current form and will seek additional amendments to address several smaller issues in the opposite chamber.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Health care licensure fee setting</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1753&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1753</a> would align all fee-setting related to rulemaking for health care professionals with all other rulemaking requirement timelines. This bill passed the House unanimously. The WSMA supports this legislation.
</p>
<h3>What's next?</h3>
<p>
Each bill that passes out of its house of origin by the March 13 deadline will then move to its respective opposing chamber for hearings. For a more comprehensive look at bills being tracked by the WSMA that survived today's cutoff (and some that didn't), check the online-only <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/News_Publications/Latest_News/Advocacy_Report/WSMA/News_Publications/Newsletters/WSMA_Advocacy_Report.aspx?hkey=fbce906b-dbfb-4af3-8790-11f84275cf1e">WSMA Advocacy Report</a> next week and keep an eye on future WSMA communications.
</p>
<h3>Budget proposals coming soon</h3>
<p>
Physician priorities that are tied to the budget, such as the potential increase in the business and occupation (B&amp;O) tax on physician services and proposals related to the integration of mental and physical health (including an increase in Medicaid primary care reimbursement), are still very much alive. Legislative budget proposals are expected to be introduced by late March.
</p>
<p>
If you have a question on a bill you haven't seen covered, contact Hailey Hamilton at <a href="mailto:hailey@wsma.org">hailey@wsma.org</a>.
</p>
</div> | 3/13/2019 12:36:35 PM | 3/13/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_whistleblower_bill_passes_unanimously_out_of_house | WSMA Whistleblower Bill Passes Unanimously Out of House | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190313/wsma_whistleblower_bill_passes_unanimously_out_of_house | <div class="col-md-12">
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</div>
<h5>
March 13, 2019
</h5>
<h2>WSMA Whistleblower Bill Passes Unanimously Out of House</h2>
<p>
<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1049&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">House Bill 1049</a>, which would make it safer for physicians in Washington to speak up against wrongful actions, has passed out of the House with a unanimous vote, and now heads to the Senate.
</p>
<p>
The bill would provide the necessary protections and clarifications to make it easier for health care workers to speak out when they witness wrongdoing, without fear of retaliation and regardless of employment status or relationship to an organization. Provisions of HB 1049 would:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Ensure nonemployed physicians have the same protections regarding peer review and whistleblowing as employed physicians.</li>
<li>Provide protection of the identity of physician whistleblowers, protection from retaliation, and legal remedies, including the ability to file suit seeking damages and attorneys' fees. </li>
<li>Give physicians the ability to seek an injunction in some cases to regain a position or privileges in case a physician has been kicked off a medical staff in a process conducted improperly. </li>
<li>Amend the peer review chapter of the Washington statutes to require that any medical staff sanction process that may result in the revocation, suspension, or reduction of medical staff privileges or membership be conducted in accordance with medical staff bylaws.</li>
<li>Require that peer review be conducted according to criteria in the federal Healthcare Quality Improvement Act. The law was established in 1986 to encourage good faith professional review activities of health care entities. </li>
</ul>
<p>
The bill's provisions, written in response to resolutions from the 2016 WSMA House of Delegates meeting, were brought to legislators by the WSMA. Thanks to the many WSMA delegates and members for their support of this issue. We will continue to provide strong legislative advocacy as this priority bill moves through the Senate and keep you apprised of developments.
</p>
</div> | 3/13/2019 11:43:23 AM | 3/13/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| watch_this_wsma_legislative_update_with_katie_kolan | Watch This: WSMA Legislative Update with Katie Kolan | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Advocacy_Report/2019/watch_this_wsma_legislative_update_with_katie_kolan | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/Advocacy/KK-March4-8-LegUpdate.JPG" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>March 11, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Watch This: WSMA Legislative Update with Katie Kolan</h2>
<p>
Our legislative update video for the week of March 4-8 is up! WSMA's Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Katie Kolan covers two WSMA priority bills that were voted off the House floor last week, what we're watching as the March 13 cutoff approaches, and what comes next. Plus, a reminder to take our survey on the public health insurance option bill currently in the Legislature - you should have received an email with the survey link last Friday, March 8. Watch this week's legislative update video <a href="https://vimeo.com/322655310">here</a>, and watch previous weeks' updates <a href="https://vimeo.com/321302236">here</a> and <a href="https://vimeo.com/319232393">here</a>.
</p>
</div> | 3/11/2019 3:14:04 PM | 3/11/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| legislative_session_update_opioids_public_health_maternal_mortality_and_more | Legislative Session Update: Opioids, Public Health, Maternal Mortality and more | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/March/legislative_session_update_opioids_public_health_maternal_mortality_and_more | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Advocacy/Leg-Session-Updates-Graphic-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>March 7, 2019</h5>
<h2>Legislative Session Update: Opioids, Public Health, Maternal Mortality and more</h2>
<p>
A brief rundown of priority health care bills heard in committees during week seven of the state legislative session.
</p>
<h3>Week seven (Feb. 25 - March 1) highlights</h3>
<p>
(HB = House bill; SB = Senate bill)
</p>
<p>
<strong>Surrogate decision-makers and advance directives</strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1175&amp;Year=2019&amp;initiative=">EHB 1175</a>, supported by the WSMA, would modify provisions relating to surrogate decision-makers, informed consent, and advance directives. This legislation passed out of the House of Representative with a vote of 71 to 25. A public hearing was held in the Senate Law &amp; Justice Committee on Monday, Feb. 25.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Access to opioid overdose medication</strong> – <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2019&amp;BillNumber=1039">SHB 1039</a>, supported by the WSMA, was heard in the House Appropriations Committee on Monday, Feb. 25 and the committee took executive action on Tuesday, Feb. 26. The intent of this legislation is to increase access to opioid overdose medication at K-12 grade schools and higher education institutions.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Foundational public health services</strong> – <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2019&amp;BillNumber=1497">SHB 1497</a>, supported by the WSMA, defines a core set of foundational public health services and stipulates that funding for foundational public health services are appropriated to OFM, which then disburses once agreement is reached among tribes, local health jurisdictions, and the state Board of Health. This legislation was heard by the House Appropriations Committee on Monday, Feb. 25 and the committee took executive action on Tuesday, Feb 26.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Tax on vapor products</strong> – <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2019&amp;BillNumber=1873">HB 1873</a>, supported by the WSMA, would include vapor products in the definition of tobacco products for the purpose of state sales tax. A public hearing was held on Tuesday, Feb. 26 in the House Finance Committee.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Opioids</strong> – <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2019&amp;BillNumber=1331">SHB 1331</a> is governor-request legislation on the treatment, prevention, and services related to opioid use disorder. This legislation was heard by the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 26. The WSMA has concerns with the PMP and electronic prescribing mandate incorporated in this legislation.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Behavioral health workforce pathways</strong> – <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2019&amp;BillNumber=5633">SB 5633</a>, supported by the WSMA, would appropriate funds to the Department of Health to distribute to health education centers for the purpose of supporting and expanding current behavioral health workforce academic and career pathway programs. The Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee heard the legislation on Tuesday, Feb. 26.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Maternal mortality review</strong> – <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2019&amp;BillNumber=5425">SSB 5425</a>, supported by the WSMA, would extend and expand the state's maternal mortality review panel. The Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee heard the legislation on Tuesday, Feb. 26 and took executive action on Wednesday, Feb. 27.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Involuntary Treatment Act</strong> – <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2019&amp;BillNumber=5720">SSB 5720</a>, supported by the WSMA, will likely be the vehicle for ITA changes this session. This legislation would extend the initial detention period from 72 hours to five days and would allow individuals to start and become stable on their medication. The primary goal of this change is to allow medical professionals to play a larger role in the ITA decision-making process rather than just lawyers. The Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee approved this legislation on Thursday, Feb. 28.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Practice of naturopathy</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1630&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SHB 1630</a>, opposed by the WSMA, would grant naturopaths prescriptive authority for Schedules III through V of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. The legislation would expand the list of services that naturopaths may provide pursuant to "minor office procedures." Finally, the substituted bill would also require naturopaths to enter into practice agreements with physicians similar to those between physicians and physician assistants. This legislation was placed on the second reading by the House Rules Committee this week.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Health professional fee setting rules</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1753&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1753</a>, supported by the WSMA, would require a statement of inquiry, or CR-101, to be filed for rulemaking that would affect fees related to health professions, requiring an additional notice and public comment period. This legislation has been referred to the House Rules Committee.
</p>
<h3>Looking forward</h3>
<p>
The next deadline for bills is Wednesday, March 13; this is the date by which a bill must be approved by its house of origin (e.g., a bill introduced in the Senate must be approved by the Senate and move to the House of Representatives for further consideration, and vice versa).
</p>
<p>
For WSMA's government affairs and policy team in Olympia, this means lots of floor action and talking to legislators in the wings. For WSMA members, this means potential calls to action, we look to activate our membership on issues where your clinical expertise is needed inform lawmakers' decision-making (and potentially seal the fate of bills—both good and bad!).
</p>
</div> | 3/7/2019 9:26:10 AM | 3/7/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| call_to_action_your_calls_and_emails_needed_on_wrongful_death_and_naturopath_bills | Call to Action! Your Calls and Emails Needed on Wrongful Death and Naturopath Bills | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Advocacy_Report/2019/call_to_action_your_calls_and_emails_needed_on_wrongful_death_and_naturopath_bills | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/News/take_action_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>March 4, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Call to Action! Your Calls and Emails Needed on Wrongful Death and Naturopath Bills</h2>
<p>
Contact your legislators in Olympia today and this week! Tell your lawmakers "no" to a proposal to expand scope of practice for naturopaths and ask them to support an important amendment to a proposal to amend the state's wrongful death statute.
</p>
<p>
Two bills are currently pending for votes in the state legislature that require input from the physician community. One would grant a massive scope of practice increase for naturopaths. The other would broadly expand who can sue in cases of wrongful death and what types of damages they can recover.
</p>
<p>
We need your help to stop the naturopath bill—and to support an amendment to lessen the negative consequences of the wrongful death bill! Please review the below information and contact your legislator if one or both issues are of concern to you.
</p>
<h3>Say "No" to Naturopath Scope of Practice Increase</h3>
<p>In its current form, <a href="http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/Bills/House Bills/1630-S.pdf#page=1">House Bill 1630</a> allows naturopaths to enter into a practice agreement with a physician who authorizes the naturopath to prescribe controlled substances. It also would allow a naturopath to perform additional "minor office procedures," and sign and attest to any form that a physician may sign (among other provisions).
</p>
<p>
This is an inappropriate scope of practice expansion that will jeopardize patient safety. <strong>Call your representatives this week to help prevent this dangerous legislation from passing.</strong>
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/act-now-tell-your-house-lawmakers-no-on-naturopath-scope-of-practice-expansion/" class="TextButton">Take Action</a>
</p>
<h3>Support Amendment to Wrongful Death Bill</h3>
<p>
<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1135&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">Substitute House Bill 1135</a>, pertaining to wrongful death lawsuits, would broadly expand who can sue in cases of wrongful death and what types of damages they can recover. A proposed amendment to SHB 1135 would lessen the negative consequences of the bill (learn more at the button below).
</p>
<p>
<strong>Contact your representatives this week to ask for support of an amendment to SHB 1135. The bill is moving towards a vote of the full House, so don't delay!</strong>
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/act-now-tell-house-and-senate-lawmakers-no-on-wrongful-death-bills/" class="TextButton">Take Action</a>
</p>
</div> | 3/4/2019 10:29:28 AM | 3/4/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_olympia_updates_feb_25_march_1 | WSMA Olympia Updates: Feb. 25-March 1 | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Advocacy_Report/2019/wsma_olympia_updates_feb_25_march_1 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/Advocacy/KatieK-LegUpdate-March4-645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>March 4, 2019
</h5>
<h2>WSMA Olympia Updates: Feb. 25-March 1 </h2>
<p>
Our second installment of WSMA Olympia Updates with Katie Kolan, WSMA's director of legislative and regulatory affairs, is live! This week, Katie covers what we expect to see in upcoming budget proposals, potential calls to action, and is joined by WSMA's Legislative and Regulatory Coordinator, Hailey Hamilton. Check out this week's video <a href="https://vimeo.com/319232393">here</a>, and see last week's <a href="https://vimeo.com/319232393">here</a>.
</p>
</div> | 3/6/2019 1:17:10 PM | 3/4/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| health_industry_coalition_opposing_renewed_effort_to_expand_wrongful_death_liability | Health Industry Coalition Opposing Renewed Effort to Expand Wrongful Death Liability | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190227/health_industry_coalition_opposing_renewed_effort_to_expand_wrongful_death_liability | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/News/gavel_steth_book_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
February 27, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Health Industry Coalition Opposing Renewed Effort to Expand Wrongful Death Liability</h2>
<p>
The WSMA and a large coalition of health care and business leaders are again opposing legislative proposals to expand wrongful death liability in Washington state.
</p>
<p>
Similar to proposals successfully opposed by the WSMA and its partners last year, this year's legislation -&nbsp;<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1135&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1135</a> and its companion <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5163&amp;Chamber=Senate&amp;Year=2019">Senate Bill 5163</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;would broaden the current legal standard for wrongful death liability from "financially dependent" to "substantial involvement" in the life of the decedent, greatly expanding who may sue and increasing the number of claims (by as much as 20 percent, according to state estimates). The legislation would expand awards beyond economic damages to include non-economic damages, with the resulting higher payouts ultimately passed on as cost increases to taxpayers—and as higher insurance premiums. The legislation would also apply the law retroactively, applying to pending lawsuits and those filed prior to the statute of limitations expiring.
</p>
<p>
By its nature, each wrongful death is a tragedy. Current standards and case law strike a delicate balance, providing justice and compensation for financially dependent family members affected by the tragedy of wrongful death, but including limits where there is no financial dependence. Passage of either HB 1135 or SB 5163 would undo this balance and destabilize our state's medical liability dynamic, with ramifications on our physician workforce and patient access to care, as some physicians reconsider treating complex patients or performing high-risk services.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA, Physicians Insurance, the Washington State Hospital Association, the Liability Reform Coalition, and others are opposing these bills, both of which remain in play in Olympia. For further details on our position, see <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2019/SB 5163 and HB 1135 Issue Brief.Feb. 6.pdf]">this brief</a> put together by our partners at the Liability Reform Coalition. And keep an eye out for calls to action on this issue.
</p>
</div> | 2/27/2019 12:12:53 PM | 2/27/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| legislative_session_update_wsma_priority_bills_that_survived_the_feb_22_cutoff | Legislative Session Update: WSMA Priority Bills That Survived the Feb. 22 Cutoff | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190227/legislative_session_update_wsma_priority_bills_that_survived_the_feb_22_cutoff | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Advocacy/LS_legislative_bldg-645px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
February 27, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Legislative Session Update: WSMA Priority Bills That Survived the Feb. 22 Cutoff</h2>
<p>The 2019 state legislative session has reached its first deadline: Friday, Feb. 22, the date when bills must be approved by the policy committee they have been assigned to. The following is a look at those priority WSMA bills that survived the deadline, and a few that didn't.</p>
<h3>
Priority legislation surviving the cutoff
</h3>
<p>
The following bills are supported by the WSMA, except where noted. (HB = House bill; SB = Senate bill)
</p>
<p>
Tobacco 21 – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1074&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1074</a> and <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5057&amp;Chamber=Senate&amp;Year=2019">SB 5057</a> would increase the minimum legal age of sale of tobacco and vapor products from 18 to 21. HB 1074 was <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190227/tobacco_21_bill_moves_out_of_the_house_ahead_of_deadline.aspx">voted out of the House of Representatives</a> last week; SB 5057 has been referred to the Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee.
</p>
<p>
Vaccinations – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5841&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SB 5841</a> and <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1638&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1638</a> would eliminate the personal and philosophical exemption for childrens' vaccinations (the latter bill only for the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine). <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190227/wsma_continues_push_as_vaccine_exemption_bills_move_forward_in_the_legislature.aspx">Learn more about WSMA's efforts to support these bills</a>. Both bills have been referred to their respective chambers' rules committees.
</p>
<p>
Whistleblower protections – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1049&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">HB 1049</a>, a priority issue brought to lawmakers by the WSMA, would provide protections for employed and non-employed physician whistleblowers. The bill has been referred to the House Rules Committee.
</p>
<p>
Drug cost transparency – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1224&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1224</a> and a similar bill, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5292&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SB 5292</a>, would require prescription drug manufacturers to report cost and use information to the state Office of Financial Management. HB 1224 has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee; SB 5292 is scheduled for executive session in the Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee this week.
</p>
<p>
Balance billing – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1065&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1065</a> and <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5699&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SB 5699</a> would prohibit balance billing in certain instances; the <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190213/balance_billing_negotiations_continue_in_olympia_feds_now_taking_an_interest_too">WSMA supports SB 5699 and has concerns with HB 1065</a>. The Senate bill has been referred to the Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee, and the House bill was approved by the House Appropriations Committee this week.
</p>
<p>
Wrongful injury or death – <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2019&amp;BillNumber=1135">HB 1135</a> and <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2019&amp;BillNumber=5163">SB 5163</a>, both <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190227/health_industry_coalition_opposing_renewed_effort_to_expand_wrongful_death_liability.aspx">opposed by the WSMA</a>, would greatly expand the number and size of wrongful death liability awards. The House bill is in the House Appropriations Committee, and the Senate bill was approved by the Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee this week.
</p>
<p>
Naturopath scope of practice – The WSMA opposes <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2019&amp;BillNumber=1630">HB 1630</a>, which would grant naturopaths the ability to prescribe and administer legend drugs and controlled substances contained in Schedules III through V of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. In addition to this scope of practice expansion, the bill, as recently amended, would require physicians to supervise naturopaths. HB 1630 has been referred to the House Rules Committee.
</p>
<h3>
One notable bill that did not survive
</h3>
<p>
Physician assistant practice reform – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5411&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SB 5411</a> would have made changes to state law to allow PAs to practice under a modified practice agreement, which may be signed by more than one participating physician and would allow physician assistants to practice pursuant to the practice agreement without supervision from a physician. For questions on this issue, contact Katie Kolan at <a href="mailto:kak@wsma.org">kak@wsma.org</a>.
</p>
<h3>
Other priorities still in play
</h3>
<p>
Priorities that are tied to the budget, such as the potential increase in the business and occupation (B&amp;O) tax on physician services and proposals related to the integration of mental and physical health (including an increase in Medicaid primary care reimbursement), are still very much alive. Legislative budget proposals are expected to be introduced by late March.
</p>
<h3>
What's next
</h3>
<p>
The next deadline in the life of bills in Olympia is Wednesday, March 13, when bills must be voted out of their house of origin (with the notable exception of HB 1074 , each of the above bills await a vote on the floor of their respective house of origin in anticipation of the March 13 deadline).
</p>
<p>
See our <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/February/legislative_session_update_public_option_vaccines_tobacco_21_and_more">Feb. 25 session update</a> published in our online <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/News_Publications/Latest_News/Advocacy_Report/WSMA/News_Publications/Newsletters/WSMA_Advocacy_Report.aspx?hkey=fbce906b-dbfb-4af3-8790-11f84275cf1e">Advocacy Report</a> for more session highlights, and be sure to watch our&nbsp;<a href="https://vimeo.com/319232393">legislative update video</a> with WSMA Director of Legislative Affairs Katie Kolan, JD, the first in a new series of key highlights from session.
</p>
</div> | 2/27/2019 12:18:04 PM | 2/27/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| medical_commission_releases_timeline_and_workshop_for_proposed_fee_increases | Medical Commission Releases Timeline and Workshop for Proposed Fee Increases | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190227/medical_commission_releases_timeline_and_workshop_for_proposed_fee_increases | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/News/steth-money-645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
February 27, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Medical Commission Releases Timeline and Workshop for Proposed Fee Increases</h2>
<p>
After stating its intention to raise license renewal fees for several health professions, including allopathic physicians and physician assistants, the Washington Medical Commission has now issued an anticipated timeline for rulemaking and announced a public workshop to share information with the affected professions.
</p>
<p>
The commission's proposed fee increase for MDs and PAs <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20181226/wsma_pushes_back_on_state_plans_to_raise_physician_licensure_fees?WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">remains unchanged</a>: The proposal would raise physicians' renewal fees 54 percent (from $657 to $1012) and physician assistants' renewal fees 96 percent (from $202 to $396). The commission has explained that the fee increases are necessary to meet a state requirement that health professions be self-supporting, which includes correcting for budget deficits and covering program cost overruns.
</p>
<p>
To provide an overview of these costs, the Department of Health is inviting stakeholders and licensees to attend a public workshop this Thursday, Feb. 28, starting at 11:30 a.m. The MD/PA increase will be discussed from 11:50 a.m.-12:10 p.m. The workshop can be attended in person or remotely. See the <a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/WMCFeeWorkshopEventInfoandCostDrivers_1.pdf" target="_blank">WMC announcement</a> for information on how to join the meeting. The WSMA's Jeb Shepard be in attendance representing the WSMA.
</p>
<p>
The commission has issued the following timeline for rulemaking (all dates 2019):
</p>
<ul>
<li>Feb. 28 – Stakeholder meeting to provide overview of program costs. </li>
<li>March (day TBD) – File proposed fee rules (CR-102).</li>
<li>April (day TBD) – Hold hearing on proposed fee rules.</li>
<li>June (day TBD) – Adopt final fee rules (CR-103).</li>
<li>Starting July – Send out renewal notices with new fee amount.</li>
<li>Oct. 1 – Effective date of new fees.</li>
</ul>
<p>
The WSMA continues to oppose the fee increases—see this recent <a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/feb/24/doctors-physician-and-nursing-assistants-would-pay/">Spokesman-Review article</a> as well as <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20181226/wsma_pushes_back_on_state_plans_to_raise_physician_licensure_fees?WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">our formal comment letter</a> to the commission for more on our position. Be on the lookout for calls to action on this issue once rulemaking is initiated in March
</p>
<p>
For questions on this issue, contact Hailey Hamilton in our Olympia office at <a href="mailto:hailey@wsma.org">hailey@wsma.org</a> or 360.352.4848.
</p>
</div> | 2/27/2019 12:09:15 PM | 2/27/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| the_invisible_man_in_the_room_who_can_dictate_care_daily_herald_looks_at_dangers_of_step_therapy | The Invisible Man in the Room Who Can Dictate Care - Daily Herald Looks at Dangers of Step Therapy | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190227/the_invisible_man_in_the_room_who_can_dictate_care_daily_herald_looks_at_dangers_of_step_therapy | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
February 27, 2019
</h5>
<h2>The Invisible Man in the Room Who Can Dictate Care - Daily Herald Looks at Dangers of Step Therapy</h2>
<p>
ICYMI: The Daily Herald recently published a disturbing look at how step therapies used by insurers (the "<a href="https://www.heraldnet.com/news/when-doctor-says-yes-and-insurer-says-no-what-do-you-do/">invisible man in the room who can dictate care</a>") can interfere with needed treatment, shining a light on this burdensome and often overwhelming process. The WSMA is supporting a bill this session, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1879&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">House Bill 1879</a>, to help reform these practices.
</p>
<p>
Insurers use step therapy, a form of prior authorization, to override a prescriber's recommendation for the best treatment. However, as the <a href="https://www.heraldnet.com/news/when-doctor-says-yes-and-insurer-says-no-what-do-you-do/">Daily Herald story illustrates</a>, the rules around step therapies can often be unclear and complex, with associated delays creating unnecessary and potentially harmful barriers to good care.
</p>
<p>
HB 1879 would help to regulate step therapy protocols and help ensure stability for patients relying on certain treatments. The bill would:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Require clinical review criteria used in step therapy protocols be based on clinical practice guidelines.</li>
<li>Require insurers to respond to patient appeals within 72 hours.</li>
<li>Require insurers to ensure the appeals process is clear to physicians and patients.</li>
</ul>
<p>
HB 1879 has been referred to the House Rules Committee.
</p>
</div> | 2/27/2019 12:27:30 PM | 2/27/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| tobacco_21_bill_moves_out_of_the_house_ahead_of_deadline | Tobacco 21 Bill Moves Out of the House Ahead of Deadline | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190227/tobacco_21_bill_moves_out_of_the_house_ahead_of_deadline | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/News/tobacco_vaping_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
February 27, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Tobacco 21 Bill Moves Out of the House Ahead of Deadline</h2>
<p>
Bills currently being debated in the state Legislature must be voted out of their house of origin by March 13 or be considered "dead" for the remainder of session. In a promising development, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1074&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">House Bill 1074</a>, a proposal to increase the minimum legal age of sale of tobacco and vapor products from 18 to 21, has been voted out of the House and is now headed to the Senate for consideration.
</p>
<p>
The final vote count in the House was 66 yeas and 30 nays, with two lawmakers absent for the vote. Tobacco 21's Senate companion bill, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5057&amp;Chamber=Senate&amp;Year=2019">SB 5057</a>, has been referred to the Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee, and awaits a floor vote ahead of the March 13 deadline.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA identified tobacco 21 as a key <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2019/Washington_physicians_in_Olympia_on_Feb._7_to_talk_to_lawmakers_on_behalf_of_patients_and_profession">advocacy priority for the 2019 WSMA Legislative Summit</a> and joins a large coalition of health care organizations in supporting the legislation. This will be the third—and hopefully final—year the Legislature has attempted to raise the purchase age for tobacco products. Keep an eye out for potential calls to action to help support these bills.
</p>
</div> | 2/27/2019 12:26:08 PM | 2/27/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_continues_push_as_vaccine_exemption_bills_move_forward_in_the_legislature | WSMA Continues Push as Vaccine Exemption Bills Move Forward in the Legislature | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190227/wsma_continues_push_as_vaccine_exemption_bills_move_forward_in_the_legislature | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/News/vaccination_arm_and_shot.v2_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
February 27, 2019
</h5>
<h2>WSMA Continues Push as Vaccine Exemption Bills Move Forward in the Legislature</h2>
<p>
Two policy proposals that aim to raise our state's vaccination rates for childhood vaccines, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5841&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">Senate Bill 5841</a> and <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1638&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">House Bill 1638</a>, continue to gain traction in Olympia, with the WSMA continuing to provide strong support, both in the media and in the Legislature.
</p>
<p>
Both bills would <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190213/wsma_backs_legislative_efforts_to_strengthen_washington_states_immunization_policy">eliminate the personal and philosophical exemption for child immunization requirements</a>—SB 5841 for all vaccinations and HB 1638 for just the MMR vaccine. The WSMA identified the issue as a<a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2019/Washington_physicians_in_Olympia_on_Feb._7_to_talk_to_lawmakers_on_behalf_of_patients_and_profession"> key priority during the WSMA Legislative Summit earlier this month</a> and continues to provide clinician expertise in testimony before lawmakers:
</p>
<p>
SB 5841 was heard by the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care on Wednesday, Feb. 20. WSMA member and former Snohomish Public Health Officer Gary Goldbaum, MD, testified in support of the legislation on a panel with Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman, Robyn Rodgers, MD, representing the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Roy Magnusson, MD, an executive at PeaceHealth in Vancouver.
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://vimeo.com/319953421">Watch excerpts from their testimony and a press conference on SB 5841</a> (6:26).
</p>
<p>
To help educate the public and lawmakers on the importance of these immunizations, the WSMA is highlighting first-person perspectives from our members on the deadly nature of the diseases vaccines help prevent—and why access to vaccines is a privilege to be taken seriously.
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2019/wsma_doctor_polio_survivor_take_it_from_me_childhood_diseases_are_dangerous.aspx?WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">WSMA Doctor and Polio Survivor: Take It from Me, Childhood Diseases Are Dangerous</a> (press release)
<br />
<a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/February/dr_kelly_larson_why_i_testified_in_support_of_house_bill_1638_and_stronger_vaccination_policy">Dr. Kelly Larson: Why I Testified in Support of House Bill 1638 and Stronger Vaccination Policy</a> (Member Perspectives column, published on the WSMA website)
</p>
<p>
Both bills currently await floor votes to move out of their houses of origin. Be on the lookout for potential calls to action to help support these important bills.
</p>
</div> | 2/27/2019 12:24:33 PM | 2/27/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| new_video_series_legislative_session_updates_with_wsma_katie_kolan | New video series: Legislative session updates with WSMA’s Katie Kolan | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Advocacy_Report/2019/new_video_series_legislative_session_updates_with_wsma_katie_kolan | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/Advocacy/Katie-Leg-Summary2-22-19-645x425.jpeg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>February 26, 2019
</h5>
<h2>New video series: Legislative session updates with WSMA's Katie Kolan</h2>
<p>
To help keep members informed during the state legislative session, we've launched a new video series, WSMA Olympia Updates with Katie Kolan, and will occasionally feature other members of WSMA's legislative team. The videos will provide a short update on the status of bills we're supporting or opposing, what we testified on, previews of the week ahead, other developments from session. Check out our first installment covering week six of session <a href="https://vimeo.com/319232393">here</a>.
</p>
</div> | 3/6/2019 1:13:26 PM | 2/26/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| legislative_session_update_public_option_vaccines_tobacco_21_and_more | Legislative Session Update: Public Option, Vaccines, Tobacco 21, and More | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/February/legislative_session_update_public_option_vaccines_tobacco_21_and_more | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Advocacy/LS_legislative_bldg_white-greybckgrd-645px.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>February 25, 2019</h5>
<h2>Legislative Session Update: Public Option, Vaccines, Tobacco 21, and More</h2>
<p>
A brief rundown of WSMA priority health care legislation heard in committees during week six of the state legislative session, and what's in store for this week.
</p>
<h3>Week six (Feb. 18-22) highlights</h3>
<p>
(HB = House Bill; SB = Senate Bill)
</p>
<p>
<strong>Cascade Care</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5526&amp;Chamber=Senate&amp;Year=2019">SB 5526</a>, increasing the availability of quality, affordable health coverage in the individual market, was heard by the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care on Monday, Feb. 18. This bill is commonly referred to as the "public option" legislation. WSMA's Sean Graham testified to our concerns with this legislation (specifically around the health plan reimbursing physicians at Medicare rates), while also noting our support for increasing and improving health insurance options for the residents of our state. The committee took executive action on the bill on Tuesday.
</p>
<p>
<strong>State law consistent with the ACA</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5805&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">SSB 5805</a> would make state law consistent with selected federal consumer protections in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This bill was heard by the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care Committee on Monday, Feb. 18. The committee took executive action on the bill on Tuesday, Feb. 19. The WSMA supports this legislation.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Pathways to universal health care systems</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5822&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SSB 5822</a>, providing a pathway to establish a universal health care system for the residents of Washington state, was heard by the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care Committee on Monday, Feb. 18. The committee took executive action on the bill on Tuesday, Feb. 19.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Notifications of sanctions to patients for sexual misconduct </strong>– <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1198&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SHB 1198</a> would require health care providers sanctioned for sexual misconduct to notify patients, and was referred to the House Rules Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 19. Amendments to this bill would also require the license holder to include a copy of the public order or stipulation in the disclosure and maintain a signed copy of the disclosure in the patient's file. The WSMA is neutral with these amendments.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Health professional fee setting rules </strong>– <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1753&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1753</a> would require a statement of inquiry, or CR-101, to be filed for rulemaking that would affect fees related to health professions, requiring an additional notice and public comment period. The House Health Care &amp; Wellness Committee took executive action on this legislation on Tuesday, Feb. 19.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Non-compete clauses</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5478&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">SSB 5478</a> concerns the restraints on persons engaging in lawful professions, trade, or businesses and the use of noncompete clauses. The Senate Rules Committee added this bill to the <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/far/Senate/Calendar">Order of Consideration</a> on Tuesday, Feb. 19.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Tobacco 21</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1074&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1074</a> was voted out of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Feb. 20 with a final vote count of 66 yeas, 30 nays, and 2 absent. This legislation seeks to protect youth from tobacco and vapor products by increasing the minimum legal age of sale of tobacco and vapor products from 18 to 21. The WSMA supports this legislation.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Vaccines</strong>– <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5841&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">SB 5841</a>, promoting immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases by removing the personal and philosophical exemption for all childhood vaccines, was heard by the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care on Wednesday, Feb. 20. WSMA member Gary Goldbaum, MD, testified in support of the legislation on a panel with Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman, and Robyn Rodgers, MD. Watch a <a href="https://vimeo.com/319048588">short video of their testimony here</a>. The committee took executive action on the bill on Friday, Feb. 22. The WSMA supports this bill and&nbsp;<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1638&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1638</a>.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Qui tam</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1965&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1965</a> would allow individuals to seek qui tam action on behalf of the state if employers violate a number of statutes pertaining to workplace law, including but not limited to health care facility employee overtime, safety in health care settings, and health care whistleblower retaliation protection. The House Labor &amp; Workplace Standards Committee took executive action on Thursday, Feb 21. The WSMA opposes this legislation.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Naturopaths</strong> – The House Health Care &amp; Wellness Committee took executive action on <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1630&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1630</a> on Friday, Feb 22. During this executive action, the committee adopted amendments to the bill that would still allow a scope expansion for naturopaths and would require naturopaths to practice under a supervision agreement with a licensed physician, similar to PAs. The WSMA opposes this bill.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Athletic trainers</strong> – The Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care Committee held a public hearing and took executive action on SB 5688 on Friday, Feb. 22. This legislation would permit athletic trainers to purchase, store, and administer over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers and topical anesthetics, and to administer medications "consistent with this section" to a minor in settings other than schools, if the minor's parent or guardian provides written consent. The WSMA is opposed to this legislation.
</p>
<h3>What to expect this week (Feb. 25-March 1)</h3>
<p>
Work sessions and legislative hearings will be held on the following priority issues:
</p>
<p>
<strong>Surrogate Decision Makers and Advance Directives</strong>– <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1175&amp;Year=2019&amp;initiative=">EHB 1175</a> is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Law &amp; Justice Committee on Monday, Feb. 25. This legislation modifies provisions relating to surrogate decision makers, informed consent, and advance directives. The WSMA supports this legislation.
</p>
<p>
<strong>UW behavioral health campus</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1593&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">HB 1593</a> is scheduled for a public hearing on Monday Feb. 25 in the House Capital Budget Committee. This legislation would establish a behavioral health innovation and integration campus within the UW School of Medicine. The WSMA supports this legislation.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Taxation of vapor and tobacco products</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1873&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1873</a> would include vapor products in the definition of tobacco products for the purpose of state sales tax, and dedicates the sales tax on vapor products to the essential public health services account. This legislation is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Finance Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 26. The WSMA supports this legislation.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Maternal mortality</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5425&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SSB 5425</a> extends and expands the state's maternal mortality review panel. It allows the MMR panel to engage in quality improvement activities, clarifies what constitutes a maternal death, and stipulates privacy and data security requirements. This legislation is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 26. The WSMA supports this legislation.
</p>
<h3>Bill Introductions</h3>
<p>
A new bill introduced during the week of Feb. 18-22.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Health system transparency </strong>– <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2036&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">HB 2036</a> was introduced by Rep. Nicole Macri. This legislation proposes, among other items, to update reporting requirements for hospitals and applies the same requirements to ambulatory surgical facilities. The WSMA has spoken with the bill sponsor and she has indicated that the bill will not be considered during the 2019 session, but that she does intend to pursue the issue in the legislative interim and going into next year.
</p>
<h3>Policy cutoff deadlines</h3>
<p>
The life of a bill is partly determined by its ability to survive several established deadlines. Friday marked the first "cutoff," or deadline, of the 2019 legislative session: policy committee cutoff. This is the date by which bills must be approved by the policy committee they have been assigned to. The fiscal committee cutoff is next Friday, March 1 and the house of origin cutoff is Wednesday, March 13.
Learn More
</p>
<p>
See previous updates <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/February/Legislative_session_update_tobacco_21_naturopaths_vaccinations_and_more">here</a>, <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/February/Legislative_session_update__Balance_billing__tobacco_21__vaccinations__and_more">here</a>, <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/February/Legislative_session_update__Rx_transparency__telemedicine__public_option_and_more">here</a>, and <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190123/legislative_session_begins_a_look_at_health_care_bills_were_tracking">here</a>. For an overview of WSMA's legislative agenda for 2019, see <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190109/a_look_at_wsmas_advocacy_agenda_on_eve_of_state_legislative_session">this Membership Memo article</a>. Interested in testifying on a bill or issue you care about? Contact Hailey Hamilton at <a href="mailto:hailey@wsma.org">hailey@wsma.org</a> to learn more.
</p>
</div> | 2/25/2019 12:21:07 PM | 2/25/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| dr_kelly_larson_why_i_testified_in_support_of_house_bill_1638_and_stronger_vaccination_policy | Dr. Kelly Larson: Why I Testified in Support of House Bill 1638 and Stronger Vaccination Policy | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/February/dr_kelly_larson_why_i_testified_in_support_of_house_bill_1638_and_stronger_vaccination_policy | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/News/Member-Perspectives-Kelly-Larson-645-425.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>February 20, 2019</h5>
<h2>Dr. Kelly Larson: Why I Testified in Support of House Bill 1638 and Stronger Vaccination Policy</h2>
<p>
<em>The following opinion piece comes courtesy of WSMA member Kelly Larson, MD, a family medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente's Olympia Medical Center in Olympia. If you have a story you'd like to share with your fellow WSMA members, let us know at <a href="mailto:editors@wsma.org">editors@wsma.org</a>.</em>
</p>
<p>
The latest measles outbreak in Washington state brings back memories of a place and time where I witnessed firsthand how deadly that disease can be.
</p>
<p>
In 2012, I was an active-duty navy physician deployed on a medical mission in Nigeria. I was discussing the day's events with the local public health nurse; in particular, a case of measles in an infant who had almost no hope of surviving.
</p>
<p>
The nurse asked me "Is it true that in America, anyone who wants a measles vaccine can get it for free, but some people refuse because they think it causes autism?" I answered in the affirmative, but for her and her associates, it was impossible to imagine that people who had access to a vaccine would choose not to take advantage of it.
</p>
<p>
Later that day, I went to use the restroom. When I opened the door, a goat standing on top of the commode greeted me with a bleat. Startled, I audibly overreacted. But in that moment, it occurred to me that even here in this place with a tin roof, a dirt floor, and a goat in the john, they understood that vaccines are safe and necessary to save lives. I realized then that we've lost sight of just how deadly this 100 percent preventable disease can be.
</p>
<p>
And that's why I took time away from my family medicine practice at Olympia Medical Center on Friday, Feb. 8 to testify in support of <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1638&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1638</a> in front of the House Health Care &amp; Wellness Committee. Lawmakers were to receive public testimony on a bill that would remove the personal or philosophical exemption from the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. If this bill passes, children in Washington state's public schools can only opt out of MMR vaccine with medical consent from their physician.
</p>
<p>
I arrived an hour early, confident I would arrive in plenty of time to register to give public testimony. I thought only a dedicated few people would stand in line for an hour in 30-degree temperatures. I was right about the "dedicated" part, but wrong about the "few."
</p>
<p>
By 7 a.m., hundreds of people were in line, and they were nearly all anti-vaccine advocates, many brought in by coach buses from Seattle and Spokane. I was in the middle of an anti-vaccine rally—a grassroots campaign effectively organized on social media. I had to display my Kaiser Permanente physician badge to prevent participants from handing me propaganda. I overheard conversations about "being in this fight together" and "my child, my choice."
</p>
<p>
The committee decided to forgo public testimony, electing instead to hear testimony from physicians, physician scientists, and "vaccine injury experts" who were invited by the committee to speak. The supporting testimonies were by pediatricians and public health physicians who live and work in Washington state. The opposition testimonies were by a physician, biochemist, and ethics professor who were from Illinois. California, and New York. Even Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke against the bill, adding to the media and political buzz.
</p>
<p>
His comments reflected much of what I heard all morning:</p>
<ul>
<li>Measles is not that serious of a disease. Reports on morbidity and mortality of measles are overreported, or even fraudulent. Nobody died of measles when he was a kid, it wasn't until after they started mandating MMR vaccine that there were death reports from measles infections.</li>
<li>Pharmaceutical companies are knowingly poisoning people because they don't care and vaccines are so profitable.</li>
<li>Vaccinations cause irreparable harm and are the cause for countless morbid diseases (autism, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.), all of which have skyrocketed since the introduction of vaccinations. </li>
</ul>
<p>
His remarks received enthusiastic support from the crowd. The woman next to me wept, saying, "Finally someone is publicly stating what we all know to be true." I heard comments about "sheeple" and that people who vaccinate need to "think for themselves." When testimony was given on the danger of measles, the crowd jeered, "No more lies!"
</p>
<p>
The reason I'm writing in this detail is because I was naïve. I had no idea about the extent of the opposition, so I'm presuming you don't either. This movement is loud, passionate, and organized.
</p>
<p>
I saw HB 1638 potentially as progress, but now it feels like a hopeless cause. Even if legislators can ignore the pseudo-science and the junk science, it will be hard for them to ignore the vast numbers of constituents that demand to be heard.
</p>
<p>
When the anti-vaccine advocates called vaccine supporters "sheeple" and when the physician testimonies were met with a bleat, I thought of that goat in the john. Sometimes your purpose in life is to serve as a warning to others. We are physicians. Let's speak up.
</p>
<p>
<em>Note from the WSMA editors: Membership in the WSMA allows the medical association to advocate on behalf of physicians and physician assistants in Washington on critical issues such as vaccines. WSMA members should be on the lookout for opportunities to engage on the vaccine exemption issue this legislative session. And make sure to attend our <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Events/Legislative_Summit/WSMA/Events/Legislative_Summit/Legislative_Summit.aspx?hkey=ec5e0510-cee2-4aa9-b549-905d63952454">WSMA Legislative Summit</a> in February 2020!</em>
</p>
</div> | 2/20/2019 9:39:57 AM | 2/20/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_doctor_polio_survivor_take_it_from_me_childhood_diseases_are_dangerous | WSMA Doctor and Polio Survivor: Take It from Me, Childhood Diseases Are Dangerous | Advocacy | News/Press_Releases/2019/wsma_doctor_polio_survivor_take_it_from_me_childhood_diseases_are_dangerous | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/News/Goldbaum_Gary-HB1638-2-8-2019-645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>February 20, 2019</h5>
<h2>WSMA Doctor and Polio Survivor: Take It from Me, Childhood Diseases Are Dangerous</h2>
<p>Olympia, Wash. - Gary Goldbaum, MD, and his brother are polio survivors. Before vaccines were available, Dr. Goldbaum and his brother contracted poliomyelitis. "I have a photo of my brother in a wheelchair and braces while he endured months of physical and occupational therapy to support his recovery," Dr. Goldbaum said. "The days of iron lungs to treat polio are now behind us - thanks to vaccines."
</p>
<p>
Dr. Goldbaum will be representing the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) in Olympia on Feb. 20 testifying before the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care Committee giving his firsthand account of the life-threatening dangers that diseases, once considered nearly eliminated, can pose to a whole new generation of children. "Before vaccines were available, infectious diseases including measles killed thousands and hospitalized tens of thousands nationwide. We must do all we can to keep that Pandora's box from opening again in our state," he said.
</p>
<p>
Goldbaum, a former health officer and director of the Snohomish Health District, remembers the pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak and the H1N1 influenza pandemic, when unvaccinated Snohomish County residents fell victim to these dangerous diseases, and some died. "I do not wish to see such events like this occur again in our state," he said.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA, together with the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP), support the elimination of personal and philosophical vaccine exemptions for school, child care, and preschool immunization requirements (Senate Bill 5841) to strengthen our state's immunization policy and protect our communities. Vaccines are safe—they are rigorously tested for safety before being approved for use.
</p>
<p>
Vaccinations are very important in protecting our most vulnerable citizens—newborns and those with compromised immune systems, such as persons undergoing cancer treatment—who cannot be vaccinated. In order to protect them, it's critical that we vaccinate more than 95 percent of the population, often called "herd immunity." Unfortunately, Washington state fails to reach this level of vaccination of our population, and one of the primary reasons is parents exempting their children for personal and philosophical reasons. Washington is one of only 17 states in the nation that allow for a personal/philosophical exemption.
</p>
<p>
"We know that if these personal/philosophical exemptions are eliminated we will see vaccination rates rise, be-cause states that have eliminated this exemption have proven it," said Tom Schaaf, MD, president of the WSMA. "And when vaccine rates rise, not only are vaccinated people protected, but so are others in the community who cannot be vaccinated, because their potential for exposure to dangerous diseases drops as the number of vaccinated people increase in their community."
</p>
<p>
<em>Pictured: Gary Goldbaum MD, earlier this month testifying before lawmakers in the House Health Care &amp; Wellness Committee in support of a proposal to eliminate the personal and philosophical exemption for childrens' measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (House Bill 1638).</em>
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong></p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a></p>
<p>
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883 cell/text<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 2/20/2019 12:22:54 PM | 2/20/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| Legislative_session_update_tobacco_21_naturopaths_vaccinations_and_more | Legislative session update: Tobacco 21, Naturopaths, Vaccinations, and More | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/February/Legislative_session_update_tobacco_21_naturopaths_vaccinations_and_more | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Advocacy/LS_legislative_bldg-645px.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>February 19, 2019</h5>
<h2>Legislative Session Update: Tobacco 21, Naturopaths, Vaccinations, and More</h2>
<p>
A brief rundown of WSMA priority health care legislation heard in committees during week five of the state legislative session, and what's in store for this week.
</p>
<h3>
Week five (Feb. 11-15) highlights
</h3>
<p>
(HB = House Bill; SB = Senate Bill)
</p>
<p>
<strong>Utilization management in prescription drug benefits</strong> – <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2019&amp;BillNumber=1879">
</a> requires that clinical review criteria used to establish a prescription drug utilization management protocol be based on certain clinical practice guidelines and also requires a patient/physician exception process to step-therapy processes. WSMA testified in support of this bill. The bill is awaiting executive action in committee.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
<strong>Tobacco 21</strong> – Executive action was taken in the House Appropriations Committee on <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1074&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">
</a> on Feb. 13. The next step for this bill is to be considered by the full House of Representatives by March 13. This legislation and its companion, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1074&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SB 5057</a>, seek to protect youth from tobacco and vapor products by increasing the minimum legal age of sale of tobacco and vapor products from 18 to 21. The WSMA supports this legislation.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Naturopath scope </strong>– <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1630&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1630</a>, on Wednesday, Feb. 13. WSMA’s Katie Kolan and Second Vice President Mika Sinanan, MD, testified in opposition to this legislation.
<a href="https://vimeo.com/317177088">Watch a brief video of WSMA testimony</a>.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Foundational Public Health Services</strong> – Executive action was taken on <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1497&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1497</a> in the House Health Care &amp; Wellness Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 13. This bill passed out of the House Health Care &amp; Wellness Committee as a substitute. The WSMA supports this bill.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
<strong>Use of remote technology in eye exams</strong> – <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2019&amp;BillNumber=5759">SB 5759</a> was heard by the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 13. WSMA’s contract lobbyist Roman Daniels-Brown testified in opposition to this legislation.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Vaccinations</strong> – Executive action was taken on <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1638&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">
</a> on Friday, Feb. 15. This bill would promote immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases by removing the personal and philosophical exemption for the MMR vaccine.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Health professional fee setting rules</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1753&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1753</a> would require a statement of inquiry, or CR-101, to be filed for rulemaking that would affect fees related to health professions, requiring an additional notice and public comment period. HB 1753 was heard by the House Health Care &amp; Wellness Committee on Friday, Feb. 15. WSMA’s Katie Kolan testified in support of this legislation.
</p>
<h3>What to expect this week (Feb. 18-22)</h3>
<p>
Work sessions and legislative hearings will be held on the following priority issues:
</p>
<p>
<strong>Cascade Care </strong>– <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5526&amp;Chamber=Senate&amp;Year=2019">SB 5526</a>, which would increase the availability of quality, affordable health coverage in the individual market, is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care on Monday, Feb. 18. The WSMA will be testifying to our concerns with this legislation (specifically around the health plan reimbursing physicians at Medicare rates), while also noting our support for increasing and improving health insurance options for the residents of our state.
</p>
<p>
<strong>State law consistent with the ACA </strong>– <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5805&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">SB 5805</a>, which would make state law consistent with selected federal consumer protections in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care on Monday, Feb. 18. The WSMA supports this legislation.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Pathways to universal health care systems </strong>– <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5822&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">SB 5822</a>, which would provide a pathway to establish a universal health care system for the residents of Washington state, is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care on Monday, Feb. 18. The WSMA has concerns about this bill.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Health professional fee setting rules </strong>– <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1753&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">HB 1753</a> is scheduled for executive session on Wednesday, Feb. 20 or Friday, Feb. 22. The WSMA supports this legislation, which would require a statement of inquiry, or CR-101, to be filed for rulemaking that would affect fees related to health professions, requiring an additional notice and public comment period.
</p>
<h3>Bill introductions</h3>
<p>
A new bill introduced during the week of Feb. 11-15.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Health system transparency </strong>– <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2036&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">HB 2036</a> was introduced by Rep. Nicole Macri. This legislation proposes, among other items, to update reporting requirements for hospitals and applies the same requirements to ambulatory surgical facilities. The WSMA has spoken with the bill sponsor and she has indicated that the bill will not be considered during the 2019 session, but that she does intend to pursue the issue in the legislative interim and going into next year.
</p>
<h3>Policy cutoff deadlines</h3>
<p>
The life of a bill is partly determined by its ability to survive several established deadline, and several are approaching: This Friday, Feb. 22, when bills must pass out of their committee (barring a few exceptions), and Wednesday, March 13, which is when bills must pass out of their house of origin.
</p>
<h3>Learn more</h3>
<p>
See previous updates <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/February/Legislative_session_update__Balance_billing__tobacco_21__vaccinations__and_more">here</a>, <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/February/Legislative_session_update__Rx_transparency__telemedicine__public_option_and_more">here</a>, and <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190123/legislative_session_begins_a_look_at_health_care_bills_were_tracking">here</a>. For an overview of WSMA’s legislative agenda for 2019, see <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190109/a_look_at_wsmas_advocacy_agenda_on_eve_of_state_legislative_session">this Membership Memo article</a>. Interested in testifying on a bill or issue you care about? Contact Hailey Hamilton at <a href="mailto:hailey@wsma.org">hailey@wsma.org</a> to learn more.
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</div> | 2/19/2019 1:29:51 PM | 2/19/2019 12:00:00 AM |