| scotus_overturns_roe_wsma_and_washington_state_law_primed_to_protect_patients | SCOTUS Overturns Roe: WSMA and Washington State Law Primed to Protect Patients | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/June_24/scotus_overturns_roe_wsma_and_washington_state_law_primed_to_protect_patients | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/june/us-supreme-court-sun-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="US Supreme Court building" /></div>
<h5>June 24, 2022</h5>
<h2>SCOTUS Overturns Roe: WSMA and Washington State Law Primed to Protect Patients</h2>
<p>
Today the U.S. Supreme Court released an opinion undercutting the longstanding legal precedent established by Roe v. Wade and the federal protections to legally obtain an abortion. While today's decision in <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/19-1392_6j37.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization</a> requires further analysis - and some impacts may take time to play out - it is important for WSMA members to be aware of where things stand in our state.
</p>
<p>
Washington state has strong laws in place that ensure abortion services will remain legal here regardless of the ruling, but other states may set their own abortion policies that could restrict or ban the procedure, as well as impacting access to other reproductive health care services. Abortion is health care, and based on WSMA policy we will advocate at both the state and federal levels to ensure that patients seeking abortions, clinicians performing them, and any individuals providing assistance will not incur undue liability under the laws of Washington state or other states.
</p>
<p>
The professional health care regulators of the state of Washington recognize that the Supreme Court's decision may raise practice concerns for physicians, physician assistants, and health care practitioners. In advance of today's ruling, last week the Washington State Medical Commission, Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, and Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission released a set of <a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/news/wa-regulation-health-professionals-and-abortions-faq">frequently asked questions</a> to clarify how Washington regulators will continue to address practice matters related to abortion and reproductive care.
</p>
<p>
The FAQ includes:
</p>
<ul>
<li>What is the history of abortion laws in Washington state?</li>
<li>Will abortions remain legal in Washington state?</li>
<li>How do state regulators determine discipline and licensure if Roe v. Wade is overturned?</li>
<li>Who may perform an abortion in Washington state?</li>
<li>May a pharmacist dispense hormonal, non-hormonal, or emergency contraceptives in Washington State?</li>
</ul>
</div> | 6/24/2022 9:24:26 AM | 6/24/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| davies_v_multicare_supreme_court_gets_it_right | Davies v. MultiCare: Supreme Court Gets It Right | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/June_24/davies_v_multicare_supreme_court_gets_it_right | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/june/stethoscope-on-table-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope on a table" /></div>
<h5>June 24, 2022</h5>
<h2>Davies v. MultiCare: Supreme Court Gets It Right</h2>
<p><em>We've invited WSMA's Immediate Past President Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, to report out on the latest news regarding Davies v. MultiCare.</em></p>
<p>In June, the Supreme Court of the State of Washington made the right decision to keep the legal theories of medical malpractice and informed consent separate. The appeals court in Davies v. MultiCare had originally ruled that failure to offer a patient a study that you did not feel was indicated was a failure of informed consent. This ruling had the potential to dramatically change the nature of patient care by requiring disclosure of an infinite list of tests that you did not do. It also would invite patients to potentially demand inappropriate and dangerous tests with the threat of failure to provide informed consent if not offered.</p>
<p>Due to the potential danger to patients and physicians alike, your WSMA engaged in an amicus brief in support of the defendants to the Supreme Court to overturn this ruling. The court wisely overruled the appeals court and once more established the difference between medical malpractice and informed consent. Informed consent cannot be used as a theory for failure to test or treat for a condition that you did not diagnose and ruled out, either clinically or through other testing. Cases of failure to diagnose will remain an issue in medical malpractice as they had been previously. In the end, keep doing great medical care and the appropriate indicated tests without worry that failure to offer every test will be a failure of informed consent.</p>
<p><em>--Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD</em></p>
</div> | 6/21/2022 1:18:50 PM | 6/23/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| full_medicare_sequester_will_be_applied_on_july_1 | Full Medicare Sequester Will Be Applied on July 1 | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/June_24/full_medicare_sequester_will_be_applied_on_july_1 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/june/medicare-barcode-645px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Medicar barcode" /></div>
<h5>June 24, 2022</h5>
<h2>Full Medicare Sequester Will Be Applied on July 1</h2>
<p>On July 1, the full 2% Medicare sequester is set to <a href="https://www.cms.gov/outreach-and-educationoutreachffsprovpartprogprovider-partnership-email-archive/2021-12-16-mlnc?mkt_tok=MTQ0LUFNSi02MzkAAAGFL2zEkvuccEqvy2k2OvsN89iZ0tsbQcymMK8To_VHOY1-uWCm_LDX6Sdu5pYDL-sGFGxjLxZZIXedMVIwYgVPxwzg2w0rMKhNKhi74zV60g#_Toc90391082">phase-in</a>. Effective since 2013, the Medicare sequester was suspended early in the pandemic by The Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act along the following timeline:</p>
<ul>
<li>No payment adjustment through March 31, 2022</li>
<li>1% payment adjustment April 1 - June 30, 2022</li>
<li>2% payment adjustment beginning July 1, 2022</li>
</ul>
<p>Looking ahead to 2023, physicians are facing a combined 7-10% Medicare reimbursement cut. Earlier this year, the WSMA met with and <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2022/wsma-comment-federal-flexibilities-sen-murray.pdf]">sent letters</a>&nbsp;to every member of Washington state's congressional delegation noting "We are deeply alarmed about the growing financial instability of the Medicare and Medicaid physician payment systems due to a confluence of fiscal uncertainties physician practices face related to the ongoing pandemic, statutory payment cuts, lack of inflationary updates, and significant administrative barriers." The WSMA goes on to urge our members of Congress to make significant investments in the stability of the Medicare payment system.</p>
<p>The WSMA is also one of over 100 organizations to endorse the AMA's Medicare Payment Reform Principles. The <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/characteristics-rational-medicare-payment-principles-signatories.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Characteristics of a Rational Medicare Physician Payment System</a>, which, among other things, urges Congress to aim for simplicity, relevance, alignment, and predictability for physician practices and the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services.</p>
<p>Stay tuned for opportunities to engage with your congressional delegation in advance of 2023 to let them know that after several years of financial uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the expected Jan. 1, 2023 payment cuts would have devastating impact on practice viability and access to patient care.</p>
</div> | 6/21/2022 1:18:42 PM | 6/23/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| new_telehealth_guidance_from_hhs | New Telehealth Guidance from HHS | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/June_24/new_telehealth_guidance_from_hhs | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/june/telemedicine-patient-laptop-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Telemedicine patient at laptop" /></div>
<h5>June 24, 2022</h5>
<h2>New Telehealth Guidance from HHS</h2>
<p>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/hipaa-audio-telehealth/index.html?mkt_tok=MTQ0LUFNSi02MzkAAAGFC18vlezOD_i-3cCLHh3fi6OviRbBhalojD2tu6dg_ayOESDQZ6RKnCRbL-9FF-ZiHLObzR3uP6YKhi2eCV4qQjPwtVziiDg4_UK4y7GGlg#footnote1_ahe58oj?utm_source=nl-gov-ed-washington-connection-2022-06-16&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=government-affairs">new guidance</a> this week surrounding telehealth and HIPAA compliance following the eventual conclusion of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Throughout the pandemic, HHS instituted various flexibilities tied to the PHE that waive many of the generally applicable rules governing Medicare telehealth services. While largely not new information, HHS' guidance does provide helpful clarifications surrounding when the Office for Civil Rights will stop utilizing enforcement discretion, as well as important clarifications on audio-only telehealth visits which were not reimbursable under Medicare prior to the pandemic.</p>
<p>Of note, HIPAA enforcement discretion was not one of the waivers extended by Congress for five months following the conclusion of the PHE. In an effort to ensure medical groups are aware of their obligations immediately following the expiration of the PHE, MGMA Government Affairs will soon release a member-exclusive resource outlining the reintroduction of HIPAA requirements for audio-visual and audio-only telehealth services.</p>
</div> | 6/21/2022 1:18:47 PM | 6/23/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_endorses_ama_medicare_physician_payment_reform_principles | WSMA Endorses AMA Medicare Physician Payment Reform Principles | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/June_24/wsma_endorses_ama_medicare_physician_payment_reform_principles | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/june/stethoscope-dollar-sign-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope cable in the shape of dollar sign" /></div>
<h5>June 24, 2022</h5>
<h2>WSMA Endorses AMA Medicare Physician Payment Reform Principles </h2>
<p>The Medicare physician payment system needs an overhaul to remedy financial instabilities impacting physician practices due to the pandemic, statutory payment cuts, lack of inflationary updates, and significant administrative burdens.</p>
<p>Under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, physicians are in the middle of a six-year payment freeze. Adjusted for inflation in practice costs, Medicare physician payment declined 20% from 2001 to 2021, and without an inflation-based update, the gap between frozen physician payment rates and rising inflation in medical practice costs will widen. The Medicare payment system is on an unsustainable path threatening patient access to physicians.</p>
<p>To define the goals of reform, the WSMA has joined the American Medical Association and 119 other state medical and national specialty societies to endorse the <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/characteristics-rational-medicare-payment-principles-signatories.pdf">Characteristics of a Rational Medicare Physician Payment System</a>. Developed in collaboration with Federation organizations, the principles call on Congress to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Provide financial stability through a baseline positive annual update reflecting inflation in practice costs, and eliminate, replace, or revise budget neutrality requirements to allow for appropriate changes in spending growth.</li>
<li>Reward the value of care provided to patients and encourage innovation, so practices and systems can be redesigned and continuously refined to provide high-value care and include historically non-covered services that improve care for all or a specific subset of patients, as well as for higher risk and higher cost populations.</li>
<li>Advance health equity and reduce disparities. Payment model innovations should be risk-adjusted and recognize physicians' contributions to reducing health disparities, addressing social drivers of care and tackling health inequities. Physicians need support as they care for historically marginalized, higher risk, hard to reach or sicker populations.</li>
</ul>
<p>The AMA will continue to work with the federation of medicine to develop detailed solutions to the systematic problems with the Medicare physician payment system and preserve patient access to care. The AMA is currently building awareness of the problems with the current system with members of Congress to build interest and support for needed reforms.</p>
</div> | 6/21/2022 1:18:53 PM | 6/23/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_members_make_their_voices_heard_in_annual_advocacy_survey | WSMA Members Make Their Voices Heard in Annual Advocacy Survey | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/June_24/wsma_members_make_their_voices_heard_in_annual_advocacy_survey | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/may/spring-wa-capitol-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="springtime at capitol" /></div>
<h5>June 24, 2022</h5>
<h2>WSMA Members Make Their Voices Heard in Annual Advocacy Survey </h2>
<p>The WSMA recently asked for member feedback on advocacy priorities, and you responded. Well over 100 WSMA members from across the state and across specialties provided input on the issues most important to you and your practices. WSMA's advocacy team will use this information as we talk to political candidates and begin to compile our legislative agenda for the 2023 state legislative session.</p>
<p>Respondents were first asked to rank priority items among 10 issues in the following three categories. The highest-ranking responses are listed below.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Practice of medicine</strong>
<ol>
<li>Addressing source of physician burnout, such as prior authorization.</li>
<li>Defending against inappropriate scope of practice proposals.</li>
<li>Ensuring access to abortion and a full array of reproductive health care.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li><strong>Public health and health equity </strong>
<ol>
<li>Continuing the state's response to the pandemic.</li>
<li>Preventing firearm violence.</li>
<li>(tied) Addressing homeless and housing as social determinants of health; and increasing health insurance options for undocumented residents of the state.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li><strong>Business of medicine</strong>
<ol>
<li>Advocating for Medicaid reimbursement rate increases.</li>
<li>Limiting medical malpractice insurance rate increases.</li>
<li>Facilitating utilization of value-based payment and alternative payment methodologies.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
<p>We also asked for respondents' priorities across the three categories and the top results were: physician burnout/prior authorization; abortion access; scope of practice; and Medicaid rate increases.</p>
<p>Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey. If you have questions about the survey or would like to provide additional feedback about advocacy priorities, contact Sean Graham, WSMA's director of government affairs, at <a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">sean@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 6/21/2022 1:18:44 PM | 6/23/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| 2022_wsma_annual_meeting_how_to_propose_policy_serve_as_delegate | 2022 WSMA Annual Meeting: How to Propose Policy, Serve as Delegate | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/June_10/2022_wsma_annual_meeting_how_to_propose_policy_serve_as_delegate | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/june/AM_2019.10.263-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>June 10, 2022</h5>
<h2>2022 WSMA Annual Meeting: How to Propose Policy, Serve as Delegate</h2>
<p>The 2022 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates will be held once again at the Historic Davenport in Spokane, in person, Oct. 1-2. WSMA members interested in proposing policy or serving as a delegate should note the following guidance and key dates.</p>
<p><strong>Deadlines for submitting resolutions</strong></p>
<p>Resolutions, one of the key policy drivers for the association, are considered for adoption by the House of Delegates at its annual meeting each fall. <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/How_to_Write_a_Resolution/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/How_to_Write_a_Resolution/How_to_Write_a_Resolution.aspx?hkey=a22cd977-aaed-4445-9ee2-6fc4716a7136">Learn more about resolutions</a> and be sure to mark your calendar for the following resolution deadlines:</p>
<p><strong>Aug. 12</strong> – Deadline to submit your resolution for publication in the delegate handbook, the compilation of resolutions and other business to be considered by delegates during the meeting.</p>
<p><strong>Sept. 1</strong> – Final deadline to submit your resolution. Resolutions received after this date must have consent of two-thirds of the House at the opening session to be considered. The delegate handbook will be available from the WSMA website for download on this date.</p>
<p><strong>Deadline for hotel reservations</strong></p>
<p>The 2022 WSMA Annual Meeting will be held at The Historic Davenport in Spokane. Aug. 30 is the deadline to make room reservations and receive the WSMA member discounted rate.</p>
<p><strong>How to serve as a delegate</strong></p>
<p>The House of Delegates is composed of WSMA members who represent, and are designated by, their respective county society or specialty society, as well as representatives of WSMA’s special sections and board of trustees. If you would like to serve as a delegate at the 2022 WSMA Annual Meeting, please contact your local county society or state specialty society. Learn more about the <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/Events/Annual Meeting/wsma-2022-delegate-duties.pdf]">responsibilities and the expectations of service as a delegate</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx">Learn more about the WSMA Annual Meeting on the meeting webpage</a>. Registration will be available shortly. For now, save these dates.</p>
</div> | 5/25/2022 11:04:04 AM | 6/10/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| alaska_updates_telemedicine_licensure_policies_for_established_patients | Alaska Updates Telemedicine Licensure Policies for Established Patients | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/June_10/alaska_updates_telemedicine_licensure_policies_for_established_patients | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/june/Telemedicine-Patient-Tablet-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>June 10, 2022</h5>
<h2>Alaska Updates Telemedicine Licensure Policies for Established Patients</h2>
<p>When Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy signs <a href="http://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Text/32?Hsid=HB0265D">House Bill 265</a> into law, the state will make permanent certain COVID-19 telemedicine policy flexibilities that we know improve access to patient care and that are a priority to our members.</p>
<p>With these changes, Alaska will join <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/May_13/oregon_updates_telehealth_policy_to_allow_care_by_washington_physicians_and_pas.aspx">Oregon</a> as the second state in our region to permit follow-up care to established patients without being licensed in those states since the WSMA embarked on this effort as part of its strategic plan. The Alaska law requires the physician to have previously conducted an in-person visit with the patient. The WSMA applauds the Alaska State Medical Association for its support of a measure that will improve access and quality by preserving continuity of care. Prior to this policy change, the WSMA heard anecdotes from physician members that patients from Alaska were flying to SeaTac Airport to receive follow-up care via telemedicine, and then returning home. Our hope is that with this policy change, physicians practicing in Washington will be able to provide more consistent follow-up care to established patients in Alaska, while minimizing travel burden.</p>
<p>Montana currently has an <a href="https://rules.mt.gov/gateway/ruleno.asp?RN=24%2E156%2E611">“occasional case exemption†rule</a> that allows out-of-state physicians to treat in a limited timeframe and basis without obtaining a license (an <a href="https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/med/exempt-form.pdf">application</a> is required). While this may be an option for providing follow-up care to patients in Montana, the WSMA will continue to work with that state, in addition to Idaho and Wyoming, to encourage more permanent updates to telemedicine licensure policies that improve access to care.</p>
</div> | 5/25/2022 11:03:54 AM | 6/10/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| l-i_adopts_wsma-supported_emergency_rules_protecting_outdoor_workers | L&I Adopts WSMA-Supported Emergency Rules Protecting Outdoor Workers | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/June_10/l-i_adopts_wsma-supported_emergency_rules_protecting_outdoor_workers | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/june/Outdoor-worker-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>June 10, 2022</h5>
<h2>L&amp;I Adopts WSMA-Supported Emergency Rules Protecting Outdoor Workers</h2>
<p>The Department of Labor and Industries has adopted <a href="https://lni.wa.gov/rulemaking-activity/AO21-25/2125CR103E.pdf">emergency rules</a> that update requirements for occupational heat exposure hazards from high ambient temperatures. The rules are effective June 15 through Sept. 29, 2022 and require employers to provide shade sufficient to accommodate the number of employees on a rest or meal break. It also requires employees to take paid preventative cool-down rest periods of at least 10 minutes every two hours and clarifies that drinking water be suitably cool in temperature.</p>
<p>The WSMA submitted an <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2022/WSMA-comment-emergency-rules-ambient-heat-outdoor-workers.pdf]">official comment</a> in favor of the emergency rules. Following last summer’s deadly heatwave, the WSMA House of Delegates voted in favor of policy advocating for access to heat protections for outdoor workers. The complete policy requires:</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><em>That our WSMA advocate for outdoor workers to have access to preventative cool-down rest periods in shaded areas for prevention of heat exhaustion and health educational materials in their primary language. </em></p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><em>That our WSMA support legislation and regulations creating standardized protections against heat stress specific to the hazards of the workplace including appropriate access to emergency services when there are signs or symptoms of heat exposure injury.</em></p>
<p>L&amp;I will resume permanent rulemaking on this issue in the fall. If you have questions on this policy or rulemaking, please contact <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 6/17/2022 10:04:47 AM | 6/10/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_affirms_gun_violence_is_a_public_health_crisis_and_calls_for_action | WSMA Affirms Gun Violence Is a Public Health Crisis and Calls for Action | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/June_10/wsma_affirms_gun_violence_is_a_public_health_crisis_and_calls_for_action | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/june/We-Can-End-Gun-Violence-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>June 10, 2022</h5>
<h2>WSMA Affirms Gun Violence Is a Public Health Crisis and Calls for Action</h2>
<p>Last week, as the nation absorbed the news of yet another mass shooting event, this time in <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/02/us/tulsa-hospital-shooting-thursday/index.html">a Tulsa medical clinic</a>, Washington state's physician community faced a double shock, when it was revealed that one of the victims, Preston Phillips, MD, had local ties. Dr. Phillips, an orthopedic surgeon, had worked in the Seattle area in the late 90s and early 2000s and was a past president of the Washington State Orthopaedic Association and a WSMA member. The WSMA released the following press release in response to the horrific event and taking of a former colleague's life:</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><em>“After a tragic week of lives lost to gun violence, the Washington State Medical Association again affirms that gun violence is a public health crisis affecting our children, communities, families, friends, and patients. We urge lawmakers to act.</em></p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><em>With the news of the shooting at St. Francis Medical Center in Tulsa, where former Seattle physician and WSMA member, Preston Phillips, MD, was among four individuals fatally targeted in yet another mass shooting, the WSMA calls on elected officials to move beyond rhetoric and take tangible action to solve this crisis. At the same time, the officers, board, and members of the WSMA mourn the loss of our colleague and offer our sincerest condolences to Dr. Phillip's family, friends, and colleagues as well as the loved ones of all victims of gun violence.</em></p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><em>The WSMA calls for state and national commonsense policies that would reduce injuries and deaths stemming from firearms. Our schools, hospitals, grocery stores and churches should be safe, rather than places where we fear for our lives. More must be done, immediately, to address this crisis, including passage of legislation on waiting periods, background checks and other policies, such as restrictions on assault weapons.</em></p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><em>The WSMA has longstanding policy in favor of legislation that "…would restrict the sale and private ownership of large clip, high-rate-of-fire automatic and semi-automatic firearms, or any weapon that is modified or redesigned to operate as a large clip, high-rate-of-fire automatic or semi-automatic weapon."</em></p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><em>After several years of the WSMA supporting legislation aligned with this policy, this year Washington's legislature passed SB 5078, which prohibits the manufacture and sale of large-capacity magazines as well as HB 1705, which prohibits untraceable "ghost guns."</em></p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><em>These are good advances in addressing the crisis, but more must be done, and quickly.</em></p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><em>The Washington State Medical Association and our member physicians are at the forefront of public health and patient care. Every day we treat the victims of gun violence. We are the ones whose hands probe the wounds, who seek to heal the bodies and who help mend the minds of those impacted by senseless gun tragedy.</em></p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><em>The WSMA will continue to actively advocate for and support policies aimed at encouraging firearm safety and preventing firearm-related injuries and death. We believe firearm injuries and death are preventable. Enough is enough.â€</em></p>
</div> | 6/17/2022 10:05:34 AM | 6/10/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| charissa_fotinos_md_appointed_state_medicaid_director | Charissa Fotinos, MD, Appointed State Medicaid Director | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/May_27/charissa_fotinos_md_appointed_state_medicaid_director | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/may/wa-apple-health-logo-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Washington Apple Health logo" /></div>
<h5>May 27, 2022</h5>
<h2>Charissa Fotinos, MD, Appointed State Medicaid Director&nbsp;</h2>
<p>After a nationwide search, Washington State Health Care Authority Director Sue Birch has appointed Charissa Fotinos, MD, to serve permanently as state Medicaid director. Dr. Fotinos will also continue to serve as HCA behavioral health medical director, the position she held previously.</p>
<p>Dr. Fotinos is a family physician specializing in addiction medicine. She previously served as chief medical officer for Public Health-Seattle &amp; King County and served as a physician faculty member at the Providence Family Medicine Residency Program.</p>
<p>Along with her Medicaid Services Administration leadership team, Dr. Fotinos will help lead the HCA through upcoming Medicaid-related initiatives, including:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/apple-health-coverage-will-continue-during-public-health-emergency">Redetermining Medicaid eligibility after the public health emergency ends</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Two health care procurement efforts: <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/hca-plans-two-health-care-coverage-procurement-efforts">our Medicaid managed care contracts and standing up a new health care product for those who are uninsured</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Renewing and enhancing the HCA's <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/medicaid-transformation-project-mtp/mtp-renewal">Medicaid Transformation Project</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>The WSMA wishes Dr. Fotinos a warm congratulations on her appointment.</p>
</div> | 5/26/2022 3:46:00 PM | 5/27/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| feedback_requested_wsma_launches_annual_advocacy_survey | Feedback Requested: WSMA Launches Annual Advocacy Survey | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/May_27/feedback_requested_wsma_launches_annual_advocacy_survey | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/may/spring-wa-capitol-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="capitol building in spring" /></div>
<h5>May 27, 2022</h5>
<h2>Feedback Requested: WSMA Launches Annual Advocacy Survey</h2>
<p>WSMA's government affairs team is beginning the process of compiling legislative priorities for the 2023 session that will begin next January. We're accelerating the work to be able to discuss priority items with political candidates in advance of November's midterm elections. We want to hear from you on issues you and your practice face in various areas of Washington's health care delivery system, including the practice of medicine, business of medicine, and public health and health equity. Your feedback in <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2XCDDMG">this quick survey</a> will help guide the WSMA in identifying top legislative priorities and emerging issues that we should be aware of. We appreciate you taking a few minutes of your time to share your thoughts and look forward to receiving your feedback. We'll be sure to share results from our survey in future reports and publications. </p>
<p>If you have any questions or comments on our survey, please do not hesitate to reach out to WSMA's Government Affairs and Policy Coordinator Shelby Wiedmann at <a href="mailto:shelby@wsma.org">shelby@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 5/25/2022 10:10:10 AM | 5/27/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| oic_releases_annual_health_plan_prior_authorization_data | OIC Releases Annual Health Plan Prior Authorization Data | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/May_27/oic_releases_annual_health_plan_prior_authorization_data | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/may/administrative-burden-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="administrative burden illustration" /></div>
<h5>May 27, 2022</h5>
<h2>OIC Releases Annual Health Plan Prior Authorization Data </h2>
<p>The Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner recently released its annual <a href="https://www.insurance.wa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/health-plan-prior-authorization-data-2021-report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Health Plan Prior-Authorization Data report</a>, pursuant to WSMA's successful advocacy in passing Senate Bill 6404 during the 2020 legislative session. <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6404&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">SB 6404</a> requires carriers to report on prior authorization practices in several ways, including lists of prior authorization codes that received the highest number of requests, the highest percentage of approved requests, and the highest percentage of requests that were initially denied and subsequently approved upon appeal. Carriers are also required to report on average determination response times for prior authorization requests.</p>
<p>Unnecessary use of prior authorization is a perennial concern for the WSMA as it drives administrative burden and costs for physicians and health care professionals, and delays or prevents necessary patient care. The OIC's 2021 report found that there were numerous codes that were approved 100% of the time. In fact, of the 469 distinct codes reported by carriers, 352, or 75% of the codes, were approved 100% of the time. Widely used codes for colonoscopies and psychotherapy were approved 99% of the time. All of which begs the question of what value prior authorization provides in those contexts.</p>
<p>The report also showed that mental health and substance use disorder (MH-SUD) code requests faired poorer against medical surgical code requests (Med-Surg). Carriers reported a lower number of requests, approval rates, and response times for MH-SUD-related codes. Response times averaged around 174 hours for both inpatient and outpatient MH-SUD, compared to an average of 118 hours for inpatient and outpatient Med-Surg codes.</p>
<p>The WSMA continues to review the OIC's report and is determining next steps as we work on compiling our 2023 legislative agenda. If you have any comments or concerns, please contact Sean Graham at <a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">sean@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 5/25/2022 10:09:54 AM | 5/27/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| the_house_of_medicine_celebrates_its_175th_birthday | The House of Medicine Celebrates Its 175th Birthday | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2022/the_house_of_medicine_celebrates_its_175th_birthday | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/latest-news/2022/may/AMA-175-Anniversary-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="AMA 175th Anniversary logo" /></div>
<h5>May 23, 2022</h5>
<h2>The House of Medicine Celebrates Its 175th Birthday</h2>
<p>
The gains we constantly make in diagnosing and treating illness and injury are easy to take for granted-until we realize just how far organized medicine has advanced since the mid-1800s, when bloodletting and blistering helped place "bodily humors" back into balance.
</p>
<p>
Today, next-generation mRNA vaccines and groundbreaking advancements in gene therapy are just two examples demonstrating our tremendous progress in restoring health and maintaining wellness for all, which also means dismantling the structural and social drivers of health inequities.
</p>
<p>
The American Medical Association, which marks the 175th anniversary of its founding this month, helps propel the science and research that drives organized medicine forward through advocacy and innovation built around the world's first-ever code of medical ethics. The AMA's work to both standardize and modernize medical education and physician training are key elements in meeting its mission to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.
</p>
<p>
As not only an individual membership association, but also the convening national body of medicine through its House of Delegates-comprising more than 190 state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders-the AMA is the nation's largest and most influential medical organization. The policies adopted by the House of Delegates underpin its advocacy and guide ethical medical practice for millions of physicians in the U.S. and around the world.
</p>
<p>
Delegates selected by the state medical associations, medical specialty societies, national medical organizations, and other recognized constituent associations that comprise the AMA House of Delegates meet twice each year to shape AMA policy and prioritize initiatives in medical education, ethical and judicial affairs, public health, diversity and inclusion, and a host of other subjects.
</p>
<p>
Physicians who serve as delegates from the WSMA include:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Amish Dave, MD</li>
<li>Peter Dunbar, MD</li>
<li>Matthew Grierson, MD</li>
<li>Erin Harnish, MD</li>
<li>Nariman Heshmati, MD</li>
<li>Benjamin Meyer, MD</li>
<li>Libby Parker, MD</li>
<li>Elizabeth Peterson, MD</li>
<li>Sheila Rege, MD</li>
<li>Rodney Trytko, MD, MBA, MPH</li>
</ul>
<p>
The WSMA has been proud to partner with the AMA on numerous initiatives and efforts over the years. A few recent examples:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Through the Wellness Practice Transformation Initiative being led by the AMA and the Physicians Foundation, the WSMA Foundation, WSMA's non-profit organization dedicated to improving physician wellness and patient care, is identifying solutions and sharing best practices for improving the clinician experience and making meaningful change at the practice level.</li>
<li>The WSMA frequently partners with the AMA when filing amicus curiae ("friend of the court") briefs that argue a physician-centric perspective in lawsuits of major importance to physicians, patients, and the practice of medicine. Most recently, this was demonstrated when the WSMA joined with the AMA and others to support a successful challenge to the independent dispute resolution rulemaking of the federal No Surprises Act.</li>
<li>Working together on advocacy efforts at the federal level, lobbying Congress in support of Medicare sustainability (payment reform, telehealth), pandemic financial relief, and addressing the opioid epidemic. We have also collaborated to develop state-level solutions for issues like prior authorization, network adequacy, and scope of practice.</li>
</ul>
<p>
Since the earliest days of its founding, the AMA and its state and specialty medical association partners have put patients first, from our earliest efforts to protect the public from medical quackery and fraudulent "medicines" that were ineffective at best and life-threatening at worst. Over the years, we have spoken for physicians in a unified voice in championing vaccine safety and efficacy, confirming the harmful effects of tobacco use while helping ban smoking on airliners, and advocating for seat belts as standard equipment in vehicles, among other initiatives.
</p>
<p>
The AMA continues to fulfill its mission by working to remove obstacles to patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises, and driving the future of medicine through innovation and improved physician training and education.
</p>
<p>
While the AMA can be rightfully proud of its contributions to organized medicine, the organization has also owned up to the fact that some of its prior actions and policies helped create many of the disparities and inequities in health that persist today. The AMA has acknowledged these mistakes and is working collaboratively to eliminate inequities throughout health care to achieve optimal health for all.
</p>
<p>
As the AMA marks its 175th anniversary, its leadership is grateful for the contributions of time and volunteer service by millions of physician members who have advanced its mission over generations while working tirelessly to improve the health of their patients, communities, and our nation.
</p>
</div> | 5/23/2022 3:34:44 PM | 5/23/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| 2022_wsma_annual_meeting_start_working_on_your_policy_resolution_today | 2022 WSMA Annual Meeting: Start Working on Your Policy Resolution Today! | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/May_13/2022_wsma_annual_meeting_start_working_on_your_policy_resolution_today | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="WSMA Annual Meeting" src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/may/am-2019-10-128-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>May 13, 2022</h5>
<h2>2022 WSMA Annual Meeting: Start Working on Your Policy Resolution Today!</h2>
<p>
Resolutions, one of the key policy drivers for the WSMA, are considered for adoption by the WSMA House of Delegates at its annual meeting each fall. While the deadline to submit resolutions for inclusion in the delegate handbook is not until Aug. 12, you may begin submitting now. Resolutions must be sponsored by a WSMA delegate, alternate delegate, or member of the board of trustees. If you are interested in authoring a resolution but are not a delegate or board member, the WSMA will work with you to develop your resolution idea and help find a sponsor. <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/How_to_Write_a_Resolution/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/How_to_Write_a_Resolution/How_to_Write_a_Resolution.aspx?hkey=a22cd977-aaed-4445-9ee2-6fc4716a7136">Learn more about resolutions on the WSMA website</a>. If you would like to connect with the WSMA policy team to ask questions and get the ball rolling on your resolution, reach out at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.
</p>
</div> | 5/12/2022 4:17:34 PM | 5/13/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| latest_health_care_cost_transparency_board_activity_provokes_concerns | Latest Health Care Cost Transparency Board Activity Provokes Concerns | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/May_13/latest_health_care_cost_transparency_board_activity_provokes_concerns | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/may/stethoscope-numbers-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope" /></div>
<h5>May 13, 2022</h5>
<h2>Latest Health Care Cost Transparency Board Activity Provokes Concerns </h2>
<p>The WSMA, in conjunction with the Washington State Hospital Association, submitted a third <a href="https://wsma.org/doc_library/news/wsma-wsha-hcctb-letter-20220415.pdf" target="_blank">comment letter</a>&nbsp;to the state's Health Care Cost Transparency Board in mid-April, outlining our continued shared concerns with inflation and the impact that COVID-19 has had and will continue to have on Washington's health care delivery system.</p>
<p>In addition, we raised concerns with the decision-making process undertaken by the board, where decisions are often made before receiving feedback from the advisory committee. WSMA and WSHA recommended that the board more routinely seek advice and direction from the committee prior to making these critical decisions. Regarding the selection criteria, the letter strongly urges the board to consider not only the potential benefit in terms of reducing cost growth, but also whether a new strategy may cause harm to patients by reducing access to services or quality or have other unintended consequences.</p>
<p>The WSMA continues to attend both board and committee meetings to monitor progress toward reducing cost growth spending in Washington's health care delivery system.</p>
</div> | 5/11/2022 2:53:00 PM | 5/13/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| new_policies_in_effect_to_help_to_prevent_drug_overdose | New Policies in Effect to Help to Prevent Drug Overdose | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/May_13/new_policies_in_effect_to_help_to_prevent_drug_overdose | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/may/Buprenorphine-Butrans10mcg_645px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Buprenorphine" /></div>
<h5>May 13, 2022</h5>
<h2>New Policies in Effect to Help to Prevent Drug Overdose</h2>
<p>Two new laws are now in effect that require health care service providers to offer patients medications for opioid use disorder and prevent physicians and providers from not accepting patients with a substance use disorder.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=71.24.585">RCW 71.24.585(2)</a> requires the Washington State Health Care Authority, as of Jan. 1, 2020, to "prioritize state resources for the provision of treatment and recovery support services to inpatient and outpatient treatment settings that allow patients to start or maintain their use of medications for opioid use disorder while engaging in services."</li>
<li>A <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-issues-guidance-protections-people-opioid-use-disorder-under-americans">U.S. Department of Justice memo</a> dated Tuesday, April 5, explains that the federal government considers substance use disorders as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.</li>
</ul>
<p>Failure to allow medications for opioid use disorder in substance use disorder agencies can lead to a loss of Medicaid payments. Failure to allow the admission or treatment of people with opioid use disorder in any setting can lead to a federal complaint related to violating the ADA.</p>
<p>These laws come at a time when overdoses, including those related to opioids, continue to increase. Last year, more than 100,000 people lost their lives to a drug overdose. Here in Washington, more than 2,000 people lost their lives. Increases in the use of methamphetamine and cocaine, the introduction of fentanyl into the state's illicit opioid supply, and the stress, strain, and anxiety of the last several years have all contributed to this rise.</p>
<p>For more information on these policies, see this <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/program/opiod-pandemic-letter-05-04-2022.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">May 4, 2022 letter from Acting Medicaid Director Charissa Fotinos, MD, addressed to medical professionals and health advocates</a>. The Health Care Authority would be happy to partner with any agency looking to implement these policies. Contact Kodi Campbell at <a href="mailto:kodi.campbell@hca.wa.gov">kodi.campbell@hca.wa.gov</a> for more information.</p>
</div> | 5/11/2022 2:53:03 PM | 5/13/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| oregon_updates_telehealth_policy_to_allow_care_by_washington_physicians_and_pas | Oregon Updates Telehealth Policy to Allow Care by Washington Physicians and PAs | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/May_13/oregon_updates_telehealth_policy_to_allow_care_by_washington_physicians_and_pas | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/june/Telemedicine-Patient-Tablet-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>May 13, 2022</h5>
<h2>Oregon Updates Telehealth Policy to Allow Care by Washington Physicians and PAs</h2>
<p>As a result of WSMA advocacy, the Oregon Medical Board adopted updates to its telemedicine policies on April 1 that would permit Washington-licensed physicians and physician assistants to provide care in limited circumstances to established patients located in Oregon via telemedicine without obtaining licensure in Oregon. These changes would largely align OMB's telemedicine policy with the Washington Medical Commission’s <a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/Telemedicine%20policy%2011%2019%2021.pdf">policy statement on telemedicine</a>.&nbsp;More details on the parameters of physicians and physician assistants practicing in Oregon can be found by reviewing the updated <a href="https://www.oregon.gov/omb/board/Philosophy/Pages/Telemedicine.aspx">telemedicine statement of philosophy.</a>&nbsp;</p>
</div> | 6/9/2022 11:47:11 AM | 5/13/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| roe_v_wade_news_raises_alarm_in_health_care | Roe v. Wade News Raises Alarm in Health Care | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/May_13/roe_v_wade_news_raises_alarm_in_health_care | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/may/us-supreme-court-sun-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="US Supreme Court building" /></div>
<h5>May 13, 2022</h5>
<h2>Roe v. Wade News Raises Alarm in Health Care</h2>
<p>Last week's news cycle was dominated by the <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/05/02/supreme-court-abortion-draft-opinion-00029473">leak of an initial draft majority opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court</a> that indicated the justices were prepared to overturn Roe v. Wade. We invited WSMA Vice President Nariman Heshmati, MD, an OB-GYN and past chair of the Washington section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, to share his perspective on the breaking news.</p>
<p><em>"It's important to recognize several things. First, this is a draft opinion. It hasn't changed any laws or the ability of patients to have an abortion. Second, even if the final opinion from the court mirrors this draft opinion, abortion will still be legal in Washington state. In 1970, prior to Roe v. Wade, Washington state was one of the first states to decriminalize abortion, and there have been additional steps taken since then to reaffirm this right."</em></p>
<p><a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2022/weekly_rounds_may_6_2022_roe_v_wade_in_the_balance">Read Dr. Heshmati's full comments</a>.</p>
<p>As he notes, longstanding WSMA policy affirms a <a href="http://www.wsma.org/WSMA/About/Policies/Whats_Our_Policy/Abortion/Abortion.aspx?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=JVVL8">person's right to an abortion as a medical decision to be made under the advice and guidance of a physician</a>, and strongly opposes any attempt to restrict the availability of abortion or other reproductive health care.</p>
<p>News reports about legislative and legal activity can cause confusion for the public that results in disruptions in abortion care and cancelled appointments. Please help assure your patients and the broader public that this draft opinion does not change any state laws today, and that abortion is still legal in Washington state. ACOG offers <a href="https://www.acog.org/advocacy/abortion-is-essential/come-prepared/core-messages?utm_source=redirect&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=int">messaging principles about the importance of preserving the fundamental patient-physician relationship and protecting access to evidence-based abortion care</a>.</p>
</div> | 5/11/2022 2:52:58 PM | 5/13/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| 2022_apple_awards_nominations_due_may_16 | 2022 Apple Awards Nominations Due May 16 | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/April_22/2022_apple_awards_nominations_due_may_16 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/april/apple-awards-2021-all-glass-apples-medium-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Apple Awards" /></div>
<h5>April 22, 2022</h5>
<h2>2022 Apple Awards Nominations Due May 16</h2>
<p>Through the WSMA's Apple Awards and William O. Robertson, MD, Patient Safety Award, we recognize members for their outstanding contributions to leadership, advocacy, service, and patient safety. It's easy to make a nomination. Simply go to the links noted below to find out more and complete your nominations before the May 16 deadline. The awards will be presented during the WSMA House of Delegates' annual meeting in October.</p>
<ul>
<li>President's Unsung Hero Award: This award recognizes a WSMA member who contributes extraordinary service to the profession and community. Visit <a href="https://bit.ly/2022PresidentsUnsungHero">bit.ly/2022PresidentsUnsungHero</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Community Advocate Award: This award recognizes a member of the community who provides extraordinary support to, and advocacy for, the house of medicine. Visit <a href="https://bit.ly/2022CommunityAdvocate">bit.ly/2022CommunityAdvocate</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Early Career Member of the Year Award: This award recognizes a WSMA member for their service to the early career sections through mentorship, advocacy, support, and active participation with early career members. Visit <a href="https://bit.ly/2022EarlyCareer">bit.ly/2022EarlyCareer</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Grassroots Advocate Award: This award recognizes WSMA member efforts and activities supporting WSMA legislative priorities. Visit <a href="https://bit.ly/2022GrassrootsAdvocate">bit.ly/2022GrassrootsAdvocate</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>William O. Robertson, MD, Patient Safety Award: This award recognizes patient safety initiatives pioneered in ambulatory care settings throughout Washington state. Visit <a href="https://bit.ly/2022PatientSafety">bit.ly/2022PatientSafety</a>.</li>
</ul>
</div> | 4/21/2022 3:29:48 PM | 4/22/2022 12:00:00 AM |