| take_action_no_b_and_o_tax_increase_on_health_care | TAKE ACTION: No B&O Tax Increase on Health Care! | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/November/take_action_no_b_and_o_tax_increase_on_health_care | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Advocacy/NoToBO-Graphic-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="No to B&amp;O graphic" /></div>
<h5>November 19, 2019</h5>
<h2>TAKE ACTION: No B&amp;O Tax Increase on Health Care!</h2>
<p>
State lawmakers are gathering this week in preparation for the 2020 legislative session, which begins in January. During session, lawmakers will have an opportunity to make adjustments to policy passed in 2019 - including a 20% business and occupation tax increase on health care that goes into effect on Jan. 1 and that will cost the physician community an estimated $50 million over the next two years.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA is adamantly opposed to the B&amp;O tax increase on health care, which will:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Limit access to care for patients, particularly those covered by Medicaid.</li>
<li>Disproportionately harm private practices and independent medical clinics—about a third or more of our state's physicians.</li>
<li>Put a strain on many practices' ability to remain economically viable and competitive.</li>
<li>Increase the burden on our state's emergency departments, increasing health care costs for everyone.</li>
<li>Result in a loss of jobs, since independent practices run on tight margins.</li>
<li>Impact the ability of practices to invest in innovations that improve patient care.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<strong>Contact your state senator and representatives today and urge them to exempt health care from this unfair tax surcharge when they return to work in 2020.</strong> Let them know how the B&amp;O tax increase will impact your practice and burden the health care system in Washington—hearing personal appeals and stories from constituents can make a difference, so please act today!
</p>
<p><a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/no-bo-tax-increase-on-health-care/">Click here to take action</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/19/2019 11:18:51 AM | 11/19/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| how_will_changes_to_the_reporting_of_notifiable_conditions_impact_your_practice | How Will Changes to the Reporting of Notifiable Conditions Impact Your Practice? | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20191113/how_will_changes_to_the_reporting_of_notifiable_conditions_impact_your_practice | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
November 13, 2019
</h5>
<h2>How Will Changes to the Reporting of Notifiable Conditions Impact Your Practice?</h2>
<p>Rulemaking is underway at the Washington State Department of Health to update requirements for the reporting of notifiable conditions. As part of the rulemaking process, the state is required to analyze the probable costs of complying with new rule requirements and the impacts the new requirements may have on small businesses.Your participation in the following cost survey will help the DOH understand the impact of the changes under consideration and help the department decide what will be included in the final proposed rule.</p>
<p>
<a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2019/Cost Questionnaire - Providers and Facilities - FINAL.doc]">Download the cost survey</a> . Submit your survey responses via email to <a href="mailto:notifiableconditions@sboh.wa.gov">notifiableconditions@sboh.wa.gov</a> with the subject line "Notifiable Conditions Cost Questionnaire" no later than Friday, Nov. 22. For more information on the rulemaking, visit the <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/ForPublicHealthandHealthcareProviders/NotifiableConditions/RuleMaking">DOH rulemaking webpage</a>. For questions, contact Vicki Bouvier at <a href="mailto:VickiBouvier@doh.wa.gov">VickiBouvier@doh.wa.gov</a> or 360.701.8092.</p>
</div> | 11/11/2019 2:22:21 PM | 11/13/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| watch_wsma_members_highlight_problems_with_bando_tax_increase_on_independent_physicians | Watch - WSMA Members Highlight Problems with B and O Tax Increase on Independent Physicians | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20191113/watch_wsma_members_highlight_problems_with_bando_tax_increase_on_independent_physicians | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/News/Unruh-Kim-Oban-Button-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
November 13, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Watch: WSMA Members Highlight Problems with B&amp;O Tax Increase on Independent Physicians</h2>
<p>Chelsea Unruh, MD, and Sung-Won Kim, MD, are the latest WSMA members to join Sen. Steve O'Ban (R-Pierce County) in a video series to discuss the 20 percent business and occupation (B&amp;O) tax increase, passed during the 2019 legislative session, and its impact on their ability to practice and provide care. <a href="http://steveoban.src.wastateleg.org/video-series-continues/">Watch their three-part series and the previous video series</a> featuring WSMA members and independent practice physicians Teresa Girolami, MD, and Brianna Label, MD. Learn more about the issue and how you can help the WSMA work to exempt physicians from the tax increase by visiting <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Advocacy/Legislative_Regulatory/No_to_B_and_O/no_to_b_and_o_.aspx?hkey=d5807781-a824-4b2c-a8f4-70ed597ddfa8&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">the WSMA website</a>. #NoToBandO</p>
</div> | 11/11/2019 2:22:14 PM | 11/13/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| 2019_annual_meeting_delegates_pass_proactive_policy_on_public_and_physician_health | 2019 Annual Meeting: Delegates Pass Proactive Policy on Public and Physician Health | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20191023/2019_annual_meeting_delegates_pass_proactive_policy_on_public_and_physician_health | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Events/AM_2019.10.128-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA House of Delegates" />
</div>
<h5>
October 23, 2019
</h5>
<h2>2019 Annual Meeting: Delegates Pass Proactive Policy on Public and Physician Health</h2>
<p>The final session of the House of Delegates adjourned last Sunday, with the pound of a gavel marking the close of the 130th Annual Meeting since the founding of the WSMA. An eye-opening number of policies were adopted during the final session, reflecting an activated House united in its resolve to take progressive stands on public health policy and to protect the health and well-being of physicians.</p>
<p>Policy adopted by delegates at the meeting typically fall into one of three categories:</p>
<ol>
<li>New policy (new policies are added to the <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/About_Us/Policies/Whats_Our_Policy/WSMA/About/Policies/Whats_Our_Policy/Policy_Index.aspx?hkey=f42b9a91-1f83-466f-ae3e-d58a7a6bd763">WSMA Policy Compendium</a> and help inform WSMA's advocacy in the legislature, in the media, and in the industry at large).</li>
<li>A reaffirmation of existing policy.</li>
<li>A directive to take action.</li>
</ol>
<p>Policies 'referred' by delegates go to WSMA leadership (the executive committee and board of trustees) for further consideration.</p>
<p>This year, delegates directed your WSMA to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Advocate to amend state law to exempt all physicians from the B&amp;O tax surcharge resulting from 2019 House Bill 2158.</li>
<li>Explore options for tracking physician suicides and report back to the House in 2020.</li>
<li>Support services to help assist physicians, residents, students, and PAs who are suffering symptoms of depression and burnout.</li>
<li>Pursue, with stakeholder input, an aggressive strategy to reduce administrative burden.</li>
<li>Support advocacy to eliminate the buprenorphine DEA waiver requirement.</li>
<li>Publicize the interspecialty statement on "<a href="https://annals.org/aim/fullarticle/2748085/firearm-related-injury-death-united-states-call-action-from-nation">Firearm-Related Injury and Death in the United States: A Call to Action From the Nation's Leading Physician and Public Health Professional Organizations</a>"</li>
</ul>
<p>Climate change was top of mind during the meeting, with delegates adopting policy to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Expand WSMA climate change policy (including directing the WSMA to divest from fossil fuels and encourage others in the health care industry to do the same).</li>
<li>Support legislative efforts to create a low-carbon fuel standard for Washington state.</li>
<li>Support the use of reusable isolation gowns.</li>
</ul>
<p>Public health, an ongoing concern of the House, was addressed by policy to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Endorse a ban on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes.</li>
<li>Reduce firearm-related injury and death, including supporting research and legislative policy based on proven public health practices.</li>
<li>Advocate for the removal of barriers to the immunization of "Mature Minors."</li>
<li>Support improvements to the state's immunization information system.</li>
<li>Support policy requiring pharmacies, when administering vaccines, to notify a patient's primary care provider when possible.</li>
<li>Support the reform of health care access and delivery in the criminal justice system.</li>
<li>Promote greater gender equity in medicine.</li>
<li>Support physician education on critical race theory in medicine to help address disparate health outcomes of black Americans.</li>
<li>Support investments to decrease racial inequities in cancer care.</li>
<li>Support evidence-based sexual education; encourage legislation to expand sexual education to include contraception options, condom use demonstrations, LGBTQ+ sexual health, STI education, and discussions of consent.</li>
<li>Support the rights of transgender and gender nonconforming patients, including opposing legislative or other efforts to limit access to gender-affirming health services and encouraging health care facilities that provide direct patient care to adopt gender-affirming practices.</li>
<li>Encourage better data-gathering on the victims of human trafficking; educate physicians on the issue and condemn the practice.</li>
<li>Support efforts to encourage the wearing of helmets when riding e-scooter and e-bikes.</li>
</ul>
<p>Other policy adopted by the House call on the WSMA to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Work with partners to support legislation calling for an increase in primary care spending as a proportion of total health care spending.</li>
<li>Support patients and referring clinicians knowing both the name and credentials of the clinicians to whom they are referred.</li>
<li>Acknowledge the public health threat of medical misinformation.</li>
<li>Oppose digital/online "coercion" of physicians and provide resources on managing one's online reputation.</li>
<li>Oppose unpaid heath care data collection and data mining work for insurance company purposes, unless the provider chooses to provide it for free without coercion.</li>
<li>Support establishing a statewide credentialing and onboarding process for medical and PA students from Washington state's medical schools.</li>
</ul>
<p>Referred policies (those issues needing additional study before further action) included:</p>
<ul>
<li>Policy advocating for the tracking of physicians sanctioned by the Washington Medical Commission and physician enrollees of the Washington Physician Health Program, with specific enumeration of physician suicides.</li>
<li>Policy encouraging the Washington Medical Commission to use peer review when passing judgement on standards of care.</li>
<li>Policy detailing standards for the prior authorization of prescription medication requests used by insurance companies regulated by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.</li>
<li>Policy directing the WSMA to take immediate action on gender inequities.</li>
</ul>
<p>For details on the above policies, and for a look at all policies and actions from the 2019 Annual Meeting, download the Official Actions of the 2019 WSMA House of Delegates, available from <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/About_Us/Leadership/House_of_Delegates/WSMA/About/Leadership/House_of_Delegates/House_of_Delegates.aspx?hkey=e2c50002-384d-4ff7-9116-5ce7a51116e7">the WSMA website</a>.</p>
<p>Plan now to attend the 2020 WSMA Annual Meeting, Sept. 26-27 at the Historic Davenport, Autograph Collection in Spokane. To learn more about the Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates and its role shaping policy for the medical association, visit the <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">meeting webpage</a>.</p>
</div> | 10/21/2019 2:53:06 PM | 10/23/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| balance_billing_law_implementation_and_webinar | Balance Billing Law Implementation and Webinar | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20191023/balance_billing_law_implementation_and_webinar | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Concepts/Steth-Calc-Money-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope, calculator, and money" />
</div>
<h5>
October 23, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Balance Billing Law Implementation and Webinar</h2>
<p>After years of negotiations between the WSMA, stakeholders, and lawmakers, this spring's legislative session saw the unanimous passage of <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1065&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1065</a>, legislation banning balance billing in our state. HB 1065 prohibits balance billing for emergency services and for certain procedures performed by out-of-network physicians working in in-network facilities. Regulatory work is now underway to implement the bill, which takes effect Jan. 1, with the WSMA engaged on several fronts. Here are the key takeaways:</p>
<ul>
<li>A work group was formed, with WSMA participation, to develop a dataset to inform arbitrator decision-making during dispute resolutions in instances where physicians and carriers cannot come to agreement on appropriate reimbursement for services delivered pursuant to the law. Comprised of claims from the state's all-payer claims database, the goal is to set a reference point for billed charges and contracted amounts for services by region. Draft iterations of the dataset have yielded contracted amounts that are concerningly low, which could have a negative impact on implementation of the law for the physician community.</li>
<li>A <a href="https://www.insurance.wa.gov/media/8055">consumer notice template</a> has been created to inform patients of their rights under the law. The notice must be disseminated to patients by physician groups, facilities, and health insurers under certain circumstances.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.insurance.wa.gov/balance-billing-protection-act-r2019-04">Omnibus rulemaking</a> has been initiated by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner to build out elements of the legislation that require more detail. WSMA's comments in response to the rulemaking highlighted, among other issues, the need for physician groups to be able to ascertain whether a patient's health plan complies with the law, as self-insured plans cannot be regulated by the state and may elect to not participate.</li>
</ul>
<p>Sean Graham, WSMA's government affairs director, has led WSMA's advocacy on this issue and maintains a listserv for updates to the physician community. To join the listserv and track the implementation process more closely, or for questions on the implementation, email Sean at <a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">sean@wsma.org</a>.</p>
<p>Save the date: On Wednesday, Nov. 13, from noon-1:30 p.m., the Office of the Insurance Commissioner will host a webinar designed for physicians, providers, and practice staff on implementation of the law. The webinar will cover HB 1065's out-of-network provider payment and dispute resolution process, transparency provisions, enforcement, self-funded group health plan participation, and more. A link for registration is forthcoming; save the date for now.</p>
</div> | 10/21/2019 2:52:59 PM | 10/23/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| bill_hirota_md_named_wsma_president_for_2019_20_other_election_highlights | Bill Hirota, MD, Named WSMA President for 2019-20; Other Election Highlights | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20191023/bill_hirota_md_named_wsma_president_for_2019_20_other_election_highlights | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/News/GN5_129819-10-13-WSMA-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Bill Hirota MD" />
</div>
<h5>
October 23, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Bill Hirota, MD, Named WSMA President for 2019-20; Other Election Highlights</h2>
<p>Tacoma gastroenterologist William "Bill" Hirota, MD, was inaugurated as the new president of the medical association at the 2019 WSMA Annual Meeting in SeaTac. Affiliated with CHI Franciscan, Dr. Hirota practices at Franciscan Digestive Care Associates in Tacoma and sees patients at area CHI Franciscan hospitals. He's been active in organized medicine at the county and state levels for more than 12 years.</p>
<p>During his inauguration speech, Dr. Hirota outlined the reasons why the WSMA matters to our profession (and shared lessons he learned from his own health care experiences). For those who didn't attend the meeting, Dr. Hirota shared an amended version of his inaugural speech in a special edition of Weekly Rounds, <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2019/weekly_rounds_october_14_2019_together_we_will_do_more">published on the WSMA website</a>.</p>
<p>Also elected as officers at the meeting: <strong>Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, MBA</strong>, Tacoma emergency physician, president-elect; <strong>Mika Sinanan, MD, PhD</strong>, Seattle surgeon, 1st vice president; <strong>Katina Rue, DO</strong>, Yakima osteopathic physician, 2nd vice president; <strong>Nariman Heshmati, MD</strong>, Mukilteo OB/GYN, secretary-treasurer; <strong>John Bramhall, MD, PhD</strong>, Seattle anesthesiologist, assistant secretary-treasurer. The seventh officer of WSMA's executive committee is past-president <strong>Tom Schaaf, MD, MHA</strong>, Spokane geriatrician, who will serve as committee chair.</p>
<p>Members newly elected to the board of trustees included: <strong>Monica Blykowski-May, MD</strong>, Spokane family physician; <strong>Rachel Reeg, MD</strong>, Wenatchee internist; and <strong>Teresa Girolami, MD</strong>, Redmond internist.</p>
<p>And as it does every year, the WSMA honored new inductees to the 50-Year Club, those members who have been practicing medicine for 50 years. Inductees included: <strong>Leonard C. Altman, MD</strong>, Seattle allergist; <strong>Richard E. Bensinger, MD</strong>, Seattle ophthalmologist; <strong>Thomas R. Boyce, MD</strong>, Seattle surgeon; <strong>William J. Bremner, MD</strong>, Seattle endocrinologist; <strong>Peter H. Byers, MD</strong>, Seattle clinical geneticist; <strong>Thomas S. Charbonnel, MD</strong>, Tacoma pediatrician; <strong>Sara A. Cuene, MD</strong>, Bellingham pediatrician; <strong>John A. Dilworth, MD</strong>, Everett infectious disease specialist; <strong>Gary K. Johnson, MD</strong>, Mount Vernon otolaryngologist; <strong>Shashi B. Kumar, MD</strong>, Everett physiatrist; <strong>Max M. Lee, MD</strong>, Seattle internist; <strong>Robert A. Margulies, MD, MPH</strong>, Pasco emergency medicine specialist; <strong>D. Janet Pavlin, MD</strong>, Seattle anesthesiologist; <strong>J. Douwe Rienstra, MD</strong>, Port Townsend preventative medicine specialist; <strong>Neil F. Schneider, MD</strong>, Mercer Island radiologist; <strong>James M. Squire, MD</strong>, Seattle addiction medicine specialist; <strong>Hisham K. Tamimi, MD</strong>, Seattle gynecologic oncologist; <strong>Surender K. Wadhwa, MD</strong>, Richland cardiovascular disease specialist.</p>
</div> | 10/21/2019 2:53:09 PM | 10/23/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| department_of_health_adopts_fee_increases_for_mds_and_pas | Department of Health Adopts Fee Increases for MDs and PAs | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20191023/department_of_health_adopts_fee_increases_for_mds_and_pas | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Concepts/doc_laptop_645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="doctor working at laptop" />
</div>
<h5>
October 23, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Department of Health Adopts Fee Increases for MDs and PAs</h2>
<p>The Department of Health has formally adopted rule amendments increasing license renewal and late renewal penalty fees for physicians (MDs) and physician assistants starting Feb. 1, 2020. While our opposition to the proposed increases did result in some concessions by the DOH, the increases remain substantial, as do our concerns about the impact on our members and the profession in Washington state.</p>
<p>Since announcing its intention to raise the fees during a meeting with the WSMA board of trustees in late 2018 (see <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20181226/wsma_pushes_back_on_state_plans_to_raise_physician_licensure_fees">this Memo article for background</a>), the Washington Medical Commission has submitted three proposals, all opposed by the WSMA. The final of the three proposals was adopted earlier this month.</p>
<p>License Renewal Fee Increase* Proposal: Original proposal (Oct. 2018)<br />
MD: $1,132<br />
PA: $140</p>
<p>License Renewal Fee Increase* Proposal: Revised proposal (Apr. 2019)<br />
MD: $1,012<br />
PA: $396</p>
<p>License Renewal Fee Increase* Proposal: Final (adopted) increase<br />
MD: $956<br />
PA: $379</p>
<p>Late renewal penalties have also been increased with the DOH's rulemaking, from $262.50 to $300 for MDs and from $50 to $124 for PAs. *Note that the renewal fees include University of Washington HEAL-WA annual surcharge of $16 or Washington Physician Health Program annual surcharge of $50.</p>
<p>In its communications, the DOH identified high disciplinary and litigation costs as well as increased costs for credentialing, case management, and call center functions as the reason for the fee increases.</p>
<p>While our <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20181226/wsma_pushes_back_on_state_plans_to_raise_physician_licensure_fees">pushback to the proposals</a> resulted in modest decreases in the final adopted amounts, in a meeting with WSMA staff, DOH representatives did commit to greater transparency in their budgeting processes going forward and promised to revisit the issue after two years to examine the possibility of reducing fees if the Medical Commission's budget outlook has stabilized.</p>
<p>We are grateful to our members, many working in primary care, in smaller practices, and those serving in professional shortage areas who made their voices heard over the past year by responding to our calls to action on the issue. Thank you for providing the Medical Commission with personal stories on how this dramatic increase in fees would impact your ability to practice good medicine—or to practice altogether.</p>
<p>The WSMA will be amplifying your stories and the voices of other physicians and PAs in the months ahead, as we continue to express our opposition to these fee increases. We remain deeply concerned regarding the impact of these fees on our members, the physician community at large, and on our state, where steep fee increases promise to exacerbate a growing physician shortage by putting Washington at a competitive disadvantage in matters such as physician recruitment and retainment.</p>
</div> | 10/21/2019 2:52:45 PM | 10/23/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| new_rules_require_physicians_to_report_lung_injuries_within_three_days | New Rules Require Physicians to Report Lung Injuries Within Three Days | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20191023/new_rules_require_physicians_to_report_lung_injuries_within_three_days | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
October 23, 2019
</h5>
<h2>New Rules Require Physicians to Report Lung Injuries Within Three Days</h2>
<p>The Washington State Board of Health has released new rules for physicians and health care providers related to the multistate outbreak of lung injury associated with vapor products. As of Oct. 15, almost 1,479 cases have been identified from 49 states, including 33 deaths. Twelve cases have been identified in Washington, with additional cases under investigation.</p>
<p>On Sept. 27, Gov. Jay Inslee issued Executive Order 19-03: <a href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/exe_order/19-03%20-%20Addressing%20the%20Vaping%20Public%20Health%20Crisis%20%28tmp%29.pdf" target="_blank">Addressing the Vaping Use Public Health Crisis</a>, and the health board issued emergency rules on Oct. 9. Among other actions, the rules require health care providers to report cases of lung injury to local health authorities within three business days. This will help public health quickly learn of cases and work to identify the cause(s) of this lung injury. The Washington State Department of Health has released <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1500/820-080-GuidelinesforCliniciansVapingLungInjury.docx">reporting guidelines for clinicians</a>, which will be updated as the agency learns more. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6841e3.htm?s_cid=mm6841e3_w">interim guidance for evaluating and caring for patients with suspected e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury</a>. Questions may be directed to <a href="mailto:vapingresponse@doh.wa.gov">vapingresponse@doh.wa.gov</a>.</p>
</div> | 10/21/2019 2:52:51 PM | 10/23/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| reminder_changes_to_medicaid_opioid_prescribing_policy_effective_nov_1 | Reminder: Changes to Medicaid Opioid Prescribing Policy Effective Nov. 1 | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20191023/reminder_changes_to_medicaid_opioid_prescribing_policy_effective_nov_1 | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
October 23, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Reminder: Changes to Medicaid Opioid Prescribing Policy Effective Nov. 1</h2>
<p>This Nov. 1, the Health Care Authority will update its Apple Health (Medicaid) opioid clinical policy to align the policy with the federal SUPPORT Act passed in 2018. Make sure your practice is aware of the changes coming.</p>
<p>While the prescribing policy remains largely unchanged, there are some significant new requirements, including: An attestation that chronic pain best practices are being followed when prescribing more than the acute policy limit within a 90-day period, and prior authorization on claims that exceed 120 morphine milligram equivalent (MME) limit. The expedited prior authorization provision, secured by the WSMA, remains in effect.</p>
<p>Visit <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/billers-providers-partners/programs-and-services/opioids">the HCA website</a> to review the changes</p>
</div> | 10/21/2019 2:51:16 PM | 10/23/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_supports_permanent_ban_on_sale_of_flavored_e_cigarettes | WSMA Supports Permanent Ban on Sale of Flavored E-Cigarettes | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20191023/wsma_supports_permanent_ban_on_sale_of_flavored_e_cigarettes | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Concepts/tobacco_vaping_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="vaping" />
</div>
<h5>
October 23, 2019
</h5>
<h2>WSMA Supports Permanent Ban on Sale of Flavored E-Cigarettes</h2>
<p>The WSMA House of Delegates has voted overwhelmingly to adopt a resolution from King County Medical Society advocating for a ban on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes in Washington state. The two organizations issued a joint press release this week announcing their position.</p>
<p>From the <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/October/king_county_medical_society_and_washington_state_medical_association_endorse_ban_on_flavored_e_cigar">press release</a>:</p>
<p>"The [state] health board's decision to temporarily ban flavored vape products is similar to recent moves made in Michigan and New York. The King County Medical Society resolution adopted by the WSMA went further and called for a permanent ban of all flavored e-cigarette products.</p>
<p>Through adoption of the resolution, the WSMA joins the King County Medical Society, The American Lung Association, The American College of Physicians, and dozens of leading health experts who have announced their endorsement of such a ban."</p>
<p>The Washington State Board of Health's temporary ban on flavored vaping products ends Feb. 7, 2020. As of Oct. 15, almost 1,479 cases have been identified from 49 states, including 33 deaths, with <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/October/new_rules_require_providers_to_report_lung_injuries_within_3_days">12 cases identified in Washington</a>.</p>
<p>The policy adopted by WSMA delegates also calls for supporting increased regulation of flavored nicotine packaging and directs WSMA's AMA delegation to take the policy to the AMA for consideration.</p>
<p><a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20191023/2019_annual_meeting_delegates_pass_proactive_policy_on_public_and_physician_health.aspx">Read more on the policies passed at the 2019 WSMA Annual Meeting</a> .</p>
</div> | 10/21/2019 2:52:48 PM | 10/23/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| coming_soon_the_2019_wsma_legislative_summit_and_state_legislative_session | Coming Soon: The 2019 WSMA Legislative Summit and State Legislative Session | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20191009/coming_soon_the_2019_wsma_legislative_summit_and_state_legislative_session | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/News/LS_2018.01.152-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
October 9, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Coming Soon: The 2020 WSMA Legislative Summit and State Legislative Session </h2>
<p>
Be sure to mark your calendars for the 2020 Legislative Summit, Thursday, Feb. 25 at the state Capitol. The annual summit is WSMA's "physicians' day on the Hill," scheduled during the state legislative session to give our members an opportunity to come to Olympia and amplify WSMA's advocacy message, and potentially change a few minds on issues of importance to the house of medicine.
</p>
<p>
Visit the Summit webpage to learn more about the how the event can help you forge relationships with your lawmakers while helping support WSMA policy. The 2020 state legislative session begins on Jan. 13. More details on the Summit, session, and WSMA's legislative agenda will be featured in future WSMA communications.
</p>
<p>
For a look at the impact of WSMA and physician advocacy during the state legislative session, visit our Legislative &amp; Regulatory webpage.
</p>
</div> | 10/7/2019 10:46:40 AM | 10/9/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| oic_webinar_on_balance_billing_legislation | OIC Webinar on Balance Billing Legislation | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20191009/oic_webinar_on_balance_billing_legislation | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Concepts/Stethoscope-numbers-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
October 9, 2019
</h5>
<h2>OIC Webinar on Balance Billing Legislation</h2>
<p>
Mark your calendar: On Wednesday, Nov. 13, from noon to 1:30 p.m., the Office of the Insurance Commissioner will host a webinar designed for physicians, providers, and practice staff on implementation of House Bill 1065, the "Balance Billing Protection Act." The WSMA provided guidance to OIC staff on the content of the webinar, which will cover the act's out-of-network provider payment and dispute resolution process, transparency provisions, enforcement, self-funded group health plan participation, and more. The Balance Billing Protection Act takes effect Jan. 1, 2020—make sure you and your practice are prepared by attending this session. Registration details to come; for now, save the date.
</p>
</div> | 10/7/2019 10:46:22 AM | 10/9/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_prompted_changes_coming_to_prior_authorizations_this_november | WSMA-Prompted Changes Coming to Prior Authorizations This November | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20191009/wsma_prompted_changes_coming_to_prior_authorizations_this_november | <div class="col-md-12">
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</div>
<h5>
October 9, 2019
</h5>
<h2>WSMA-Prompted Changes Coming to Prior Authorizations This November</h2>
<p>
News on the prior authorization front here in Washington: Starting in November, insurers will be required to offer an online process to submit prior authorization requests for medical services and provide greater transparency regarding required patient criteria, the result of <a href="https://www.insurance.wa.gov/prior-authorization-processes-and-transparency-r-2016-19">state rules</a> that went into effect last year (and initiated by WSMA advocacy).
</p>
<p>
Starting Nov. 1, a <a href="http://priorauth.wsma.org/transparency/">provision of the rule</a> is effective requiring insurers and their third-party administrators to provide physicians a "current and accurate online prior authorization process" to submit requests with patient-specific information needed to determine if a service is a benefit under the enrollee's plan and the information necessary to submit a complete prior authorization request, including if the service is a benefit, if prior authorization is necessary, and what, if any, pre-service requirements apply. If prior authorization is required, the online process must include the clinical criteria used to evaluate the request and required documentation.
</p>
<p>
Other provisions of the prior authorization rule for medical services already in effect include:
</p>
<ul>
<li>For standard prior authorization requests, an insurer must decide within five calendar days. </li>
<li>For expedited prior authorization requests, an insurer must decide within two calendar days. </li>
<li>Insurers and third-party administrators must have a provision for unforeseen and extenuating circumstances. </li>
<li>Insurers are obligated to make sure their TPAs follow the rule's requirements. </li>
</ul>
<p>
To learn more about these requirements, visit the <a href="http://priorauth.wsma.org/">WSMA Prior Authorization Navigator</a>.
</p>
<p>
Also: Beginning in November, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner will be conducting random audits of insurance carriers to help ensure compliance with the state prior authorization rules. The OIC will also be monitoring complaints from its hotline and making referrals to its legal affairs division for enforcement. If you experience an insurance carrier out of compliance, contact the OIC hotline at 800.562.6900.
</p>
</div> | 10/7/2019 10:46:19 AM | 10/9/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| doh_issues_new_clarification_on_state_opioid_rules_for_chronic_opioid_therapy | DOH Issues New Clarification on State Opioid Rules for Chronic Opioid Therapy | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190925/doh_issues_new_clarification_on_state_opioid_rules_for_chronic_opioid_therapy | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Concepts/opiates_hydrocodone_645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Hydocodone pills" />
</div>
<h5>
September 25, 2019
</h5>
<h2>DOH Issues New Clarification on State Opioid Rules for Chronic Opioid Therapy</h2>
<p>
The Department of Health has issued new guidance and clarification to prescribers on the state's new opioid rules in response to reports of patients on chronic opioid therapy being rapidly tapered and others unable to find physicians and other providers willing to care for them.
</p>
<p>
In the letter dated Sept. 25, the DOH states the state's new opioid rules do not set a regulatory limit on the daily dosage of opioids that can be prescribed in the state:
</p>
<p>
"Under Washington State rules, if a healthcare provider believes a patient being treated for chronic pain needs more than 120 mg MME per day to adequately address their pain, the healthcare provider is generally required to consult with a pain specialist. There are multiple mechanisms for accomplishing the consult requirement described in the rules, and the rules provide an exception to this consult requirement."
</p>
<p>
For more clarification from DOH on treating chronic pain patients in the context of state rules, <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WADOH/2019/09/25/file_attachments/1292295/Clarification-opioid-rules_9-20-2019.pdf" target="_blank">read the full letter</a>. With questions please contact Jeb Shepard at <a href="mailto:jeb@wsma.org">jeb@wsma.org</a>.
</p>
</div> | 9/24/2019 3:03:11 PM | 9/25/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_joins_wc_aap_and_national_partners_to_oppose_public_charge_rule | WSMA Joins WC-AAP and National Partners to Oppose Public Charge Rule | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190925/wsma_joins_wc_aap_and_national_partners_to_oppose_public_charge_rule | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Concepts/stockimage_2017doctorwithtoddler_645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
September 25, 2019
</h5>
<h2>WSMA Joins WC-AAP and National Partners to Oppose Public Charge Rule</h2>
<p>
The WSMA has joined the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians, and the American Medical Association to support a multi-state lawsuit opposing federal changes to the "public charge" rule that targets low-income immigrants and their families.
</p>
<p>
Under the new rule, set to go into effect Oct. 15, a legal immigrant who lawfully uses basic health care services, housing, and food assistance programs in Washington state and elsewhere in the U.S. can now have their application for permanent residency denied. Even individuals who have not used these programs, which include Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Section 8 housing vouchers, and Medicare Part D, can be denied a green card or visa if there is a suspected risk they are "likely" to use them in the future.
</p>
<p>
Washington estimates that more than 140,000 legal immigrants will likely lose their health insurance under the new rule. While those under age 21, pregnant women, and new moms are exempt from the rule, families will likely refrain from applying for services they need out of fear it would be used against the immigrant parent. Nearly a half million children in Washington have at least one immigrant parent.
</p>
<p>
"This rule change effectively says to these individuals, 'Want to see a doctor? Well guess what—the federal government will probably kick you out if you do,'" said WSMA President Tom Schaaf, MD, in a <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/September/physicians_unite_to_oppose_trump_administration_immigration_policy">joint WSMA/WCAAP press release</a> issued this week. "This will undeniably add another barrier between those who need health care and their physicians."
</p>
<p>
Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson is helping to lead a coalition of 13 states <a href="https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/washington-co-leads-multistate-lawsuit-against-dhs-rule-targeting-immigrant">in the lawsuit</a> to block the new public charge rule. The WCAAP, WSMA, AAP, ACP, and the AMA filed an amicus brief supporting the lawsuit last week.
</p>
</div> | 9/24/2019 3:03:08 PM | 9/25/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| countdown_to_the_2019_wsma_annual_meeting | Countdown to the 2019 WSMA Annual Meeting | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190911/countdown_to_the_2019_wsma_annual_meeting | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Events/2019-Annual-Meeting-Article-Graphic-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
September 11, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Countdown to the 2019 WSMA Annual Meeting</h2>
<p>
The 2019 WSMA Annual Meeting, WSMA's premier policymaking and networking event, is nearly here. If you have yet to register for the meeting, scheduled for Oct. 12-13 in Seattle, <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">do so today</a>. The meeting is free for WSMA members and members of the Washington State Radiological Society, which will hold its annual meeting on Saturday, Oct. 12, and has joined the WSMA in co-sponsoring a series of educational sessions throughout the day. Here's what members should know as the meeting approaches.
</p>
<ol>
<li>Today (Sept. 11) is the deadline to receive the special discounted room rate at the Hilton Seattle Airport &amp; Conference Center.</li>
<li>Tomorrow (Thursday, Sept. 12) is the final deadline for WSMA delegates to submit resolutions to the WSMA Seattle office. </li>
<li>The 2019 Delegate Handbook—the compilation of resolutions and other business to be considered by the House of Delegates at the meeting—is now available for <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f#handbook">download from the WSMA website</a>.</li>
<li>40 resolutions are now available in our password-protected <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Membership/Discussion_Forums/Reference_Committees_and_General_Discussion/WSMA/Membership/Discussion_Forums/Reference_Committees_and_General_Forum.aspx?hkey=d674a5ae-4fb5-48d6-b969-16aab9b63647">"virtual" reference committees</a>. WSMA members are encouraged to take a moment to review these proposals and provide input, which is crucial to shaping good policy.</li>
</ol>
<p>
For a full agenda, speaker and activity detail and to register for the WSMA Annual Meeting, visit the <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">WSMA website</a>.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA would like to thank our corporate partners for helping to make the meeting possible: exclusive premier partner <a href="http://www.phyins.com/">Physicians Insurance A Mutual Company</a>, and silver partners <a href="http://www.premera.com/">Premera Blue Cross</a>, <a href="https://www.fchn.com/">First Choice Health</a>, <a href="http://www.hallrender.com/">Hall Render</a> and <a href="https://www.wpmgcareers.org/index.html">Kaiser Permanente</a>. The WSMA also wishes to thank the following meeting sponsor for its generous contributions: platinum sponsor <a href="https://www.providence.org/">Providence Health &amp; Services</a>.
</p>
</div> | 9/11/2019 9:24:06 AM | 9/11/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| new_effective_date_for_changes_to_apple_health_opioid_prescribing_policy | New Effective Date for Changes to Apple Health Opioid Prescribing Policy | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190911/new_effective_date_for_changes_to_apple_health_opioid_prescribing_policy | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/News/opioid_hydrocodone_bottle-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
September 11, 2019
</h5>
<h2>New Effective Date for Changes to Apple Health Opioid Prescribing Policy</h2>
<p>
The Health Care Authority has changed the implementation date from Oct.1 to Nov. 1, 2019 for updates to its Apple Health (Medicaid) opioid clinical policy intended to align the policy with the federal SUPPORT Act passed in 2018.
</p>
<p>
While the prescribing policy remains largely unchanged, there are some significant new requirements, including: An attestation that chronic pain best practices are being followed when prescribing more than the acute policy limit within a 90-day period, and prior authorization on claims that exceed 120 morphine milligram equivalent (MME) limit. The expedited prior authorization provision, secured by the WSMA, remains in effect.
</p>
<p>
Visit the <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/billers-providers-partners/programs-and-services/opioids">HCA website</a> to review the changes.
</p>
</div> | 9/11/2019 9:23:52 AM | 9/11/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| volunteers_needed_for_maternal_mortality_review_panel | Volunteers Needed for Maternal Mortality Review Panel | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190911/volunteers_needed_for_maternal_mortality_review_panel | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/News/Pregnant-woman-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
September 11, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Volunteers Needed for Maternal Mortality Review Panel</h2>
<p>
One of the highlights of the 2019-20 state budget negotiations, the WSMA helped secure funding to extend and expand the state's maternal mortality review panel. The Department of Health is now recruiting health professionals as it seeks to convene the panel in 2020.
</p>
<p>
The panel, which the WSMA originally helped establish in 2016 pursuant to policy passed by its members, will conduct comprehensive reviews of maternal deaths and make recommendations for system changes to improve health care services for women. <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/ForPublicHealthandHealthcareProviders/PublicHealthSystemResourcesandServices/MaternalMortalityReviewPanel">Learn more about the panel and its review process</a>.
</p>
<p>
Disciplines and specialties sought by the DOH include, but are not limited to:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Women's, obstetric and maternal/perinatal health physicians and other providers.</li>
<li>Newborn and pediatric physicians and other providers.</li>
<li>Perinatal behavioral health physicians and providers.</li>
<li>Pathologists, coroners, and medical examiners.</li>
<li>Medical specialties like cardiology, emergency medicine, and anesthesiology.</li>
<li>Individuals or organizations that represent the populations most affected by pregnancy-related deaths or pregnancy-associated deaths and lack of access to maternal health care services.</li>
<li>Maternal support services and community programs, including doulas, maternity support service providers, and home visitors.</li>
<li>Representatives from state agencies, including the Health Care Authority and the Department of Children, Youth and Families.</li>
</ul>
<p>
Interested candidates can apply at <a href="http://www.doh.wa.gov/maternalmortality">www.doh.wa.gov/maternalmortality</a>. The application period closes on Oct. 15. Learn more about candidate requirements on the <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/ForPublicHealthandHealthcareProviders/PublicHealthSystemResourcesandServices/MaternalMortalityReviewPanel">DOH website</a>.
</p>
</div> | 9/11/2019 9:23:56 AM | 9/11/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_joins_the_ama_in_new_practice_transformation_initiative | WSMA Joins the AMA in New Practice Transformation Initiative | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190911/wsma_joins_the_ama_in_new_practice_transformation_initiative | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/News/Sept-Oct-Reports-Cover-Story-Image-RGB-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
September 11, 2019
</h5>
<h2>WSMA Joins the AMA in New Practice Transformation Initiative </h2>
<p>
The AMA has announced a new effort to fight the causes of physician burnout and dissatisfaction with the launch of the Practice Transformation Initiative. The ambitious initiative is a collaborative effort that includes the Physicians Foundation and state medical societies, including the WSMA.
</p>
<p>
While the frequency, causes, and impact of professional fatigue and burnout among physicians have been well researched, actionable solutions have had much less rigorous analysis. As a result, information on effective interventions remains limited. The mission of the Practice Transformation Initiative is to fill the knowledge gaps regarding effective interventions to reduce burnout.
</p>
<p>
The AMA and the Physicians Foundation are collaborating with the WSMA, among other state associations, to recruit health systems and practices within their states for field testing and studying results, with the goal of generating evidence-based research and accelerating the spread of innovations that support clinician satisfaction.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA has convened eight health care organizations in Washington to test burnout interventions as part of the initiative. For an in-depth look at this work, be sure to read the cover story from the latest issue of WSMA Reports, mailed to members last week. The cover story is also <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/September/ending_death_by_a_million_clicks">available online</a>.
</p>
<p>
For more information on the initiative, visit the <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/amaone/practice-transformation">AMA website</a>.<br />
<br />
<em>Illustration by Erin Foster with images from Freepik.com.</em></p>
</div> | 9/11/2019 9:23:49 AM | 9/11/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| contact_congress_today_and_urge_action_on_macra | Contact Congress Today and Urge Action on MACRA | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190828/contact_congress_today_and_urge_action_on_macra | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
August 28, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Contact Congress Today and Urge Action on MACRA</h2>
<p>Since the enactment of MACRA, physician organizations, including the WSMA, have worked closely with both Congress and the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services to implement the law and facilitate physician transition to the new payment system. However, payment rates under MACRA have not kept up with inflation, and physicians under the program are facing zero percent payment increases for years 2020-25. The AMA is calling on physicians to contact their congressional representatives now and urge action on MACRA to help ensure Medicare patients have access to quality care.</p>
<p>When contacting your congressional representatives, urge them to support improving MACRA by:</p>
<ul>
<li>Implementing positive payment adjustments for physicians in lieu of a payment freeze over the next six years.</li>
<li>Extending the Advanced Alternative Payment Models bonus payments for an additional six years.</li>
<li>Implementing additional technical improvements to MACRA.</li>
</ul>
<p>Visit the AMA's Physicians Grassroots Network to <a href="https://physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/be-heard?vvsrc=%2fcampaigns%2f67832%2frespond">write your members of Congress today</a>.</p>
</div> | 8/26/2019 10:25:51 AM | 8/28/2019 12:00:00 AM |