| 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">
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</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 |
| nearly_40_resolutions_now_available_for_wsma_member_input | Nearly 40 Resolutions Now Available for WSMA Member Input | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190828/nearly_40_resolutions_now_available_for_wsma_member_input | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/News/AM_2018.10.042-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
August 28, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Nearly 40 Resolutions Now Available for WSMA Member Input</h2>
<p>As a WSMA member, you have an opportunity to help shape the policy that guides WSMA advocacy. Nearly 40 resolutions are now available for your review 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>&nbsp;and more will be added in the weeks to come in anticipation of the 2019 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates this October.</p>
<p>WSMA's reference committees, both online and in-person at the meeting, give WSMA members an opportunity to discuss and debate resolutions and other business that will be considered for action by the House and thus serve a key role in WSMA's policymaking process (learn more about the <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f#about">role of the WSMA Annual Meeting in determining WSMA policy</a>).</p>
<p>All members are encouraged to take a moment to review and provide feedback on these resolutions. If adopted by the House, resolutions help to guide WSMA's advocacy efforts on behalf of its members, their patients, and the greater medical community in Washington. Your feedback can make a difference.</p>
<p>The resolutions are listed by title below. Click on the resolution title to read the full resolution, any comments from your colleagues, and to comment (you'll be prompted to enter your password to enter our secure virtual reference committees). To track discussions on a topic, you can 'subscribe' to that topic and receive notifications when a member comments.</p>
<p><strong>Now available in Reference Committee B (professional and internal affairs):</strong></p>
<p>Resolution B-1 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=43822235-5c0f-4ff9-9e8e-fdff0bafca11">More Effective Medical Commission</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-2 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=c739e9cd-16de-4abc-a91f-5820ca96c734">An Ethical and Effective Physician Health Program for Washington</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-3 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=561e3e3f-71ab-4ec0-8aef-61ee04f90e47">Programs to Reduce Advanced Provider Burnout</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-4 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=f13df142-84ae-4fc7-a4b4-07828667262e">Climate Change</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-5 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=9a2b4b4f-1244-4522-9fe7-350ac7235163">Financing Medical Education</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-6 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=be05a12b-9c16-4406-baa0-c1422c32f07d">Increasing Equity and Justice in the Care &amp; Outcomes of Washingtonians with Cancer</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-7 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=69106cd9-8637-40bb-a181-fabc35a22b6c">Support for Cybersecurity Techniques Against the Threat of Medical Misinformation</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-8 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=1af0035e-be14-4167-89b5-b739c3237855">Eliminating Minimal Risk of Patient Harm as a Criterion for Unprofessional Conduct</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-9 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=fbe79eaa-d946-4040-89dd-cfe61f44497f">Importance of Peer Review in Medical Commission Proceedings</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-10 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=5b6fdb6c-d015-4328-8bb4-de74abadd638">Limiting Documentation as a Factor in Determining Professional Care</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-11 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=19dd0c6a-9c1f-4d88-9f80-b5c5c0460e11">Patient Access to Cost-Effective Medical Care</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-12 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=02f399f2-587f-48b3-9c8f-7c79ddfbae36">Health Care Gown Waste Reduction in Washington State</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-13 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=094de906-3bbe-4754-86b6-056d78f774be">Requirement for Helmets When Using E-Scooters</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-14 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=a320a096-4a8b-4172-8b74-1619a4aa5aff">Low Carbon Fuel Standard for Washington State</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-15 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=cd29382f-822b-4f8e-af05-507926c12f1c">Tracking Physician Suicide</a></p>
<p>Resolution B-16 - <a href="https://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=741c9c8f-13eb-4ce3-98ad-9c73e5c0e5af">Transparency in the Handling of Specialist Consults</a></p>
<p><strong>Now available in Virtual Reference Committee C (legislative affairs and health care economics/reform):</strong></p>
<p>Resolution C-1 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=f26de634-7c5e-4ffe-9ae3-9ff7f84a9e1d">Coercion of Physicians/Surgeons by Internet or Telephone Threats</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-2 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=145d9a0b-2956-48fd-b604-5289c7495912">Universal Access for Essential Public Health Services</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-3 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=356ace5a-f85b-4fb8-a9aa-02017100056c">Time-Based Physician Payments</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-4 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=051ff1d9-63a7-424b-ab34-a6118a050258">Primary Care Investment</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-5 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=0b77b4bd-9fec-401c-9740-91206bc6610a">Payment for Time Spent With Patients</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-6 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=8bfade3b-8405-4553-b5a4-9844c641367a">Health Care Reform in Medication-Assisted Addiction Treatment in the ED</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-7 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=27e42fa8-7229-4a99-aca7-b00a6a9fb808">Health Care Reform in the Criminal Justice System</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-8 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=31b12c14-dde2-44e2-a0c5-becc93089c17">Increasing Gender Equity in Medicine Through Speaker Selection at Medical Conferences</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-9 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=ae041074-924b-4e61-a579-d9f7cbce66ed">Evidence-Based Sex Education in Washington State Schools</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-10 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=48fdd2ff-0e5b-4f9a-8091-8b4159701dfd">Opt-In Vaccinations for Mature Minors in Washington State</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-11 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=586bc50a-7a3a-4fb7-8f1d-9f5556d76ee9">Medicaid on Reentry from Incarceration</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-12 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=0c0ce5a3-45d1-45d2-9f17-162e91530325">WSMA Supports Payment for Patient Health Care Data Collection</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-13 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=996ae157-229a-49e3-a12c-3c20efeb186d">Necessary Medical Care for Inmates</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-14 - <a href="https://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=4f0fdec2-e96f-4f16-b7f8-0fbe3342b223">Amendment to the B&amp;O Tax</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-15 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=0c718a52-c482-482c-b217-5cbefa604c6b">Eliminating the Buprenorphine Waiver</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-16 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=039bea48-e1a9-46c5-8642-3dac2f9e9b1f">Improving Input and Access to Washington State Immunization Information System</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-17 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=4c4f76d8-7fc8-4480-a292-93d1a914b3bc">Pharmacy Vaccination Records</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-18 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=666cee1b-0592-43db-8704-8c1d5458cb04">Promotion of Health Equity Through Education in Critical Race Theory</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-19 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=3079cc3a-d447-4ba7-a192-b26beb1de57f">Medication Prior Authorization</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-20 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=e952d959-6083-4824-8a21-4b8928e87ccc">Scope of Practice</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-21 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=4ccd8774-3dcb-4119-a301-d0ded1b6f023">Development of a Firearm Safety Bureau</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-22 - <a href="https://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=0d59a550-e2ef-4380-9e4e-24153b91515c">Advancing Gender Equity in Medicine</a></p>
<p>Resolution C-23 - <a href="http://www.wsma.org/iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=ec978135-8164-4fbd-9db2-13c8ae46cee0">Reducing Firearm-Related Injury and Death, 2019 Updates</a></p>
<p>Member testimony will be accepted in the virtual reference committees until midnight on Wednesday, Oct. 9. If you'd like to provide testimony in person, reference committee meetings are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12 at the <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">2019 WSMA Annual Meeting</a> in Seattle. The WSMA Annual Meeting is free for members - <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">learn more about the event and register today</a>.</p>
</div> | 8/26/2019 10:25:38 AM | 8/28/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| physician_and_congresswoman_kim_schrier_featured_speaker_at_wampac_luncheon | Physician and Congresswoman Kim Schrier Featured Speaker at WAMPAC Luncheon | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190828/physician_and_congresswoman_kim_schrier_featured_speaker_at_wampac_luncheon | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Events/Schrier_LS_2018_645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
August 28, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Physician and Congresswoman Kim Schrier Featured Speaker at WAMPAC Luncheon</h2>
<p>Each year at the <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">WSMA Annual Meeting</a>, the WAMPAC luncheon aims to inform your understanding of health policy and the political landscape. There may be no better guest to help meet that goal than Rep. Kim Schrier, who represents the state's 8th Congressional District and is Washington's only physician in state or federal office.</p>
<p>Prior to serving in Congress, Rep. Schrier worked as a pediatrician in Issaquah. In D.C., she's worked on a number of initiatives pertaining to health policy, including introducing legislation to increase immunization rates. Join us at the luncheon to get her perspective on serving in Congress and pending health policy issues such as health care reform and the opioid epidemic.</p>
<p>The WAMPAC luncheon will take place on Saturday of the meeting, starting at 12:30 p.m. Admission to the luncheon is $40 and you can register when registering for <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">the WSMA Annual Meeting</a>. For members of the WAMPAC Diamond Club, admission is free of charge - our way of saying "thanks" for your investment in WAMPAC, WSMA's non-partisan campaign arm. Just be sure to enter the code WAMPAC19 when registering to redeem your free ticket. Not a member of the Diamond Club? Take the opportunity to <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Advocacy/WAMPAC/Give_to_WAMPAC/WSMA/Advocacy/WAMPAC/Give_to_WAMPAC.aspx?hkey=665ce949-b574-4ec7-8e5a-7a796233e5d7">join the club today</a>. Unsure of your membership status? Contact Sean Graham at <a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">sean@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 8/26/2019 10:25:32 AM | 8/28/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_flags_patient_safety_concerns_as_acupuncturists_propose_scope_expansion | WSMA Flags Patient Safety Concerns as Acupuncturists Propose Scope Expansion | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190828/wsma_flags_patient_safety_concerns_as_acupuncturists_propose_scope_expansion | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
August 28, 2019
</h5>
<h2>WSMA Flags Patient Safety Concerns as Acupuncturists Propose Scope Expansion</h2>
<p>The Department of Health is conducting a sunrise review of a proposal from the Washington Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine Association to <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/AboutUs/ProgramsandServices/HealthSystemsQualityAssurance/SunriseReviews/SunriseReviewinProgress">increase the scope of practice for acupuncturists and Eastern Medicine practitioners</a>. The proposal would broaden these practitioners' ability to diagnose and treat disease, treat substance use disorder, include additional substances for point injection therapy, and more. While the WSMA supports and encourages the use of integrative modalities like acupuncture, especially in the context of pain management, we have serious patient safety concerns with the proposed scope expansions under consideration. WSMA Policy Director Jeb Shepard testified at a recent public hearing on the proposal and the WSMA submitted <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2019/wsma_comment_acupuncture_sunrise_review.pdf]">a formal comment detailing our concerns</a>. (A "sunrise review" is a deliberative process used by the DOH to consider changes to health profession credentialing. At the close of the review period, the DOH submits recommendations to the Legislature. Learn more about this process from <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/AboutUs/ProgramsandServices/HealthSystemsQualityAssurance/SunriseReviews">the DOH website</a>.)</p>
</div> | 8/26/2019 10:25:42 AM | 8/28/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| 2019_wsma_annual_meeting_resolution_submission_deadline_this_friday | 2019 WSMA Annual Meeting: Resolution Submission Deadline This Friday! | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190814/2019_wsma_annual_meeting_resolution_submission_deadline_this_friday | <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>
August 14, 2019
</h5>
<h2>2019 WSMA Annual Meeting: Resolution Submission Deadline This Friday!</h2>
<p>
Registration is now available for the <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">2019 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates</a>, Oct. 12 and 13 at the Hilton Seattle Airport &amp; Conference Center. The meeting is free for all WSMA members. If you are interested in proposing policy, note that this Friday is the deadline to submit resolutions for inclusion in the WSMA Delegate Handbook (the compilation of resolutions and other business to be considered and acted upon by the House of Delegates). For WSMA members interested in authoring a resolution but who 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</a>.
</p>
</div> | 8/14/2019 2:24:43 PM | 8/14/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| congress_is_moving_on_balance_billing_and_needs_to_hear_from_you | Congress is Moving on Balance Billing and Needs to Hear From You | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190814/congress_is_moving_on_balance_billing_and_needs_to_hear_from_you | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/News/take_action_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
August 14, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Congress is Moving on Balance Billing and Needs to Hear From You</h2>
<p>
The balance billing debate at the federal level continues as Congress considers multiple approaches to protect patients from surprise bills. The WSMA recently traveled to the other Washington to share the physician perspective on this issue with Sen. Patty Murray as the Senate considered a bipartisan legislative solution to surprise billing (<a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190626/balance_billing_debate_and_wsma_advocacy_shifts_to_dc">read more about that bill</a>). Now the House has released its bill, HR 3630, the "No Surprises Act." Similar to the Senate bill, HR 3630 would reimburse physicians at an insurer's median contracted rate for care delivered under the bill, and, importantly, would not allow physicians to negotiate with insurers when a payment is insufficient. <strong>Members of Congress need to hear from you on this important issue</strong>. With Congress breaking for their August recess, now is the perfect time to schedule meetings with them to discuss surprise billing—or simply send them an email. Your members of Congress want to hear from you! The AMA offers an August Recess "<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.votervoice.net_BroadcastLinks_fjzOzntYZucFrRCXyv52XQ&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=iqeSLYkBTKTEV8nJYtdW_A&amp;r=pQFjyrAroMnJrTJzSBs9zFew4z3fQubjedQc8yi9Evs&amp;m=w8JPPHQc1YXh7W7DPbsRlYwZaAoRKSRdKte3nbJObjY&amp;s=-V85ejw_f-drcU7-ZP7LTOi-X5j_O9Rz8IFIdLdXAj8&amp;e=">Action Kit</a>" on surprise billing which you can use. Or take a moment to <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.votervoice.net_BroadcastLinks_Gie-2DhxbzxB9dzf8Pv3f8Bg&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=iqeSLYkBTKTEV8nJYtdW_A&amp;r=pQFjyrAroMnJrTJzSBs9zFew4z3fQubjedQc8yi9Evs&amp;m=w8JPPHQc1YXh7W7DPbsRlYwZaAoRKSRdKte3nbJObjY&amp;s=OFEl3glDz0LG_FiL7f50yYAqNcssbo-vQ29Vl_amIWE&amp;e=">write your members of Congress</a> about this important issue. When communicating with your Congressional representative, be sure to reference Washington's balance billing legislation, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1065&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1065</a>, as a model. Learn more about that bill <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2019/weekly_rounds_apr_15_2019_taking_action_makes_a_difference">here</a>.
</p>
</div> | 8/14/2019 9:40:21 AM | 8/14/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| naloxone_handout_for_your_patients | Naloxone Handout for Your Patients | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190814/naloxone_handout_for_your_patients | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
August 14, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Naloxone Handout for Your Patients</h2>
<p>
The Department of Health, with input from the WSMA and other stakeholders, now offers a patient handout on naloxone, the prescription medication used in medication-assistant treatment (MAT) that temporarily reverses an opioid overdose. The handout offers quick facts about naloxone, how to recognize an overdose, a quick checklist for when naloxone may be needed, and more. Download the handout <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/2300/2019/630146.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> or find it by visiting the DOH <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/ForPublicHealthandHealthcareProviders/HealthcareProfessionsandFacilities/OpioidPrescribing/HealthcareProviders/Toolkits">opioid prescribing tool kit webpage</a>, where you'll also find other patient handouts and information for physicians on the new opioid prescribing rules.
</p>
</div> | 8/14/2019 2:11:35 PM | 8/14/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| webinar_on_washingtons_new_immunization_law_now_available_on_demand | Webinar on Washington's New Immunization Law Now Available on Demand | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190814/webinar_on_washingtons_new_immunization_law_now_available_on_demand | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Concepts/Resource_Library_stock_physician_w_smiling_mother_andchild_645px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
August 14, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Webinar on Washington's New Immunization Law Now Available on Demand</h2>
<p>
House Bill 1638, WSMA-backed legislation eliminating the personal and philosophical exemption for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, is in effect. If you have questions about the exemption policy and the new immunization law, a recent webinar hosted by the Department of Health and Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians covering commonly asked questions about the new law is now available for viewing on demand. Click <a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/8310365469282655235">here</a> to view the recording. Visit the <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Schools/Immunization">DOH website</a> for more information from the state on school and child care immunization requirements.
</p>
</div> | 8/14/2019 9:40:14 AM | 8/14/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_supports_congressional_effort_to_streamline_prior_authorization_under_medicare_advantage | WSMA Supports Congressional Effort to Streamline Prior Authorization Under Medicare Advantage | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190814/wsma_supports_congressional_effort_to_streamline_prior_authorization_under_medicare_advantage | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/News/DelBene_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
August 14, 2019
</h5>
<h2>WSMA Supports Congressional Effort to Streamline Prior Authorization Under Medicare Advantage </h2>
<p>
The WSMA has signed on to a letter to members of Congress in support of HR 3107, the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation that would help protect patients from unnecessary delays in care by standardizing prior authorization under the Medicare Advantage program. Rep. Suzan Delbene (D-Wash.) helped introduce the legislation, which, if passed, would address several pain points experienced by physicians participating in the program and could be used as a model by other plans.
</p>
<p>
Based on <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/sites/ama-assn.org/files/corp/media-browser/public/arc-public/prior-authorization-consensus-statement.pdf" target="_blank">a consensus statement on prior authorization reform</a> adopted by the AMA and other leading national organizations representing physicians, medical groups, hospitals, pharmacists, and health plans, HR 3107 would:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Create an electronic prior authorization program including the electronic transmission of prior authorization requests and responses and a real-time process for items and services that are routinely approved;</li>
<li>Improve transparency by requiring plans to report to CMS on the extent of their use of prior authorization and the rate of approvals or denials; </li>
<li>Require plans to adopt transparent prior authorization programs that are reviewed annually, adhere to evidence-based medical guidelines, and include continuity of care for individuals transitioning between coverage policies to minimize any disruption in care; </li>
<li>Hold plans accountable for making timely prior authorization determinations and to provide rationales for denials; and</li>
<li>Prohibit additional prior authorization for medically necessary services performed during a surgical or invasive procedure that already received, or did not initially require, prior authorization.</li>
</ul>
</div> | 8/14/2019 9:40:17 AM | 8/14/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| doh_offers_updated_certificate_of_exemption_form_in_multiple_languages | DOH Offers Updated Certificate of Exemption Form in Multiple Languages | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190724/doh_offers_updated_certificate_of_exemption_form_in_multiple_languages | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
July 24, 2019
</h5>
<h2>DOH Offers Updated Certificate of Exemption Form in Multiple Languages</h2>
<p>
As <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190626/mmr_exemption_update_updated_form_and_new_webinar">we reported recently</a>, House Bill 1638, WSMA-backed legislation eliminating the personal and philosophical exemption for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, takes effect on July 28. The Department of Health has released an updated certificate of exemption form for school, childcare, and preschool immunization requirements, now available in multiple languages. Download the new form from the Department of Health's <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/Immunization/FormsandPublications/Forms">Immunizations Forms page</a>. DOH also offers an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Schools/Immunization/CertificateFAQs">FAQ page</a> with information about its certificate of immunization (COI) status and certificate of exemption (COE) forms. Additionally, the WSMA offers the following guidance regarding the rights and responsibilities of physicians and immunization exemptions:
</p>
<p>
With the elimination of the personal and philosophical exemption for the MMR vaccine, you may notice an uptick in the number of parents claiming a religious exemption to the vaccine. For the form to be valid, a physician or other authorized provider must sign the document attesting they have "…discussed the benefits and risks of immunizations with the parent/legal guardian as a condition for exempting their child." By signing the form, you are indicating that you have discussed the benefits and risks of immunizations. You are not affirming the validity of their religious beliefs.
</p>
<p>
According to the Department of Health, there is nothing in state statute that requires a physician to sign the form. However, a physician may open themselves up to discrimination claims if they attempt to evaluate the validity of a patient's religion or religious claims prior to signing the form. While the risk for litigation may be lower, this warning extends to physicians who refuse to sign any religious exemptions at all. The WSMA recommends consulting with legal counsel before making any decisions about whether or not to sign these exemption forms.
</p>
<p>
For questions, contact Billie Dickinson, WSMA policy analyst, at <a href="mailto:billie@wsma.org">billie@wsma.org</a>.
</p>
</div> | 7/23/2019 9:25:48 AM | 7/24/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| health_care_surrogate_options_expand_as_house_bill_1175_takes_effect | Health Care Surrogate Options Expand as House Bill 1175 Takes Effect | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190724/health_care_surrogate_options_expand_as_house_bill_1175_takes_effect | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Concepts/Stock.image_2019.Af-Am-and-white-older-friends-850x550.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="older friends photo" />
</div>
<h5>
July 24, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Health Care Surrogate Options Expand as House Bill 1175 Takes Effect</h2>
<p>
House Bill 1175, passed during the recent state legislative session, expands decision-making options for patients who lack capacity and helps physicians and providers ensure patients' health care decisions are known and honored. The legislation, which goes into effect July 28, has two significant provisions: First, the law expands the category of people who can be a surrogate health care decision-maker to include extended family members and close friends; second, the law allows a notary to finalize a health care directive (also known as a living will).
</p>
<p>
For a detailed look at the changes coming to state law on health care decision-making, see <a href="https://www.wsha.org/articles/19127/">this bulletin</a> from the Washington State Hospital Association. See also this <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/July/new_law_will_improve_health_care_decision-making_for_incapacitated_patients_in_washington_state.aspx">press release</a> issued today on behalf of the WSMA, WSHA, and Honoring Choices Pacific Northwest, the WSMA/WSHA joint advance care planning initiative. We are grateful for our partners at the hospital association, who were instrumental in helping to advance this policy over the course of multiple legislative sessions.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA will release an updated health care directive form early next week, available <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Resources/Advance_Care_Planning/Advance_Directives/WSMA/Resources/Advance_Care_Planning/Advance_Directives/Advance_Directives.aspx?hkey=30d6e16d-03f9-4972-8d64-7644f02921af">on the WSMA website</a>. Previously completed or executed health care directives will not be impacted by the new law.
</p>
</div> | 7/23/2019 9:25:42 AM | 7/24/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| washington_medical_commission_releases_interpretive_statements_for_opioid_rules | Washington Medical Commission Releases Interpretive Statements for Opioid Rules | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190724/washington_medical_commission_releases_interpretive_statements_for_opioid_rules | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Concepts/Generic_Rx_645px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
July 24, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Washington Medical Commission Releases Interpretive Statements for Opioid Rules</h2>
<p>
The Washington Medical Commission recently released clarification for opioid prescribers concerning chronic pain patients. In a press release, the WMC clarifies "New <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246-919-850">opioid prescribing rules</a>, effective January 2019, do not mandate doctors taper chronic pain patients. Pain lasting more than 12 weeks is considered chronic. Nor do they set pill limits. Some doctors and patients have been misinformed that the rules would cut off patients from their prescriptions. To be clear, the opioid prescribing rules for chronic pain patients in Washington have remained largely unchanged since 2012." To read the interpretive statements for MDs and PAs and accompanying press release, visit the <a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/news/wa-prescribing-rules-do-not-force-pain-patients-medication">WMC webpage</a>.
</p>
</div> | 7/23/2019 9:25:51 AM | 7/24/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| whistleblower_protections_wrongful_death_and_more_new_laws_in_effect_starting_july_28 | Whistleblower Protections, Wrongful Death, and More: New Laws in Effect Starting July 28 | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190724/whistleblower_protections_wrongful_death_and_more_new_laws_in_effect_starting_july_28 | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
July 24, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Whistleblower Protections, Wrongful Death, and More: New Laws in Effect Starting July 28</h2>
<p>
WSMA members should take note of the following bills passed during the recent legislative session that take effect on July 28:
</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Telemedicine and physician credentialing, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5387&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">Senate Bill 5387</a></strong> - Permits an originating-site hospital to rely on a distant-site hospital's credentialing and privileging process for telemedicine services. </li>
<li><strong>Vaccines, House Bill 1638</strong> - You may no longer sign certification forms exempting children from the MMR vaccine based on personal or philosophical objection. See our <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190724/doh_offers_updated_certificate_of_exemption_form_in_multiple_languages.aspx">update in this Membership Memo</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Advance directives, House Bill 1175</strong> - Expands decision-making options for patients who lack capacity and allows a notary to finalize a health care directive. See our <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190724/health_care_surrogate_options_expand_as_house_bill_1175_takes_effect.aspx">update in this Membership Memo</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Whistleblower protections, House Bill 1049</strong> - This WSMA priority bill (based on House of Delegates policy) expands protections to non-employee health care providers who whistleblow in good faith and provides a civil remedy to non-employee whistleblowers who experience retaliatory action. </li>
<li><strong>Wrongful death, Senate Bill 5163</strong> - Opposed by the WSMA, this legislation increases physician and providers' exposure to liability by broadly expanding who can sue in cases of wrongful injury or death and what types of damages they can recover. This applies prospectively and retroactively and may result in increased medical malpractice premiums. To learn more, contact your Physician's Insurance representative.</li>
</ul>
<p>
For more information on these bills and for a comprehensive look at policy impacting your practice from session, keep your eye out for WSMA's 2019 Legislative Report, in the mail to members this week. This published report offers an overview of the state legislative session through the lens of the physician experience in Washington state and is a benefit of belonging to your state medical association. Members can also find more information about policy impacting medical practice by visiting the <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Advocacy/Legislative___Regulatory/WSMA/Advocacy/Legislative_Regulatory/Legislative_Regulatory.aspx?hkey=c0dc6e7c-4385-497a-99db-4a6b6f4e56bd">Legislative and Regulatory page</a> on the WSMA website.
</p>
</div> | 7/23/2019 9:25:45 AM | 7/24/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| hca_offers_clarity_around_42_cfr_part_2_confidentiality_requirements | HCA Offers Clarity Around 42 CFR Part 2 Confidentiality Requirements | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190710/hca_offers_clarity_around_42_cfr_part_2_confidentiality_requirements | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Sharing Substance Use Disorder Information logo" src="/images/News/Sharing-SUD-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
July 10, 2019
</h5>
<h2>HCA Offers Clarity Around 42 CFR Part 2 Confidentiality Requirements</h2>
<p>Substance use disorder treatment information is subject to stringent regulations in 42 Code of Federal Regulations Part 2. In response to physician and provider requests for clarity around the confidentiality requirements, the Health Care Authority now offers <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/billers-and-providers/60-0015-sharing-substance-use-disorder-information-guide.pdf" target="_blank">Sharing Substance Use Disorder Information: A Guide for Washington State</a>. Developed with input from the WSMA, the guidance helps promote a common understanding of Part 2 and applicable laws, and offers common scenarios in which substance use disorder information sharing is needed. The resource also includes additional provider and patient resources, such as a sample Part 2 compliant consent form.</p>
</div> | 7/8/2019 11:25:13 AM | 7/10/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| medical_commission_license_renewal_fee_increase_still_under_consideration | Physician/PA License Renewal Fee Increase Rulemaking Still Active | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190710/medical_commission_license_renewal_fee_increase_still_under_consideration | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/News/Stethoscope-on-table-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
July 10, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Physician/PA License Renewal Fee Increase Rulemaking Still Active</h2>
<p>In May, the WSMA <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190424/last_chance_to_act_medical_commission_releases_rulemaking_for_license_renewal_fee_increase">called on members to act</a> in response to the Washington Medical Commission's release of proposed rulemaking raising license renewal fees for allopathic physicians (from $657 to $1,012) and physician assistants (from $202 to $396). While the Medical Commission reported then that the public commenting period would close on May 7 and the rule adopted on May 17, the WSMA has confirmed that the fee increase proposal is still an active rule—and commenting is still available. If you continue to have concerns, please share your comments with the Medical Commission at <a href="mailto:Medical.Rules@wmc.wa.gov">Medical.Rules@wmc.wa.gov</a>. For reference, see WSMA's formal response to the <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2019/WMC_Fee_Increase_CR-102_Comment_Letter_May_2019.pdf]" name="proposed CR-102 rule"><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2019/WMC_Fee_Increase_CR-102_Comment_Letter_May_2019.pdf]">proposed CR-102 rule</a> </a> that details our concerns regarding the commission's justifications for the fee increases. We will continue to provide updates and share any opportunities for advocacy as the rulemaking proceeds.</p>
</div> | 7/8/2019 11:25:07 AM | 7/10/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| updates_to_apple_health_opioid_prescribing_policy | Updates to Apple Health Opioid Prescribing Policy | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190710/updates_to_apple_health_opioid_prescribing_policy | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Physician inspecting prescription medicine bottle" src="/images/News/Rx_bottle_doctor_laptop_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
July 10, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Updates to Apple Health Opioid Prescribing Policy</h2>
<p>The Health Care Authority <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/apple-health-medicaid/support-act#Changes">recently announced</a> updates to its Apple Health (Medicaid) opioid clinical policy to align with the <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20181010/new_opioid_bill_passes_congress_with_bipartisan_support">federal SUPPORT Act passed in 2018</a>. The policy's requirements remain largely the same as when first issued by the HCA in October of last year (and endorsed by the WSMA and the Washington State Hospital Association in return for an <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2018/multi_pronged_efforts_seek_to_make_a_difference_in_opioid_epidemic">agreement by the HCA to include expedited prior authorization</a>). Changes include 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 the 120 morphine milligram equivalent (MME) limit. Visit <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/apple-health-medicaid/support-act#Changes">the HCA website</a> to review the changes, effective Oct. 1.</p>
</div> | 7/8/2019 11:25:10 AM | 7/10/2019 12:00:00 AM |