| ppe_reimbursement_bill_signed_into_law | PPE Reimbursement Bill Signed Into Law | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2021/ppe_reimbursement_bill_signed_into_law | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/April/Spring-WA-Capitol-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Washington cap" />
</div>
<h5>April 16, 2021</h5>
<h2>PPE Reimbursement Bill Signed Into Law</h2>
<p>
With the 2021 legislative session slated to adjourn on April 25, WSMA's legislative priorities are in strong shape, with one major win for the physician community coming in mere moments. Senate Bill 5169, requiring commercial insurance carriers to begin reimbursing for PPE costs during the pandemic, will be signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee today, April 16. The bill will take effect immediately upon signature, and Washington will become the first state in the country to require reimbursement for PPE in this way. The WSMA and other supporters believe this important legislation will help spread the increased costs of delivering care during the pandemic and ensure everyone is paying their fair share.
</p>
<h3>What SB 5169 means for physician practices</h3>
<p>
As soon as the bill is signed into law and for the duration of the federal public health emergency, any physician or health care provider treating patients in state-regulated commercial health plans who has incurred costs for PPE will be able to bill the newly created CPT code 99072 and be reimbursed $6.57 per patient encounter as recommended by the AMA's RUC committee.
</p>
<p>
Given that it can be difficult to know whether a health plan is fully insured and subject to state regulation, or self-insured and generally exempt from state laws, the WSMA recommends billing the code liberally in appropriate circumstances as those health plans which are not subject to the law may opt to reimburse the code. More guidance on the use of the code can be found in <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2020-09/cpt-assistant-guide-coronavirus-september-2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">this edition of the AMA CPT Assistant</a>. (If your practice experiences any implementation issues with insurers, please reach out to WSMA's policy department at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.)
</p>
<p>
The WSMA conducted several surveys last year to assess the impact of the pandemic on physician practices. One recurring theme we heard was that PPE was increasingly difficult to procure, and when available, the costs were much higher compared to pre-pandemic rates. Based on this feedback, the WSMA helped develop and introduce SB 5169 as one way to ensure support for physician practices. We want to thank everyone that took the time to respond to these surveys during an incredibly stressful time.
</p>
<p>
In developing and advancing this legislation, the WSMA also worked closely with the Washington State Medical Group Management Association, as well as a host of health care provider organizations. We appreciate their input and partnership in this work. Finally, we want to thank Sen. David Frockt (D-North Seattle) for sponsoring the bill and prioritizing it to help support the physician and provider community during this challenging time.
</p>
<h3>Other practice sustainability policies poised to pass</h3>
<p>
That's not the only good news to report from Olympia. As it stands, all of WSMA's priority issues are faring well, including:
</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Medicaid reimbursement:</strong> Budget writers in Olympia have proposed investing up to $160 million over the next two years in Medicaid reimbursement rate increases for primary care, behavioral health, and certain pediatric services. These rate increases are a longstanding priority for your WSMA and represent a positive first step in addressing Medicaid reimbursement more broadly. Budget negotiations are ongoing, but we are optimistic that funds will be included in the final budget.</li>
<li><strong>Audio-only telemedicine:</strong>, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1196&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2021">HB 1196</a> Generally requires that insurers provide the same coverage and reimbursement for audio-only telemedicine services as they would for care delivered in person or via audio/visual telemedicine. The bill has passed both the House and Senate, but the House will need to agree with changes adopted in the Senate before the bill heads to the governor's desk.</li>
<li><strong>COVID-19 liability protections</strong>, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5271&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2021">SB 5271</a>: Establishes that the context in which care was delivered during COVID-19 will be taken into account in malpractice actions. The bill would help ensure courts will consider the difficult regulatory and logistical landscape physician practices were operating under during the pandemic. The bill has passed both the House and Senate and now heads to the governor's desk. SB 5271 will take effect immediately upon being signed.</li>
</ul>
<p>
For more information regarding WSMA's legislative advocacy, please visit our <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/Legislative___Regulatory/WSMA/Advocacy/Legislative_Regulatory/Legislative_Regulatory.aspx?hkey=c0dc6e7c-4385-497a-99db-4a6b6f4e56bd">Legislative &amp; Regulatory
page</a> or reach out to WSMA Government Affairs Director Sean Graham at <a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">sean@wsma.org</a>.
</p>
</div> | 4/16/2021 9:52:18 AM | 4/16/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| video_legislative_session_week_14_in_brief | Video: Legislative Session Week 14 in Brief | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2021/video_legislative_session_week_14_in_brief | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/535933862"><img alt="" src="/images/Newsletters/latest-news/2021/April/Leg-Update-Video-Wk-14-645x425px.jpg" /></a>
</div>
<h5>April 12, 2021</h5>
<h2>Video: Legislative Session Week 14 in Brief</h2>
<p>
WSMA Director of Government Affairs Sean Graham explains the legislative reconciliation process, and unpacks recently passed Senate Bill 5169, which requires state-regulated commercial health plans to cover PPE costs that have increased due to the pandemic. <a href="https://vimeo.com/535933862">Watch the video</a>.</p>
</div> | 4/12/2021 3:06:56 PM | 4/12/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| covid_19_vaccine_eligibility_opens_to_everyone_prepare_your_practice | COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Opens to Everyone: Prepare Your Practice | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/April_9/covid_19_vaccine_eligibility_opens_to_everyone_prepare_your_practice | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/April/COVID-vaccine-Illustration-blue645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="illustrated syring and vaccine vial" />
</div>
<h5>April 9, 2021</h5>
<h2>COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Opens to Everyone: Prepare Your Practice</h2>
<p>With Washington state opening COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to everyone 16 and older on April 15, and with case counts on the rise in some counties, the WSMA is joining with health care partners across the state to help promote confidence in, and uptake of, these life-saving vaccines. Our members are the key to our success in this endeavor. By leveraging the trust patients have in their physicians, you can help ensure Washingtonians are receiving guidance based on sound science and good medical practice - and help counter the increasing barrage of misinformation circulating on and offline. The WSMA offers the following new resources to help you and your practice or organization.</p>
<h3>Key COVID-19 vaccine messages</h3>
<p>In light of unfounded concerns around the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine and other vaccine misinformation, the WSMA has joined with the state and our health partners to reinforce these key messages:</p>
<ul>
<li>When it's your turn, don't hesitate, vaccinate.</li>
<li>All three COVID-19 vaccines are safe and very effective.</li>
<li>The best vaccine is the first vaccine that's available to you. &nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h3>"Don't Hesitate, Vaccinate!" public service announcement</h3>
<p>The WSMA has produced a new 45-second PSA featuring WSMA President Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, MBA, called "<a href="https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/532903768">Don't hesitate, just vaccinate!</a>" The WSMA will be posting on its social channels (embedding and closed captions are enabled). Feel free to share with your networks. </p>
<h3>"Let's lay vaccine hesitancy to rest in Washington state" op-ed from WSMA president</h3>
<p>Your WSMA president also penned an <a href="https://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/op-ed/article250229750.html">op-ed that ran in the Tacoma News Tribune</a> that leveraged his role as an emergency department physician on the front lines of the pandemic to instill vaccine confidence. For permission to republish, contact Graham Short at <a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>.</p>
<h3>Countering hesitancy in patients and health care workers</h3>
<p>Confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines is increasing among all Americans, according to a <a href="https://khn.org/news/article/covid-vaccine-hesitancy-drops-among-americans-new-kff-survey-shows/">March Kaiser Family Foundation survey</a>. The bad news is that nearly 30% of adult Americans are still hesitant. Worse, health care is not immune: In a <a href="https://www.kff.org/report-section/kff-washington-post-frontline-health-care-workers-survey-vaccine-intentions/">March 2021 Kaiser Family Foundation/Washington Post survey of health care workers</a>, 18% said they weren't planning on getting the vaccine and 12% were undecided.</p>
<p>Concern about vaccine safety is one of the top barriers to vaccination. And with the arrival of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine, questions have emerged about vaccine efficacy. In a recent webinar, Bob Lutz, MD, from the Department of Health's COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas Opel, MD, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and John Vassall MD, physician executive for quality, safety, and equity at Comagine Health, shared best practices for addressing patient hesitancy and how to approach communities with significant health disparities. View the <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/Immunization/ImmunizationNews/ImmunizationTraining/AddressingPatientConcernsaboutCOVID19VaccinesWebinar">archived webinar on the Department of Health website</a>. The DOH also offers a new provider toolkit <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/HealthcareProviders/VaccineInformationforHealthcareProviders/ToolkitandResources">here</a>.</p>
<h3>Vaccine eligibility tool no longer required</h3>
<p>Phase Finder, the state's online vaccine eligibility tool, is no longer required to verify COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. The Department of Health has asked that vaccine providers no longer require Phase Finder to schedule an appointment or ask for it when patients arrive for their appointment. Eligibility and vaccine location information can be found on the Department of Health's <a href="https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/">Vaccine Locator</a>, presently available in 30 languages. Those who need help can call the state's COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127, then press #. Language assistance is available.</p>
<h3>WSMA acts on concerns from vaccine providers</h3>
<p>The opening of eligibility may relieve some instances of unwarranted pressure from the state on vaccine providers regarding compliance. After receiving feedback from members, the WSMA joined the Washington State Hospital Association in asking for clarification and expressing our concerns about instances of mixed messaging around compliance from separate state agencies. The WSMA will continue to advocate for consistency and clarity in communications with regarding regulation and enforcement activities.</p>
<p>Find more vaccine resources on the WSMA <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/Vaccines/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/covid_19_vaccines/covid_19_vaccines.aspx?hkey=fce03e80-d2e1-463c-b1f3-7257addd7814">COVID-19 Vaccines webpage</a>.</p>
</div> | 4/8/2021 3:12:36 PM | 4/9/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| epcs_requirement_delayed_until_jan_1_2022 | EPCS Requirement Delayed Until Jan. 1, 2022 | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/April_9/epcs_requirement_delayed_until_jan_1_2022 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/April/Rx_bottle_doctor_laptop_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Physician holding up prescription bottle while working at a laptop computer" />
</div>
<h5>April 9, 2021</h5>
<h2>EPCS Requirement Delayed Until Jan. 1, 2022 </h2>
<p>At the request of the WSMA, Secretary of Health Umair Shah, MD, has delayed the state's electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS) requirement until Jan. 1, 2022, due to the state's ongoing pandemic response. The delay will <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/March_11/wsma_requests_epcs_mandate_delay_to_align_with_medicare">align the state's mandate with a new Medicare requirement</a> - and give physician practices recovering from the effects of the pandemic an extra few months to help to mitigate some of the unprecedented financial challenges facing them.</p>
<p>The WSMA thanks Secretary Shah for the delay and for acknowledging physicians' contributions to the state's pandemic response and the importance of an ongoing partnership. The EPCS requirement is required by <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5380&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">Senate Bill 5380</a> (2019) and codified in <a href="https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=69.50">Chapter 69.50 RCW</a>.</p>
</div> | 4/8/2021 11:59:04 AM | 4/9/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| md_pa_licensure_and_renewal_process_what_you_need_to_know | MD/PA Licensure and Renewal Process: What You Need to Know | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/April_9/md_pa_licensure_and_renewal_process_what_you_need_to_know | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/April/steth_warm-background_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope on top of folded cloth" />
</div>
<h5>April 9, 2021</h5>
<h2>MD/PA Licensure and Renewal Process: What You Need to Know</h2>
<p>The WSMA is hosting experts from the Washington Medical Commission's licensing department to provide insight on the licensing and renewal process, share advice, and offer tips on how to get your application approved as quickly as possible. This free CME webinar is for WSMA members and their administrative staff only (e.g., clinic managers).</p>
<p>The webinar will cover utilization of the online portal, accessing the online application checklist, requesting documents through the original entity, and when and how to complete the fingerprinting process, among other important topics. There will also be an opportunity to have your licensing questions answered by the WMC representatives.</p>
<p>Guest speakers include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Marisa Courtney, licensing manager, Washington Medical Commission</li>
<li>Emma Marienthal, licensing lead, Washington Medical Commission</li>
<li>Jeb Shepard, policy director, Washington State Medical Association</li>
</ul>
<p>Register <a href="[@]Shared_Content/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=CPDRENEWAL">online</a>. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em>â„¢.</p>
</div> | 4/8/2021 11:58:50 AM | 4/9/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| new_polst_advance_directive_new_name_for_end_of_life_advocacy_group | New POLST, Advance Directive; New Name for End-of-Life Advocacy Group | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/April_9/new_polst_advance_directive_new_name_for_end_of_life_advocacy_group | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/April/POLST_2021_Form_FNL-Green-Background-cropped-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="POLST form" />
</div>
<h5>April 9, 2021</h5>
<h2>New POLST, Advance Directive; New Name for End-of-Life Advocacy Group</h2>
<p>The WSMA is pleased to announce major updates to advance care planning resources for patients, clinicians, and health care organizations. These newly updated resources - the advance directive, POLST, and the Washington Serious Illness Care Coalition (formerly the Washington End-of-Life Coalition) - continue to position the WSMA at the forefront of regional efforts to ensure clinicians and patients are empowered to give and receive care that reflects patients' goals, values, and preferences.</p>
<h3>Honoring Choices Pacific Northwest's new advance directive</h3>
<p>Honoring Choices® Pacific Northwest, the advance care planning initiative jointly sponsored by the WSMA and the Washington State Hospital Association, this week unveiled its new advance directive. This updated directive is a durable power of attorney for health care based on Washington state law (chapter 11.125 RCW), allowing individuals to name their health care agent. The new advance directive also helps individuals prepare their health care agent by sharing their goals, values, and preferences.</p>
<p>The WSMA has discontinued its advance directive brochure "Who Will Decide If You Can't," and now offers the Honoring Choices PNW advance directive in its place. Research shows that the best way to ensure an individual's wishes are followed is for them to name and prepare a health care agent. Download or order hard copies of the advance directive from <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/Advance_Care_Planning/Advance_Directives/WSMA/Resources/Advance_Care_Planning/Advance_Directives/Advance_Directives.aspx?hkey=30d6e16d-03f9-4972-8d64-7644f02921af">the WSMA website</a>.</p>
<h3>POLST</h3>
<p>Another important advance care planning document, POLST, has been newly revised - and rechristened. Formerly Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, the bright green form is now called Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, an inclusive rebranding to reflect the non-physician licensed professionals (PAs and ARNPs) authorized to complete and sign the form. The logo was also revised to align with the national POLST program, among other improvements made to the form.</p>
<p>The newly revised POLST is now available from <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/Advance_Care_Planning/POLST/WSMA/Resources/Advance_Care_Planning/POLST/POLST.aspx?hkey=7abf485a-3dfa-472f-8cf2-1a274562150f">the WSMA website</a>, where you'll also find a summary of revisions and more information about POLST.</p>
<h3>Washington Serious Illness Care Coalition</h3>
<p>Initiated by the WSMA in 1997, the Washington Serious Illness Care Coalition, formerly known as the Washington End-of-Life Coalition, remains a steadfast advocate for improving serious illness care in Washington. Now under the fold of the WSMA Foundation, the coalition is the home of the Washington POLST Task Force, which oversees the POLST program. The coalition also serves in an advisory capacity as subject matter experts on all aspects of serious illness care. This year, the group reintroduced itself with a new name and a new vision, mission, and values statement. Learn more by visiting the <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/Advance_Care_Planning/Washington_Serious_Illness_Care_Coalition/WSMA/Resources/Advance_Care_Planning/Washington_Serious_Illness_Care_Coalition/Washington_Serious_Illness_Care_Coalition.aspx?hkey=407d0412-a186-437d-9790-b690c0f6da91">coalition's webpage</a> on the WSMA website, where you can sign up to receive regular communications from this extraordinary group.</p>
<p>With <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/March_26/national_healthcare_decisions_day_is_april_16">National Healthcare Decisions Day next week</a>, make sure you and your care teams are up to date with all that the WSMA has to offer for your advance care planning and end-of-life care efforts. If you have questions, email Jessica Martinson at <a href="mailto:jessica@wsma.org">jessica@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 4/8/2021 11:58:57 AM | 4/9/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| ppe_reimbursement_bill_passes_house_awaits_governors_signature | PPE Reimbursement Bill Passes House, Awaits Governor's Signature | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/April_9/ppe_reimbursement_bill_passes_house_awaits_governors_signature | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/April/Spring-WA-Capitol-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Capitol building behind cherry blossom trees" />
</div>
<h5>April 9, 2021</h5>
<h2>PPE Reimbursement Bill Passes House, Awaits Governor's Signature </h2>
<p>With less than three weeks remaining in the legislative session, WSMA's legislative priorities are in strong shape, with one significant win for the physician community just this week: <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5169&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2021">Senate Bill 5169</a>, requiring commercial insurance carriers to reimburse for increased PPE costs incurred during the pandemic, passed the House unanimously on Monday and now awaits Gov. Jay Inslee's signature. SB 5169 will allow physicians and health care providers, for the duration of the public health emergency, to bill for incurred PPE expenses using newly created CPT code 99072 and be reimbursed $6.57 per patient encounter, as recommended by the AMA's RUC committee. Once signed by the governor, the bill will take effect immediately. The WSMA and other supporters of this important legislation believe it is a necessary step to help spread the increased costs of delivering care during the pandemic and ensure everyone is paying their fair share.</p>
<p>With this Sunday marking the opposite house cutoff deadline (meaning policy bills need to have passed both the House and Senate), session's end game is approaching. Here's a quick update on WSMA's other priority policies:</p>
<h3>Medicaid and foundational public health</h3>
<p>Legislators are proposing to make significant investments in Medicaid reimbursement and our state's foundational public health services, but negotiations are ongoing and your engagement is needed. There is still time to respond to WSMA's call to action in support of these funding provisions. Take a moment to <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/put-patients-first-prioritize-medicaid-and-public-health-in-the-final-state-budget/">contact your legislators</a> and share your support. See <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2021/legislative_budget_proposals_fund_wsma_priorities">our budget analysis</a> of the Senate and House proposals for a rundown of those and other provisions being considered that would impact the physician community.</p>
<h3>Audio-only telemedicine</h3>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1196&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2021">House Bill 1196</a>, which would allow patients to receive covered health care services over the telephone, is awaiting a vote before the Senate. If you haven't yet sent a message to your legislators in support of HB 1196, <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/urge-your-state-lawmakers-to-support-telemedicine-ppe-reimbursement-bills/">do so today</a> - your feedback can still make a difference.</p>
<h3>Health equity CME</h3>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5229&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2021">Senate Bill 5229</a>, which would direct the boards and commissions of licensed health professions to adopt rules establishing a health equity CME requirement at least once every four years, has returned to the Senate for concurrence after changes were made in the House.</p>
<h3>COVID-19 liability protections</h3>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5271&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2021">Senate Bill 5271</a>, which would establish a clear method for determining the standard of care for health care providers and facilities caring for COVID-19 patients, is now in the House Rules Committee, meaning it needs to be pulled from the committee to the floor calendar for a vote by the full House.</p>
<h3>Join us May 7 for a session wrap-up</h3>
<p>The WSMA's government affairs and policy team will host a post-session Advocacy Council meeting on Friday, May 7 at noon. All WSMA members are invited to join the meeting to get an inside look at the outcome of WSMA's priority bills, the 2021-23 state operating budget, and other legislative issues following the scheduled conclusion of session on April 25. Register for the meeting <a href="https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJArcu-tqDgsHNF_ASfe4cCORSiKzadx5YI1">online</a>.</p>
</div> | 4/8/2021 11:58:47 AM | 4/9/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_submits_comments_at_pa_rulemaking_workshop | WSMA Submits Comments at PA Rulemaking Workshop | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/April_9/wsma_submits_comments_at_pa_rulemaking_workshop | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>April 9, 2021</h5>
<h2>WSMA Submits Comments at PA Rulemaking Workshop </h2>
<p>The Washington Medical Commission has filed a <a href="http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2020/24/20-24-015.htm">CR-101</a> to update the physician assistant chapter to more closely align with current industry standards, modernize regulations to align with current national industry standards and best practices, and provide clearer rules language for licensed PAs. The rulemaking inquiry also incorporates rulemaking required by the passage of <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2378&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 2378</a>, the PA Modernization Act.</p>
<p>Earlier this week, the commission held a workshop for stakeholders to provide their input on the draft language. The WSMA submitted a <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2021/WSMA WSR 20-24-015.pdf]">comment letter</a> in support of the rulemaking. If you have questions about the PA rulemaking or stakeholder workshop, please contact the WSMA policy department at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>. &nbsp;</p>
</div> | 4/8/2021 3:08:17 PM | 4/9/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| video_legislative_session_week_13_in_brief | Video: Legislative Session Week 13 in Brief | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2021/video_legislative_session_week_13_in_brief | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/533022787"><img alt="" src="/images/Newsletters/latest-news/2021/April/Leg-Update-Wk-13-645x425px.jpg" /></a>
</div>
<h5>April 6, 2021</h5>
<h2>Video: Legislative Session Week 13 in Brief</h2>
<p>
WSMA Associate Director of Legislative and Political Affairs Alex Wehinger gives an update on the where some of WSMA's priority bills stand with three weeks left in the 2021 legislative session. Plus, a call to action on our priorities for the budget. <a href="https://vimeo.com/533022787">Watch the video</a>.</p>
</div> | 4/7/2021 3:09:54 PM | 4/6/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| legislative_budget_proposals_fund_wsma_priorities | Legislative Budget Proposals Fund WSMA Priorities | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2021/legislative_budget_proposals_fund_wsma_priorities | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/March/State.Capitol.Olympia_2015-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Olympia Legislative Building" />
</div>
<h5>March 29, 2021</h5>
<h2>Legislative Budget Proposals Fund WSMA Priorities</h2>
<p>Democrats in the House of Representatives and Senate have released their state budget proposals and the WSMA is pleased to report that both spending plans fund our top budget priorities of investing in Foundational Public Health Services and increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates. The Medicaid rate increases would apply to primary care, behavioral health, and certain pediatric services - a positive first step in addressing Medicaid reimbursement more broadly.
</p>
<p>Taken together, Medicaid reimbursement and FPHS represent years of advocacy and potentially hundreds of millions of dollars that will benefit patients and the physician community across the state. And it comes on top of the more than $1 billion for pandemic response, funding for behavioral health investments, improvements to the social safety net, and numerous other positive provisions.
</p>
<p>The state budget picture has brightened in recent months, buoyed by an economy that continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic and financial support from the federal government. Both budget proposals run just shy of $60 billion for the two-year period beginning July 1, representing significant spending growth. Negotiations on how to reconcile differences in the two budgets will dominate the remainder of the 2021 legislative session, which is scheduled to adjourn on April 25.
</p>
<p>Here’s a look at WSMA’s top four budget priorities:
</p>
<h3>Medicaid reimbursement
</h3>
<p>Both budgets propose to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care, pediatric, and behavioral health care services, but there are differences in approach.
</p>
<ul>
<li>The Senate would spend $56.2 million from the state general fund on primary care and pediatric rate increases, and another $6.5 million on behavioral health rate increases. This funds rate increases of at least 15% for primary care, at least 30% for certain pediatric services, and up to 15% for behavioral health. The state investment leverages an additional $100 million in federal funds for a total increase of $163 million over the two-year budget cycle.</li>
<li>
The House would spend $33.5 million from the state general fund on primary care and pediatric rate increases, and another $5.6 million on behavioral health rate increases. This funds rate increases of at least 15% for primary care, at least 21% for certain pediatric services, and up to 15% for behavioral health. The state investment leverages an additional $71.5 million in federal funds for a total increase of $109 million over the two-year budget cycle.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Foundational public health services
</h3>
<p>Both budgets propose significant investments in Foundational Public Health Services, with the House dedicating $100 million and the Senate at $150 million over the next two years. The Senate also earmarks a $300 million appropriation in the 2023-25 budget cycle (the House budget doesn’t delineate spending in 2023-25).
</p>
<h3>Pandemic response
</h3>
<p>Both budgets propose spending more than $1 billion (largely in federal stimulus funds) to support pandemic response efforts around vaccine distribution, diagnostic testing, contact tracing, and other important functions.
</p>
<h3>Medical education
</h3>
<p>Both budgets propose maintaining investments in medical residencies and health professional student loan repayment and would also fund psychiatric residencies.
</p>
<h3>Other investments
</h3>
<p>The good news for patients and the physician community in the budgets doesn’t stop there. Both budgets make significant investments in behavioral health beyond the Medicaid rate increases and psychiatric residencies, including funding opioid epidemic response, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and continuing to develop the University of Washington Behavioral Health Teaching Hospital. There’s also funding for ensuring one year of postpartum insurance coverage for Medicaid enrollees and more than $10 million for cancer research.
</p>
<p>More broadly, the proposals will further discussions about the need for new taxes. Both budgets assume the establishment of a new capital gains tax, which would be levied at 7% on the sale of certain investments (the tax does not apply to retirement accounts or the sale of real estate). Democrats argue that while the state’s budget outlook has improved, our tax system remains regressive and should be rebalanced. Republicans counter that a capital gains tax may be unconstitutional and is unneeded given strong state revenues and federal stimulus.
</p>
<p>There are also differences in approach between the two budget proposals that will need to be ironed out. For example, the Senate would spend $100 million in subsidies to buy down the cost of purchasing insurance on the state’s insurance exchange. The House doesn’t fund subsidies but does set aside $35 million for the delivery of health care and other services for undocumented individuals who may be otherwise ineligible for public support.
</p>
<p>And at a higher level, the Senate opts to lean on state budget reserves to buttress spending, while the House favors utilizing federal stimulus funds. Both budgets leave significant amounts of the federal stimulus funds unspent, however, likely because more guidance on the funds is forthcoming from the federal government. Negotiators will work to reconcile these differences in the coming weeks.
</p>
<p>Together, the two chambers’ budget documents run nearly 2,000 pages, which is not to speak of the hundreds of pages of supplementary documents. Your WSMA team in Olympia is continuing to comb through the spending plans, looking for items of relevance for the physician community and guarding against proposals that could hinder access to care. Look for the WSMA to provide more detail on the dynamic around the budget as session progresses, and to continue to advocate for funding to support the physician community.
</p>
</div> | 3/29/2021 10:24:10 AM | 3/29/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| video_legislative_session_week_12_in_brief | Video: Legislative Session Week 12 in Brief | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2021/video_legislative_session_week_12_in_brief | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/530388423"><img alt="" src="/images/Newsletters/latest-news/2021/March/Week-12-Update-65x425px.jpg" /></a>
</div>
<h5>March 29, 2021</h5>
<h2>Video: Legislative Session Week 12 in Brief</h2>
<p>
WSMA's Director of Government Affairs Sean Graham gives a summary of the House and Senate budget proposals in our latest video update. <a href="https://vimeo.com/530388423">Watch the video</a> and <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2021/legislative_budget_proposals_fund_wsma_priorities">read more details here</a>.
</p>
</div> | 3/30/2021 3:24:25 PM | 3/29/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| doh_begins_search_for_new_chief_science_officer | DOH Begins Search for New Chief Science Officer | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/March_26/doh_begins_search_for_new_chief_science_officer | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/March/Stethoscope-on-table-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope resting on a table" />
</div>
<h5>March 26, 2021</h5>
<h2>DOH Begins Search for New Chief Science Officer</h2>
<p>The Washington State Department of Health has published a job posting and issued a recruitment notice to fill the state's lead science officer position previously held by Kathy Lofy, MD.</p>
<p>Reporting to the Secretary of the Washington State Department of Health, the chief science officer is a member of the agency's executive team and provides the voice of science and medicine at the policy tables (whether internal or external to the agency) on all matters pertaining to the health and safety of Washington state residents. Applicants from historically marginalized groups and those who have a language proficiency other than English are encouraged to apply.</p>
<p>Applicant requirements include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Doctor of Medicine from an accredited school of medicine or osteopathy in the U.S. or an equivalent degree from a foreign medical institution.</li>
<li>Completion of three years of medical residency program/patient care training with preference given to preventive medicine or primary care-related training programs. Note: A residency program involves training in a specialized field of medicine in an institution accredited for training in the specialty by a recognized body for the American Medical Association or American Osteopathic Association.</li>
<li>Licensed to practice medicine in the state of Washington by start date or within 30 days.</li>
</ul>
<p>For a full position description, <a href="https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3021049/chief-science-officer-ems-medical-band-doh5433">review the job posting</a>. The DOH is encouraging interested physicians to apply early. The recruitment will remain open until filled. Contact recruitment manager Linda Riggle at <a href="mailto:Linda.Riggle@doh.wa.gov">Linda.Riggle@doh.wa.gov</a>&nbsp;or 360.236.4226 with questions.</p>
</div> | 3/22/2021 3:56:25 PM | 3/26/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| optum_pay_wsma_acts_on_member_concerns | Optum Pay: WSMA Acts on Member Concerns | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/March_26/optum_pay_wsma_acts_on_member_concerns | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/March/Stethoscope-numbers-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope resting on a spreadsheet" />
</div>
<h5>March 26, 2021</h5>
<h2>Optum Pay: WSMA Acts on Member Concerns</h2>
<p>In late February, the WSMA heard concerns from our partners at the Washington State Medical Group Management Association regarding changes that Optum was introducing to its payment portal.</p>
<p>As of March 1, physician practices would have two options for electronic funds transfer payments processed through the portal: a fee-free option with reduced services and a fee-based option that retains current service levels. Those changes would impose costs and complexity on practices wishing to obtain the detailed explanations of payments made and claim decisions. In some cases, the details made available were not usable.</p>
<p>WSMA staff reached out to our local contacts at United Healthcare/Optum to raise these concerns. On March 12, we were advised of these revisions:</p>
<p>"The following changes were made to Optum Pay Basic (fee-free) option:</p>
<ul>
<li>Downloadable PRAs now available in Optum Pay basic portal access</li>
<li>Health care professionals have the ability to view 13 months of payment data</li>
<li>Optum Pay basic will continue to be available at no cost with these modifications"</li>
</ul>
<p>United Healthcare has provided an <a href="http://www.uhcprovider.com/content/provider/en/resource-library/news/featured-news-2021/optum-pay-basic-downloadable-payment-info.html">update</a> on its provider webpage. While the WSMA is grateful for these changes, we have expressed concerns with UHC/Optum around the need to access data beyond a 13-month lookback period (to ensure claims are fully adjudicated) and in recognition of the state's considerable allowance for a payer to initiate an overpayment recovery request.</p>
<p>The WSMA's advocacy with payers is one of the many ways we advocate on behalf of our members. With feedback and concerns, email the WSMA policy team at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 3/22/2021 3:56:28 PM | 3/26/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| senate_passes_medicare_sequester_relief_legislation | Senate Passes Medicare Sequester Relief Legislation | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/March_26/senate_passes_medicare_sequester_relief_legislation | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/March/Medicare_barcode_645px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="barcode with Medicare written on it" />
</div>
<h5>March 26, 2021</h5>
<h2>Senate Passes Medicare Sequester Relief Legislation</h2>
<p>
This week, the Senate voted 90-2 to pass legislation to extend the 2% Medicare sequester moratorium that expires on April 1. The bipartisan legislation would provide a nine-month extension of the moratorium, through Dec. 31. It also contains some technical corrections related to rural health clinics and disproportionate share hospitals.
</p>
<p>
The House of Representatives passed different legislation earlier that would both extend the moratorium through the end of the pandemic and eliminate an additional 4% Medicare sequester scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, which was required by PayGo rules to offset part of the cost of passing the American Rescue Plan stimulus package. Consequently, the House will need to pass the Senate language when it returns from its Easter recess in mid-April. The House is expected to vote favorably, and the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services is expected to hold off on processing April claims until then to avoid making reduced payments.
</p>
<p>
Physician and other stakeholder groups affected by the upcoming 4% sequester scheduled for Jan. 1 expect legislation to be considered later in the year to waive those cuts.
</p>
<p>
<em>Thank you to the American Medical Association for this update.</em>
</p>
</div> | 3/25/2021 2:33:46 PM | 3/26/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| session_update_liability_protections_telemedicine_health_equity_and_more | Session Update: Liability Protections, Telemedicine, Health Equity, and More | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/March_26/session_update_liability_protections_telemedicine_health_equity_and_more | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/March/State.Capitol.Olympia_2015-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Washington state capitol" />
</div>
<h5>March 26, 2021</h5>
<h2>Session Update: Liability Protections, Telemedicine, Health Equity, and More</h2>
<p>While all eyes are on the release of the Senate and House budget proposals this week in Olympia, WSMA's policy priorities continue to progress through the legislative process, with the help of testimony and grassroots action from our members.</p>
<p>Here's a quick update:</p>
<p><strong>COVID-19 liability protections</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5271&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2021">Senate Bill 5271</a>, which would establish a clear method for determining the standard of care for health care providers and facilities caring for COVID-19 patients, is now in the House after passing unanimously out of the Senate. The bill was approved by the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee and is now eligible for a vote on the Senate floor.</p>
<p><strong>Audio-only telemedicine - </strong><a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/urge-your-state-lawmakers-to-support-telemedicine-ppe-reimbursement-bills/"><em>Take action</em></a><em>!</em></p>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1196&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2021">House Bill 1196</a>, which would allow patients to receive covered health care services over the telephone, is being considered in the Senate after passing out of the House with a vote of 94-3. Thank you to Jessica Schlicher, MD, who testified in support during a public hearing in the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care Committee, and to the WSMA members who responded to our call to action on this issue. If you haven't yet sent a message to your legislators in support of HB 1196, <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/urge-your-state-lawmakers-to-support-telemedicine-ppe-reimbursement-bills/">do so today</a> - your feedback can still make a difference.</p>
<p><strong>PPE reimbursement - </strong><a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/urge-your-state-lawmakers-to-support-telemedicine-ppe-reimbursement-bills/"><em>Take action</em></a><em>!</em></p>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5169&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2021">Senate Bill 5169</a>, which would require commercial insurance carriers to reimburse for personal protective equipment costs that increased because of the pandemic, is being considered in the House after passing unanimously out of the Senate. The bill was approved by the House Health Care &amp; Wellness Committee and is now eligible for a vote on the House floor. Thank you to Washington State Medical Group Management Association representative Marta De La Torre, who testified in support of SB 5196, and to the WSMA members who responded to our call to action on this issue. If you haven't yet sent a message to your legislators in support of SB 5169, <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/urge-your-state-lawmakers-to-support-telemedicine-ppe-reimbursement-bills/">do so today</a> - your feedback can still make a difference.</p>
<p><strong>Health equity CME</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5229&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2021">Senate Bill 5229</a>, which would direct the boards and commissions of licensed health professions to adopt rules establishing a health equity CME requirement at least once every four years, is now in the House after passing out of the Senate with a vote of 35-14. The bill was approved by the House Health Care &amp; Wellness Committee and is now eligible for a vote on the House floor. Thank you to WSMA 1<sup>st</sup> Vice President Katina Rue, DO, who testified in support.</p>
<p><strong>Medicaid reimbursement - </strong><a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/reinstate-medicaid-rate-increases-and-improve-patient-access-to-care/"><em>Take action</em></a><em>!</em></p>
<p>One of WSMA's top budget priorities is the restoration of the primary care, pediatric, and behavioral health care Medicaid reimbursement rate adjustments vetoed by Gov. Jay Inslee in 2020. The WSMA and our coalition of partner organizations are pursuing a strategy to incorporate these increases into legislative budget proposals, as occurred during the 2020 legislative session. If you haven't yet done so, send a message to your legislators asking them to reinstate these rate adjustments - <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/reinstate-medicaid-rate-increases-and-improve-patient-access-to-care/">learn more and send your message today</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Updates on other bills the WSMA is tracking</strong></p>
<p>For details on other bills the WSMA is monitoring this session, sign up to receive our weekly Outreach &amp; Advocacy Report. To subscribe, email Alex Wehinger at <a href="mailto:alex@wsma.org">alex@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 3/22/2021 3:56:17 PM | 3/26/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| state_budget_proposals_released_amid_positive_economic_news_yet_uneven_recovery | State Budget Proposals Released Amid Positive Economic News, Yet Uneven Recovery | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/March_26/state_budget_proposals_released_amid_positive_economic_news_yet_uneven_recovery | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/March/physician-money-illustration-645x425.png" class="pull-right" alt="Physician pulling arrow point with dollar sign written on it" />
</div>
<h5>March 26, 2021</h5>
<h2>State Budget Proposals Released Amid Positive Economic News, Yet Uneven Recovery</h2>
<p>Last week marked an important checkpoint for the formulation of Washington's next biennial budget: the release of the state's latest <a href="https://erfc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/documents/forecasts/rev20210317.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">economic and revenue forecast</a>, the basis on which legislative budget proposals are built. According to the forecast, anticipated collections are up by $1.3 billion in the current budget cycle and $1.9 billion for the two-year cycle that begins July 1 - a remarkable turnaround from previous budget projections.</p>
<p>Last June, revenue was forecasted to drop by around $8 billion over the same timeframe. The overall shift in anticipated collections through 2023 is north of $11 billion. In further good news: Those figures do not include funds coming into the state from the latest federal stimulus package, which will deliver an additional $4.4 billion to the state (with limitations on how and when those funds may be used). The next two-year state budget is expected to run around $58 billion.</p>
<h3>What this means for WSMA's 2021 budget priorities</h3>
<p>Majority-party Democrats in the House and Senate will release their spending plans late this week, and WSMA is hopeful that our top budget priorities of making substantial investments in foundational public health services and increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates will be included in the proposals.</p>
<p>The positive economic news will undoubtedly raise question marks for the viability of significant tax increases, such as the establishment of a <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5096&amp;Year=2021&amp;Initiative=False">state capital gains tax</a>, which some progressives see as imperative to making our state's revenue system less regressive.</p>
<h3>Economic recovery uneven among physician organizations</h3>
<p>In what will not be a surprise to many of our members, the forecast noted that recovery from the pandemic has been uneven among businesses, with revenue collections remaining weak in some sectors, and employment growth being slower than expected. Some are referring to the state and national economic climate as a "K-shaped" recovery, in which some businesses are faring well while others lag.</p>
<p>It's important to note the positive predictions are predicated on COVID-19 activity continuing to decline. With so much uncertainty, expect legislators to try to maintain healthy budget reserves so there's capacity for future needs or an unexpected economic downturn.</p>
<h3>WSMA budget analysis coming this Monday</h3>
<p>WSMA legislative staff will review both budget proposals for key takeaways for the physician community. Check your email inbox on Monday for the budget writeup, which will be included with our weekly session update (also featured on <a href="[@]WSMA/News_Publications/Latest_News/Advocacy_Report/WSMA/News_Publications/Newsletters/WSMA_Advocacy_Report.aspx?hkey=fbce906b-dbfb-4af3-8790-11f84275cf1e">the WSMA website</a>).</p>
</div> | 3/22/2021 3:56:14 PM | 3/26/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_secures_delay_in_new_notifiable_conditions_rule | WSMA Secures Delay in New Notifiable Conditions Rule | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/March_26/wsma_secures_delay_in_new_notifiable_conditions_rule | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/March/Exam-Room-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="exam room" />
</div>
<h5>March 26, 2021</h5>
<h2>WSMA Secures Delay in New Notifiable Conditions Rule </h2>
<p>The Washington State Board of Health has approved rulemakingthat will significantly amend requirements for the reporting of notifiable conditions. While acknowledging the need for updating the rule, your WSMA has successfully advocated for a delay in the changes until after the pandemic, to prevent the imposition of associated costs during a period when many practices are facing decreased patient volumes, uncertain finances, and additional pandemic-related practice burdens.</p>
<p>Read our <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2021/SBOH_notifiable conditions_WSMA_02262021.pdf]">official letter</a> in which we outline our concerns regarding the financial and administrative impact of the rule changes on physician practices. WSMA Director of Policy Jeb Shepard testified with these concerns during a public hearing on March 10.While the Board of Health voted to approve the rulemaking, implementation will be delayed, with the new requirements effective Jan. 31, 2022.</p>
</div> | 3/22/2021 3:56:31 PM | 3/26/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| video_legislative_session_week_11_in_brief | Video: Legislative Session Week 11 in Brief | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2021/video_legislative_session_week_11_in_brief | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/527116393"><img src="/images/Newsletters/latest-news/2021/March/wk-11-leg-update-645x425.jpg" alt="WSMA Legislative Update graphic for Week of March 22, 2021" /></a>
</div>
<h5>March 22, 2021</h5>
<h2>Video: Legislative Session Week 11 in Brief</h2>
<p>
WSMA's Director of Government Affairs Sean Graham gives more detail on what to expect with state budget discussions this week, a positive state revenue forecast, and the WSMA priority issues we're urging legislators to include in the budget. <a href="https://vimeo.com/527116393">Watch the video</a>.
</p>
</div> | 3/22/2021 3:33:26 PM | 3/22/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| video_legislative_session_week_10_in_brief | Video: Legislative Session Week 10 in Brief | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2021/video_legislative_session_week_10_in_brief | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/523628318"><img src="/images/Newsletters/latest-news/2021/March/Wk-10-Leg-Update-Play-Button.png" alt="WSMA Legislative Update Week 10 logo" /></a>
</div>
<h5>March 15, 2021</h5>
<h2>Video: Legislative Session Week 10 in Brief</h2>
<p>
WSMA's Director of Government Affairs Sean Graham gives a preview of what's to come as session turns to state budget discussions, including the potential impact of the federal stimulus bill and a WSMA call to action later this week. <a href="https://vimeo.com/523628318">Watch the video</a>.
</p>
</div> | 3/17/2021 4:39:34 PM | 3/17/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| cms_provides_automatic_relief_from_mips_penalties | CMS Provides Automatic Relief from MIPS Penalties | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/March_11/cms_provides_automatic_relief_from_mips_penalties | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/March/Stethoscope-numbers-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope lying on a sheet of numbers" />
</div>
<h5>March 11, 2021</h5>
<h2>CMS Provides Automatic Relief from MIPS Penalties</h2>
<p>The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services will hold physicians harmless from up to 9% MIPS penalties due to the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 public health emergency on physician practices' performance in 2020. The AMA strongly advocated for the automatic relief from MIPS penalties to help ensure physicians will not be unduly penalized during the pandemic.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMjUuMzU5MzQ5OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3FwcC1jbS1wcm9kLWNvbnRlbnQuczMuYW1hem9uYXdzLmNvbS91cGxvYWRzLzExOTgvMjAyMCUyME1JUFMlMjBBdXRvbWF0aWMlMjBFVUMlMjBGYWN0JTIwU2hlZXQucGRmIn0.spZv8BV549AjMU7jmGKdxBXOW3fOEXw2d5glt6zIMBU/s/128120068/br/98348480956-l">MIPS extreme and uncontrollable circumstances hardship exception policy</a> will be automatically applied to eligible clinicians who do not submit any MIPS data for the 2020 performance period and avoid a 2022 payment penalty. CMS is also reopening the <a href="https://qpp.cms.gov/mips/exception-applications#extremeCircumstancesException-2020">hardship exception application</a> for group practices, virtual groups, and alternative payment model entities who missed the previous 2020 deadline. The reopened application deadline is March 31, 2021. Note: Groups and eligible clinicians who submit data in at least two MIPS categories will override the hardship exception and be eligible to earn a bonus from the exceptional performance bonus pool or potentially be subject to a penalty.</p>
<p>To learn more, visit the <a href="https://qpp.cms.gov/resources/covid19?py=2020">Quality Payment Program COVID-19 Response webpages</a>. For questions, contact the Quality Payment Program at 866.288.8292 (TRS: 711) or email <a href="mailto:QPP@cms.hhs.gov">QPP@cms.hhs.gov</a>.</p>
</div> | 3/10/2021 12:02:50 PM | 3/11/2021 12:00:00 AM |