| covid_19_updates_in_brief | COVID-19 Updates in Brief | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200326/covid_19_updates_in_brief | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/March/COVID-19-Response-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="COVID-19 Response logo" />
</div>
<h5>March 26, 2020</h5>
<h2>COVID-19 Updates in Brief</h2>
<p>During the coronavirus outbreak, the physician community has been inundated with news, information, and resources. To help separate the signal from the noise, WSMA staff are closely reviewing developments with an eye to those that are most helpful to your practice during this crisis. The following are several notable highlights from this week that physicians will want to be aware of.</p>
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<h3>CMS announces relief from Medicare reporting requirements</h3>
<p>In a major development that will bring relief to many of our members, the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services is granting exceptions from reporting requirements and extensions for clinicians and providers participating in Medicare quality reporting programs with respect to upcoming measure reporting and data submission for those programs. The action comes as part of the Trump administration's response to the novel coronavirus outbreak. <a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-announces-relief-clinicians-providers-hospitals-and-facilities-participating-quality-reporting">Read the announcement</a>.</p>
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<h3>Washington receives 1135 waiver</h3>
<p>The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services approved Washington state's request for 1135 waiver authority, allowing flexibility to remove barriers that interfere with needed services. The approval letter can be <a href="https://www.medicaid.gov/state-resource-center/disaster-response-toolkit/federal-disaster-resources/?entry=54022">found here</a>.</p>
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<h3>WMC releases "Pandemic Regulatory Intent"</h3>
<p>To support frontline physicians and physician assistants, the Washington Medical Commission has released regulatory intent around providing care during the COVID-19 outbreak. Recognizing practitioners are being asked to work long hours, under unusually stressful conditions, and may be called upon to serve in areas outside their usual scope of practice, the WMC signals they should not fear for their well-intentioned actions. During this crisis, the WMC will focus on the intent of the practitioner and the realistic availability or non-availability of possible alternatives. <a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/news/wmc-pandemic-regulatory-intent">Read the full statement here</a>.</p>
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<h3>COVID-19 discussion forum for physicians and PAs</h3>
<p>We've heard from several physician leaders, critical care specialists, specialty society presidents, and others that a private space is sorely needed to discuss their experience about what's happening on the ground, to share learnings and help scale the knowledge about this new threat, in addition to having a space to create community and support. In response, the WSMA created that space - the COVID-19 Forum, a private, secure discussion space for all physicians and physician assistants in Washington state. <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/COVID-19_Online_Discussion_Forum/WSMA/Membership/Discussion_Forums/COVID_19_Forum.aspx?hkey=3e6020ac-183d-44f8-af91-3d0426522091">Visit the forum and join the discussion</a>.</p>
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<h3>Child care for essential employees</h3>
<p>The Washington Office of Superintendent Public Instruction is working in partnership with other state agencies and organizations representing first responders and healthcare workers to use <a href="https://childcareawarewa.org/families/#whotocal">Child Care Aware of Washington</a> as a resource for linking prioritized families to available care. You can reach them <a href="https://childcareawarewa.org/families/#whotocal">online</a> or at 800.446.1114.</p>
</div> | 3/26/2020 5:15:45 PM | 3/25/2020 3:00:49 PM | 3/26/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| covid_19s_impact_on_cme | COVID-19's Impact on CME | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200326/covid_19s_impact_on_cme | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/March/COVID-19-Response-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="COVID-19 Response logo" />
</div>
<h5>March 26, 2020</h5>
<h2>COVID-19's Impact on CME</h2>
<p>The WSMA has received several questions from members regarding CME during the COVID-19 outbreak. Here's the guidance we've pulled together in response.</p>
<p><strong>Can I claim credit for self-directed COVID-19 education?
</strong></p>
<p>You're quickly getting up to speed on COVID-19. Your self-directed educational efforts may qualify for <em>AMA PRA Category 2 Credit â„¢ </em>(<a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/education/ama-pra-credit-system/what-know-about-other-kind-cme-credit">more info</a>). You may also qualify for Washington state Category II credit for self-directed live activities, such as a webinar or conference call; or Category V credit for independent learning, such as reading scientific materials (<a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/documents/657-128.pdf" target="_blank">more info</a>). To claim credit, keep a record of the following: 1) activity title or description (e.g. name of journal article), 2) subject or content area (e.g. COVID-19), 3) date(s) of participation and 4) amount of credit claimed (e.g. 1 hour = 1 credit).</p>
<p><strong>When is a practitioner exempt from continuing education?
</strong></p>
<p>A physician may get a reprieve from or granted an extension of CME requirements due to illness or other extenuating circumstances. The Washington Medical Commission or its designee will determine when to waive the requirements or grant an extension. This may take a while, please submit information prior to your renewal date. Contact the office at <a href="mailto:medical.commission@wmc.wa.gov">medical.commission@wmc.wa.gov</a> for further information.</p>
</div> | 3/26/2020 5:16:02 PM | 3/25/2020 3:00:43 PM | 3/26/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| governor_announces_telehealth_payment_parity_in_response_to_coronavirus_outbreak | Governor Announces Telehealth Payment Parity in Response to Coronavirus Outbreak | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200326/governor_announces_telehealth_payment_parity_in_response_to_coronavirus_outbreak | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/March/Telemedicine_Consult_640px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Telemedicine consultation" />
</div>
<h5>March 26, 2020</h5>
<h2>Governor Announces Telehealth Payment Parity in Response to Coronavirus Outbreak</h2>
<p><strong>Updated March 26, 2020</strong>: The WSMA thanks Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee, Health Care Authority Director Sue Birch, and Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler for their actions to ensure fair reimbursement for services that are delivered via telemedicine. Read our <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/Resources/COVID19/wsma_telemedicine_parity_thank_you_letter.pdf]">thank you letter</a>, delivered March 26.</p>
<p>Late Wednesday night (March 25), Gov. Jay Inslee signed a proclamation providing payment parity for services delivered via telemedicine. Specifically, the governor made <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2020/Physicians_Urge_Governor_to_Allow_Telemedicine_Payment_Parity_Bill_to_Go_into_Effect_Immediately_">implementation of Senate Bill 5385</a> effective immediately, which requires state-regulated insurance carriers to reimburse telemedicine services on par with what they would reimburse for covered services delivered in person. The order specifically prohibits health carriers from:</p>
<ul>
<li>Reimbursing in-network providers for telemedicine claims for medical necessary covered service at a rate lower than the contracted rate that would be paid if the services had been delivered through traditional (in-person) methods.</li>
<li>Denying a telemedicine claim from an in-network provider for a medically necessary covered service due to an existing provider contract term with that provider that denies reimbursement for services provided through telemedicine.</li>
<li>Establishing requirements for the payment of telemedicine services that are inconsistent with the emergency orders, rules, or technical advisories to carriers issued by the Office of Insurance Commissioner.</li>
</ul>
<p>The OIC on Tuesday, March 24 issued an order that allows all in-network providers to use non-HIPAA compliant communication platforms to provide patient care under certain circumstances (<a href="https://www.insurance.wa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/emergency-order-20-02_3.pdf?utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_name=&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=">read the OIC order</a>). This aligns with a <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/notification-enforcement-discretion-telehealth/index.html">recent federal announcement</a> around HIPAA enforcement discretion during the public health emergency. The order goes on to read that "All Regulated Entities shall treat the use of audio-only telephone as telemedicine, despite contrary language in RCW 48.43.735(8)(g)." The Washington State Health Care Authority took similar steps for our state's Medicaid and state employee plans on Monday, March 24 (<a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/health-care-services-and-supports/hca-supports-increased-telehealth-options-medicaid-clients-public">read the HCA announcement</a>).</p>
<p>At the national level, Medicare has also announced payment parity for most telemedicine services (<a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-telemedicine-health-care-provider-fact-sheet">read the CMS announcement</a>). The WSMA is reaching out to our Congressional delegation urging them to require telehealth parity policies for ERISA plans that cannot be regulated by the state - including for telephone visits, which, as we've heard from a number of our members, are reimbursed poorly.</p>
<p>We expect to see more movement in the days ahead on this issue - we will keep you apprised as more parity policies are announced. The WSMA thanks Gov. Inslee, the OIC, HCA, CMS and insurance carriers such as Regence, United, and Molina, which had voluntarily adopted payment parity in advance of the orders, for taking these important steps during the COVID-19 crisis.</p>
<p>Be sure to visit our <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/Telehealth_and_Reimbursement/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/Prepare_Your_Practice_for_COVID-19/Prepare_Your_Practice_for_COVID-19.aspx?hkey=ed7e0075-97a3-489f-b858-92a741fc58ae">COVID-19 Telehealth and Reimbursement page</a> for more resources and information, including other breaking updates.</p>
</div> | 3/27/2020 9:40:18 AM | 3/25/2020 3:00:36 PM | 3/26/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| state_response_to_covid_19_intensifies_wsma_presses_physician_concerns | State Response to COVID-19 Intensifies; WSMA Presses Physician Concerns | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200326/state_response_to_covid_19_intensifies_wsma_presses_physician_concerns | <div class="col-md-12">
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</div>
<h5>March 26, 2020</h5>
<h2>State Response to COVID-19 Intensifies; WSMA Presses Physician Concerns</h2>
<p>WSMA leadership and staff have been working around the clock to mobilize our advocacy in light of the worsening COVID-19 crisis. Gov. Jay Inslee's emergency order this week for Washingtonians to "<a href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/20-25%20Coronovirus%20Stay%20Safe-Stay%20Healthy%20%28tmp%29%20%28002%29.pdf" target="_blank">stay home and stay healthy</a>" - mandating the closure of non-essential businesses and ordering Washington residents to stay at home and avoid any unnecessary travel - reflected the urgency felt at the WSMA and by many in the physician community. In a <a href="[@]WSMA/Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2020/WSMA_Supports_Gov._Inslee_s_Stay_Home_and_Stay_Healthy_Order_in__Response_to_COVID-19.aspx">press release</a> expressing support for the order, WSMA President William K. Hirota, MD, said, "We do not currently have the capability to test and isolate those infected with the virus, so we must do all that we can to blunt the curve. … We thank the governor for taking this courageous step and we join him in urging the public to listen."</p>
<p>Gov. Inslee and Washington lawmakers continue to lobby U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for more personal protective equipment, with a shipment from the national stockpile arriving last weekend. For now, DOH is prioritizing supplies using a <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/NovelCoronavirusOutbreak2020/PPEPrioritization">tiering system</a> based on confirmed case management. We are pursuing several approaches, including assessing independent/rural practice needs and working with the state and municipalities on coordinating PPE donations, to help ensure more supplies can be secured and distributed to physician practices soon. It is imperative for practices and clinics throughout the state to have the resources they need to continue to operate, so that they can alleviate pressure on our state's hospitals.</p>
<p>The governor’s ban on elective surgeries and procedures is now in effect. As <a href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/20-24%20COVID-19%20non-urgent%20medical%20procedures%20%28tmp%29.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">detailed in the proclamation</a>, Gov. Inslee's order applies to hospitals, ambulatory surgery facilities (ASC), dental, orthodontic and endodontic offices in Washington state. We want to assure members that the proclamation only applies to the entities listed in the actual proclamation. While hospital outpatient clinics are referenced, it is to distinguish them from the hospital setting. Clinics—hospital based or otherwise—are not covered by this proclamation. If a clinic operates as an ASC, they should follow the guidance and cancel/postpone elective/non-urgent procedures unless in their medical judgment a condition will be made worse. DOH has indicated it wants patients to continue to receive care in their communities, whether in person or virtually.</p>
<p>Washington state has been a leader in its handling of the COVID-19 crisis - and now, the state's emergency response has a new leader. The governor has named retired Navy Vice Admiral Raquel C. Bono as <a href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-names-retired-navy-vice-admiral-raquel-c-bono-head-washington-state-covid-19">head of the Washington state COVID-19 health care response team</a>. Vice Admiral Bono will advise the governor and state agencies on actions needed to address the capacity and strain across the health care system. The WSMA has met with Vice Admiral Bono to express our concerns with PPE, testing and supplies, and will meet with her on a weekly basis as she maps out our state's collective response to the virus.</p>
</div> | 3/26/2020 1:26:23 PM | 3/25/2020 3:00:39 PM | 3/26/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| urge_lawmakers_to_support_physician_practices_during_covid_19_response | Urge Lawmakers to Support Physician Practices During COVID-19 Response | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200326/urge_lawmakers_to_support_physician_practices_during_covid_19_response | <div class="col-md-12">
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</div>
<h5>March 26, 2020</h5>
<h2>Urge Lawmakers to Support Physician Practices During COVID-19 Response</h2>
<p>Washington state physicians have embraced their professionalism in its highest form during the COVID-19 crisis and put the interests of those they serve above their own. We know that many of you have done so at risk of your health, the health of your family, and possibly at a great financial loss to your practice.</p>
<p>The WSMA has been advocating at both the national and the state level to not only get more test and supplies into Washington state, but to ensure that physicians can keep their doors open as they experience dramatic shifts in volume and have moved to delay elective surgeries and non-emergency procedures. Lawmakers need to hear your personal stories as well.</p>
<p>We encourage you to reach out to your elected officials, sharing your experience of testing and treating COVID-19 patients and the impact the virus has had on your practice by clicking the Take Action button below. Also, the WSMA is collecting data on the economic impact the virus has had on practices. Please complete our <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CPZMLFY">short survey here</a>.</p>
<p> <!--Large text button-->
<a class="TextButton Button" href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/take-action-support-physician-practices-during-covid-19/">Take Action</a>
</p>
</div> | 3/26/2020 10:54:57 AM | 3/25/2020 2:59:27 PM | 3/26/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| covid_19_emergency_volunteers_needed | COVID-19 Emergency Volunteers Needed | memo | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2020/March/covid_19_emergency_volunteers_needed | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/March/COVID-19-Response-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="COVID-19 Response logo" />
</div>
<h5>March 20, 2020</h5>
<h2>COVID-19 Emergency Volunteers Needed</h2>
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<p>As Washington takes <a href="https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-issues-emergency-proclamation-that-limits-large-events-to-minimize-public-health-risk-38b4d79a563d">more steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19</a>, the Washington State Department of Health will now enroll and activate emergency volunteer health practitioners in preparation for health system requests and surging. This will help the state meet emerging demands for health care workers.</p>
<p>The DOH can perform this work under the authority of the Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioner Act (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=70.15">chapter 70.15</a> RCW), if an <a href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-issues-covid-19-emergency-proclamation">emergency proclamation by the governor</a> is in effect - as is the case in Washington as of Feb. 29, 2020.</p>
<p>If volunteers are registered in the volunteer health practitioner system and verified to be in good standing in all states where they are licensed, they may practice in Washington without obtaining a Washington license once activated and assigned by DOH.</p>
<p>In-state practitioners can become volunteers in two ways:</p>
<ul>
<li>Via RCW <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=70.15">chapter 70.15</a> by registering and completing the Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Application which can be found<a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/EmergencyHealthcarePractitionersVolunteerApplication.DOCX"> here</a>.</li>
<li>Via registering with their local Medical Reserve Corps; more information can be found at: <a href="https://mrc.hhs.gov/">https://mrc.hhs.gov</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>Out-of-state practitioners may:</p>
<ul>
<li>Become volunteers via RCW <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=70.15">chapter 70.15</a> by registering and completing the Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Application which can be found <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/EmergencyHealthcarePractitionersVolunteerApplication.DOCX">here</a>.</li>
<li>Out of state MDs and DOs who would like an expedited Washington license and to volunteer, may use the <a href="https://imlcc.org/">Interstate Medical License Compact</a> and become <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/NovelCoronavirusOutbreak2020/HealthcareProviders/EmergencyVolunteerHealthPractitioners">registered under RCW 70.15</a>. At this time, we are limiting our request for health care practitioners to U.S. jurisdictions due to technical issues. We may expand the call to international jurisdictions in the future as needs arise.</li>
</ul>
<p>Applications will be screened by the DOH to ensure the potential volunteer’s health license is in good standing in each state they where they are licensed. The DOH will activate, deploy and deactivate approved volunteer health practitioners as needs are identified and requested. Please share this urgent request broadly with other organizations, national groups, stakeholders, followers, and readers.</p>
<p>FAQs about RCW 70.15 are available <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/NovelCoronavirusOutbreak2020/HealthcareProviders/EmergencyVolunteerHealthPractitioners">here</a><strong>. </strong>Questions can be emailed to <a href="mailto:WAserv@doh.wa.gov">WAserv@doh.wa.gov</a> or 360.236.4090.</p>
</div> | 3/20/2020 4:16:52 PM | 3/20/2020 3:50:29 PM | 3/20/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| washington_health_benefit_exchange_reopens_enrollment | Washington Health Benefit Exchange Reopens Enrollment | memo | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2020/March/washington_health_benefit_exchange_reopens_enrollment | <div class="col-md-12">
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</div>
<h5>March 20, 2020</h5>
<h2>Washington Health Benefit Exchange Reopens Enrollment</h2>
<p>In response to the potential spread of COVID-19, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is offering a limited-time special enrollment period for uninsured individuals. This special enrollment period runs through April 8, giving uninsured individuals 30 days to enroll in health insurance coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder. Individuals seeking to enroll must contact the customer support center at 1.855.923.4633; TTY: 1.855.627.9604 between 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and select a plan by April 8 for coverage start date beginning April 1, 2020. Patients may also select a plan through a local certified broker or navigator. Language assistance and disability accommodations are provided at no cost.</p>
</div> | 3/20/2020 4:16:23 PM | 3/20/2020 4:13:53 PM | 3/20/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| comcast_announces_comprehensive_covid_19_response | Comcast Announces Comprehensive COVID-19 Response | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200318/comcast_announces_comprehensive_covid_19_response | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>March 18, 2020</h5>
<h2>Comcast Announces Comprehensive COVID-19 Response </h2>
<p>
Please reach out to <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a> with any questions or for guidance around this special COVID-19 telehealth update, or for questions about using telehealth as a COVID-19 response. More information and COVID-19 practice resources at <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/Prepare_Your_Practice_for_COVID-19/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/Prepare_Your_Practice_for_COVID-19/Prepare_Your_Practice_for_COVID-19.aspx?hkey=ed7e0075-97a3-489f-b858-92a741fc58ae">Prepare Your Practice for COVID-19</a>.
</p>
<p>
For physicians or providers with patients who lack or have limited internet access, Comcast's new temporary policies may help facilitate access to telehealth services.
</p>
<p>
For 60 days beginning March 13, Comcast will offer the following:
</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Xfinity WiFi Free for everyone:</strong> Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit <a href="https://wifi.xfinity.com/">www.xfinity.com/wifi</a>. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the "xfinitywifi" network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.</li>
<li><strong>Pausing our data plan:</strong> With so many people working and educating from home, we want our customers to access the internet without thinking about data plans. While the vast majority of our customers do not come close to using 1TB of data in a month, we are pausing our data plans for 60 days giving all customers unlimited data for no additional charge.</li>
<li>Internet Essentials free to new customers: As announced yesterday, it's even easier for low-income families who live in a Comcast service area to sign up for Internet Essentials, the nation's largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. Additionally, for all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program's internet service was increased to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream. That increase will go into effect for no additional fee and it will become the new base speed for the program going forward.</li>
</ul>
<p>
See <a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19">this Comcast website</a> for more information.
</p>
</div> | 3/18/2020 11:33:21 AM | 3/18/2020 11:20:42 AM | 3/18/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| hhs_relaxes_telehealth_hipaa_rules_allows_for_video_chat | HHS Relaxes Telehealth HIPAA Rules, Allows for Video Chat | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200318/hhs_relaxes_telehealth_hipaa_rules_allows_for_video_chat | <div class="col-md-12">
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</div>
<h5>March 18, 2020</h5>
<h2>HHS Relaxes Telehealth HIPAA Rules, Allows for Video Chat</h2>
<p>
Please reach out to <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a> with any questions or for guidance around this special COVID-19 telehealth update, or for questions about using telehealth as a COVID-19 response. More information and COVID-19 practice resources at <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/Prepare_Your_Practice_for_COVID-19/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/Prepare_Your_Practice_for_COVID-19/Prepare_Your_Practice_for_COVID-19.aspx?hkey=ed7e0075-97a3-489f-b858-92a741fc58ae">Prepare Your Practice for COVID-19</a>.
</p>
<p>
The Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Right (OCR) has announced that it is relaxing HIPAA rules for physicians and other health care providers using telehealth in response to COVID-19. This change is effective immediately. According to OCR, the agency "…will waive potential HIPAA penalties for good faith use of telehealth during the nationwide public health emergency due to COVID-19." The OCR has offered additional guidance:
</p>
<p>
<em><strong>A covered physician or health care provider</strong> that wants to use audio or video communication technology to provide telehealth to patients during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency <strong>can use any non-public facing remote communication product that is available to communicate with patients</strong>. OCR is exercising its enforcement discretion to not impose penalties for noncompliance with the HIPAA rules in connection with the good faith provision of telehealth using such non-public facing audio or video communication products during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency. This exercise of discretion applies to telehealth provided for any reason, regardless of whether the telehealth service is related to the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions related to COVID-19.</em>
</p>
<p>
<em>For example, a covered physician or provider in the exercise of their professional judgement may request to examine a patient exhibiting COVID- 19 symptoms using a video chat application connecting the physician's or patient's phone or desktop computer to assess a greater number of patients while limiting the risk of infection of other persons who would be exposed from an in-person consultation. Likewise, a covered physician or health care provider may provide similar telehealth services in the exercise of their professional judgment to assess or treat any other medical condition, even if not related to COVID-19, such as a sprained ankle, dental consultation, or psychological evaluation, or other conditions. </em>
</p>
<p>
<em><strong>Under this notice, covered physicians and providers may use popular applications that allow for video chats, including Apple FaceTime, Facebook Messenger video chat, Google Hangouts video, or Skype, to provide telehealth without risk that OCR might seek to impose a penalty for noncompliance with the HIPAA rules related to the good faith provision of telehealth during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency.</strong> Providers are encouraged to notify patients that these third-party applications potentially introduce privacy risks, and providers should enable all available encryption and privacy modes when using such applications.</em>
</p>
<p>
More information is available on this <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/notification-enforcement-discretion-telehealth/index.html">temporary policy change here</a>.
</p>
</div> | 3/18/2020 11:29:22 AM | 3/18/2020 11:19:35 AM | 3/18/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| telehealth_benefits_for_medicare_beneficiaries_expanded | Telehealth Benefits for Medicare Beneficiaries Expanded | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200318/telehealth_benefits_for_medicare_beneficiaries_expanded | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/March/COVID-19-Response-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="COVID-19 Response logo" />
</div>
<h5>March 18, 2020</h5>
<h2>Telehealth Benefits for Medicare Beneficiaries Expanded</h2>
<p>
Please reach out to <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a> with any questions or for guidance around this special COVID-19 telehealth update, or for questions about using telehealth as a COVID-19 response. More information and COVID-19 practice resources at <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/Prepare_Your_Practice_for_COVID-19/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/Prepare_Your_Practice_for_COVID-19/Prepare_Your_Practice_for_COVID-19.aspx?hkey=ed7e0075-97a3-489f-b858-92a741fc58ae">Prepare Your Practice for COVID-19</a>.
</p>
<p>
The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services has expanded telehealth coverage for Medicare beneficiaries and will temporarily pay clinicians to provide telehealth services beginning March 6. As COVID-19 poses greater risks to seniors, this will allow Medicare beneficiaries to manage health issues and receive a wider range of services from the comfort and safety of their homes.
</p>
<p>
There are three main types of virtual services physicians and other professionals can provide to Medicare beneficiaries: telehealth visits, virtual check-ins, and e-visits.
</p>
<p>
Telehealth visits – Key takeaways:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Effective for services starting March 6, 2020 and for the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Medicare will make payment for Medicare telehealth services furnished to patients in broader circumstances.</li>
<li>These visits are considered the same as in-person visits and are paid at the same rate as regular in-person visits.</li>
<li>Starting March 6, 2020 and for the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Medicare will make payment for professional services furnished to beneficiaries in all areas of the country in all settings.</li>
<li>While they must generally travel to or be located in certain types of originating sites such as a physician's office, skilled nursing facility, or hospital for the visit, effective for services starting March 6, 2020 and for the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Medicare will make payment for Medicare telehealth services furnished to beneficiaries in any health care facility and in their home.</li>
<li>The Medicare coinsurance and deductible would generally apply to these services. However, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is providing flexibility for physicians and health care providers to reduce or waive cost-sharing for telehealth visits paid by federal health care programs.</li>
<li>To the extent the 1135 waiver requires an established relationship, HHS will not conduct audits to ensure that such a prior relationship existed for claims submitted during this public health emergency.</li>
</ul>
<p>Virtual check-ins – Key takeaways:</p>
<ul>
<li>Virtual check-in services can only be reported when the billing practice has an established relationship with the patient. </li>
<li>This is not limited to only rural settings or certain locations.</li>
<li>Individual services need to be agreed to by the patient; however, practitioners may educate beneficiaries on the availability of the service prior to patient agreement. </li>
<li>HCPCS code G2012: Brief communication technology-based service, e.g. virtual check-in, by a physician or other qualified health care professional who can report evaluation and management services, provided to an established patient, not originating from a related E/M service provided within the previous seven days nor leading to an E/M service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointment; 5-10 minutes of medical discussion.</li>
<li>HCPCS code G2010: Remote evaluation of recorded video and/or images submitted by an established patient (e.g., store and forward), including interpretation with follow-up with the patient within 24 business hours, not originating from a related E/M service provided within the previous seven days nor leading to an E/M service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointment.</li>
<li>Virtual check-ins can be conducted with a broader range of communication methods, unlike Medicare telehealth visits, which require audio and visual capabilities for real-time communication.</li>
</ul>
<p>
E-visits – Key takeaways:
</p>
<ul>
<li>These services can only be reported when the billing practice has an established relationship with the patient. </li>
<li>This is not limited to only rural settings. There are no geographic or location restrictions for these visits.</li>
<li>Patients communicate with their doctors without going to the doctor's office by using online patient portals.</li>
<li>Individual services need to be initiated by the patient; however, practitioners may educate beneficiaries on the availability of the service prior to patient initiation. </li>
<li>The services may be billed using CPT codes 99421-99423 and HCPCS codes G2061-G206, as applicable.</li>
<li>The Medicare coinsurance and deductible would generally apply to these services.</li>
</ul>
<p>
More information on the new rule can be found at this <a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/president-trump-expands-telehealth-benefits-medicare-beneficiaries-during-covid-19-outbreak">CMS webpage</a> and this <a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-telemedicine-health-care-provider-fact-sheet">Medicare telemedicine fact sheet</a>.
</p>
</div> | 3/18/2020 11:52:58 AM | 3/18/2020 11:20:36 AM | 3/18/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| are_you_receiving_virtual_credit_cards_from_insurers_that_charge_fees | Are You Receiving Virtual Credit Cards from Insurers that Charge Fees? | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200228/are_you_receiving_virtual_credit_cards_from_insurers_that_charge_fees | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
February 27, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Are You Receiving Virtual Credit Cards from Insurers that Charge Fees?
</h2>
<p>
</p>
<p>
The WSMA policy department has heard from members that health plans and third-party payment vendors are issuing virtual credit cards that charge fees, diminishing reimbursement for the services provided. Virtual credit cards, or VCCs, have emerged as a method used by health plans to issue payments to physician practices for patient services. However, payments made via a VCC do not meet the Affordable Care Act's electronic funds transfer mandate because they do not meet the definition of "electronic."
</p>
<p>
If you are receiving payments via VCCs and do not want to use them as a payment method, per the ACA, you may request the insurance carriers with which you contract to make all payments via electronic funds transfer. If your plan or vendor continues to be noncompliant, you can file a complaint with CMS <a href="https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Administrative-Simplification/Enforcements/FileaComplaint">here</a>.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA policy department is here to help answer your questions and address your concerns. Your input also helps in determining, and advocating for, our policy agenda in partnership with the WSMA House of Delegates, our legislative team, and state and federal agencies. We encourage you to send your inquiries to <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.
</p>
</div> | 2/27/2020 1:11:34 PM | 2/27/2020 12:20:46 PM | 2/27/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| budget_proposals_fund_medicaid_reimbursement_increase_other_health_care_priorities | Budget Proposals Fund Medicaid Reimbursement Increase, Other Health Care Priorities | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200228/budget_proposals_fund_medicaid_reimbursement_increase_other_health_care_priorities | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/February/Steth-Calc-Money-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Stethoscope, money, and calculator" />
</div>
<h5>
February 27, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Budget Proposals Fund Medicaid Reimbursement Increase, Other Health Care Priorities
</h2>
<p>
</p>
<p>
With around two weeks remaining in the legislative session, majority party Democrats in the House of Representatives and the Senate have released their budget proposals. Buoyed by a positive economic climate, both budgets boost state spending without relying on new taxes or spending cuts to WSMA priority programs. And for the first time in memory, substantial investments in Medicaid reimbursement rates are proposed.
</p>
<p>
Increasing reimbursement rates paid to physicians and providers in the Medicaid system to help ensure access to care for program enrollees has been a perennial budget priority for the WSMA. While there have been targeted investments in recent years, there have been no broader increases since the expiration in 2014 of federal primary care funding to implement the program's expansion.
</p>
<p>
The House budget proposes $34 million in new spending to increase rates for primary care and some behavioral health codes. The Senate version proposes $29 million for primary care rate increases. (Both figures incorporate state and federal funds.) With the caveat that the budgets still need to be reconciled, the impact of the proposals at this preliminary stage would be to increase primary care rates by up to 25%. While the increases ultimately need to be applied to all physician services, the WSMA is appreciative of this important first step in supporting the program's viability. And - importantly - we believe it will set us up to <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2020/weekly_rounds_february_21_2020_positive_action_on_wsma_priority_bills">advocate for broader investments in specialty care in the coming years</a>.
</p>
<p>
Behavioral health remains an area of emphasis for the Legislature, with $100 million earmarked in the Senate budget for construction of the University of Washington Behavioral Health Hospital, and other investments directed to increase service capacity and improve behavioral health facilities. Elsewhere, addressing homelessness and housing was a major priority in both budgets.
</p>
<p>
Other WSMA budget priorities featured in the proposals include support for our state's Foundational Public Health Services, which saw funding allocated in both budgets, and $5 million for response to the <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200228/concerns_over_spread_of_coronavirus_in_us_grow.aspx">coronavirus outbreak</a>. The Senate budget makes a provision for expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage, and both proposals include state funding to backfill for the loss of federal Title X family planning grants. Both budgets also include an allocation to cover costs associated with rural health clinic reconciliation, helping obviate the need for the facilities to make "claw-back" payments.
</p>
<p>
Legislators' primary charge for this year's session is to pass a supplemental budget making adjustments to the two-year spending plan adopted in 2019. Both the House and Senate budgets propose around $1 billion in new state spending, representing a 2% increase over the $52.4 billion biennial budget. Including federal funds, the two-year budget would spend more than $100 billion on areas such as education, social services, corrections, and health care.
</p>
<p>
With Democrats firmly in control of both chambers of the Legislature, it's no surprise that there are similarities between the two proposals. There are also numerous differences that must be reconciled before a final budget is approved and lawmakers adjourn on March 12. Between now and then your WSMA advocacy team will be working tirelessly to represent your interests in Olympia and relaying more updates on our budget and policy priorities as the rest of session unfolds.
</p>
</div> | 2/27/2020 1:11:35 PM | 2/26/2020 12:12:31 PM | 2/27/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| concerns_over_spread_of_coronavirus_in_us_grow | Concerns Over Spread of Coronavirus in U.S. Grow | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200228/concerns_over_spread_of_coronavirus_in_us_grow | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/February/coronavirus-2020-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Coronavirus" />
</div>
<h5>
February 27, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Concerns Over Spread of Coronavirus in U.S. Grow
</h2>
<p>
</p>
<p>
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now expects the transmission of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 to begin <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2020/02/25/cdc-expects-community-spread-of-coronavirus-as-top-official-warns-disruptions-could-be-severe/?utm_source=STAT+Newsletters&amp;utm_campaign=01f418b1d0-breaking_COPY_01&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_8cab1d7961-01f418b1d0-149551285">spreading within the U.S.</a> and is urging the public and the health provider community to prepare - <a href="https://crosscut.com/2020/02/health-officials-say-king-county-remains-safe-coronavirus-now">echoing warnings from Washington's public health officials</a>.
</p>
<p>
The CDC offers <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/index.html">continually updated guidance for health care professionals</a> on its website. The Department of Health offers an <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus">information and resource webpage</a> for health care professionals, <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/NovelCoronavirusOutbreak2020/FactSheet">a fact sheet for the public (available in multiple languages)</a>, and has established a call center to address questions from the public that can be reached at 1.800.525.0127 (press #). The American Medical Association offers a useful roundup of professional resources, <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/covid-19-2019-novel-coronavirus-resource-center-physicians">including CME opportunities</a>.
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Legislature included <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200228/budget_proposals_fund_medicaid_reimbursement_increase_other_health_care_priorities.aspx">funding provisions in its budget proposals</a> released this week to help prepare for a potential outbreak. At the federal level, the Trump administration has <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/24/us/politics/trump-coronavirus-response.html">requested emergency funding</a> to support the federal coronavirus response. There has been only one confirmed COVID-19 case in Washington - the first identified in the U.S. - while 355 people are being monitored by public health officials.
</p>
</div> | 2/27/2020 1:48:00 PM | 2/26/2020 12:12:50 PM | 2/27/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| federal_appeals_court_upholds_title_x_gag_rule | Federal Appeals Court Upholds Title X Gag Rule | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200228/federal_appeals_court_upholds_title_x_gag_rule | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/February/wesley-tingey-9z9fxr_7Z-k-unsplash-gavel-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="gavel" />
</div>
<h5>
February 27, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Federal Appeals Court Upholds Title X Gag Rule
</h2>
<p>
</p>
<p>
A U.S. appeals court this week <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/patient-support-advocacy/us-appeals-court-upholds-title-x-gag-rule-physicians">upheld the Trump administration's Title X rule changes</a> which eliminate funding for facilities such as Planned Parenthood that offer abortion services or referrals and effect a gag rule on physicians and providers participating in the federal program.
</p>
<p>
In its 7-4 decision, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned injunctions issued last year by federal courts Washington, Oregon, and California on behalf of the American Medical Association, the Washington State Attorney General's Office, and other states and health organizations that had issued lawsuits challenging the rule changes. AMA President Patrice A. Harris, MD, <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/patient-support-advocacy/us-appeals-court-upholds-title-x-gag-rule-physicians">responded to the court's decision</a> saying "It is unconscionable that the government is telling physicians that they can treat this underserved population only if they promise not to discuss or make referrals for all treatment options."
</p>
<p>
Washington state <a href="https://stateofreform.com/news/states/washington/2019/08/washington-state-to-exit-title-x-family-planning-program/">withdrew from the Title X program last August</a>, promising to use state monies to fund the program until the legal challenges were resolved (provisions were included in the state supplemental budget proposals released this week).
</p>
<p>
The WSMA joins the AMA in opposing gag rules on physicians. WSMA policy supports the ability of physicians to practice within their right of conscience, but states that "a conscientious objection should, under most circumstances, be accompanied by a referral to another physician or health care facility." Additionally, WSMA policy supports the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship and opposes regulations that would prevent providers from providing evidence-based, medically accurate health care services and information to patients in all care settings.</p>
</div> | 2/27/2020 1:11:35 PM | 2/26/2020 12:12:53 PM | 2/27/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| highlights_as_legislative_session_nears_scheduled_end | Highlights as Legislative Session Nears Scheduled End | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200228/highlights_as_legislative_session_nears_scheduled_end | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Logos/2020-Leg-Session-Social-Graphic-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="2020 Washington state legislative session logo" />
</div>
<h5>
February 27, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Highlights as Legislative Session Nears Scheduled End
</h2>
<p>
</p>
<p>
All of WSMA's priority bills are still alive following last Wednesday's <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2020/February20/legislative_session_week_five_highlights">policy cutoff deadline</a>. There are <a href="http://leg.wa.gov/legislature/Pages/cutoff.aspx">three final deadlines</a> bills must pass before the Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on March 12. While we are cautiously optimistic on the outlook of our legislative priorities, the course of policymaking rarely runs smoothly, and much can happen between now and the pound of the final gavel that marks sine die. Here is a quick rundown of WSMA's top legislative priorities not covered elsewhere in this issue:
</p>
<p>
<strong>Telemedicine payment parity</strong> <strong>–</strong> <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5385&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">Senate Bill 5385</a>&nbsp;would generally require payment for services delivered via telemedicine to be on par with the rate paid for in-person visits. SB 5385 passed the Senate on Feb. 13 by a vote of 45-2 and was heard in the House Committee on Health Care &amp; Wellness on Feb. 21
</p>
<p>
<strong>Primary care Medicaid reimbursement</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6676&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">Senate Bill 6676</a> would raise Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care services by at least 15% and for certain pediatric services by at least 21% effective Jan. 1, 2021. SB 6676 passed unanimously in the Senate on Feb. 17 and was referred to the House Committee on Appropriations where it awaits a public hearing.
</p>
<p><strong>Low-carbon fuel standard </strong>– <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1110&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1110</a> would establish a "clean fuels program" to limit greenhouse gas emissions. HB 1110 was passed in the House on Jan. 29 by a vote of 52-44 and awaits a hearing in the Senate.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Health care provider credentialing</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1552&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">House Bill 1552</a>&nbsp;would stipulate that insurers must generally retroactively reimburse for care delivered by a physician or other credentialed practitioner during the time credentialing applications are pending, upon approval the application. HB 1552 passed unanimously in the House on Feb. 17 and is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Health &amp; Long Term Care on Feb. 28.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Vapor production regulation </strong><em>&nbsp;– </em><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6254&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">Senate Bill 6254</a> would regulate the sale of certain flavored vapor products, stipulate maximum nicotine content for vapor products, and prohibit the sale of vapor products containing vitamin E acetate (among other provisions). It also imposes a new tax on flavored vapor products, with revenue generated being directed to the Foundational Public Health Services Accounts.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Model sexual assault protocols for hospitals and clinics</strong> <strong>–</strong> <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6158&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">Senate Bill 6158</a> would create a task force, within the office of the attorney general, on coordinated community response to sexual assault. The task force would research and make recommendations regarding best practices for responding to sexual assault victims, beginning with their arrival at a hospital or clinic. SB 6158 passed unanimously in the Senate on Feb. 5. There was a public hearing in the House Committee on Public Safety on Feb. 20
</p>
<p>
<strong>Increasing access to medications for people with opioid use disorder</strong> <strong>–</strong> <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6086&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">Senate Bill 6086</a> would seek to reduce barriers to effective medication-assisted treatment services by permitting health care entities to dispense up to two weeks of controlled substances to patients receiving treatment for opioid use disorder. SB 6086 passed unanimously in the Senate on Feb. 14. There was a public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care &amp; Wellness on Feb. 20.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Taxes to support Foundation Public Health Services</strong> <strong>–</strong> <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2915&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">House Bill 2915</a> would modify the tax on vapor products to apply at 45% of the taxable sales price and would create a new tax on the manufacture and distribution of vapor and tobacco products. Revenue from the taxes would be directed to the Foundational Public Health Services account. There was a public hearing in the House Committee on Finance on Feb. 20.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Physician assistants</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2378&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">House Bill 2378</a> would make modifications to modernize the physician assistant practice act and to facilitate the ability of physician assistants to gain employment and practice. HB 2378 passed unanimously out of the House on Feb. 16. There was a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Health &amp; Long Term Care on Feb. 21.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Mental health advance directives work group</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6551&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">Senate Bill 6591</a> would establish a work group under the Health Care Authority, with WSMA participation, to examine the use of mental health advance directives in the state and how to promote their use. SB 6591 passed the Senate by a vote of 27-19 on Feb. 18.
</p>
<p>
There was a public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care &amp; Wellness on Feb. 26.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Providing reentry services</strong> – <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6638&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">Senate Bill 6638</a>, among many provisions, would stipulate that Medicaid benefits individuals had that were suspended upon incarceration may be restored up to 90 days prior to release (rather than allowing for the individuals to apply for reinstatement of Medicaid during incarceration), and, beginning in 2022, benefits must be restored between 90 and 7 days before the individual is released.
</p>
<p>
SB 6638 passed the Senate by a vote of 36-12 on Feb. 18. There was a public hearing in the House Committee on Public Safety on Feb. 25.
</p>
<h3>
Other bills and more information
</h3>
<p>
Be sure to check our weekly legislative updates published our <a href="[@]WSMA/News_Publications/Latest_News/Advocacy_Report/WSMA/News_Publications/Newsletters/WSMA_Advocacy_Report.aspx?hkey=fbce906b-dbfb-4af3-8790-11f84275cf1e">online Advocacy Report</a> for more information on WSMA legislative priorities. If you have questions about these bills or anything pending in Olympia, contact WSMA Director of Government Affairs Sean Graham (<a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">sean@wsma.org</a>). And be sure to check out our two session video series, <a href="https://vimeo.com/showcase/5835487">WSMA Legislative Updates</a> and <a href="https://vimeo.com/showcase/5729481">Doctors Making a Difference</a>, for more session-related information for physicians and physician assistants.
</p>
</div> | 2/27/2020 1:11:35 PM | 2/26/2020 12:12:42 PM | 2/27/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| naturopath_and_qui_tam_bills_dead_for_now | Naturopath and Qui Tam Bills Dead - for Now | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200228/naturopath_and_qui_tam_bills_dead_for_now | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/February/mortar_pestle-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Mortar and pestle" />
</div>
<h5>
February 27, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Naturopath and Qui Tam Bills Dead - for Now</h2>
<p>
Two bills opposed by the WSMA failed to advance beyond last Wednesday's <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2020/February20/legislative_session_week_five_highlights">policy cutoff deadline</a>: one that would have expanded scope of practice for naturopaths and another that would have expanded "qui tam" liability for physician practices and other businesses.
</p>
<p>
The naturopath scope bill, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1630&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">House Bill 1630</a>, would have granted these practitioners prescriptive authority for Schedules III-V drugs without detailing specific education and training requirements (among other provisions), a clear violation of WSMA policy on <a href="[@]WSMA/About/Policies/Whats_Our_Policy/Scope_Of_Practice/Prescriptive_Authority.aspx">scope</a> of <a href="[@]WSMA/About/Policies/Whats_Our_Policy/Scope_Of_Practice/Scope_Of_Practice_General.aspx">practice</a>. Thank you to everyone who responded to our calls to action on this issue. The second bill, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1965&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">House Bill 1965</a>, would have significantly increased physicians' liability exposure by allowing individuals to seek qui tam action on behalf of the state if employers violate a number of statutes pertaining to workplace law, including but not limited to health care facility employee overtime, safety in health care settings, and health care whistleblower retaliation protection.
</p>
<p>
Opposing misguided and sometimes dangerous legislation is a crucial part of WSMA's advocacy on behalf of Washington's physician community. While nothing is truly over until session adjourns, we are glad that these two bills did not advance.
</p>
</div> | 2/27/2020 1:11:36 PM | 2/26/2020 12:12:38 PM | 2/27/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| near_capacity_turnout_for_legislative_summit_shows_energized_membership | Near-Capacity Turnout for Legislative Summit Shows Energized Membership | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200228/near_capacity_turnout_for_legislative_summit_shows_energized_membership | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/394106243"><img alt="" src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/February/LS_2020_ThankYou_Video-Still-PlayButton.jpg" class="pull-right" /></a>
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<h5>
February 27, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Near-Capacity Turnout for Legislative Summit Shows Energized Membership
</h2>
<p>
Nearly 140 WSMA members attended Tuesday's Legislative Summit, making this one of the most successful Summits in recent history. The halls of the Legislature were filled with a vibrant crowd of white coats as WSMA members - physicians, students, residents, and physician assistants - from across the state "took to the Hill" and into their legislators' offices on behalf of key WSMA legislative priorities. Take a look at our <a href="https://vimeo.com/394106243">highlight reel</a> for a glimpse of WSMA members in action at the Summit. Thank you to all of you who attended this year's event - and be sure to mark your calendar for the 2021 Legislative Summit, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9. Together we will make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 2/27/2020 1:11:38 PM | 2/26/2020 12:12:47 PM | 2/27/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| plan_now_to_attend_the_wsma_leadership_development_conference | Plan Now to Attend the WSMA Leadership Development Conference | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200228/plan_now_to_attend_the_wsma_leadership_development_conference | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/February/2017-LDC-05WSMA1-223-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Lake and mountains" />
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<h5>
February 27, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Plan Now to Attend the WSMA Leadership Development Conference
</h2>
<p>
</p>
<p>
Online pre-registration is now available for WSMA's premier leadership skills-building event this spring at Campbell's Resort on Lake Chelan. The Leadership Development Conference is one of WSMA's most popular gatherings, so be sure to <a href="[@]EventDetail?EventKey=LDC20">register online</a> for the conference and make accommodations for you and your family today. Program details will be available soon. <a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Leadership_Development_Conference/WSMA/Events/LDC/leadership_development_conference.aspx?hkey=c7532c38-057a-4568-8a3c-078182469222">Learn more and register</a>.
</p>
</div> | 2/27/2020 1:11:38 PM | 2/26/2020 12:11:22 PM | 2/27/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| prior_authorization_bill_passes_senate_unanimously | Prior Authorization Bill Passes Senate Unanimously | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200228/prior_authorization_bill_passes_senate_unanimously | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/February/Female-Doc-On-Phone-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Female doctor on phone" />
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<h5>
February 27, 2020</h5>
<h2>
Prior Authorization Bill Passes Senate Unanimously
</h2>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6404&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">Senate Bill 6404</a>, which would improve transparency and promote standardization of prior authorization in Washington state, passed unanimously out of the Senate on Feb. 18 - a promising sign for this WSMA top-priority legislation. Ostensibly a cost-control tool, prior authorization can have the effect of delaying access to care for patients and substantially driving costs for physician groups that must dedicate considerable time and resources to obtain authorization for medically indicated care. As memorably stated by WSMA board member and King County Medical Society Past President Teresa Girolami, MD, prior authorization is "<a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2020/January/policy_prognosis_uncertain">an everyday nightmare for every single doctor in every single specialty</a>."
</p>
<p>
Sponsored by Sen. David Frockt, WSMA priority bill SB 6404 would:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Require insurers to provide data to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner on which services are subject to prior authorization and what the result is when prior authorization is imposed (i.e., whether the request is ultimately approved or denied). These data would provide much-needed transparency to prior authorization practices in Washington.</li>
<li>Create a clinical work group to regularly select and review services subject to prior authorization using data collected by the OIC and make recommendations regarding the applicability of prior authorization and the potential for appropriate use criteria (AUC) to be used as an alternative. When used in the right circumstances, AUC have been shown to lower costs for physicians, providers, and insurers without driving inappropriate utilization of health care services. Commercial carriers, PEBB/SEBB plans, and Medicaid managed care plans would be required to adopt the work group recommendations.</li>
<li>Potentially decrease costs in our state's health care system by improving standardization of prior authorization, and, most importantly, expedite access to care for our state's patients.</li>
</ul>
<p>
As WSMA CEO Jennifer Hanscom <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2020/weekly_rounds_january_31_2020_5_things_to_know_as_you_try_to_stay_dry">noted in her Weekly Rounds</a>, "We all know that insurance company executives love to claim prior authorization is a necessary tool to drive down costs. This bill says, 'prove it!'"
</p>
<p>
SB 6404 was heard in the House Committee on Health Care &amp; Wellness on Wednesday. We will keep you apprised on the fate of this bill as the legislative session nears its end.
</p>
<p>
Don't forget - state rules are in place streamlining and standardizing preauthorization practices for medical services used by OIC-regulated plans. If you are encountering prior authorization delays and believe an insurer may be out of compliance with these requirements, visit the <a href="http://priorauth.wsma.org/">WSMA Prior Authorization Navigator</a> to send a message to the OIC.
</p>
</div> | 2/27/2020 1:11:38 PM | 2/26/2020 12:12:35 PM | 2/27/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| public_charge_rule_goes_into_effect_resources_for_immigrant_families | Public Charge Rule Goes Into Effect; Resources for Immigrant Families | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200228/public_charge_rule_goes_into_effect_resources_for_immigrant_families | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
February 27, 2020</h5>
<h2>Public Charge Rule Goes Into Effect; Resources for Immigrant Families
</h2>
<p>
</p>
<p>
U.S. immigration officials this week moved forward with implementing the new federal public charge rule, putting into effect a restrictive policy which effectively serves as a wealth test for immigrants trying to legally become citizens.
</p>
<p>
Widely condemned by immigrants' rights advocates and leading health care organizations, the new rule significantly expands the list of public services which, if used by immigrants, can be used to deny green cards for permanent residency in the U.S., including Medicaid and food stamps. The WSMA has <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2020/wcaap_and_wsma_respond_to_us_supreme_court_public_charge_ruling">publicly</a> <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190925/wsma_joins_wc_aap_and_national_partners_to_oppose_public_charge_rule">denounced</a> the <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/September/physicians_unite_to_oppose_trump_administration_immigration_policy">federal rule change</a>, and last year joined with the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians, and the American Medical Association to support a legal challenge, which is ongoing.
</p>
<p>
For physicians and providers serving immigrant patients and their families, the Protecting Immigrant Families Campaign provides <a href="https://protectingimmigrantfamilies.org/know-your-rights/">helpful multilingual resources</a> to <a href="https://protectingimmigrantfamilies.org/special-resources/">help equip immigrants</a> with what they need to know to make the best decision for themselves and for their families under this new policy.
</p>
</div> | 2/27/2020 1:29:12 PM | 2/26/2020 12:12:56 PM | 2/27/2020 12:00:00 AM |