| act_today_to_prevent_looming_medicare_cuts | Act Today to Prevent Looming Medicare Cuts | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/September_10/act_today_to_prevent_looming_medicare_cuts | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/medicare-barcode-645px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Medicare barcode" /></div>
<h5>September 10, 2021</h5>
<h2>Act Today to Prevent Looming Medicare Cuts</h2>
<p>Congressional Reps. Ami Bera, MD (D-CA), and Larry Bucshon, MD (R-IN), recently circulated a <a href="https://physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/sites/default/files/2021-08/bera-bucshon-medicare-sign-on.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">"Dear Colleague" letter</a> highlighting the financial uncertainty within the Medicare payment system and the dangers facing the physician community if Congress fails to enact legislation to address these problems. We need you to ask your representative to sign on today.</p>
<p>In what amounts to a "perfect storm" of payment cuts going into effect on Jan. 1, physician practices face the following stack of Medicare financial hits:</p>
<ul>
<li>Expiration of the current reprieve from the repeatedly extended 2% sequester stemming from the Budget Control Act of 2011. Congress originally scheduled this policy to sunset in 2021 but it will now continue into 2030.</li>
<li>Imposition of a 4% Statutory PAYGO sequester resulting from passage of the American Rescue Plan Act. Should lawmakers fail to act, it will mark the first time that Congress has failed to waive Statutory PAYGO.</li>
<li>Expiration of the congressionally enacted 3.75% temporary increase in the Medicare physician fee schedule conversion factor to avoid payment cuts associated with budget neutrality adjustments tied to PFS policy changes.</li>
<li>A statutory freeze in annual Medicare PFS updates under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) that is scheduled to last until 2026, when updates resume at a rate of 0.25% a year indefinitely, a figure well below the rate of medical or consumer price index inflation.</li>
</ul>
<p>This would result in a combined 9.75% payment cut on Jan. 1. And all of this comes at a time when physician practices are still recovering from the emotional and financial impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency. It's time to give our nation's physicians the peace of mind they deserve as they continue to fight on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic without having to worry if their practices will survive these potentially catastrophic cuts.</p>
<p>A strong collection of bipartisan cosigners will help demonstrate to House and Senate leadership that this confluence of payment cuts needs to be addressed via legislation before the end of 2021. <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/k8hT3wVFbl3YEs8JheVslg__;!!AI0rnoUB!tsKa7jV3FhEFiG-xeB8t7q_p36o6QP5c3c29iCSwa_wFDpnskdVJQc0U_HI5EFw25iI$">Please contact your representative today</a> and urge them to show their support by signing on to Reps. Bera and Bucshon's Dear Colleague letter.</p>
</div> | 9/9/2021 3:00:31 PM | 9/9/2021 12:17:50 PM | 9/10/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| department_of_health_updates_faqs_for_health_care_vaccine_mandate | Department of Health Updates FAQs for Health Care Vaccine Mandate | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/September_10/department_of_health_updates_faqs_for_health_care_vaccine_mandate | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/dr-schlicher-covid-vaccine1-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Physician getting COVID-19 vaccine" /></div>
<h5>September 10, 2021</h5>
<h2>Department of Health Updates FAQs for Health Care Vaccine Mandate</h2>
<p>Practices, clinics, and other health care settings across Washington are working under pressure to meet the new state deadline of Oct. 18 for health care providers and other workers in private health care and long-term care settings to be fully vaccinated.</p>
<h3>What's new this week</h3>
<p>The Washington State Department of Health this week released an updated <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/505-160-VaccinationRequirementFAQs.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">FAQ and guidance document to help health care employees and employers move into compliance with this directive</a>. Be sure to familiarize yourself with this content. If you still don't see the answers to your questions, let us know: Email <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.</p>
<p>If you haven't yet done so, watch the vaccine mandate webinar Q&amp;A hosted by the WSMA and employment attorneys from Montgomery Purdue PLLC. The recorded webinar and sample clinic policy and exemption forms prepared by the attorneys for use by WSMA members and their clinics are available on the WSMA website. Visit <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/Implementing_the_COVID_19_Vaccine_Mandate_at_Your_Practice/Implementing_the_COVID_19_Vaccine_Mandate_at_Your_Practice.aspx">Implementing the COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate at Your Practice</a> (sign-in required) for more information on these resources.</p>
</div> | 9/9/2021 11:46:50 AM | 9/8/2021 3:02:10 PM | 9/10/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| is_your_practice_prepared_for_senate_bill_5380s_it_mandates | Is Your Practice Prepared for Senate Bill 5380's IT Mandates? | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/September_10/is_your_practice_prepared_for_senate_bill_5380s_it_mandates | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/doc-laptop-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="doctor working at laptop computer" /></div>
<h5>September 10, 2021</h5>
<h2>Is Your Practice Prepared for Senate Bill 5380's IT Mandates?</h2>
<p>Senate Bill 5380, a measure aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic, was signed into law during the 2019 legislative session. Starting next year, two state IT mandates required by the legislation, the prescription monitoring program integration mandate for practices with 10 or more "prescribers" and one requiring the electronic prescribing of controlled substances, will go into effect.</p>
<p>Originally scheduled for this past January, the WSMA successfully advocated for a delay of both mandates to Jan. 1, 2022 to prevent the associated administrative requirements from burdening organizations already strained by the pandemic.</p>
<p>Below are important updates that you should know about implementing these requirements.</p>
<h3>DOH allows for additional PMP integration options </h3>
<p>After several years of WSMA advocacy, the Washington State Department of Health will permit options other than the state Health Information Exchange to meet the state's prescription monitoring program integration mandate.</p>
<p>Responding to WSMA concerns, the Washington State Department of Health stated in a <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2021/wa-doh-response-wsma-integration-of-pmp-options-07-14-2021.pdf]">letter</a>&nbsp;that it will permit "integration options beyond the state HIE [health information exchange] that meet the State Office of Cyber Security and agency security requirements. The Appriss PMP Gateway product has already been reviewed and approved by our IT security team, so it will be an approved solution."</p>
<p>The WSMA thanks Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, and his team at the DOH for this flexibility. The WSMA will provide more information on these additional tools, including Appriss PMP Gateway, as they become available. To explore integrating your EHR via the existing state HIE option, visit the DOH's <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/ForPublicHealthandHealthcareProviders/HealthcareProfessionsandFacilities/PrescriptionMonitoringProgramPMP">PMP webpage</a>.</p>
<h3>Hardship waivers </h3>
<p>The WSMA secured waivers due to economic and other hardship in SB 5380 for both mandates. The DOH is currently promulgating these rules. When finalized, the WSMA will share with members for review to see if your practice may qualify and how to submit a waiver request.</p>
<p>Don't hesitate to reach out to the WSMA policy team at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a> with questions.</p>
</div> | 9/9/2021 11:49:37 AM | 9/8/2021 3:02:15 PM | 9/10/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| nyt_bestselling_author_sheri_fink_md_phd_keynotes_the_2021_annual_meeting | NYT Bestselling Author Sheri Fink, MD, PhD, Keynotes the 2021 Annual Meeting | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/September_10/nyt_bestselling_author_sheri_fink_md_phd_keynotes_the_2021_annual_meeting | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/fink-sheri-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Sheri Fink, MD, PhD" /></div>
<h5>September 10, 2021</h5>
<h2>NYT Bestselling Author Sheri Fink, MD, PhD, Keynotes the 2021 Annual Meeting</h2>
<p>There is still time to register for the 2021 WSMA Annual Meeting, being held virtually Sept. 25-26. Don't wait too much longer-preregistration is required for the virtual meeting.</p>
<h3>This year's presenter</h3>
<p>This year's keynote speaker is Sheri Fink, MD, PhD, author of the critically acclaimed New York Times bestselling book "<a href="https://bookshop.org/books/five-days-at-memorial-life-and-death-in-a-storm-ravaged-hospital/9780307718976">Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital</a>," about choices made in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Fink has reported from more than two dozen hospitals in the U.S. and internationally. In her presentation at the Annual Meeting, Dr. Fink will share her observations from the COVID-19 pandemic and how it compares to the lessons learned from the New Orleans Memorial Medical Center's leadership response during Hurricane Katrina.</p>
<h3>How this year's virtual meeting will work</h3>
<p>The 2021 Annual Meeting will take place virtually over two days. The opening session of the House of Delegates and virtual reference committee hearings will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25, followed by the second meeting of the House of Delegates on Sunday, Sept. 26. For a more detailed agenda, visit the <a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">meeting webpage</a>.</p>
<h3>Advance registration required</h3>
<p>The 2021 meeting will use the same meeting configuration used for the 2020 meeting: a combination of Zoom for audio and video and a separate platform to manage the business of the House using parliamentary procedures. You must register for the meeting in advance in order to be set up on the platform prior to the start of the meeting. <a href="[@]Shared_Content/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=ANNMTG2021">Register online at no cost</a>.</p>
<h3>Training available to members and delegates prior to Annual Meeting </h3>
<p>A training session will be offered Tuesday, Sept. 21 from 7-8 p.m. for members of the House of Delegates (other meeting attendees are encouraged to attend as well). Save the date and time; registration information will follow shortly. For those who can't attend the live training, an on-demand recording will be available.</p>
</div> | 9/9/2021 11:52:37 AM | 9/8/2021 3:02:25 PM | 9/10/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| prescribing_medicaid_physicians_must_check_pmp_starting_oct_1 | Prescribing Medicaid Physicians Must Check PMP Starting Oct. 1 | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/September_10/prescribing_medicaid_physicians_must_check_pmp_starting_oct_1 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/rx-bottle-doctor-laptop-645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Physician holding up prescription medication bottle" /></div>
<h5>September 10, 2021</h5>
<h2>Prescribing Medicaid Physicians Must Check PMP Starting Oct. 1</h2>
<p>As a reminder, starting Oct. 1, physicians must check an Apple Health client's history in the state's prescription monitoring program before prescribing controlled substances, as required by the federal SUPPORT Act and rulemaking from the Washington State Health Care Authority.</p>
<p>Prior to writing and shortly after dispensing a prescription for a controlled substance to a Medicaid patient, physicians and providers will be expected to review the most recent 12-month period prescription drug history of a covered individual in the PMP for:</p>
<ul>
<li>The number and type of controlled substances prescribed and filled.</li>
<li>Who prescribed a controlled substance.</li>
</ul>
<p>Physicians may delegate this task to anyone at the practice with authorization to access the PMP, so long as the physician reviews all of the client's prescriptions. The date and time of the retrieval and review of information must be documented in the patient record.</p>
<p>Outpatient pharmacists will also be required to review the PMP before dispensing a controlled substance.</p>
<p>The Health Care Authority's finalized guidelines will be included in the agency's Oct. 1 prescription drug program billing guide. The WSMA has expressed concerns with the HCA about this lack of detail. For now, practices will need to do their best to adjust workflow with the information we have. <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAHCA/bulletins/2eb061b">See this HCA notice for details</a>.</p>
<p>To receive the latest information, sign up for HCA's email list <a href="https://wsha.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=381c2b109dc0809662b7cd0da&amp;id=c6e70e7d57&amp;e=e55ee2cbd5">here</a>. Specific questions about the rule may be sent via email to <a href="mailto:AppleHealthPharmacyPolicy@hca.wa.gov">AppleHealthPharmacyPolicy@hca.wa.gov</a>.</p>
</div> | 9/9/2021 11:47:47 AM | 9/8/2021 3:02:13 PM | 9/10/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| your_covid_19_questions_answered | Your COVID-19 Questions Answered | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/September_10/your_covid_19_questions_answered | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/covid-qanda-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="COVID-19 Q&amp;A webinar series graphic" /></div>
<h5>September 10, 2021</h5>
<h2>Your COVID-19 Questions Answered</h2>
<p>From state planning of booster shots to outpatient treatment of children with COVID-19; from off-label use of vaccinations to all things ivermectin. These were just a few of the topics that our guest public health and clinical experts addressed in our recent COVID-19 Q&amp;A webinar for physicians and practitioners.</p>
<p>The hour-long webinar, held on Aug. 30, was attended by more than 170 clinicians. Set aside some time to see what was on your colleagues' minds and get the latest guidance on urgent COVID-19-related prevention and treatment. Visit our <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/On_Demand_Webinars/WSMA/education/On_Demand_Webinars/Webinars_OnDemand.aspx?hkey=c3940e65-ff14-4c25-a05d-b85a147c9fa0">On-Demand Webinars page</a> to view the archived session.</p>
<p>Some of the resources referenced during the webinar include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Third-dose guidance through the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment project</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for those suffering from <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fcovid-19%2Finfo-by-product%2Fclinical-considerations.html#considerations-additional-vaccine-dose">moderate to severe immunocompromising conditions</a>. If physicians have questions about specific patients in relation to whether or not they should receive the vaccine, they can <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ensuringsafety/monitoring/cisa/index.html">consult CISA</a> for clinical consultation.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Use of ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Ivermectin is not FDA approved for treatment of COVID-19. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health have issued treatment guidelines: <a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/why-you-should-not-use-ivermectin-treat-or-prevent-covid-19">Why You Should Not Use Ivermectin to Treat or Prevent COVID-19</a>; <a href="https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/antiviral-therapy/ivermectin/">NIH Statement on Ivermectin</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>COVID-19 vaccine guidance for pregnant women</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has strong guidelines for vaccinations and pregnant women. See <a href="https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2021/07/acog-smfm-recommend-covid-19-vaccination-for-pregnant-individuals">ACOG and SMFM Recommend COVID-19 Vaccination for Pregnant Individuals</a> and <a href="https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2021/08/statement-of-strong-medical-consensus-for-vaccination-of-pregnant-individuals-against-covid-19">Statement of Strong Medical Consensus for Vaccination of Pregnant Individuals Against COVID-19</a> for more.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Quarantine guidelines for exposed vaccinated patients</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>The CDC has updated its quarantine guidance for vaccinated individuals: If you are within a six-foot distance, you need to put on a mask and test yourself within three-five days; if negative, no need to quarantine. See <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fif-you-are-sick%2Fquarantine.html">CDC Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines</a> for more.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Monoclonal antibody treatments</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Monoclonal antibody treatment is recommended to treat eligible patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness. Patients are eligible if they are 12 years of age or older, weigh at least 40 kg, and are at high risk of serious COVID-19 illness that may lead to hospitalization or death. With some monoclonal antibody treatments now administered subcutaneously, the Washington State Department of Health is urging greater uptake by outpatient/ambulatory sites. <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/August_13/covid_19_monoclonal_antibody_treatments_in_your_practice_setting">Learn how you can help</a>.</p>
<p>The WSMA's <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/COVID-19_Response.aspx?hkey=958ce791-54b8-4eba-892f-54924db26b60">COVID-19 resource pages</a> have been updated with these new resources and many others. If there's something you would like to see on these pages, let us know. Email Graham Short at <a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>. </p>
</div> | 9/9/2021 2:44:39 PM | 9/8/2021 3:02:18 PM | 9/10/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| your_input_needed_to_help_guide_good_health_policy | Your Input Needed to Help Guide Good Health Policy | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/September_10/your_input_needed_to_help_guide_good_health_policy | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>September 10, 2021</h5>
<h2>Your Input Needed to Help Guide Good Health Policy</h2>
<p>There are now 25 resolutions, along with a bylaws proposal that would transform WSMA's governance, available in our password-protected virtual reference committees. WSMA's virtual reference committees are secure forums that allow members an opportunity to discuss proposals that will be considered for action by the House of Delegates during its annual meeting later this month.</p>
<p>All WSMA members are encouraged to take a moment to review these proposals and provide input. Discussing these proposed policies and directives before the WSMA Annual Meeting helps ensure a broad range of diverse perspectives and expertise are considered, helps develop members' understanding of what's being proposed, and helps to focus discussion at the meeting, allowing for a more streamlined, efficient policymaking process.</p>
<p>The virtual reference committees will be closed for comment at midnight on Monday, Sept. 20. <a href="[@]WSMA/Membership/Discussion_Forums/Virtual_Reference_Committees/WSMA/Membership/Discussion_Forums/virtual_reference_committees.aspx?hkey=d674a5ae-4fb5-48d6-b969-16aab9b63647">Visit the virtual reference committees to get started</a>. These online forums are password protected; sign-in to the WSMA website is required.</p>
<p>WSMA members may also provide testimony during the live reference committee sessions scheduled as part of the virtual 2021 Annual Meeting on Sept. 25-26. <a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">Learn more about the meeting, which is free for members, and register today</a>.</p>
</div> | 9/9/2021 2:50:10 PM | 9/8/2021 3:02:21 PM | 9/10/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| youre_invited_northwest_patient_safety_conference_oct_6_7 | You're Invited: Northwest Patient Safety Conference, Oct. 6-7 | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/September_10/youre_invited_northwest_patient_safety_conference_oct_6_7 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/September/nw-patient-safety-conference-2021-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Northwest Patient Safety Conference logo" /></div>
<h5>September 10, 2021</h5>
<h2>You're Invited: Northwest Patient Safety Conference, Oct. 6-7</h2>
<p>The Washington Patient Safety Coalition's Northwest Patient Safety Conference is back this year as an entirely virtual event over two half days on Oct. 6-7. This year's conference, a collaboration with the Oregon Patient Safety Commission and the BC Patient Safety and Quality Council, will feature patient safety experts from around the Pacific Northwest.</p>
<p>Featured speakers include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sidney Dekker, who has won worldwide acclaim for his groundbreaking work in Just Culture, Human Factors, and Safety Science.</li>
<li>Kimberly Mutcherson, JD, a noted bioethics and health law scholar and higher education leader, is the first woman, the first African American, and the first LGBTQ law dean at Rutgers University.</li>
<li>James McCormack, professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of British Columbia and co-host of The Best Science Medicine - BS without the BS - Podcast.</li>
<li>John Banja, professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Emory University and host of AI, Radiology, and Ethics Podcast at Emory University's Center for Ethics.</li>
</ul>
<p>Health care professionals and those seeking continuing education credits can register for $75. Patients, their families, and students, can register for free. <a href="https://pheedloop.com/NWPSC21/site/home/">Learn more and register online</a>.</p>
</div> | 9/9/2021 3:02:56 PM | 9/9/2021 12:26:00 PM | 9/10/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| resolutions_now_available_for_wsma_member_input | Resolutions Now Available for WSMA Member Input | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/August_26/resolutions_now_available_for_wsma_member_input | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/August/2021-annual-meeting-article-graphic.png" class="pull-right" alt="2021 WSMA annual meeting graphic" /></div>
<h5>August 26, 2021&nbsp;</h5>
<h2>Resolutions Now Available for WSMA Member Input</h2>
<p>More than 20 resolutions are now available for WSMA members to review in our password-protected virtual reference committees, and more will be added in the weeks to come in anticipation of the 2021 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates in September.</p>
<p>All members are encouraged to take a moment to review and provide feedback on these resolutions via the links below. If adopted by the House, resolutions help to guide WSMA's advocacy efforts on behalf of its members, their patients, and the greater medical community in Washington.</p>
<p>WSMA members may also provide testimony during the live reference committee sessions scheduled as part of the virtual Annual Meeting. <a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">Learn more about the meeting, which is free for members, and register online</a>.</p>
<p>Click on the resolution title to read the full resolution, any comments from your colleagues, and to comment (you'll be prompted to enter your password to enter the secure forums).</p>
<p>Reference Committee B (professional and internal affairs)</p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=fbe3dcc7-0687-47ef-95b8-a3c090362d2a&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-1 - Ensuring Inclusion of Physicians and Medical Students with Disabilities</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=d0961e23-6d2f-41da-b9c9-dbfb4b628393&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-2 - Violence Against Asian Americans</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=f8fd2ac1-1a70-4d5d-b080-cda83f234169&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-3 - Improving Access to Active Transportation</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=a5e9aeb5-5ff0-42cf-9099-c6daf78b23ed&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-4 - Expanding and Standardizing Parental Leave in Medical School and Residency</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=78ea5f4c-5579-40e0-9e39-09205c1d640f&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-5 - Direct-to-Consumer Marketing of Pharmaceuticals</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=0db1b95c-d9f7-454e-a234-d12b0005d741&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-6 - Office of Patient Protection</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=9d8bdd31-8541-4ebe-aabe-050f28c87ff8&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-7 - Physician Assistant Title Change</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=ea426bd0-3098-48b8-a40d-02a9326b08b3&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-8 - Refer to All Medical Professionals by Their Titles</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=d617dc9d-822f-449d-8665-6f7bf559ca30&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-9 - Ensuring Continued Access to Equitable Take-Home Methadone Treatment</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=44303689-3965-43ca-9a61-2069285cdfe6&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-10 - Mentoring Support for Unmatched Medical Graduates</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=d8d106d7-5419-42ac-9009-b1fa17e805c7&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-11 - Access to Standard Care for Nonviable Pregnancies</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=657db1ff-618d-4145-bec9-de8c8ce5b2fe&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-12 - Maternal Mortality and Race in Washington State</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=900c9bd1-6d79-4241-9162-eef9e8d0b96e&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-13 - Establishing Protocol for Emerging ECT in Washington State</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=a6c0ebfb-8599-4c3b-8426-1c343bb01830&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-14 – Shortage of Mental Health Professionals</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Reference Committee C (legislative affairs and health care economics/reform)</p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=c1833dad-e4e1-4808-a815-74eb507602c6&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-1 - Measures to Reduce Respiratory Illness</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=b9ec70aa-ec36-4b9e-975f-a65297495ca4&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-2 - Allowing Peritoneal Dialysis Amongst Patients in the Washington State DOC</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=2b90fde4-44be-4ee7-a261-9dc9ad81b20f&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-3 - Homelessness as a Public Health Priority</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=a4475f22-6820-450b-84a5-793b60a0c433&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-4 - Health Policy Review Mechanism</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=c0224f20-ed4a-4b32-a7eb-7c8a251acde4&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-5 - Corporate Interference With the Practice of Medicine</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=e3e21dec-7e7c-4702-b5c1-9b550f619706&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-6 - Juvenile Justice</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=28ae8312-4b14-437a-9ba5-6f93dea397ad&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-7 - Improved Medicare for All</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=63eadf8f-acea-44eb-b0c2-dfac6834262a&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-8 - Promotion of Building Electrification</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=021d5146-64f5-41cc-9ded-502721046537&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-9 - Supporting Providers Practicing Medicine</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=6225b13e-f3c6-4146-a5f0-b9e7c93342e9&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-10 - Funding COVID-19 Pandemic Lessons for Public Health</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=86b54c62-a7c7-40d4-9aae-06c5c737d165&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-11 - Access to Infertility Care</a></p>
</div> | 8/27/2021 12:20:44 PM | 8/26/2021 10:35:48 AM | 8/26/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| ama_resources_on_federal_information_blocking_rules | AMA Resources on Federal Information Blocking Rules | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/August_13/ama_resources_on_federal_information_blocking_rules | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>August 13, 2021</h5>
<h2>AMA Resources on Federal Information Blocking Rules</h2>
<p>In 2016, Congress enacted the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/34">21<sup>st</sup> Century Cures Act</a>, which includes provisions that promote health information interoperability and prohibit "information blocking" by "actors" such as health information networks, health information exchanges, health information technology developers of certified health IT, and health care providers. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology issued a final rule implementing these provisions of the law in the spring of 2020. All actors were subject to ONC's information blocking regulations as of April 5.</p>
<p>Review the following resources to better understand physician and other actor responsibilities under the new regulations:</p>
<p><strong>American Medical Association information blocking resources</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2021-01/information-blocking-part-1.pdf">What is information blocking? Part 1</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2020-11/info-blocking-compliance.pdf">How do I comply with info blocking and where do I start? Part 2</a></li>
<li><a href="https://edhub.ama-assn.org/interactive/18602106">CME learning module: Information Blocking Regulations: What to know and how to comply</a> This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>ONC resources</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.healthit.gov/curesrule/resources/fact-sheets?options=f422c1d2-f743-4774-acc5-d90a5ec657eb">Information blocking fact sheets</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.healthit.gov/curesrule/resources/webinars">Recorded webinars</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.healthit.gov/curesrule/resources/information-blocking-faqs">Information blocking FAQs</a></li>
</ul>
</div> | 8/12/2021 12:53:27 PM | 8/12/2021 12:43:26 PM | 8/13/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| covid_19_monoclonal_antibody_treatments_in_your_practice_setting | COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Treatments in Your Practice Setting | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/August_13/covid_19_monoclonal_antibody_treatments_in_your_practice_setting | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/August/exam-room-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="exam room" /></div>
<h5>August 13, 2021</h5>
<h2>COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Treatments in Your Practice Setting</h2>
<p>The Washington State Department of Health is asking physicians and providers to ensure COVID-19 patients across Washington can access monoclonal antibody treatments, which a growing body of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570603/">research</a> has shown can reduce a patient's viral load and prevent the need for hospitalization. Some monoclonal antibodies can now be administered subcutaneously in a provider's office, and some are being offered by the federal government to physicians and providers for free.</p>
<h3>An urgent request from Dr. Bob Lutz</h3>
<p>Last week, Washington's COVID-19 Medical Advisor Bob Lutz, MD, MPH, issued the following request to physicians and providers statewide:</p>
<p>Dear Health Care Providers,</p>
<p>Your work has been crucial for people across the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. Treatment options for COVID-19 have advanced and we now have more tools to prevent hospitalization and death. One tool is monoclonal antibody treatment. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins used to fight active COVID-19 infections. They provide protection when a person's immune system cannot or has not had time to respond, neutralizing or killing SARS-CoV-2.</p>
<p>Monoclonal antibody treatment are recommended as part of the National Institutes of Health <a href="https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/">COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines</a> and the Infectious Disease Society of America <a href="https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/covid-19-guideline-treatment-and-management/#toc-12">Guidelines on the Treatment and Management of Patients with COVID-19</a>.</p>
<p>These treatments are effective, and they are now easier to use. A growing body of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570603/">research</a> has shown that monoclonal antibody treatments can reduce a patient's viral load and prevent the need for hospitalization. These treatments are primarily given by IV infusion. However, some monoclonal antibodies can now be administered subcutaneously in a provider's office, so patients no longer need to go to a special site for an IV infusion. That means the treatments are now easier for patients to access, as there is more flexibility in how and where you can administer them.</p>
<p>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for several monoclonal antibody treatments. In Washington state, given the mix of SARS-CoV-2 variants, the FDA recommends two monoclonal antibody treatments: REGEN-COV and Sotrovimab. The federal government is offering REGEN-COV to providers for free.</p>
<p>So far, these treatments have been shown to be effective against all SARS-CoV-2 variants.</p>
<h3>What you can do to help</h3>
<p>The Washington State Department of Health is asking physicians and providers to ensure COVID-19 patients across Washington can access monoclonal antibody treatments. Here's what you can do to help:</p>
<ul>
<li>Consider using monoclonal antibodies to treat eligible patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness. Patients are eligible if they are 12 years of age or older, weigh at least 40 kg, and are at <a href="https://combatcovid.hhs.gov/i-have-covid-19/how-do-i-know-if-im-high-risk">high risk</a> of serious COVID-19 illness that may lead to hospitalization or death.</li>
<li>Advocate to have monoclonal antibody treatments readily available in your clinic. Talk to your Chief Medical Officer and pharmacy partners about offering the treatment in your clinic. If you don't have an infusion center at your clinic, consider keeping subcutaneous dosing options on hand.</li>
<li>If monoclonal antibodies are not available at your clinic, know which nearby clinics are offering the treatment. It is important to know where patients can find the treatment in their community so you can refer them quickly and avoid delay in treatment. You can use <a href="https://covid.infusioncenter.org/">this map</a> to find out where monoclonal antibody treatments may be available near you. Call to confirm that the treatment is available before referring patients to another clinic.</li>
</ul>
<p>For more information, contact <a href="mailto:Ezra.Stark@doh.wa.gov">Ezra.Stark@doh.wa.gov</a> or see our <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/BamlanivimabUseinWA.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">guidance for the use of monoclonal antibody products to treat COVID-19</a>. This document is being updated with most recent clinical recommendations. Check back soon for the latest information.</p>
<p>Monoclonal antibody treatment can save lives and improve outcomes related to COVID-19 illness. Thank you for helping to make this treatment available for eligible COVID-19 patients, and for everything you are doing to keep Washingtonians healthy."</p>
<p>Bob Lutz, MD, MPH</p>
<p>Medical Advisor, COVID-19</p>
<p>Download <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2021/monoclonal-antibodies-provider-letter-final.pdf]">Dr. Lutz's Dear Provider letter</a> to help disseminate broadly to the physician and provider community.</p>
</div> | 8/12/2021 12:38:20 PM | 8/11/2021 3:50:55 PM | 8/13/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| doh_will_allow_pmp_integration_options | DOH Will Allow PMP Integration Options | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/August_13/doh_will_allow_pmp_integration_options | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/August/rx-bottle-doctor-laptop-645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Physician holding prescription pill bottle" /></div>
<h5>August 13, 2021</h5>
<h2>DOH Will Allow PMP Integration Options</h2>
<p>After several years of WSMA pressing the issue, the Washington State Department of Health will permit options other than the state health information exchange to meet the state's prescription monitoring program integration mandate, provided they meet certain security requirements. With the deadline looming for integration, this flexibility is much needed and a significant development for the physician community.</p>
<h3>Senate Bill 5380 and the opioid epidemic</h3>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5380&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2019">Senate Bill 5380</a>, a measure aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic, was signed into law during the 2019 legislative session. Starting next year, two state IT mandates required by the legislation, the PMP integration mandate and one requiring the electronic prescribing of controlled substances, will go into effect. Originally scheduled for this past January, the WSMA successfully advocated for a delay to Jan. 1, 2022 to prevent the associated administrative requirements from burdening organizations already strained by the pandemic.</p>
<h3>Prescription Monitoring Program integration mandate</h3>
<p>By Jan. 1, physician groups with 10 or more prescribers must integrate their electronic health record with the state prescription monitoring program. Responding to WSMA concerns, the Washington State Department of Health stated in a <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2021/wa-doh-response-wsma-integration-of-pmp-options-07142021.pdf]">recent letter</a>&nbsp;that it will permit "integration options beyond the state HIE [health information exchange] that meet the State Office of Cyber Security and agency security requirements. The Appriss PMP Gateway product has already been reviewed and approved by our IT security team, so it will be an approved solution. I believe that moving in this direction will encourage use of the PMP in clinical decision making and will assist providers in meeting the integration mandate set forth in SB 5380."</p>
<p>The WSMA is thankful to Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, and his team at the DOH for this flexibility. The WSMA will provide more information on these additional tools, including Appriss PMP Gateway, as it becomes available. To explore integrating your EHR via the existing state HIE option, visit the DOH's PMP <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/ForPublicHealthandHealthcareProviders/HealthcareProfessionsandFacilities/PrescriptionMonitoringProgramPMP#heading25417">webpage</a>.</p>
<h3>EPCS mandate</h3>
<p>All clinicians, regardless of practice size, will be required to prescribe controlled substances electronically starting Jan. 1. This aligns with the <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/March_11/wsma_requests_epcs_mandate_delay_to_align_with_medicare">effective date of the federal Medicare mandate</a>.</p>
<h3>Hardship waivers</h3>
<p>The WSMA secured waivers due to economic and other hardship in SB 5380 for both mandates. The DOH is currently promulgating these rules. When finalized, the WSMA will share with members for review to see if your practice may qualify.</p>
<p>Don't hesitate to reach out to the WSMA policy team at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a> with questions.</p>
</div> | 8/12/2021 3:28:26 PM | 8/11/2021 3:51:03 PM | 8/13/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| governor_mandates_covid_19_vaccination_for_health_care_workers | Governor Mandates COVID-19 Vaccination for Health Care Workers | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/August_13/governor_mandates_covid_19_vaccination_for_health_care_workers | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/August/covid-vaccine-docs-syringe-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Illustration of physicians holding giant syringe" /></div>
<h5>August 13, 2021</h5>
<h2>Governor Mandates COVID-19 Vaccination for Health Care Workers</h2>
<p>State employees and workers in private health care and long-term care settings will have until Oct. 18 to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 under an emergency order issued by Gov. Jay Inslee this week.</p>
<h3>Who is affected by the vaccine mandate</h3>
<p>The governor's proclamation applies to all state agency worksites and employees, as well as health care employees in private sector health care and in long-term care settings, including nursing homes, adult family homes, assisted living, enhanced services facilities, residential treatment facilities, and other treatment facilities.</p>
<ul>
<li>For definitions of "health care provider" and "health care setting" as pertains to the mandate, review pages 6 and 7 of the <a href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/21-14%20-%20COVID-19%20Vax%20Washington%20%28tmp%29.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">emergency order</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>The proclamation requires all state employees and most health and long-term care providers to be fully vaccinated (two weeks past their last shot) by Oct. 18 as a condition of employment. Employers will need to verify vaccination status of all employees.</p>
<h3>Exemptions to the vaccine mandate</h3>
<p>This new requirement includes exemptions for individuals with legitimate medical reasons or sincerely held religious reasons. The exemptions do not include personal or philosophical objections. Unlike similar mandates being introduced in other states, there will be no test-out option for employees. In <a href="https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-announces-vaccination-requirement-for-most-state-employees-private-health-care-and-7c765161cbb6">his announcement</a>, the governor stated that a test-out option would be "both a financial burden for staff and taxpayers and ineffective at protecting the lives of Washingtonians." The state will establish additional resources to help employers move into compliance with this directive.</p>
<h3>WSMA responds </h3>
<p>In a statement, WSMA President Nathan Schlicher, MD, praised the governor's decision, saying in part, "Mandating vaccines during a time of disease outbreak is a proven strategy to eliminate and even eradicate deadly viruses. Time and time again history confirms this, with mandated vaccines helping to make such diseases as polio, measles, and mumps largely things of the past for Americans. It's time we add COVID-19 to that list." Read the <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2021/wsma_praises_governor_for_covid_19_vaccination_mandate">full statement</a>.</p>
<p>The WSMA <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2021/wsma_announces_support_for_vaccination_requirements_for_health_care_workers">was among the first health care groups in Washington to support a mandate</a>, in line with long-standing policy in support of vaccine mandates for physicians and other health care workers. While we would have preferred to see a testing requirement for individuals exempt from the mandate, the requirement is a strong step toward increasing vaccination rates in our health care settings.</p>
<h3>How to implement at your practice</h3>
<p>Many members will have questions about how to implement the new requirement in their practice setting. The WSMA is in discussions with the governor's office to provide greater clarity. We will be providing more guidance for members in the days ahead. For now be sure to <a href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/21-14%20-%20COVID-19%20Vax%20Washington%20%28tmp%29.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">review the emergency proclamation</a>. See also this brief <a href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/Vax%20Mandate%20FAQ.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">vaccination mandate FAQ</a> included with the <a href="https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-announces-vaccination-requirement-for-most-state-employees-private-health-care-and-7c765161cbb6">governor's announcement</a>.</p>
</div> | 8/12/2021 12:36:11 PM | 8/11/2021 3:50:52 PM | 8/13/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| polst_clinician_toolkit_now_available | POLST Clinician Toolkit Now Available | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/August_13/polst_clinician_toolkit_now_available | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/August/polst-toolkit-article-graphic-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="POLST Toolkit logo" /></div>
<h5>August 13, 2021</h5>
<h2>POLST Clinician Toolkit Now Available</h2>
<p>Honoring Choices® Pacific Northwest recently published the <a href="https://www.honoringchoicespnw.org/polst-toolkit/">Washington POLST Clinician Toolkit</a>. The toolkit will help physicians, physician assistants, and other members of the health care team apply best practices and create clear and meaningful medical orders that honor an individual's goals and preferences. The resource contains four documents to guide clinicians on the purpose, intended use, and completion of the POLST:</p>
<ol>
<li>Advance Care Planning - Advance Directives and POLST</li>
<li>Goals of Care Conversations for Individuals with Serious Illness</li>
<li>POLST Completion Guide</li>
<li>POLST Best Practices</li>
</ol>
<p>Visit the Honoring Choices PNW website to access the <a href="https://www.honoringchoicespnw.org/polst-toolkit/">Washington POLST Clinician Toolkit</a>. For a video introduction to the toolkit, watch our Continuing Professional Development webinar, "The Washington POLST Clinician Toolkit: Best Practices to Ensure Person-Centered Care." This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>. <a href="[@]WSMA/education/On_Demand_Webinars/washington_polst_clinician_toolkit.aspx">Watch the video and claim CME credit</a>.</p>
</div> | 8/12/2021 12:43:16 PM | 8/11/2021 3:51:05 PM | 8/13/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| your_input_sought_on_proposed_changes_to_wsma_governance_structure | Your Input Sought on Proposed Changes to WSMA Governance Structure | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/August_13/your_input_sought_on_proposed_changes_to_wsma_governance_structure | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>August 13, 2021</h5>
<h2>Your Input Sought on Proposed Changes to WSMA Governance Structure</h2>
<p>This fall, WSMA delegates will consider a proposal to modernize and streamline the policymaking bodies of your WSMA, to better reflect today's WSMA: a broad, diverse body of physicians and physician assistants who seek community, relevance, and responsiveness in their state medical association. To help WSMA members understand the proposal, we've developed a quick visual guide to the changes under consideration.</p>
<ul>
<li>Download <a href="https://wsma.org/doc_library/news/wsma-basis-info-for-ho-infographic-080921.pdf" target="_blank">Building a More Inclusive WSMA</a>&nbsp;to view the visualization</li>
</ul>
<p>This infographic is the latest in our efforts to communicate the who, what, when, where, and why of these changes. In case you missed it:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/July_23/building_a_stronger_more_inclusive_and_responsive_wsma">Overview of governance changes - Membership Memo, July 23</a></li>
<li><a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2021/building_a_new_legacy">Building a New Legacy - Commentary by WSMA President Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, MBA</a></li>
<li><a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2021/by_the_numbers_getting_comfortable_with_discomfort">By the Numbers - A look at attendance numbers from recent House of Delegates meetings</a></li>
</ul>
<p>To review the proposal and to share your thoughts, visit the WSMA's <a href="[@]WSMA/Membership/Discussion_Forums/Virtual_Reference_Committees/WSMA/Membership/Discussion_Forums/virtual_reference_committees.aspx?hkey=d674a5ae-4fb5-48d6-b969-16aab9b63647">virtual reference committees</a>. The proposed changes are in Bylaws Committee Report A - 2021 Bylaws Amendments found in Virtual Reference Committee B. You will be prompted to sign in to this private, secure members-only forum. And be sure to check back in the weeks ahead as the discussion ramps up in anticipation of the 2021 Annual Meeting.</p>
<p>If you'd like to provide feedback in person, <a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">register to attend the meeting</a>, Sept. 25-26. The Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates is always free for WSMA members. In-person reference committee meetings are scheduled on Saturday morning of the meeting. More meeting information, including agenda and speakers, is available on <a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">the WSMA website</a>.</p>
</div> | 8/12/2021 1:00:37 PM | 8/11/2021 3:51:00 PM | 8/13/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| building_a_stronger_more_inclusive_and_responsive_wsma | Building a Stronger, More Inclusive and Responsive WSMA | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/July_23/building_a_stronger_more_inclusive_and_responsive_wsma | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/July/am-201910263-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA Annual Meeting room with attendees" />
</div>
<h5>July 23, 2021</h5>
<h2>Building a Stronger, More Inclusive and Responsive WSMA</h2>
<p>This fall at the WSMA Annual Meeting, delegates will consider a proposal to modernize and streamline the policymaking bodies of your WSMA. Prompted by a resolution passed by delegates in 2019 and reflecting months of diligence by the board of trustees and bylaws committee, the proposal seeks to make the House of Delegates stronger, giving all WSMA members an opportunity to have their voices heard during our policymaking process.</p>
<p>The WSMA is <em>your</em> WSMA - and now's your chance to make your voice heard by weighing in on these proposed changes.</p>
<h3>Why change WSMA's governing structure now?</h3>
<p>To help inform this work, the WSMA engaged an external association strategy consulting firm to explore organizational directives, concerns, best practices, and market benchmarking. The following key drivers were identified:</p>
<ul>
<li>Attendance, participation, and engagement in the House of Delegates have declined in recent years.</li>
<li>Intentional efforts are required to overcome systemic bias and help ensure more voices are at the table to effectively address inequities in health care.</li>
<li>A streamlined and more representative House and board of trustees will be better positioned to meet the challenges posed by a rapidly changing health care environment.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Topline takeaway</strong>: The governance structure of an association is a key factor in its ability to achieve its mission. WSMA's current governance structure reflects what has existed for decades across many health care organizations and medical associations. While it may have served the organization well in the past, fundamental changes are needed to ensure that a variety of voices are represented in WSMA's policymaking setting.</p>
<h3>Overview of proposed governance changes</h3>
<p>These governance changes would be implemented through a set of proposed bylaws amendments which will go before the House of Delegates this fall at their annual meeting. Taken together, the proposed bylaws amendments would streamline the board and the House while expanding opportunities for diverse representation, allowing for a more nimble and diverse policymaking body.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>WSMA board of trustees</strong> - The size of the WSMA board would be reduced from 44 to 29 members. Reducing the size of the board is needed to improve its ability to be nimble and responsive.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>WSMA at-large delegates</strong> - WSMA members would be able to elect 14 at-large delegates to the House of Delegates. These new positions are intended to give more members a voice and to increase diversity in the House. These delegates would be voted on by the entire WSMA membership. A diversity, equity, and inclusion committee would be established to review at-large delegate candidates and provide candidate information to the membership. The DEI committee would also serve in other advisory capacities at the WSMA.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>County medical societies</strong> - Component societies that meet the definition of being a functioning society will have one delegate and one alternate for every 100 WSMA members in the county, rather than one delegate and one alternate for every 50 WSMA members in the county. To be considered functioning, a component county society should conduct a business meeting at least once per year and have an elected governing body.</li>
</ul>
<p>Reducing delegate apportioning for county societies better reflects their historical participation in the House. Requiring societies to be functioning as defined helps ensure that delegates are representing active counties that have a process in place to select delegates.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Specialty delegates</strong> - No changes. Each specialty would remain as is with one delegate and one alternate per society.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Sections</strong> - With the proposed bylaws changes, both the senior section and osteopathic section delegates would be removed. Senior and osteopathic physicians and physician assistants are already sufficiently distributed and served throughout the delegate makeup of the House and board in both their current and proposed iterations.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Proposed resolution sponsorship</strong> - Proposed resolutions would need to be sponsored by two members of the House of Delegates instead of one. This change would help ensure proposed policy to the House is meaningful and actionable.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Proposed notification change</strong> - Reduce number of days required for resolutions to be furnished to delegates from 30 to 20 days prior to the annual meeting of the House. This change would allow adequate time for processing resolutions.</li>
</ul>
<h3>How to review these proposed governance changes and provide feedback</h3>
<p>To review the bylaws amendments in full and discuss them with your WSMA member colleagues, visit virtual reference committee B in the <a href="[@]WSMA/Membership/Discussion_Forums/Virtual_Reference_Committees/WSMA/Membership/Discussion_Forums/virtual_reference_committees.aspx?hkey=d674a5ae-4fb5-48d6-b969-16aab9b63647">WSMA virtual reference committee forums</a>. These private, secure forums require sign-in and will remain available for member discussions in the runup to the 2021 Annual Meeting on Sept. 25-26 in Bellevue. All feedback posted in the forums will be collated and provided to the in-person reference committees during the meeting. If you'd like to attend the in-person reference committees, register for the Annual Meeting <a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">on the WSMA website</a>.</p>
</div> | 7/22/2021 3:21:45 PM | 7/22/2021 12:41:40 PM | 7/23/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| cms_releases_2022_medicare_fee_schedule | CMS Releases 2022 Medicare Fee Schedule | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/July_23/cms_releases_2022_medicare_fee_schedule | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/July/medicare-barcode-645px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Medicare barcode graphic" />
</div>
<h5>July 23, 2021</h5>
<h2>CMS Releases 2022 Medicare Fee Schedule</h2>
<p>The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services has released its 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program proposed rule. The rule includes updates to payment rates for physicians and other health care professionals, expands the use of telehealth, clarifies evaluation and management (E/M) policies, proposes policies for the 2022 performance year of the Quality Payment Program, and includes many other provisions.</p>
<p>Notably, the 2022 Medicare conversion factor would be reduced by approximately 3.89% from $34.8931 to $33.5848. This is largely a result of the expiration of a 3.75% increase to the conversion factor at the end of calendar year 2021. WSMA is still reviewing the proposal, however, we will strongly advocate that Congress stop this significant cut and extend the 3.75% increase for 2022.</p>
</div> | 8/26/2021 11:59:38 AM | 7/26/2021 1:01:37 PM | 7/23/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| introducing_wsmas_new_affinity_program | Introducing WSMA's New Affinity Program | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/July_23/introducing_wsmas_new_affinity_program | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>July 23, 2021</h5>
<h2>Introducing WSMA's New Affinity Program</h2>
<p>Your WSMA membership provides you with exclusive access to vendor products and services that will help you and your practice grow and thrive. Even better, these services are directly aligned with solving practice issues you told us you needed. With that information, we sought vetted partners who would bring you services you need with the additional benefit of a discount thanks to your WSMA membership.</p>
<p>In addition to our longstanding partnership with Physicians Insurance, our other partners include:</p>
<ul>
<li>PatientPop, a practice growth platform that offers digital strategy and services to enhance the patient journey.</li>
<li>iScribeHealth, which offers efficient mobile solutions to help you save time, with one solution for every workflow.</li>
<li>Gentem, medical billing solutions that help you get paid more and faster.</li>
<li>Wolf &amp; Associates, offering long-term care insurance solutions to help members who may be impacted by the Washington Long-Term Care Trust Act.</li>
<li>Spectrum Information Services Northwest, outsource services that automate time-intensive processes like mailroom, receivables, payables, and medical records.</li>
</ul>
<p>Find out more about these services at <a href="[@]WSMA/Membership/Why_Join_the_WSMA_/Affinity_Program/Affinity_Program.aspx">wsma.org/affinity</a>. </p>
</div> | 7/26/2021 12:42:30 PM | 7/26/2021 12:42:12 PM | 7/23/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| washington_medical_commission_clinical_support_program_workshop_aug_9 | Washington Medical Commission Clinical Support Program Workshop Aug. 9 | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/July_23/washington_medical_commission_clinical_support_program_workshop_aug_9 | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>July 23, 2021</h5>
<h2>Washington Medical Commission Clinical Support Program Workshop Aug. 9 </h2>
<p>The Washington Medical Commission has resumed <a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/rule_making_2018/proposed-clinical-support-program">rulemaking</a> that would establish a clinical support program intended to assist practitioners in improving "practice deficiencies" that do not rise to the level of disciplinary action.</p>
<p>The current draft rule addresses many of WSMA's concerns about the program as outlined in a previous iteration of the rule (see our <a href="https://wsma.org/doc_library/news/wsma-comment-clinical-support-program-01072020.pdf" target="_blank">comment letter</a> for details on those concerns). However, the WSMA maintains concerns regarding the voluntary nature of the program and its potential use as another punitive measure in an already challenging disciplinary process.</p>
<p>You can find the current preproposal, or CR-101, draft language <a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/CSP%20MD%20%26%20PA%20Draft%206.30.2021%20RT%20Edits.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">here</a>. This draft <a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/Draft%20Policy%20on%20the%20Use%20of%20Clinical%20Support%20Plans%205%2024%2021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">form</a> from the commission demonstrates what a clinical support plan might look like. The commission will be conducting an open public rules workshop Monday, Aug. 9, from 1-3 p.m. You can register <a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7665333690282480654">here</a>.&nbsp;</p>
</div> | 7/26/2021 12:42:52 PM | 7/26/2021 12:42:32 PM | 7/23/2021 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_joins_power_of_providers_covid_19_vaccine_initiative | WSMA Joins 'Power of Providers' COVID-19 Vaccine Initiative | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2021/July_23/wsma_joins_power_of_providers_covid_19_vaccine_initiative | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2021/July/doctor-patient-exam-room-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Doctor and patient in exam room" />
</div>
<h5>July 23, 2021</h5>
<h2>WSMA Joins 'Power of Providers' COVID-19 Vaccine Initiative</h2>
<p>As the state's leading physician association, the WSMA was pleased to lend its signature and weight behind Washington's new Power of Providers COVID-19 vaccine initiative announced by Gov. Jay Inslee and Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, MD, last week. The new initiative encourages physicians from all specialties and health care providers throughout the state to proactively reach out and talk to their patients about COVID-19 vaccination.</p>
<p>In their announcement, Gov. Inslee and Secretary Shah asked all physicians and providers to sign the <a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/opinio/s?s=POP">Power of Providers initiative</a> and make the Power of Providers commitment to take four simple steps with each patient: </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Seek.</strong> Proactively reach out to your patients or clients to find out if they have received COVID-19 vaccination and invite them to do so if they have not.</li>
<li><strong>Ask/educate.</strong> Ask patients at every visit if they are vaccinated or check their immunization records. If the patient is not vaccinated, <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/HealthcareProviders/VaccineInformationforHealthcareProviders">provide information and education</a> on the COVID-19 vaccine, recommend it, and offer it.</li>
<li><strong>Vaccinate.</strong> If the patient is interested, provide vaccination right then or give them a referral to a COVID-19 vaccine location using <a href="https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/">vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov</a> or by calling 833.VAX.HELP.</li>
<li><strong>Empower.</strong> Empower vaccinated patients to share their vaccination status with friends, family, and others they know. Order free stickers and buttons from the Washington State Department of Health to give to vaccinated patients. Empower staff to talk with patients and people in their own lives about the importance of vaccines and their vaccination status.</li>
</ul>
<p>If a patient isn't ready to get vaccinated, the DOH encourages physicians and providers to share trustworthy resources and encourage the patient to review them later to learn more. DOH is also asking providers to continue supporting equitable access to vaccination by using <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/VaccineInformation/Engagement">community-specific resources for outreach and engagement</a>.</p>
</div> | 7/26/2021 12:53:56 PM | 7/26/2021 12:53:32 PM | 7/23/2021 12:00:00 AM |