| advance_care_planning_in_legal_and_medical_care | Advance Care Planning in Legal and Medical Care | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/advance_care_planning_in_legal_and_medical_care | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Doctor-Patient-Masks-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Doctor and patient in masks" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>Advance Care Planning in Legal and Medical Care</h2>
<p>
Join us for a three-part webinar series, "Advance Care Planning in Legal and Medical Care: Attuning Conversations and Aligning Documents", from noon - 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 2, 9, and 16. <a href="https://www.honoringchoicespnw.org/">Honoring Choices Pacific Northwest</a> is a co-sponsor, in partnership with Western Washington University Palliative Care Institute and PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation.
</p>
<p>
This free webinar series will encourage medical and legal communities to take a deeper look at how they help patients and clients have meaningful conversations about their future care and to examine the preparation of advance care planning documents to ensure that these documents - from advance care plans and living wills to POLST - are understood and used in ways to ensure a person's personal and cultural goals and values are honored as they seek medical care.
</p>
<p>
This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>. <a href="https://pci.wwu.edu/events">Session details and registration information available online</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 3:18:02 PM | 10/21/2020 2:00:00 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| general_election_ballots_are_here_time_to_vote | General Election Ballots Are Here - Time to Vote! | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/general_election_ballots_are_here_time_to_vote | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/King-Co-Ballot-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Ballot envelopes" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>General Election Ballots Are Here - Time to Vote!</h2>
<p>
Ballots for the general election on Nov. 3 were mailed on Oct. 16 - and likely arrived in your mailbox earlier this week. As a reminder, online or mail voter registration must be received eight days before Election Day on Oct. 26.
</p>
<p>
While filling out your ballot, make sure to have your WAMPAC Legislator Report Card, included as part of the 2020 WSMA Legislative Report, nearby for reference. The report card shows how state lawmakers voted on key WSMA priority bills in 2019 and 2020, on issues such as the business and occupation tax increase, telemedicine payment parity, prior authorization, and more. If you don't have the report card handy, <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/WAMPAC/WSMA/Advocacy/WAMPAC/WAMPAC.aspx?hkey=269c3c03-cf72-4568-be5b-7893557300a7">download it from the WSMA website</a>.
</p>
<p>
With the election season in its final stretch, consider a donation to WAMPAC - there's still time to take advantage of our special election cycle $100 membership rate offer to join the WAMPAC Diamond Club. You'll receive all of the perks of club membership, while supporting the PAC that supports you. <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/WAMPAC/Give_to_WAMPAC.aspx">Join the club today</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 4:27:40 PM | 10/21/2020 2:01:36 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| governors_proposed_edits_to_non_urgent_procedures_proclamation_problematic_to_care_delivery | Governor's Proposed Edits to Non-Urgent Procedures Proclamation Problematic to Care Delivery | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/governors_proposed_edits_to_non_urgent_procedures_proclamation_problematic_to_care_delivery | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Doc-Patient-Exam-Room-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Doctor and patient in exam room" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>Governor's Proposed Edits to Non-Urgent Procedures Proclamation Problematic to Care Delivery</h2>
<p>
The WSMA has been alerted to proposed changes to Gov. Jay Inslee's <a href="http://takeaction.wsma.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20_241_covid_19_non_urgent_medical_procedures_ext_.pdf" target="_blank">Proclamation 20-24.1</a>, "Reducing Restrictions on, and Safe Expansion of, Non-Urgent Medical and Dental Procedures." The new requirements are potentially problematic to medicine, both in the hospital and ambulatory settings.
</p>
<p>
Some examples:
</p>
<ul>
<li>The prior proclamation allowed non-urgent procedures to be performed if their postponement would cause harm. While the definition of harm remains in the proclamation, the language that creates the exception has been removed in the new draft.</li>
<li>The draft proclamation imposes new administrative requirements for practices, including stipulating there be weekly meetings between management and employees to review personal protective equipment procedures and supplies, as well as the creation of a formal employee feedback process to gather input regarding care delivery, PPE, and "technology availability."</li>
<li>The draft proclamation relies on external directives, orders, requirements, and guidance from multiple state and federal agencies that are not in agreement on important issues. It also points to guidance that is still under discussion. Washington State Department of Labor and Industry and U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements are a maze of complex regulations that are not specific to the current environment created by the pandemic, and are not as succinct as Washington State Department of Health guidance now well understood by the industry due to adherence to the current proclamation.</li>
<li>The requirements in the draft proclamation have the potential to deplete the state's supply of N95s, which will lead to major access challenges for a variety of serious health issues. Physicians and providers are called to treat a wide variety of health conditions, not just COVID-19. We have adequate conservation guidelines on PPE use produced through thoughtful stakeholder engagement that ensures the safety of health care workers and patients should supplies be limited at any given site. This flexibility is needed to respond to any micro or macro surges in COVID-19 or any other infectious disease.</li>
<li>The proclamation includes requirements that are not science-based. For example, no public health agency calls for testing 48 hours post-exposure; it is too soon.</li>
<li>This version requires adherence to laws that have been waived as a result of the ongoing state and federal emergency.</li>
</ul>
<p>
The governor's deadline for comment is Friday, Oct. 30. The WSMA has joined the Washington State Hospital Association, the Washington State Dental Association, the Washington Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, and other physician and provider groups in urging the governor for more time to build consensus around changes that protect both health care workers and patients while not unnecessarily delaying patient care. We will keep members apprised as this develops.
</p>
</div> | 10/23/2020 3:26:38 PM | 10/22/2020 4:00:42 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| hca_multi_payer_primary_care_model_moves_forward | HCA Multi-Payer Primary Care Model Moves Forward | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/hca_multi_payer_primary_care_model_moves_forward | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Female-Doc-Patient-Masks-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Doctor and patient with masks" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>HCA Multi-Payer Primary Care Model Moves Forward</h2>
<p>
The Washington State Health Care Authority recently hosted insurance carriers, Gov. Jay Inslee's office, and physician associations, including the WSMA, at a signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding whereby insurance carriers committed to improving primary care and developing a new value-based payment model in Washington.
</p>
<p>
In her remarks, WSMA 1st Vice President Katina Rue, DO, noted that "while we believe all Washingtonians should have a primary care physician, this is not the case due to a shortage of physicians and challenging reimbursement models. As HCA continues to develop this model, the WSMA will continue to advocate multi-payer value-based payment models that are patient-centric, allow practices of all types and sizes to thrive, and do not contribute to alarming trends in physician and other provider burnout. In that spirit, we look forward to bringing our perspective to the HCA's work."
</p>
<p>
While the WSMA has a number of concerns with the current model as outlined in our <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200813/wsma_submits_comment_on_hca_multi_payer_primary_care_model">comment letter</a> to HCA, we will continue to engage with stakeholders in order to optimize the model on behalf of physicians and the patients they serve across the state. Learn more about the <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/multi-payer-primary-care-transformation-model">multi-payer model on the HCA website</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 3:30:07 PM | 10/21/2020 2:01:48 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| hiv_aids_continuing_education_no_longer_required_by_law | HIV/AIDS Continuing Education No Longer Required by Law | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/hiv_aids_continuing_education_no_longer_required_by_law | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="AIDS awareness ribbon" src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/AIDS-Awareness-Ribbon-NIH-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>HIV/AIDS Continuing Education No Longer Required by Law</h2>
<p>
During the 2020 legislative session, House Bill 1551 was passed by the Legislature to modernize our state's communicable disease laws.
</p>
<p>
Among other things, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1551&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">HB 1551</a> stipulates that health care professionals are no longer required to obtain HIV/AIDS education and training; intent is to help reduce stigma toward people living with HIV/AIDS by not singling out AIDS as an exceptional disease that requires specific training and education separate from other health conditions.
</p>
<p>
As a result, the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery has filed for an <a href="http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2020/18/20-18-003.htm">expedited rulemaking</a> to repeal the training requirement in the RCW. The board issued a <a href="http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2020/18/20-18-077.htm">policy statement</a> that it will not enforce AIDS training, education, and documentation requirements while the rules are being repealed.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 3:17:29 PM | 10/21/2020 2:01:24 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| new_seminar_your_personal_leadership_style_the_key_to_unlocking_versatility | New Seminar: Your Personal Leadership Style: The Key to Unlocking Versatility | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/new_seminar_your_personal_leadership_style_the_key_to_unlocking_versatility | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Leadership-Seminars-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA Leadership Seminars logo" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>New Seminar: Your Personal Leadership Style: The Key to Unlocking Versatility</h2>
<p>
You know you are some combination of driver/analytic/expressive/amiable, and you have already started using your personal style as a leadership tool. Join us for a refresher and "next steps" workshop to learn more about how to creatively modify your style and increase your interpersonal versatility as a leader. This half-day virtual course, led by Edward A. Walker, MD, MHA, senior physician advisor for the WSMA Center for Leadership Development, is designed for graduates of the WSMA Physician Leadership Course or for physicians in senior leadership positions looking for a refresher on these topics. <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Physician_Leadership/Leadership_Seminars/WSMA/Physician_Leadership/Leadership_Seminars/Leadership_Seminars.aspx?hkey=be83da24-6e25-4164-99bf-7ddee77555cc">Learn more and enroll online</a>. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 3:18:12 PM | 10/22/2020 3:05:47 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| prescription_drug_utilization_management_proposed_rule_language_ | Prescription Drug Utilization Management Proposed Rule Language | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/prescription_drug_utilization_management_proposed_rule_language_ | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Prescription-pad-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Prescription pad with pill bottle" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>Prescription Drug Utilization Management Proposed Rule Language </h2>
<p>
In 2019, the WSMA successfully supported House Bill 1879, legislation providing greater regulation of step therapy programs used by insurers or pharmacy benefit managers. Rulemaking is underway, and opportunities to provide input are available.
</p>
<p>
Among its provisions, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1879&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">HB 1879</a> states that health insurers and prescription drug utilization management companies must use evidence-based and regularly updated clinical review criteria for utilization management protocols, and must provide the patient and prescribing practitioner access to a clear, readily accessible, and timely exception process.
</p>
<p>
The Office of the Insurance Commissioner is now conducting rulemaking to define the requirements of HB 1879. <a href="https://www.insurance.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-09/r-2019-11-cr-102.pdf" target="_blank">See draft rule language here</a>. There will be a <a href="https://wa-oic.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUrdeqgpzIiG9dz4Kz17hvswVTl5E5AUcfN?utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_name=&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=">virtual Zoom hearing</a> on Oct. 28 at 3:30 p.m. Comments are due on Oct. 28 and should be sent to <a href="mailto:rulescoordinator@oic.wa.gov">rulescoordinator@oic.wa.gov</a>. See the <a href="https://www.insurance.wa.gov/prescription-drug-utilization-management-r-2019-11?utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_name=&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=">rule webpage</a> for additional information.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 3:18:12 PM | 10/22/2020 3:04:09 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| take_action_now_to_support_practice_viability | Take Action Now to Support Practice Viability | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/take_action_now_to_support_practice_viability | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/May/COVID-19-financial-relief-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="COVID-19 Financial Relief graphic" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>Take Action Now to Support Practice Viability </h2>
<p>
Supporting the financial stability of our state's practices and clinics continues to be of paramount importance to your state medical association. Make sure to take note of the following financial support initiatives that need your action in the coming days.
</p>
<h3>Take action: Contact Congress to halt Medicare payment cuts</h3>
<p>
The WSMA continues to express concerns that adhering to budget neutrality requirements for implementing CMS' proposed changes to Medicare's E/M codes will generate sizeable payment cuts for various specialties - in effect, pitting the house of medicine against itself. Legislation is currently before Congress to waive the budget neutrality requirements and prevent these payment cuts prior to the E/M code proposal's implementation in January 2021. <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/urge-congressional-action-to-halt-medicare-payment-cuts/">Please contact your congressional representative today on this issue</a>.
</p>
<h3>New $20 billion Provider Relief Fund disbursement now available</h3>
<p>
$20 billion in new payments from the federal Provider Relief Fund is now available for eligible physicians and providers. Physicians who have already received Provider Relief Fund payments are invited to apply for additional funding. The application period will extend through Friday, Nov. 6, however, HHS is recommending that you apply early. Update: HHS <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/10/22/hhs-expands-relief-fund-eligibility-and-updates-reporting-requirements.html">announced on Thursday, Oct. 22</a> that it has further expanded eligibility to include physicians and providers across a broad category of practices, regardless of whether they accept Medicaid or Medicare.
</p>
<h3>Premera PPE policy</h3>
<p>
As noted in <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2020/weekly_rounds_october_16_2020_together_we_are_an_ocean">Weekly Rounds</a>, Premera Blue Cross and its subsidiaries are allowing separate reimbursement for personal protective equipment when billed appropriately. Premera will following this practice through the end of this month for dates of service on or before Nov. 1, 2020. <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2020/weekly_rounds_october_16_2020_together_we_are_an_ocean">Learn more</a>.
</p>
<p>
For more financial relief news, visit the <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/Financial_Viability_During_COVID-19/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/Financial_Viability_During_COVID-19/financial_viability_during_covid_19.aspx?hkey=59bdde18-196d-479e-bfab-10b7ddd7b227">WSMA website</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 3:18:12 PM | 10/21/2020 2:01:41 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| telehealth_updates | Telehealth Updates | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/telehealth_updates | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Telemedicine-Doc-On-Tablet-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Telemedicine visit on tablet" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>Telehealth Updates</h2>
<p>
During the COVID-19 crisis, sensible telehealth policies are essential to allow physicians and practices to continue providing preventive, acute, and chronic care for their patients. Here's what you need to know this week to best utilize telehealth in your practice.
</p>
<h3>HHS extends COVID-19 public health emergency</h3>
<p>
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has extended the COVID-19 public health emergency for another 90 days, beginning today, Oct. 23 and extending through Jan. 20. This extends the temporary telehealth policies and reimbursement flexibilities linked to the PHE, including HIPAA enforcement discretion, flexibilities for reimbursement in the Medicare program, telehealth expansions in Medicaid and CHIP, flexibility regarding controlled substances, and more. For a summary of temporary COVID-19 federal telehealth policies and when they expire, see the Center for Connected Health Policy's <a href="https://www.cchpca.org/resources/covid-19-telehealth-coverage-policies">Federal COVID-19 Emergency Action Chart</a>. To see a complete list of Washington state's COVID-19 emergency actions, see CCHP's <a href="https://www.cchpca.org/covid-19-related-state-actions">COVID-19 State Actions Web Page</a>.
</p>
<h3>CMS adds 11 new telehealth services to Medicare physician fee schedule</h3>
<p>
The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services has expanded the list of telehealth services covered by Medicare fee-for-service during COVID-19 public health emergency. CMS is adding 11 new services to the Medicare telehealth services list since the publication of its COVID-19 interim final rule on May 1. Medicare will begin paying eligible practitioners who furnish these newly added telehealth services effective immediately, and for the duration of the public health emergency. <a href="https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-General-Information/Telehealth/Telehealth-Codes">Review a list of these newly added services</a>. Since the beginning of the public health emergency, CMS has added more than 140 services to the Medicare telehealth services list, and more than 36% of patients with Medicare fee-for-service have received a telemedicine service.
</p>
<h3>Take action: Urge your legislators to support payment parity </h3>
<p>
The Legislature has granted a brief extension - through Nov. 9 - of Gov. Jay Inslee's proclamation temporarily requiring telemedicine payment parity. Relatedly, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner has extended its emergency order to health insurers expanding telehealth and other coverages until Nov. 13, including requiring all state-regulated carriers to permit and reimburse for care provided over non-HIPAA compliant platforms, including video chat applications and telephones. The WSMA continues to advocate for these policies to be extended comprehensively rather than piecemeal. Help us support your practice by advocating for payment parity. <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/urge-your-state-lawmakers-to-support-telemedicine-payment-parity-policies/">Learn more and contact your legislators today</a>.
</p>
<p>
For more telehealth guidance during the pandemic, visit the <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/Telehealth/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/COVID_19_Telehealth/covid_19_telehealth.aspx?hkey=ed7e0075-97a3-489f-b858-92a741fc58ae">WSMA website</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 3:18:13 PM | 10/21/2020 2:01:44 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| upcoming_virtual_grand_rounds_webinar_covid_19_expert_panel_discussion | Upcoming Virtual Grand Rounds Webinar: COVID-19 Expert Panel Discussion | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/upcoming_virtual_grand_rounds_webinar_covid_19_expert_panel_discussion | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Virtual-Grand-Rounds-V2-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Virtual Grand Rounds: Covid-19 logo" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>Upcoming Virtual Grand Rounds Webinar: COVID-19 Expert Panel Discussion</h2>
<p>
Join us for this next session in our COVID-19 Virtual Grand Rounds series, featuring an expert panel of physicians who will answer your questions about COVID-19 testing, treatment options, long-term follow-up, lasting impact, and reinfection.
</p>
<p>
Our panelists for the session include:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Jason Goldman, MD, MPH, infectious disease and organ transplant, Swedish Medical Center.</li>
<li>Kathy Lofy, MD, state health officer and chief science officer, Washington State Department of Health.</li>
<li>Francis Riedo, MD, medical director of infection control, EvergreenHealth.</li>
<li>Yuan-Po Tu, MD, medical director, anticoagulation clinic, Epic provider efficiency, and flu services, The Everett Clinic.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<a href="https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_exrotX3MTZujVkmCGWwHlw">Register online</a> for this free members-only webinar. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em>â„¢.
</p>
<h3>Previous Virtual Grand Rounds sessions available to members on demand </h3>
<p>
In case you missed it, last week's Virtual Grand Rounds session featured an inside look at Vice Adm. Raquel Bono, MD's COVID-19 Pandemic Health Response "Playbook," a compendium of recommendations intended to guide the state's COVID-19 response efforts. WSMA members may now access "Staying Open, Staying Safe: Washington State's COVID-19 Public-Private Collaborative" from our <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Webinars_OnDemand/WSMA/Resources/Practice_Management/OnDemand/Webinars_OnDemand.aspx?hkey=53a67f34-e7a8-4b79-9463-6f51e1418ff5">On-Demand Webinars webpage</a>, where you'll also find previous session from our Virtual Grand Rounds series.
</p>
<h3>Other COVID-19 CME</h3>
<p>
The WSMA hosts the "Critical Care Experience with COVID-19" series for critical care physicians and advanced practitioners to discuss patient cases and develop recommendations for care. To join the calls, please email <a href="mailto:brendan@wsma.org">brendan@wsma.org</a> with your name, credentials, specialty/title, and organization. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>.
</p>
<p>
For more COVID-19 professional guidance, visit the <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/COVID-19_Response/COVID-19_Clinical_Guidance_and_Testing/WSMA/Resources/COVID-19/COVID-19_Clinical_Guidance_and_Testing/covid_19_clinical_guidance_and_testing.aspx?hkey=5236cdd9-90b5-46fe-9cbd-d9bf9ad4831e">WSMA website</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 4:18:02 PM | 10/21/2020 2:01:38 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| washington_state_releases_covid_19_vaccine_distribution_plan | Washington State Releases COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/washington_state_releases_covid_19_vaccine_distribution_plan | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/alt%20covid%20image2-Photo%20by%20Fusion%20Medical%20Animation%20on%20Unsplash-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="COVID-19 closeup photo" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>Washington State Releases COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan</h2>
<p>
The Washington State Department of Health has released its draft plan on COVID-19 vaccine distribution and is now seeking feedback from the public on prioritization.
</p>
<p>
The <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/WA-COVID-19-Vaccination-Plan.pdf" target="_blank">72-page document</a> outlines how the state agency will approach the work of planning for and distributing an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine once available. The plan details specific actions the department will take, such as developing an equitable vaccine allocation, setting up strong vaccine infrastructure in the state, tracking administration data, and planning for effective communication with the public.
</p>
<p>
The DOH submitted the draft plan to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last Friday in response to a request from the CDC for state and territorial health departments to outline their preliminary plans for vaccine distribution.
</p>
<p>
The department is now seeking general feedback from the public on prioritization. The agency is particularly interested in hearing from communities and sectors disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LSJZP68">Click here to take the survey</a>. Reponses are due by 11:59 p.m. this Monday, Oct. 26.
</p>
<p>
In case you missed it, our September COVID-19 Virtual Grand Rounds webinar was dedicated to vaccine development and distribution, and featured the department's COVID-19 Vaccine Director SheAnne Allen, MPH. That webinar is available <a href="[@]WSMA/Education/Webinars_OnDemand/WSMA/Resources/Practice_Management/OnDemand/Webinars_OnDemand.aspx?hkey=53a67f34-e7a8-4b79-9463-6f51e1418ff5">on demand for WSMA members</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 3:18:15 PM | 10/21/2020 2:01:30 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_launches_flu_vaccination_campaign | WSMA Launches Flu Vaccination Campaign | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201022/wsma_launches_flu_vaccination_campaign | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/2020-Flu-Campaign-Reverse-Social-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Flu campaign graphic" />
</div>
<h5>October 22, 2020</h5>
<h2>WSMA Launches Flu Vaccination Campaign</h2>
<p>
Facing a "twindemic" of flu and COVID-19, WSMA has launched its <em>Be Safe. Be Smart. Get Your Flu Shot.</em> patient awareness campaign. Catch up on the latest in this update.
</p>
<h3>Early vaccination &amp; DOH materials</h3>
<p>
The campaign initially focused on early vaccination, with <a href="https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/editorials/guest_editorials/guest-opinion-flu-combined-with-covid-19-could-mean-double-trouble-for-many-patients/article_ee0e4545-9d8a-53f4-835f-1dca1804e916.html">several op-eds</a> and <a href="https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/sep/18/providers-public-health-officials-stress-the-impor/">news stories</a> published featuring WSMA members, and a partnership with the Washington State Department of Health to offer patient materials (in English and Spanish). The DOH toolkit, developed with input from the WSMA, is <a href="https://coronavirus.wa.gov/partner-toolkit/knock-out-flu-think-it-essential">now available</a>. The toolkit includes bilingual (English and Spanish) assets including posters/fliers, customizable postcards, social media graphics, and much more.
</p>
<h3>Be Safe. Be Smart. Get Your Flu Shot. campaign assets</h3>
<p>
The WSMA has introduced dedicated campaign webpages at <a href="http://www.wsma.org/flu">wsma.org/flu</a>. Our <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/Influenza/Influenza_For_Patients/influenza_for_patients.aspx">patient page</a> features a vaccine finder to help patients find vaccines near them and messaging emphasizing the importance of getting vaccinated during the pandemic. Our <a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/Influenza/Influenza_For_Physicians/influenza_for_physicians.aspx">professional resources page</a> features up-to-date flu vaccine information from the Department of Health, as well as professional and patient resources for physician practices. Newly added this week:
</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/Resources/Flu/2020-Flu-Campaign-green-background-645x425px.jpg]"><em>Be Safe. Be Smart. Get Your Flu Shot. </em>social media graphic</a>
</li>
<li><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/Resources/Flu/2020-Flu-Campaign-Memo-Ad-600x125px.jpg]"><em>Be Safe. Be Smart. Get Your Flu Shot. </em>banner graphic</a> (for email, websites, other digital communications)
</li>
</ul>
<p>
We'll be introducing new resources and assets in the weeks ahead - stay tuned.
</p>
<h3>Media and public service announcements</h3>
<p>
In the weeks ahead, together with more targeted media outreach statewide, the WSMA will produce a series of 30-second public service announcements featuring WSMA members speaking directly to their patients, leveraging the trust patients have in their family doctors. We'll post these PSAs throughout our digital channels, as well as distribute to our partners.
</p>
<p>
Keep track of updates on our efforts at <a href="http://www.wsma.org/flu">wsma.org/flu</a>. And help "boost our signal" by following us on social media and amplifying our flu messaging. Find the WSMA on <a href="https://twitter.com/WSMA_update">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wsma.org/">Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/washington-state-medical-association">LinkedIn</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/22/2020 5:38:10 PM | 10/21/2020 2:01:33 PM | 10/22/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| a_hardening_market_and_your_medical_professional_liability_coverage | A Hardening Market and Your Medical Professional Liability Coverage | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201008/a_hardening_market_and_your_medical_professional_liability_coverage | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Stethoscope-numbers-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Stethoscope on spreadsheet" />
</div>
<h5>October 8, 2020</h5>
<h2>A Hardening Market and Your Medical Professional Liability Coverage</h2>
<p>
Physicians Insurance is helping to educate physicians on dynamic changes in the medical professional liability marketplace with new resources. A new whitepaper takes a look at a "hardening" market for medical malpractice insurance that's expected to progressively worsen - with some predicting a doubling of premiums by the end of 2027. Further, all the normal concerns raised by a hardening insurance market - from rising premiums to lower limits and changing terms - become secondary issues (at best) as our health care system battles COVID-19. The paper is a call for physicians and health care organizations to apply more surgical precision than ever before to their risk management practices. Download "<a href="https://www.phyins.com/sites/default/files/files/Landing pages/Marketplace Analysis/Medical Malpractice in a Hard Market.pdf" target="_blank">Understanding a Hardening Market for Medical Malpractice Insurance</a>" to learn more.
</p>
</div> | 10/8/2020 12:07:04 PM | 10/5/2020 11:00:32 AM | 10/8/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| covid_19_financial_relief_update | COVID-19 Financial Relief Update | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201008/covid_19_financial_relief_update | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/May/COVID-19-financial-relief-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="COVID-19 Financial Relief graphic" />
</div>
<h5>October 8, 2020</h5>
<h2>COVID-19 Financial Relief Update</h2>
<p>
New Provider Relief Funds are now available to more physicians - including those who have already received payments. In other news, the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services has provided updates to MIPS program exceptions, and the deadline for repaying Medicare's advance payments has been extended.
</p>
<h3>New $20 billion Provider Relief Fund disbursement now available</h3>
<p>
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced last week that $20 billion in new funding will be available for physicians and providers on the front lines of the pandemic. The application period for eligible practitioners is now open, and will extend through Friday, Nov. 6.
</p>
<p>
Under this Phase 3 General Distribution allocation, physicians who have already received Provider Relief Fund payments will be invited to apply for additional funding that considers financial losses and changes in operating expenses caused by the coronavirus. HHS is making a large number of previously ineligible physicians and providers eligible for Phase 3 General Distribution funding, including:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Those who previously received, rejected, or accepted a general distribution Provider Relief Fund payment. Physicians who have already received payments of approximately 2% of annual revenue from patient care may submit more information to become eligible for an additional payment.</li>
<li>Behavioral health physicians and providers, including those who previously received funding.</li>
<li>Physicians and other health care providers who began practicing Jan. 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020. This includes Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, dentists, assisted living facilities, and behavioral health practitioners.</li>
</ul>
<p>
HHS is recommending that you apply early; do not wait until the last day or week of the application period. Applying early will help to expedite the review process and payment calculations, and ultimately accelerate the distribution of all payments. For more information on the methodology and application process, the full press release can be found <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/10/1/trump-administration-announces-20-billion-in-new-phase-3-provider-relief-funding.html">here</a>.
</p>
<h3>CMS provides two exceptions to meeting MIPS program requirements</h3>
<p>
The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services is providing two opportunities to apply for exceptions to meeting its Merit-based Incentive Payment System program requirements:
</p>
<ul>
<li>The <a href="https://qpp.cms.gov/mips/exception-applications#extremeCircumstancesException-2020">Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception</a>, which allows you to request reweighting for any or all performance categories if you encounter an extreme and uncontrollable circumstance or public health emergency, such as COVID-19, that is outside of your control.</li>
<li>The <a href="https://qpp.cms.gov/mips/exception-applications#promotingInteroperabilityHardshipException-2020">MIPS Promoting Interoperability Performance Category Hardship Exception</a>, which allows you to request reweighting specifically for the Promoting Interoperability performance category if you qualify for one of the listed reasons.</li>
</ul>
<p>
Both application windows are open through Dec. 31. For more information, visit Medicare's <a href="https://qpp.cms.gov/mips/exception-applications">Quality Payment Program webpage</a> and the 2020 Quality Payment Program exception applications <a href="https://qpp-cm-prod-content.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/1054/2020 MIPS Exception Applications Fact Sheet.pdf" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>.
</p>
<h3>Medicare Advance Payment Program repayment deadline extended</h3>
<p>Under a new congressional resolution, recoupment of Medicare advance payments will not begin until 365 days after the payment was issued, with the balance due by September 2022. It also reduces the per claim recoupment amount from 100% to 25% for the first 11 months and then 50% for an additional six months. If not repaid in full by September 2022, interest payments will be imposed, however the interest rate has been lowered from 10.25% to 4%. The WSMA continues to advocate to Washington's congressional delegation and CMS to not subject practices to repayment or recoupment.</p>
</div> | 10/8/2020 12:15:22 PM | 10/5/2020 11:00:17 AM | 10/8/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| hca_recruiting_for_health_technology_clinical_committee | HCA Recruiting for Health Technology Clinical Committee | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201008/hca_recruiting_for_health_technology_clinical_committee | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Doc-computer-stethoscope-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Doctor with stethoscope on a tablet" />
</div>
<h5>October 8, 2020</h5>
<h2>HCA Recruiting for Health Technology Clinical Committee </h2>
<p>
The Washington State Health Care Authority is seeking physicians and other active practitioners to serve on the state's Health Technology Clinical Committee.
</p>
<p>
The HTCC was established by law in 2006 to make evidence-based coverage determinations for selected health technologies. The committee's determinations are followed by state-purchased health care programs including Medicaid, Uniform Medical Plan, and the Department of Labor and Industries.
</p>
<p>
The HTCC is an independent committee of 11 practicing health care providers. The committee meets approximately five times a year to review evidence-based assessments of health technologies. Members are appointed to three-year terms and may serve two additional terms. Compensation includes an hourly fee and reimbursement for travel.
</p>
<p>
HCA is seeking active practitioners licensed in Washington state with diverse experiences, clinical expertise, practice specialties, advanced education and knowledge of using evidence in health care.
</p>
<p>
The <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/program/htcc-recruitment-announcement-20200814.pdf" target="_blank">recruitment announcement</a> and application materials are available on the <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/health-technology-assessment/recruitment">HCA website</a>. Applications will be accepted until further notice. First review of applications is scheduled for late October.
</p>
<p>
To learn more, visit the <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/health-technology-assessment">HTA webpage</a>. If you have questions about HTCC member recruitment process, please contact the HTA program at <a href="mailto:shtap@hca.wa.gov">shtap@hca.wa.gov</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/8/2020 12:07:05 PM | 10/5/2020 11:00:40 AM | 10/8/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| new_palliative_care_roadmap_available | New Palliative Care Roadmap Available | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201008/new_palliative_care_roadmap_available | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Palliatve-Care-Roadmap-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Palliative Care Road Map graphic" />
</div>
<h5>October 8, 2020</h5>
<h2>New Palliative Care Roadmap Available</h2>
<p>
The <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/609013.pdf" target="_blank">Palliative Care Roadmap</a> is a publication to help patients and the people they love sort through the experience of serious illnesses and conditions. Physicians and care teams may find it a useful tool for assisting their patients. Each section offers empathy and information to help make sense of how serious illnesses and conditions unfold over time, with listed resources and key terms defined.
</p>
<p>
The Palliative Care Roadmap was developed by a diverse team of palliative care experts, funded by the Washington State Legislature through the efforts of the Washington State Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and patterned after the Dementia Care Roadmap in a process facilitated by the Washington State Department of Health.
</p>
<p>
Available as an online publication, the Palliative Care Roadmap may also be ordered as a published booklet by logging in or creating a <a href="https://prtonline.myprintdesk.net/DSF/storefront.aspx?6xni2of2cF1OAY5jHVvlUrUsqozrCjF3xgL/DdBBf+Sre9e470j4aMR+LcLIWmKS">MyPrintDesk account</a> and searching for the title.
</p>
</div> | 10/8/2020 12:07:05 PM | 10/5/2020 11:00:45 AM | 10/8/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| new_playbook_outlines_next_steps_for_state_covid_19_response | New 'Playbook' Outlines Next Steps for State COVID-19 Response | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201008/new_playbook_outlines_next_steps_for_state_covid_19_response | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/August/COVID_Virtual_Grand_Rounds_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Virtual Grand Rounds graphic" />
</div>
<h5>October 8, 2020</h5>
<h2>New 'Playbook' Outlines Next Steps for State COVID-19 Response</h2>
<p>
This week saw the release of Vice Adm. Raquel Bono, MD's COVID-19 Pandemic Health Response "Playbook," a compendium of recommendations intended to guide the state's COVID-19 response efforts over the next six to 18 months. The recommendations were developed by partners from the public and private sectors, including the WSMA.
</p>
<p>
The playbook's guidance was based on the health crisis response work undertaken this summer under the leadership of Dr. Bono and builds on the foundational work described in the COVID-19 Health System Response Management dossier presented to Gov. Jay Inslee on May 29. Recommendations cover:
</p>
<ol>
<li>Acquisition and equitable distribution of personal protective equipment.</li>
<li>Establishment of timely, statewide COVID-19 testing.</li>
<li>Preparation for an anticipated fall surge of both COVID-19 and influenza infections.</li>
<li>Optimization of Washington Healthcare Emergency and Logistics Tracking Hub (WA HEALTH) capabilities.</li>
<li>Leveraging the positive stakeholder relationships established with the health care sector and other industries.</li>
</ol>
<p>
The playbook is now under review by Gov. Inslee for his endorsement. Download "<a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2020/COVID-19 Recommendations_October2020.pdf]">COVID-19 Pandemic Health Response Recommendations</a>" for details - or skip reading the 150-page document and listen in to the following special webinar to get the lowdown.
</p>
<h3>Staying Open, Staying Safe: Washington State's COVID-19 Public-Private Collaborative</h3>
<p>
Get the inside scoop on Dr. Bono's playbook: Join us for this free CME webinar next Wednesday, Oct. 14 from noon - 1:15 p.m. This next session in our COVID-19 Virtual Grand Rounds webinar series will feature Bill Robertson, president and CEO of MultiCare - and one of the key leaders in the drafting of Dr. Bono's playbook - and David Carlson, DO, chief physician officer of MultiCare. These session presenters will outline the public-private collaborative's recommendations for PPE strategic sourcing and distribution, as well as COVID-19 testing, tracking, tracing, and data management. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>. WSMA members can <a href="[@]Shared_Content/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=CGR101420">register for the webinar online</a>.
</p>
</div> | 10/8/2020 12:25:46 PM | 10/5/2020 11:00:20 AM | 10/8/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| uw_psychiatry_consultation_line_now_available_24_7 | UW Psychiatry Consultation Line Now Available 24/7 | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201008/uw_psychiatry_consultation_line_now_available_24_7 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/Physician-on-phone-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Physician talking on the phone" />
</div>
<h5>October 8, 2020</h5>
<h2>UW Psychiatry Consultation Line Now Available 24/7 </h2>
<p>
The UW Psychiatry Consultation Line is now being offered <a href="https://newsroom.uw.edu/news/psychiatric-consult-line-providers-expands-247">24 hours a day, seven days a week</a>. Physicians in Washington can now talk with a mental health expert about the care of their patient regardless of the time of day, whether covering an overnight shift, doing notes after dinner, or working over the weekend.
</p>
<p>
The Psychiatry Consultation Line's phone number is 877-927-7924 (877-WA-PSYCH). Physicians can also email consultants at <a href="mailto:PCLWA@uw.edu">PCLWA@uw.edu</a> or visit the website at <a href="https://pcl.psychiatry.uw.edu/">uwpsychiatry.org/pcl</a>.
</p>
<p>
To date, the program's psychiatrists have consulted with physicians and providers from <a href="https://pcl.psychiatry.uw.edu/impact/">31 of Washington's 39 counties</a>. Together with <a href="https://www.seattlechildrens.org/healthcare-professionals/access-services/partnership-access-line/wa-pal/">PAL for Kids</a> and <a href="https://www.mcmh.uw.edu/ppcl">PAL for Moms</a> - specialty psychiatry consultation lines focused on children/adolescents and pregnant/new moms - the service offers a robust psychiatric consultation system to help physicians and other health care providers who are seeing an increased caseload of patients with mental health and substance use problems. Although the consultation lines were not set up in response to the pandemic, they are serving as a tremendous resource during these trying times.
</p>
<p>
Please reach out to <a href="https://pcl.psychiatry.uw.edu/">uwpsychiatry.org/pcl</a> to learn more.
</p>
</div> | 10/8/2020 12:07:08 PM | 10/5/2020 11:00:36 AM | 10/8/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_successfully_concludes_historic_first_virtual_house_of_delegates | WSMA Successfully Concludes Historic First Virtual House of Delegates | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20201008/wsma_successfully_concludes_historic_first_virtual_house_of_delegates | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2020/October/2020-AM-Speakers-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="2020 WSMA Annual Meeting Speakers" />
</div>
<h5>October 8, 2020</h5>
<h2>WSMA Successfully Concludes Historic First Virtual House of Delegates</h2>
<p>
Over the last weekend of September, more than 150 physician and physician assistant delegates, representing the full spectrum of organized medicine in Washington state, met virtually to determine policy, elect leaders, and conduct the business of your state medical association. Despite the technical challenges of translating parliamentary procedures into a new virtual environment, the two-day meeting was a success - and a historic first for the association.
</p>
<p>
Like the 2019 House of Delegates, this year's annual meeting saw many new policies adopted by delegates - more than 30 new policies and 17 directives to take action. These final actions continue to reflect an activated House dedicated to making bold, proactive policy to improve the health and welfare of Washingtonians, with particular attention paid to racism and equity in the delivery of patient care and within the profession. For details, download the Official Actions of the 2020 WSMA House of Delegates, <a href="[@]WSMA/About_Us/Leadership/House_of_Delegates/WSMA/About/Leadership/House_of_Delegates/House_of_Delegates.aspx?hkey=e2c50002-384d-4ff7-9116-5ce7a51116e7">available from the WSMA website</a>.
</p>
<p>
Visit the <a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">meeting webpage</a> to enjoy videos of key moments of the 2020 WSMA Annual Meeting. And be sure to save the date - the 2021 WSMA Annual Meeting will take place at the Westin Bellevue Hotel on Sept. 25-26, 2021.
</p>
</div> | 10/8/2020 12:07:08 PM | 10/5/2020 11:00:27 AM | 10/8/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| cms_seeks_stakeholder_input_on_proposed_epcs_rule | CMS Seeks Stakeholder Input on Proposed EPCS Rule | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20200924/cms_seeks_stakeholder_input_on_proposed_epcs_rule | <div class="col-md-12">
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</div>
<h5>September 24, 2020</h5>
<h2>CMS Seeks Stakeholder Input on Proposed EPCS Rule </h2>
<p>
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued a request for information on a proposed rule for electronic prescribing of controlled substances.
</p>
<p>
The rule generally requires that prescriptions for controlled substances covered under a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan be transmitted by a health care practitioner electronically in accordance with an electronic prescription drug program beginning Jan. 1, 2021. The RFI seeks input from stakeholders about whether CMS should include exceptions to the EPCS and under what circumstances, and whether CMS should impose penalties for noncompliance with this mandate in its rulemaking, and what those penalties should be.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA submitted comments in response to the RFI, requesting exceptions and considerations that will help reduce the administrative and financial burden on participating prescribers.
</p>
<p>
Review the proposed rule and submit a comment on the <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/04/2020-16897/medicare-program-electronic-prescribing-of-controlled-substances-request-for-information-rfi">Federal Register website</a> . The deadline is Oct. 5.
</p>
<p>
Earlier this year, the WSMA was successful in securing a delay of the state-level EPCS mandate from Jan. 1, 2021 to Oct. 1, 2021 and is currently engaged in a hardship waiver rulemaking at the Department of Health.
</p>
</div> | 9/24/2020 3:45:37 PM | 9/23/2020 3:51:41 PM | 9/24/2020 12:00:00 AM |