| 2023-legislative-session-update-wsmas-budget-priorities-for-2023 | 2023 Legislative Session Update: WSMA's Budget Priorities for 2023 | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2023/2023-legislative-session-update-wsmas-budget-priorities-for-2023 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/809588260"><img src="/images/Newsletters/latest-news/2023/march/legislative-update-wk-11.png" alt="WSMA Legislative Update for March 20, 2023 graphic" /></a></div>
<h5>March 20, 2023</h5>
<h2>2023 Legislative Session Update: WSMA's Budget Priorities for 2023</h2>
<p>As the Legislature's focus shifts toward budget negotiations, WSMA's Director of Government Affairs Sean Graham gives an update on WSMA's budget priorities for 2023. Watch the video.
<a href="https://vimeo.com/809588260">Watch the video</a>.
</p>
</div> | 3/20/2023 12:38:53 PM | 3/20/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| 2023-legislative-session-update-how-wsma-policy-translates-into-action-in-olympia | 2023 Legislative Session Update: How WSMA Policy Translates into Action in Olympia | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2023/2023-legislative-session-update-how-wsma-policy-translates-into-action-in-olympia | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/807363874"><img src="/images/Newsletters/latest-news/2023/march/legislative-update-wk-10.png" alt="WSMA Legislative Update for March 13, 2023" /></a></div>
<h5>March 13, 2023</h5>
<h2>2023 Legislative Session Update: How WSMA Policy Translates into Action in Olympia</h2>
<p>WSMA's Director of Government Affairs Sean Graham talks about how WSMA policy, set each year by the House of Delegates, informs our work in Olympia.
<a href="https://vimeo.com/807363874">Watch the video</a>.
</p>
</div> | 3/14/2023 12:23:25 PM | 3/13/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-outlines-concerns-with-proposed-changes-to-medicare-advantage-risk-adjustment-model | WSMA Outlines Concerns with Proposed Changes to Medicare Advantage Risk Adjustment Model | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/march-10/wsma-outlines-concerns-with-proposed-changes-to-medicare-advantage-risk-adjustment-model | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/march/stethoscope-numbers-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope resting on a spreadsheet" /></div>
<h5>March 10, 2023</h5>
<h2>WSMA Outlines Concerns with Proposed Changes to Medicare Advantage Risk Adjustment Model</h2>
<p>The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released its <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2024-advance-notice.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice</a> with proposed changes to Medicare Advantage capitation rate methodologies and risk adjustment methodologies. CMS is proposing to transition the diagnostic coding system from ICD-9 to ICD-10, which would remove nearly 2,300 codes from the Medicare Advantage risk adjustment model, including but not limited to codes related to major depressive disorder and rheumatoid arthritis, which are prevalent conditions among Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The WSMA <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2023/wsma-comment-cms-rule-advanced-notice-2024.pdf]">submitted a comment letter</a>&nbsp;to CMS outlining concerns with the proposed changes to the risk adjustment model, explaining that impacted physician practices would experience revenue cuts, impacting the financial viability of their practices and the ability for Medicare Advantage patients to access health care services in their communities. The changes would also present new challenges to physicians' ability to participate in value-based payment arrangements, a major goal of CMS, should the transition to ICD-10 codes take place.</p>
<p>The WSMA is monitoring the CMS Advance Notice 2024 and will keep you apprised of any adopted changes to the capitation rate methodologies and risk adjustment methodologies under Medicare Advantage plans. With questions, please contact WSMA Policy Analyst Shelby Wiedmann at <a href="mailto:shelby@wsma.org">shelby@wsma.org.</a> </p>
</div> | 3/9/2023 2:22:51 PM | 3/10/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-prior-authorization-bill-approved-unanimously-by-house | WSMA Prior Authorization Bill Approved Unanimously by House | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/march-10/wsma-prior-authorization-bill-approved-unanimously-by-house | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/march/paperwork-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Doctor and patient standing next to giant stack of paper" /></div>
<h5>March 10, 2023</h5>
<h2>WSMA Prior Authorization Bill Approved Unanimously by House</h2>
<p>On Saturday, the state House of Representatives took action on WSMA's priority legislation to modernize and standardize insurance carriers' prior authorization practices. <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1357&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2023">House Bill 1357</a> was approved unanimously by the House, with several legislators giving speeches to share their personal experiences with prior authorization, as well as acknowledging the burden it represents for patients and physicians.</p>
<p>In its current form, HB 1357 represents the product of extensive negotiations with the state's insurance carriers. If passed into law, the bill will expedite turnaround times for prior authorization and make our state a leader in facilitating prior authorization processes that integrate into physicians' electronic medical record systems. Importantly, the bill applies not only to health care services but also to prescription drugs and will be effective for all state-regulated health plans.</p>
<h3>Prior authorization determination timelines </h3>
<p>HB 1357 establishes expedited turnaround times for all prior authorizations, including those for prescription drugs. The timelines for carrier determinations of prior authorizations break down into two categories, depending on whether the prior authorization is submitted electronically (e.g., via integrated prior authorization systems or carrier web portals) or non-electronically (e.g., via fax):</p>
<ul>
<li>Electronic prior authorizations
<ul>
<li>Expedited: one calendar day to approve</li>
<li>Standard: three calendar days to approve</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Non-electronic prior authorizations
<ul>
<li>Expedited: two calendar days to approve</li>
<li>Standard: five calendar days to approve</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Electronic prior authorization systems </h3>
<p>Building on a proposed rulemaking from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HB 1357 mandates that carriers have automated electronic prior authorization systems that integrate into physicians' electronic medical records for health care services by Jan. 1, 2025. By Jan. 1, 2027, carriers must have the systems in place for prescription drugs.</p>
<h3>Office of the Insurance Commissioner prior authorization reporting </h3>
<p>Prescription drugs are added as a category of reporting of carriers' prior authorization practices, to be included in future iterations of the <a href="https://www.insurance.wa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2022-health-plan-prior-authorization-report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">OIC's annual prior authorization report</a>.</p>
<p>The WSMA is appreciative of <a href="https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/simmons/">Rep. Tarra Simmons (D-Bremerton)</a> for introducing HB 1357 and her leadership on this important issue. Rep. Simmons has repeatedly referenced her past work around prior authorization as a registered nurse, including a stint working for an insurance carrier, in informing her interest in expediting the process for patients and physicians.</p>
<p><strong>What's next?</strong> HB 1357 now moves to the Senate for further consideration, where WSMA will urge its approval.</p>
</div> | 3/9/2023 10:04:53 AM | 3/10/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| 2023-legislative-session-update-four-ways-you-can-advocate-for-the-house-of-medicine-during-session | 2023 Legislative Session Update: Four Ways You Can Advocate for the House of Medicine During Session | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2023/2023-legislative-session-update-four-ways-you-can-advocate-for-the-house-of-medicine-during-session | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/804989289"><img src="/images/Newsletters/latest-news/2023/march/legislative-update-wk-9.png" alt="Legislative Update logo for March 6, 2023" /></a></div>
<h5>March 6, 2023</h5>
<h2>2023 Legislative Session Update: Four Ways You Can Advocate for the House of Medicine During Session</h2>
<p>WSMA's Associate Director of Legislative and Political Affairs Alex Wehinger talks about four ways physicians and PAs can assist in our advocacy efforts during the legislative session currently underway in Olympia. <a href="https://vimeo.com/804989289">Watch the video</a>. &nbsp;</p>
</div> | 3/9/2023 10:11:46 AM | 3/6/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| 2023-legislative-session-update-a-progress-report-at-the-halfway-point-of-session | 2023 Legislative Session Update: A Progress Report at the Halfway Point of Session | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2023/2023-legislative-session-update-a-progress-report-at-the-halfway-point-of-session | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/802564692"><img src="/images/Newsletters/latest-news/2023/feb/legislative-update-wk-8.png" alt="Legislative Update logo for February 27, 2023" /></a></div>
<h5>February 27, 2023</h5>
<h2>2023 Legislative Session Update: A Progress Report at the Halfway Point of Session</h2>
<p>
WSMA's Associate Director of Legislative and Political Affairs Alex Wehinger gives an update on WSMA-priority issues, including prior authorization and scope of practice bills, as we near the halfway point of the 2023 legislative session. <a href="https://vimeo.com/802564692">Watch the video</a>. &nbsp;</p>
</div> | 2/28/2023 10:19:06 AM | 2/27/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| attorney-general-announces-pro-bono-legal-assistance-to-facilitate-abortion-access | Attorney General Announces Pro Bono Legal Assistance to Facilitate Abortion Access | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/february-24/attorney-general-announces-pro-bono-legal-assistance-to-facilitate-abortion-access | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/february/doc-with-young-female-patient-masks-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="doctor with young female patient" /></div>
<h5>February 24, 2023</h5>
<h2>Attorney General Announces Pro Bono Legal Assistance to Facilitate Abortion Access</h2>
<p>Physicians and health professionals providing abortion and reproductive care services and patients seeking such services now have free legal support for questions and protection against legal actions. Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Thursday that health care professionals and care providers in Washington have a new avenue to obtain pro bono legal assistance to facilitate abortion access. Help can be found at a new legal services website managed by the Lawyering Project at <a href="https://atg.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=28a64d02479d9d79402df2b20&amp;id=fca6a45ba5&amp;e=3130127e75">abortiondefensenetwork.org</a>. Washingtonians seeking help through the website will be connected to attorneys in a nationwide pro bono network, including several Washington law firms recruited by the attorney general's office, to provide free legal guidance and resources. Ferguson also produced a "know your rights" brochure and a specific form for Washingtonians to file complaints about violations to their reproductive rights. The brochure, <a href="https://agportal-s3bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/uploadedfiles/Another/News/Press_Releases/KnowYourRightsFlier%20FINAL.pdf">available on the&nbsp;attorney general's website</a>, is a guide to Washington state law's protections for abortion and contraception access. The two-page document covers Washington's guaranteed right to choose abortion, access for pregnant people from other states, insurance coverage for abortion care, emergency contraception access, and more.</p>
<p>Anyone with complaints or concerns about violations of reproductive rights under state law is <a href="https://atg.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=28a64d02479d9d79402df2b20&amp;id=75a578e43c&amp;e=3130127e75">encouraged to file a complaint</a> with the attorney general's office.</p>
</div> | 2/22/2023 3:51:50 PM | 2/24/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| session-update-prior-authorization-and-gun-violence-bills-advance | Session Update: Prior Authorization and Gun Violence Bills Advance | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/february-24/session-update-prior-authorization-and-gun-violence-bills-advance | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/february/2023-legislative-session-updates-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="2023 Legislative Session Updates logo" /></div>
<h5>February 24, 2023</h5>
<h2>Session Update: Prior Authorization and Gun Violence Bills Advance</h2>
<p>Last Friday, Feb. 17, was the policy cutoff deadline for the 2023 legislative session, meaning that only bills approved by their respective policy committees are eligible for further consideration this session (bills that are considered necessary to implement the budget, or "NTIB," are exempted from the deadline). We are pleased to report that all of WSMA's priority bills subject to the Friday deadline survived.</p>
<h3>WSMA prior authorization bill on the move</h3>
<p>WSMA priority legislation <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1357&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2023">House Bill 1357</a>, which would modernize and standardize insurance carrier prior authorization processes, was amended and approved by the House Health Care &amp; Wellness Committee on Feb. 15. The bill then moved to the House Appropriations Committee, where legislators considered the fiscal component of the policy in a hearing this Thursday. The WSMA testified in support of this priority legislation in both hearings. As amended, HB 1357 would:</p>
<ul>
<li>Expedite turnaround times for prior authorization determinations.</li>
<li>Require carriers to develop and implement electronic prior authorization processes that integrate into electronic medical records.</li>
<li>These changes would be applied across all state-regulated health care plans for all health care services and prescription drugs.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Gun violence legislation</h3>
<p>Several bills regulating firearms continue to progress. The WSMA supports the following bills per its <a href="[@]wsma/about/policies/whats_our_policy/guns-and-weapons/gun-control.aspx">policy on gun control</a>. </p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1240&amp;Year=2023&amp;Initiative=false">HB 1240</a> would generally prohibit the manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale of assault weapons. The bill was approved by its policy committee and is now in the Rules Committee.</li>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1143&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2023">HB 1143</a> would require that individuals obtain a permit in advance of purchasing firearms and establishes criteria for the permitting process, including a requirement that individuals must have completed a certified firearms safety training program within the five years prior to purchasing a firearm. The bill was heard in the House Appropriations Committee on Feb. 8.</li>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1562&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2023">HB 1562</a> would modify provisions related to restoration of the right to possess firearms for individuals found guilty of certain crimes. The bill was heard in the House Civil Rights &amp; Judiciary Committee on Feb. 7.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other hearing highlights from weeks five-six of session (Feb. 6-Feb. 17)</h3>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5059&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2023">SB 5059</a>, Prejudgment interest - This legislation would change the date on which interest begins to accrue on adverse judgements, beginning at the date of the cause of action, rather than when the judgement is rendered. Applies only to arbitration awards and judgments entered following trials. WSMA Director of Government Affairs Sean Graham testified in opposition during a public hearing in the Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee on Feb. 7, noting that the bill does not contain an exemption for medical malpractice cases and would have the effect of increasing the cost of health care. </p>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2023&amp;BillNumber=5242">SB 5242</a>, Cost-sharing for abortion - This legislation would prohibit cost-sharing on abortion services. WSMA Associate Director of Legislative and Political Affairs Alex Wehinger testified in support during a public hearing in the Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee on Feb. 13, encouraging the state to consider ways to eliminate barriers to accessing abortion care. </p>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2023&amp;BillNumber=5236">SB 5236</a>, Hospital staffing standards - This legislation would direct the Department of Labor &amp; Industries to establish minimum staffing standards and revise provisions related to meal and rest breaks, among other provisions. WSMA Vice President John Bramhall, MD, PhD, testified in opposition during a public hearing in the Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee on Feb. 16, noting concerns for potential adverse impacts on patient safety, limiting access to care when facilities couldn't schedule enough staff, and putting more pressure on emergency departments.</p>
<h3>What's ahead</h3>
<p>The next major deadline is today's fiscal committee cutoff, by which time bills with a fiscal impact must be approved by the Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee or the House Appropriations Committee. Both the House and Senate will have until Wednesday, March 8 to approve bills that originated in their respective chambers, after which point policy and fiscal committees will reconvene for public hearings on bills approved by the opposite chamber.</p>
<p>For more on WSMA's legislative agenda, visit <a href="https://wsma.org/">our website</a>. For weekly session updates with greater details on bills being debated in Olympia, WSMA members may subscribe to the WSMA Outreach &amp; Advocacy Report by emailing Chelsea Thumberg at <a href="mailto:chelsea@wsma.org">chelsea@wsma.org</a>. </p>
</div> | 2/22/2023 3:51:53 PM | 2/24/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| share-your-story-on-the-impact-of-low-medicaid-reimbursement | Share Your Story on the Impact of Low Medicaid Reimbursement | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/february-24/share-your-story-on-the-impact-of-low-medicaid-reimbursement | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/february/stethoscope-piggybank-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope and piggy bank" /></div>
<h5>February 24, 2023</h5>
<h2>Share Your Story on the Impact of Low Medicaid Reimbursement</h2>
<p>Through the forward-thinking actions of our state leaders, Washington state's Medicaid program, Apple Health, today provides essential health coverage to one in three Washingtonians-more than double the number of enrollees since 2008. More Washingtonians than ever have a measure of security in knowing that if they get sick or injured they can receive the care they needed...<em>if</em> they can find care. While state policymakers have scored an A+ on increasing health care coverage to Washington residents, when it comes to increasing access to services, they are failing Medicaid patients and physicians. While the Medicaid program has grown dramatically, payment for Medicaid services has gone down. Physicians treating Medicaid patients continue to do so at a financial loss, with reimbursement rates not coming close to covering the cost of care.</p>
<p>We need physicians to tell their stories directly to legislators of how low Medicaid reimbursements impact their practice and patient access to services. Your stories can help the WSMA get across to lawmakers why we <strong>must improve access to care for Medicaid patients in our state by enacting an across-the-board increase in Medicaid reimbursements</strong>. Legislators will soon be creating a new state budget, and it's critical they include these necessary investments and make good on their promise to Medicaid patients by ensuring care is available in their communities. <a href="https://www.votervoice.net/WSMA/Campaigns/101598/Respond">Please take a moment to share your story</a>.</p>
</div> | 2/22/2023 3:51:48 PM | 2/24/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| 2023-legislative-session-update-working-to-improve-prior-authorization-in-washington | 2023 Legislative Session Update: Working to Improve Prior Authorization in Washington | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2023/2023-legislative-session-update-working-to-improve-prior-authorization-in-washington | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/797872897"><img alt="" src="/images/Newsletters/latest-news/2023/feb/legislative-update-wk-6.png" /></a></div>
<h5>February 13, 2023</h5>
<h2>2023 Legislative Session Update: Working to Improve Prior Authorization in Washington</h2>
<p>
WSMA's Director of Government Affairs Sean Graham gives an update on WSMA-priority legislation House Bill 1357, which would standardize and modernize prior authorization practices in Washington. <a href="https://vimeo.com/797872897">Watch the video</a>.
</p>
</div> | 2/13/2023 9:54:13 AM | 2/13/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| a-check-in-on-wsma-legislative-priorities-as-first-session-deadline-approaches | A Check-in on WSMA Legislative Priorities as First Session Deadline Approaches | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/february-10/a-check-in-on-wsma-legislative-priorities-as-first-session-deadline-approaches | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/february/2023-legislative-session-updates-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="2023 Legislative Session Updates logo" /></div>
<h5>February 10, 2023</h5>
<h2>A Check-in on WSMA Legislative Priorities as First Session Deadline Approaches </h2>
<p>Next Friday, Feb. 17, is the first official deadline of the state legislative session: policy committee cutoff, i.e., the last day bills can be passed by policy committees and be eligible for further consideration this session.</p>
<p>With all eyes on the Friday deadline, your WSMA government affairs team on the ground at the Capitol is monitoring legislation that may be voted on in the coming week, including one of WSMA's priority bills, House Bill 1357, which would modernize prior authorization practices in Washington state. They are also closely monitoring several scope of practice bills. Priority bills regarding reproductive health that the WSMA supports have already passed out of policy committees.</p>
<h3>Hearing highlights from week four of session (Jan. 30-Feb. 3)</h3>
<p>The following key bills received public hearings last week:</p>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5184&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2023">SB 5184</a>, Anesthesiologist assistants - This legislation would establish anesthesiologist assistant as a new profession, requiring licensure to practice medicine under the supervision of an anesthesiologist or group of anesthesiologists approved by the Washington Medical Commission. The WSMA testified in support of the bill during a public hearing in the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care Committee on Jan. 31, noting that it will expand workforce pipelines and that the profession of anesthesia assistant is safe, effective, and cost-efficient.</p>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5389&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2023">SB 5389</a>, Optometry - This legislation would make numerous revisions to the scope of practice of optometrists, to include expansions allowing increased prescriptive authority, surgery, use of lasers, and other technologies, among other provisions. There was a public hearing in the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care Committee on Jan. 31. The WSMA opposes this legislation in coordination with the Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons.</p>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1508&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2023">HB 1508</a>, Health Care Cost Transparency Board - This legislation would, among other provisions, authorize the board to place health care professionals, health care facilities, and insurance carriers on "performance improvement plans," issue fees and fines, and hold public hearings identifying payers or health care professionals who exceeded the benchmark. WSMA Director of Policy Jeb Shepard and WSMA Past President Mika Sinanan, MD, PhD, testified in opposition to this legislation during a public hearing in the House Health Care &amp; Wellness Committee on Feb. 1, explaining the potential negative impacts it would have on the physician community and patients.</p>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5232&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2023">SB 5232</a>, Firearm purchase permit - This legislation would mandate that individuals obtain a permit in advance of purchasing semi-automatic firearms and establishes criteria for the permitting process, including a requirement that individuals must have completed a certified firearms safety training program within the five years prior to purchasing a firearm. The WSMA supports this bill per <a href="[@]wsma/about/policies/whats_our_policy/guns-and-weapons/guns-as-public-health-issue.aspx">WSMA policy on firearms</a>.</p>
<h3>Remaining deadlines to keep in mind</h3>
<p>From this point forward, bills under consideration must meet the following deadlines to remain in play during session.</p>
<ul>
<li>Friday, Feb. 17: Policy committee cutoff</li>
<li>Friday, Feb. 24: Fiscal committee cutoff</li>
<li>Wednesday, March 8: House of origin cutoff</li>
<li>Wednesday, March. 29: Policy committee cutoff - opposite house</li>
<li>Tuesday, April 4: Fiscal committee cutoff - opposite house</li>
<li>Wednesday, April 12: Opposite house cutoff</li>
</ul>
<p>Expect legislative budget negotiations to ramp up in late March, with the House and Senate releasing their respective budget proposals in early April. Thursday, April 23, is the scheduled last day of session.</p>
</div> | 2/9/2023 12:02:20 PM | 2/10/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| ampac-candidate-workshop-returns-in-person-march-31-april-2 | AMPAC Candidate Workshop Returns in Person March 31-April 2 | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/february-10/ampac-candidate-workshop-returns-in-person-march-31-april-2 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/february/us-capitol-building-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="U.S. Capitol building" /></div>
<h5>February 10, 2023</h5>
<h2>AMPAC Candidate Workshop Returns in Person March 31-April 2</h2>
<p>Are you curious how physicians get elected to Congress or your state Legislature? Joined by Republican and Democratic political veterans, the AMPAC Candidate Workshop will teach you how to run a winning political campaign. You will learn the importance of a disciplined campaign plan and message, the secrets of effective fundraising, what kinds of advertising may be right for your campaign, how to work with the media, as well as how to build your campaign team and a successful grassroots organization.</p>
<p>After two years of hosting the program virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the AMPAC Candidate Workshop is returning in person March 31-April 2 at the American Medical Association office in Washington, DC. <a href="https://login.ama-assn.org/account/login?TAM_OP=login&amp;USERNAME=unauthenticated&amp;ERROR_CODE=0x00000000&amp;ERROR_TEXT=HPDBA0521I%20%20%20Successful%20completion&amp;URL=https:%2F%2Fmeetingregistration.ama-assn.org%2Fmtgregcvent%2Fregister%2Fsearch%3FECODE%3Df4c71b6d-2292-424a-9792-d9713c325e04&amp;AUTHNLEVEL=">Registration is now open</a> (sign-in to the AMA website required) and space is limited. The deadline to register is March 17, 2023.</p>
<p>Please note the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>The candidate workshop is open to AMA physician members, member spouses, residents, medical students, and state medical society staff.</li>
<li>The registration fee is $250 for AMA members or $1,000 for non-AMA members. This fee is waived for AMA-member residents and students; however, space is limited and the AMPAC Board will review and select four participants from the pool of qualified resident and student applicants.</li>
<li>Faculty, materials, and all meals during the meeting are covered by the AMA. Participants are responsible for their registration fee, travel to and from Washington, DC, and hotel accommodations (the AMA will provide you with a list of nearby hotels within walking distance of the AMA offices).</li>
<li>Participants will be required to bring a laptop or Wi-Fi-enabled tablet with them.</li>
<li>All participants will be required to attest to being fully vaccinated with at least one booster for the COVID-19 virus.</li>
</ul>
</div> | 2/9/2023 9:05:48 AM | 2/10/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| texas-medical-association-and-physician-community-win-second-no-surprises-act-lawsuit | Texas Medical Association and Physician Community Win Second No Surprises Act Lawsuit | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/february-10/texas-medical-association-and-physician-community-win-second-no-surprises-act-lawsuit | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/february/invoice-645x425.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="paper invoice with calculator and stethoscope" /></div>
<h5>February 10, 2023</h5>
<h2>Texas Medical Association and Physician Community Win Second No Surprises Act Lawsuit</h2>
<p>Marking yet another victory on behalf of the physician community, a federal court in Texas has <a href="https://www.beckerspayer.com/policy-updates/federal-judge-rules-against-hhs-again-over-surprise-billing-arbitration-rule.html">ruled for the Texas Medical Association</a> in its ongoing legal challenge of the independent dispute resolution provisions of the federal No Surprises Act<em>.</em></p>
<p>TMA's legal challenge, filed in September 2022, alleged that federal regulators, when issuing a final rule implementing the independent dispute resolution provisions, violated the plain language of the No Surprises Act by giving preference to the "qualifying payment amount," which unfairly favors insurers when settling payment disputes between physicians and payers. This flawed approach was struck down by the Eastern District of Texas earlier last year before federal regulators sidestepped the court's decision in the final rule.</p>
<p>The WSMA joined with other state medical and medical specialty associations in signing on to an amicus brief supporting a Texas Medical Association lawsuit. TMA's lawsuit and the supporting amicus brief do not challenge the No Surprises Act's patient protections, which went into effect in January of this year and which physicians support to help protect patients from surprise bills.</p>
</div> | 2/9/2023 12:23:04 PM | 2/10/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| 2023-legislative-session-update-wsma-members-bring-the-physician-voice-to-olympia | 2023 Legislative Session Update: WSMA Members Bring the Physician Voice to Olympia | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2023/2023-legislative-session-update-wsma-members-bring-the-physician-voice-to-olympia | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/796363429"><img src="/images/Newsletters/latest-news/2023/feb/legislative-update-wk-5.png" alt="WSMA Legislative Update: February 6, 2023 logo" /></a></div>
<h5>February 6, 2023</h5>
<h2>2023 Legislative Session Update: WSMA Members Bring the Physician Voice to Olympia</h2>
<p>WSMA President Katina Rue, DO, shares highlights from the 2023 Legislative Summit and ways physicians and PAs can help amplify WSMA's advocacy priorities throughout the legislative session. <a href="https://vimeo.com/796363429">Watch the video</a>.</p>
</div> | 2/7/2023 12:12:41 PM | 2/6/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| 2023-legislative-session-update-previewing-this-fridays-legislative-summit | 2023 Legislative Session Update: Previewing this Friday's Legislative Summit | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2023/2023-legislative-session-update-previewing-this-fridays-legislative-summit | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/793969734"><img alt="WSMA Legislative Update: January 30, 2023 logo" src="/images/Newsletters/latest-news/2023/jan/legislative-update-wk-4.png" /></a>
</div>
<h5>January 31, 2023</h5>
<h2>2023 Legislative Session Update: Previewing this Friday's Legislative Summit</h2>
<p>WSMA Director of Government Affairs Sean Graham on what to expect at our first in-person Legislative Summit since 2020, this Friday, Feb. 3, in Olympia. <a href="https://vimeo.com/793969734">Watch the video</a> and <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/events/legislative_summit/wsma/events/wsma_legislative_summit/Legislative_Summit.aspx?hkey=795731a5-79ba-45b0-b78b-b9dfbfc336e5&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=rqOn8">register for the Summit</a>. The event is free for WSMA members!</p>
</div> | 1/30/2023 12:53:33 PM | 1/31/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| 2023-wsma-legislative-summit-features-panel-discussion-on-state-of-abortion-care | 2023 WSMA Legislative Summit Features Panel Discussion on State of Abortion Care | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/january-27/2023-wsma-legislative-summit-features-panel-discussion-on-state-of-abortion-care | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/january/2023-leg-summit-graphic-keiser-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="2023 Legislative Summit logo" /></div>
<h5>January 27, 2023</h5>
<h2>2023 WSMA Legislative Summit Features Panel Discussion on State of Abortion Care </h2>
<p>At the WSMA Legislative Summit next Friday, Feb. 3, we'll check in on the many legislative proposals regarding access to abortion currently being debated in Olympia during a robust panel discussion on the state of abortion care in Washington. Our guest panelists include Senator Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines), Nari Heshmati, MD, WSMA president elect and OB-GYN, and Courtney Normand, Planned Parenthood state director.</p>
<p>Protecting access to abortion and reproductive care is one of the priority legislative and budget items highlighted at this year's Legislative Summit. Other priorities include across-the-board Medicaid reimbursement rate increases, standardizing the prior authorization process, and preventing inappropriate scope-of-practice increases. If you are passionate about direct advocacy or have been looking for ways to engage with the work of the WSMA, next Friday's Summit is a great opportunity to come to Olympia, learn more about WSMA's legislative agenda, and help deliver our advocacy message directly to your elected representatives. The free event begins at 8 a.m. in the Columbia Room of the Legislative Building at 416 Sid Snyder Avenue SW, Olympia, WA 98504. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. <a href="[@]wsma/events/legislative_summit/wsma/events/wsma_legislative_summit/Legislative_Summit.aspx?hkey=795731a5-79ba-45b0-b78b-b9dfbfc336e5&amp;_zs=A3aFd1&amp;_zl=soFk8">Register for the event online</a>.</p>
</div> | 1/25/2023 3:47:23 PM | 1/27/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| session-update-public-hearings-on-abortion-access-and-prior-authorization-this-week | Session Update: Public Hearings on Abortion Access and Prior Authorization This Week | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/january-27/session-update-public-hearings-on-abortion-access-and-prior-authorization-this-week | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/january/2023-legislative-session-updates-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="2023 Legislative Session Updates logo" /></div>
<h5>January 27, 2023</h5>
<h2>Session Update: Public Hearings on Abortion Access and Prior Authorization This Week </h2>
<p>Proposed bills on two key WSMA legislative priorities - establishing abortion and reproductive care protections and standardizing prior authorization practices - received public hearings this week as state lawmakers closed out week three of the 105-day legislative session.</p>
<h3>Access to abortion care takes center stage</h3>
<p>A number of bills on the subject of access to abortion received hearings on Tuesday, Jan. 24, including:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=8202&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2023">Senate Joint Resolution 8202</a>, which would enshrine legal access to abortion and contraception in the Washington state constitution, was heard in the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee.</li>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1469&amp;Year=2023&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1469</a>, which would establish liability protections for patients and health care professionals from criminal and civil actions based on the provision of abortion care and gender-affirming care services, was heard in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee.</li>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1340&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2023">House Bill 1340</a>, which would specify that unprofessional conduct under our state's Uniform Discipline Act does not include the provision of abortion care in a state or for a patient who resides in a state where such services are prohibited for the purpose of Washington state licensure and discipline, was heard in the House Health Care and Wellness Committee. These protections would also extend to gender-affirming care services. HB 1340 is sponsored by Committee Chair Rep. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane.</li>
</ul>
<p>WSMA President Katina Rue, DO, attended the hearings testifying on behalf of the WSMA in support of these proposals. Joining Dr. Rue at the HB 1469 hearing was Sarah Prager, MD, who testified in support on behalf of the Washington Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Also heard on Tuesday were <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5242&amp;Chamber=Senate&amp;Year=2023">Senate Bill 5242</a>, which would prohibit copays, deductibles, and other cost-sharing requirements on abortion services, and <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5489&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2023">Senate Bill 5489</a>, the companion bill to HB 1469 establishing liability protections.</p>
<h3>Prioritizing prior authorization reform</h3>
<p>On Wednesday, WSMA priority legislation <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1357&amp;Year=2023&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1357</a> concerning prior authorization was the subject of a public hearing in the House Health Care and Wellness Committee. Sponsored by Rep. Tarra Simmons, D-Bremerton and brought forward by the WSMA, HB 1357 would limit the utilization of prior authorization where codes are approved at exceedingly high rates and standardize requirements across insurance carriers. The WSMA testified in support.</p>
<h3>In previous weeks: Scope of practice and gun violence</h3>
<p>Of particular note, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1041&amp;Year=2023&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1041</a>, which would grant prescriptive authority to psychologists under certain circumstances, was heard in the House Health Care and Wellness Committee on Jan. 11. The WSMA testified in opposition as <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/legislative_regulatory/issue-briefs/scope-of-practice-efforts.aspx">per policy opposing scope efforts by nonphysician practitioners without commensurate training to ensure patient safety</a>. The second week of session saw several high-profile hearings on firearm legislation. The WSMA has a variety of relevant policy and supports legislation to reduce firearm violence, including the proposed assault weapons ban, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1240&amp;Year=2023&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1240</a>.</p>
<h3>For more detailed session updates</h3>
<p>For weekly session updates with greater details on bills being debated in Olympia, WSMA members may subscribe to the WSMA Outreach &amp; Advocacy Report by emailing Chelsea Thumberg at <a href="mailto:chelsea@wsma.org">chelsea@wsma.org</a>. </p>
<p>And don't forget: If you are passionate about direct advocacy, come to <a href="[@]wsma/events/legislative_summit/wsma/events/wsma_legislative_summit/Legislative_Summit.aspx?hkey=795731a5-79ba-45b0-b78b-b9dfbfc336e5">Olympia on Feb. 3 for the 2023 WSMA Legislative Summit</a> and join your like-minded colleagues and peers from across the state as we take our advocacy message directly to legislators.</p>
</div> | 1/25/2023 3:47:08 PM | 1/27/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| updated-washington-practitioner-application-supports-physician-well-being | Updated Washington Practitioner Application Supports Physician Well-Being | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/january-27/updated-washington-practitioner-application-supports-physician-well-being | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/january/smiling-docs-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="smiling doctors" /></div>
<h5>January 27, 2023</h5>
<h2>Updated Licensing and Credentialing Applications Support Physician Well-Being</h2>
<p>The WSMA is pleased to report that physicians and other licensed practitioners will now benefit from newly updated licensing and credentialing forms in Washington state. These widely used forms have been revised with input from the physician community, and reflect a growing awareness of the barriers to wellness that medical licensing and credentialing insurance applications were creating for physicians and practitioners. </p>
<h3>Updated Washington Practitioner Application&nbsp;</h3>
<p>This month, a streamlined <a href="https://www.wamss.org/resources/washington-credentialing-standardization-group/">Washington Practitioner Application</a>&nbsp;was introduced. The WPA is a standardized application that is accepted by most physician organizations, hospitals, and health plans and throughout the state. Changes to the application include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Updated attestation question regarding a practitioner's physical and mental health conditions. After years of discussions and input from numerous organizations, the credentialing committee overseeing the form revisions settled on a more streamlined question that still meets regulatory agency requirements to inquire about a practitioner's mental health status.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>A new section that asks for contact details for the monitoring program the practitioner is enrolled in but does not ask for any details around the condition or circumstances that led to being admitted into the monitoring program or the practitioner's current status with the monitoring program. This ensures that no practitioner PHI ends up on the WPA.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Washington licensing applications newly updated</h3>
<p>The Washington Medical Commission has updated its <a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/licensing/applications-and-forms">licensing questions</a> to remove potentially invasive or stigmatizing language around mental health. The commission changed the question to an attestation and provided information about the Washington Physicians Health Program. These new updates follow changes in 2019 removing the requirement for applicants to disclose mental health or substance use disorder information resulting from new "safe haven" provisions.
</p>
<p>The WSMA gives special thanks to Washington Physicians Health Program Executive Medical Director Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, a strong physician advocate who helped provide guidance to both the Washington Medical Commission and the credentialing standardization committee on the changes to these forms.</p>
<p>These combined changes represent significant progress in decreasing barriers to help-seeking for physicians and physician assistants in our state and furthers WSMA's vision to make Washington the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 1/25/2023 3:47:14 PM | 1/27/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-advocacy-critical-to-removal-of-buprenorphine-prescribing-barriers | WSMA Advocacy Critical to Removal of Buprenorphine Prescribing Barriers | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/january-27/wsma-advocacy-critical-to-removal-of-buprenorphine-prescribing-barriers | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/january/buprenorphine-butrans10mcg-645px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="Butrans packets" /></div>
<h5>January 27, 2023</h5>
<h2>WSMA Advocacy Critical to Removal of Buprenorphine Prescribing Barriers </h2>
<p>The passage of the omnibus spending package in December included a significant policy priority of the WSMA and addiction treatment professionals: a provision to remove federal barriers to medications for opioid use disorder and increase access to life-saving treatment that prevents overdoses and supports recovery.</p>
<h3>About the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act</h3>
<p>The Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2023 included key provisions from the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act (H.R. 1384/S. 445), legislation supported by the WSMA intended to address America's worsening overdose crisis. The MAT Act:</p>
<ul>
<li>Removes the X-Waiver registration requirement, so all physicians and nonphysician practitioners with a standard controlled medication license can prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder just as they prescribe medications for other chronic conditions.</li>
<li>Removes the patient limits for prescribing buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.</li>
<li>Removes the special Drug Enforcement Administration "X" prescribing number. Physicians can use their standard DEA controlled substance license number to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.</li>
<li>Removes the counseling referral and ancillary services requirement.</li>
<li>Removes the X-Waiver training requirement.</li>
<li>Removes the list of health care practitioners who can prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.</li>
</ul>
<p>See <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OwOAvy3oEs5DUtKAToS8irT4ZWApdezV/view">this brief for details</a> on these provisions.</p>
<h3>WSMA's critical early leadership and support</h3>
<p>The WSMA and a coalition of Washington stakeholders played a critical role in getting the MAT Act the attention it deserved at the federal level. Many stakeholders, including academic institutions, law enforcement, and other medical and recovery associations, signed on in support thanks to WSMA's early leadership on the policy, giving Washington state the broadest coalition of state-based organizations supporting the MAT Act.</p>
<p>This state coalition was pivotal in gaining federal support for the bill, in particular from the many Washington state lawmakers in Congress who have an outsized influence on health policy, including Sen. Patty Murray, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and Rep. Kim Schrier, as well as Washington's key party leaders, Rep. Suzan DelBene, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, and Rep. Derek Kilmer, who have significant influence on legislation that passes the House. We are grateful to these lawmakers, each of whom supported and prioritized the MAT Act because they knew that it was important for physicians and health care professionals in the state.</p>
<p>The WSMA is especially grateful for the leadership and advocacy of Lucinda Grande, MD, Olympia addiction medicine physician, who authored Resolution C-15 on behalf of the Thurston-Mason County Medical Society, which called on the WSMA to support federal efforts to eliminate the buprenorphine waiver requirement. The resolution was passed by the 2019 WSMA House of Delegates and provided the policy underpinning for WSMA's advocacy on the issue.</p>
<h3>Resources for prescribing buprenorphine</h3>
<p>The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has developed a <a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/quick-start-guide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">buprenorphine quick start guide</a> and <a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/quick-start-pocket.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">pocket guide</a> for all physicians and practitioners seeking to prescribe buprenorphine. We encourage physicians in active practice to familiarize themselves with this guidance and consider, when appropriate, prescribing buprenorphine to prevent painful withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid use disorder, just as you would prescribe medications for other chronic conditions.</p>
</div> | 1/26/2023 2:19:23 PM | 1/27/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-continues-engagement-with-the-states-health-care-cost-transparency-board | WSMA Continues Engagement with the State's Health Care Cost Transparency Board | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2023/january-27/wsma-continues-engagement-with-the-states-health-care-cost-transparency-board | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2023/january/stethoscope-dollar-sign-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope in the shape of a dollar sign" /></div>
<h5>January 27, 2023</h5>
<h2>WSMA Continues Engagement with the State's Health Care Cost Transparency Board </h2>
<p>The WSMA has monitored and participated in the work of the state's <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/advocacy/health_care_cost_transparency/wsma/advocacy/health_care_cost_transparency/health_care_cost_transparency.aspx?hkey=a9ff53b5-1080-43e7-9b48-1fec039ce9c6">Health Care Cost Transparency Board</a> throughout 2022, attending meetings and submitting comment letters when warranted. The WSMA continues to collaborate, primarily with the Washington State Hospital Association, to submit feedback reflecting our concerns over various aspects of the board and its established benchmarks.</p>
<p>Last month, the WSMA worked with WSHA to submit a <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2023/hcctb-annual-report-comment-letter-final.pdf]">comment letter</a>&nbsp;on the board's first annual report, which was submitted to the Legislature in advance of the 2023 legislative session, highlighting our shared concerns not reflected in the report. More recently, the WSMA partnered with WSHA, the Association of Washington Health Plans, and the Washington State Medical Group Management Association to submit a <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2023/hcctb-inflation-letter.pdf]">comment letter</a>&nbsp;to the board over concerns with inflation, suggesting a more meaningful and achievable benchmark considering the economic challenges we are facing.</p>
<p>The WSMA will continue to engage with the board and other stakeholders and will keep members apprised of developments.</p>
</div> | 1/26/2023 2:19:28 PM | 1/27/2023 12:00:00 AM |