| 2019_immunization_schedule_and_vaccine_updates_webinar | 2019 Immunization Schedule and Vaccine Updates Webinar | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190522/2019_immunization_schedule_and_vaccine_updates_webinar | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
May 22, 2019
</h5>
<h2>2019 Immunization Schedule and Vaccine Updates Webinar</h2>
<p>
Join the Department of Health on Tue, Jun 18, noon-1 p.m. for a free webinar focusing on the immunization catch-up schedule, immunization rules and exceptions, and updates to school and childcare immunization requirements. DOH immunization nurse consultants Trang Kuss, RN, and Katherine Graff, RN, will present. <a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7993944712803535361">Register online</a>.
</p>
</div> | 5/22/2019 12:39:46 PM | 5/22/2019 11:36:11 AM | 5/22/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| free_cme_on_demand_pediatric_lead_screening_and_reporting_in_washington | Free CME on Demand: Pediatric Lead Screening and Reporting in Washington | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190522/free_cme_on_demand_pediatric_lead_screening_and_reporting_in_washington | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
May 22, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Free CME on Demand: Pediatric Lead Screening and Reporting in Washington</h2>
<p>
Get up to speed on current guidelines for assessment and screening of lead exposure with "Promoting Pediatric Lead Screening," a free 20-minute, on-demand CME from the University of Washington Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
</p>
<p>
Most lead toxicity in the United States is subclinical, necessitating blood lead testing to identify concerning exposure. Health consequences of low-level lead exposure include attention related problems, decreased cognitive ability and academic achievement, anti-social behavior, delayed puberty, and reproductive effects.
</p>
<p>
"Promoting Pediatric Lead Screening" provides clinicians, allied health professionals, and public health professionals with the latest information on the importance of pediatric lead screening, as well as lead poisoning management from a public health perspective. The training module was developed by the Northwest Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units based at the University of Washington and provided jointly with the CDC. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>. <a href="https://www.pehsuclassroom.net/learn/course/external/view/elearning/121/promoting-pediatric-lead-screening">Learn more and take the training</a>.
</p>
</div> | 5/22/2019 12:24:45 PM | 5/22/2019 11:36:02 AM | 5/22/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| learn_how_to_run_a_successful_campaign_at_the_2019_ampac_campaign_school | Learn How to Run a Successful Campaign at the 2019 AMPAC Campaign School | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190522/learn_how_to_run_a_successful_campaign_at_the_2019_ampac_campaign_school | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
May 22, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Learn How to Run a Successful Campaign at the 2019 AMPAC Campaign School</h2>
<p>
Ever wonder how doctors get elected to Congress or your state legislature? Considering a run for office yourself? The AMPAC Candidate School, held Sept. 26-29 in Washington, D.C., can help.
</p>
<p>
The program, offered by AMPAC, the bipartisan political action committee of the American Medical Association, is designed to give physicians and medical students the skills and strategic approach they will need on the campaign trail. Guided by a staff of political experts, enrollees will participate in a simulated congressional campaign, using strategic vote targeting, social media, advertising and more. Come away with the insights and tools you need to run a successful campaign or be a sought-after volunteer.
</p>
<p>
<a href="http://www.ampaconline.org/political-education/apply/">Registration is now open</a>. The deadline to register is June 21. The registration fee is $350 for AMA members, spouses, and state medical society staff ($1,000 for non-AMA members). The fee is waived for students and residents; however, there are limited slots and the AMPAC board will review and select from the pool of qualified applicants. For more information or to apply visit <a href="http://www.ampaconline.org/political-education/apply/">AMPAC online</a> or contact <a href="mailto:politicaleducation@ama-assn.org">politicaleducation@ama-assn.org</a>.
</p>
</div> | 5/22/2019 2:08:56 PM | 5/22/2019 9:48:54 AM | 5/22/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| new_mmr_vaccine_legislation_and_certificate_of_exemption_forms | New MMR Vaccine Legislation and Certificate of Exemption Forms | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190522/new_mmr_vaccine_legislation_and_certificate_of_exemption_forms | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
May 22, 2019
</h5>
<h2>New MMR Vaccine Legislation and Certificate of Exemption Forms</h2>
<p>
WSMA priority legislation HB 1638, which removes the personal and philosophical exemption for the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, has been signed by the governor and will take effect on July 28. In anticipation, the Department of Health has created a <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Schools/Immunization/ExemptionLawChange">new webpage for quick reference by health professionals and patients</a>, containing information and resources on this change to school and child care immunization requirements, as well as a <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Schools/Immunization/ExemptionLawChange/ExemptionLawFAQs">frequently asked questions page</a>. The DOH expects the updated certificate of exemption form to be available in June. If you have questions, email <a href="mailto:OICP@doh.wa.gov">OICP@doh.wa.gov</a>.
</p>
</div> | 5/22/2019 12:25:04 PM | 5/22/2019 11:36:08 AM | 5/22/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| the_state_of_health_plans_in_washington_state | The State of Health Plans in Washington State | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190522/the_state_of_health_plans_in_washington_state | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
May 22, 2019
</h5>
<h2>The State of Health Plans in Washington State</h2>
<p>
The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner and the Washington Health Benefit Exchange have each issued new data on the health of Washington's health plans.
</p>
<h3>2018 financial results released</h3>
<p>
Fourteen Washington state health plans have reported financial results for 2018, with eleven plans reporting a profit and only three reporting a loss. <a href="https://www.healthcarenewssite.com/planfinancials.php#wa-ytd-1218/">Click here for details</a>-and <a href="https://www.healthcarenewssite.com/planfinancials.php#washington-health-plan-financials-ytd-123117/">click here for a comparison to calendar year 2017</a>.
</p>
<h3>Assessment rates approved</h3>
<p>
The Washington Health Benefit Exchange will maintain its carrier assessment rate of $3.36 per member per month on all health plans offered through Washington Healthplanfinder for coverage in 2020. The assessment is again among the lowest approved in the nation. Health insurance carriers will use this information to inform their 2020 rates, which must be filed with the OIC this Thursday, May 23 (with final determination of health plans and rate changes announced by the agency in the fall).
</p>
<p>
Also: A <a href="https://www.kff.org/private-insurance/issue-brief/individual-insurance-market-performance-in-2018/">recent analysis from The Kaiser Family Foundation</a> on the individual health insurance market financial performance for 2018 found insurers returning to pre-Affordable Care Act levels of profitability, with insurers expected to pay an <a href="https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/health/affordable-care-act-market-rebound-could-prompt-m-in-rebates/article_e3579b99-3b18-5cc7-9bbb-8f7186e9351d.html">estimated $800 million in rebates</a> to individual market consumers for not meeting the ACA-established medical-loss ratio threshold.
</p>
</div> | 5/22/2019 12:40:22 PM | 5/22/2019 11:35:58 AM | 5/22/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wsmas_legislative_session_wrap_up_webinar_now_available_on_demand | WSMA's Legislative Session Wrap-Up Webinar Now Available on Demand | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190522/wsmas_legislative_session_wrap_up_webinar_now_available_on_demand | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
May 22, 2019
</h5>
<h2>WSMA's Legislative Session Wrap-Up Webinar Now Available on Demand</h2>
<p>
If you missed our legislative wrap-up webinar last Wednesday, you can now view this informative session at your convenience from the WSMA website. Watch as WSMA's lead lobbyists Katie Kolan and Sean Graham succinctly guide you through new policies passed during session that stand to impact the house of medicine in our state (they also note a few priority policies that did not pass that we will likely see again in 2020). <a href="https://wsma.org/WSMA/Advocacy/Legislative___Regulatory/WSMA/Advocacy/Legislative_Regulatory/Legislative_Regulatory.aspx?hkey=c0dc6e7c-4385-497a-99db-4a6b6f4e56bd">Watch the video</a>.
</p>
</div> | 5/22/2019 12:25:36 PM | 5/22/2019 11:35:52 AM | 5/22/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| cms_expands_medicare_advantage_telehealth_coverage | CMS Expands Medicare Advantage Telehealth Coverage | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190508/cms_expands_medicare_advantage_telehealth_coverage | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
May 8, 2019
</h5>
<h2>CMS Expands Medicare Advantage Telehealth Coverage</h2>
<p>
Medicare Advantage will expand its telehealth coverage to include in-home services starting in 2020, as a result of a rule change by the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services finalized in April. <a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-finalizes-policies-bring-innovative-telehealth-benefit-medicare-advantage">Read more about the new policy and other changes coming to Medicare Advantage and the Medicare Prescription Drug Part D benefit</a>. The changes were made possible by the federal Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018.
</p>
</div> | 5/8/2019 3:23:26 PM | 5/8/2019 3:19:48 PM | 5/8/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| may_webinars_amas_transforming_clinical_practice_initiative | May Webinars: AMA's Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190508/may_webinars_amas_transforming_clinical_practice_initiative | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
May 8, 2019
</h5>
<h2>May Webinars: AMA's Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative</h2>
<p>
The American Medical Association's Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative provides technical guidance to physicians to assist with integration of quality and process improvement strategies in the clinical setting. The AMA initiative is hosting two webinars this month as part of its Share, Listen, Learn series:
</p>
<p><strong>Thriving in Practice - Staywell Performance Story: APM Graduation</strong></p>
<p>
A long-time physician will share her practice's journey through the phases of transformation and how both the struggles and the triumphs have prepared the practice team for operating and succeeding in an alternative payment model.
</p>
<p>
Wednesday, May 22, at 10 a.m. PDT
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://cc.readytalk.com/registration/#/?meeting=8ezlq3qzdzui&amp;campaign=j42ybdhntike">Register online</a>.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Family Caregivers Providing Complex Care </strong>
</p>
<p>
Twenty million family caregivers provide complex care. These family caregivers need more support and instruction from health professionals, according to Home Alone Revisited: Family Caregivers Providing Complex Care. Susan C. Reinhard, RN, PhD, FAAN, senior vice president and director of AARP, will share findings from the report and how to access resources and tools for the family caregiver and provider, including how-to family caregiving instructional videos, resource guides, and evidence-based articles.
</p>
<p>
Wednesday, May 29, at 10 a.m. PDT
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://cc.readytalk.com/registration/#/?meeting=mj71cxh1gvfo&amp;campaign=mh3ntc5gwu2h">Register online</a>.
</p>
</div> | 5/8/2019 3:23:26 PM | 5/8/2019 3:21:42 PM | 5/8/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| Urge_Your_Lawmakers__NO_on_SB_5526_ | Urge Your Lawmakers: NO on SB 5526! | memo | Shared_Content/News/Advocacy_Report/2019/Urge_Your_Lawmakers__NO_on_SB_5526_ | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/News/take_action_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>April 24, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Urge Your Lawmakers: No on Flawed Public Option Bill, SB 5526!</h2>
<p>
The public option health plan bill, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5526&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">Senate Bill 5526</a>, is heading for a final vote in the state Legislature this week. If approved, the bill will head to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature. The WSMA has been unequivocal throughout session: We cannot accept a public option that is predicated on rate setting for physician reimbursement, particularly at a percentage of Medicare. </p>
<p>
<strong>This is our final opportunity to protect our patients from flawed policy that will result in public option insurance plans that don’t have access to physicians. Contact your senator and representatives this week and urge a NO vote on SB 5526 and its rate-setting provision. Don’t wait until it’s too late—act now!</strong>
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/public-option-bill-with-rate-setting/" class="TextButton">Learn More &amp; Take Action</a>
</p>
</div> | 4/29/2019 10:17:11 AM | 4/23/2019 9:33:52 AM | 4/29/2019 10:17:11 AM |
| 2019_physicians_insurance_annual_meeting_and_proxy_vote | 2019 Physicians Insurance Annual Meeting and Proxy Vote | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190424/2019_physicians_insurance_annual_meeting_and_proxy_vote | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
April 24, 2019
</h5>
<h2>2019 Physicians Insurance Annual Meeting and Proxy Vote</h2>
<p>
The annual meeting of the members of Physicians Insurance A Mutual Company will be held on Monday, April 29 at 1301 2nd Ave., Ste. 2700 in Seattle starting at 1 p.m. The purposes of the meeting are to elect directors, amend bylaws, and to act on any other matters coming before the meeting. Additional information on the vote will be provided on the company's website. PI policyholders may visit <a href="http://www.physins.com/proxy2019">www.physins.com/proxy2019</a> to download their proxy and place their vote by close of business Thursday, April 25.
</p>
</div> | 4/24/2019 12:26:20 PM | 4/24/2019 11:09:48 AM | 4/24/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| final_push_sentinel_network_workforce_survey_closes_soon | Final Push: Sentinel Network Workforce Survey Closes Soon | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190424/final_push_sentinel_network_workforce_survey_closes_soon | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
April 24, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Final Push: Sentinel Network Workforce Survey Closes Soon </h2>
<p>
The Washington Sentinel Network health workforce survey closes at the end of April. Don't miss this opportunity to report your health care recruiting hurdles, common skill gaps, and other workforce challenges. Your feedback can help ensure the state's health workforce is prepared to respond to the transforming health care environment.
</p>
<p>
Since 2016, a state-led consortium has collected ground-level information about health care needs in Washington through the Health Workforce Sentinel Network. Now is your chance to add your voice: Become a sentinel today and tell educators and policymakers about your organization's health workforce needs. <a href="http://www.wasentinelnetwork.org/join">Learn more online</a>. Check the <a href="http://wasentinelnetwork.org/findings">findings dashboard</a> to view what sentinels have said to date.
</p>
</div> | 4/24/2019 12:26:51 PM | 4/23/2019 12:09:31 PM | 4/24/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| Nominations_for_WSMA_Leadership_Due_April_30 | Nominations for WSMA Leadership Due April 30 | memo | Shared_Content/News/Advocacy_Report/2019/Nominations_for_WSMA_Leadership_Due_April_30 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/People%20non%20stock/EC_2017AM_645px.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>
April 24, 2019
</h5>
<h2>
Nominations for WSMA Leadership: Deadline Extended to May 10
</h2>
<p>The WSMA is now accepting nominations for a variety of positions on the board of trustees. See the 2018-19 board of trustees roster below for a list of positions with terms expiring in 2019.</p>
<p>A demographically representative leadership is crucial to WSMA's success as your premier statewide physician professional association. Serving as a member of the WSMA board of trustees provides physicians an opportunity to get involved and help ensure Washington continues to be the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
<p>Qualifications of nominees and a roster of current board members are below. If you or someone you know is interested in serving, please submit a nomination form, conflict of interest disclosure statement, and candidate information sheet (also below) along with a curriculum vitae to Shannon Bozarth at <a href="mailto:slb@wsma.org">slb@wsma.org</a> (or fax to 206.441.5863) no later than <strong>Friday, May 10 (note new deadline).</strong>.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/About/Leadership/WSMA_BOT_qualifications_2019.pdf]">Qualifications</a> </li>
<li><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/About/Leadership/WSMA_BOT_roster_2019.pdf]">2018-19 WSMA board of trustees roster</a> </li>
<li><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/About/Leadership/WSMA_BOT_nomination_form_2019.pdf]">Nomination form</a> </li>
<li><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/About/Leadership/WSMA_BOT_disclosure_form_2019.pdf]">Conflict of interest disclosure statement</a> </li>
<li><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/About/Leadership/WSMA_BOT_candidate_info_sheet_2019.pdf]">Candidate information sheet</a> </li>
</ul>
<p>The WSMA nominating committee will meet in early June to prepare a slate of nominees for presentation to the House of Delegates at the <a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx">WSMA Annual Meeting</a>, Oct. 12-13, at the Hilton Seattle Airport &amp; Conference Center.</p>
<p>Additional nominations may be made from the floor of the House of Delegates during the annual meeting. All nominees must submit a CV, conflict of interest disclosure statement, and candidate information sheet to the WSMA in advance of the election.</p>
</div> | 4/24/2019 11:35:19 AM | 3/18/2019 1:46:32 PM | 4/24/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| wrongful_death_bill_passes_legislature_heads_to_governor_for_signing | Wrongful Death Bill Passes Legislature, Heads to Governor for Signing | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190424/wrongful_death_bill_passes_legislature_heads_to_governor_for_signing | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
April 24, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Wrongful Death Bill Passes Legislature, Heads to Governor for Signing</h2>
<p>
Despite vocal opposition from the WSMA and a large coalition of health care industry partners, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5163&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">Senate Bill 5163</a>, which broadly expands who can sue in cases of wrongful death and what types of damages they can recover, has passed out of both legislative chambers and now heads to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA is disappointed in its passage after working over several legislative sessions to oppose the problematic policy, which was spurred by a tragic accident in Seattle involving a Ride the Ducks vehicle in 2015. The original intent of the bill was to allow foreign residents to file wrongful death lawsuits in tragic situations like the 2015 accident; however, SB 5163 went far beyond that, expanding broadly who can sue for wrongful death and removing the requirement in current law that a person be financially dependent on the deceased. This, mixed with the bill's other proposed changes and Washington state's existing joint and several liability laws, will dramatically increase physicians' and hospitals' liability, with increased costs eventually being passed to taxpayers, employers, patients, ratepayers, and consumers.
</p>
<p>
Prior to passage, to diminish the negative impacts from this bill, the WSMA, Physicians Insurance, the Washington State Hospital Association, the Liability Reform Coalition, and others supported an amendment creating several liability for cases involving people without financial ties to the deceased as a more reasonable approach. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in our efforts, and we remain concerned about this legislation's impact on health care in our state.
</p>
</div> | 4/24/2019 12:24:06 PM | 4/24/2019 10:52:42 AM | 4/24/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| governor_proclaims_april_16_healthcare_decisions_day | Governor Proclaims April 16 “Healthcare Decisions Day” | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190410/governor_proclaims_april_16_healthcare_decisions_day | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
April 10, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Governor Proclaims April 16 "Healthcare Decisions Day"</h2>
For the second year in a row, at the request of the WSMA and the Washington State Hospital Association, Gov. Jay Inslee has proclaimed April 16 as "Healthcare Decisions Day" in Washington state. The day is designed to educate and empower the public and providers on the importance of advance care planning, both the discussion and documenting of health care choices. <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Newsletters/2019/Healthcare Decisions Day.pdf]">Click here to read the proclamation</a>. For advance care planning information and resources, visit the <a href="https://www.honoringchoicespnw.org/">newly redesigned website of Honoring Choices Pacific Northwest</a>, the joint WSMA and WSHA initiative.
</div> | 4/10/2019 4:11:33 PM | 4/10/2019 11:42:33 AM | 4/10/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| medical_commission_revises_licensure_and_renewal_application | Medical Commission Revises Licensure and Renewal Application | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190410/medical_commission_revises_licensure_and_renewal_application | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
April 10, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Medical Commission Revises Licensure and Renewal Application</h2>
<p>
Following the AMA call to action for medical boards to reform their licensure questions, the Washington Physicians Health Program joined with the Washington Medical Commission to review the Washington state application and consider improvements. Introduced by the Medical Commission in December, the revised licensure and renewal application features the following changes:
</p>
<ul>
<li>The definition of "currently" in relation to an existing health condition was modified to only include the prior six months (previously it had been within the past two years).</li>
<li>Questions specifically asking about the impact of treatment or work accommodations on safety to practice were eliminated.</li>
<li>Questions regarding diagnosis of paraphilias were removed.</li>
<li>A safe-haven provision was added to the application instructions such that individuals known to WPHP may answer "no" to the item related to health impairment.</li>
</ul>
<p>
Read more about these changes in the <a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/Newsletter/WPHPReportSpring_2019.pdf" target="_blank">the Medical Commission's spring report</a>.
</p>
</div> | 4/10/2019 4:07:10 PM | 4/10/2019 11:40:34 AM | 4/10/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| september_conference_to_explore_issues_faced_by_clinicians_caring_for_dying_patients | September Conference to Explore Issues Faced by Clinicians Caring for Dying Patients | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190410/september_conference_to_explore_issues_faced_by_clinicians_caring_for_dying_patients | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/images/Events/EOL-Conf-Sept2019-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" />
</div>
<h5>
April 10, 2019
</h5>
<h2>September Conference to Explore Issues Faced by Clinicians Caring for Dying Patients</h2>
<p>
Join us on Sept. 13-14 in Seattle for At the End of Life: Agency, Role and Responsibilities of the Physician/Advanced Practitioner, a two-day conference exploring the issues clinicians caring for dying patients often face, as both medical technology and patients' requests for planned death evolve.
</p>
<p>
Physicians and advanced practitioners have the privilege and duty to care for patients at the end of life. Sometimes their actions—including discontinuing life support (including ventilators, cardiac devices, and dialysis), clinically supporting patients who voluntarily stop eating and drinking (VSED), providing palliative sedation, and, in states where it is legal, prescribing a lethal dose of medication to a dying patient—factor into a patient's death.
</p>
<p>
At this conference, we'll set the stage for ongoing discussion of these practices and the clinical, legal, ethical, sociocultural, spiritual, and psychological dimensions that are often challenging for physicians and advanced practitioners to navigate.
</p>
<p>
The Washington End of Life Coalition—sponsored by the WSMA Foundation for Health Care Improvement—is partnering with the UW School of Medicine Department of Bioethics &amp; Humanities, Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence at the University of Washington, and UW School of Law to present this national conference. <a href="https://uw.cloud-cme.com/default.aspx?P=5&amp;EID=6154">Click here for course details and to register</a>. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™</em>.
</p>
</div> | 4/10/2019 3:50:54 PM | 4/10/2019 11:43:03 AM | 4/10/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| tell_about_your_health_workforce_needs_through_the_sentinel_network | Tell About Your Health Workforce Needs Through the Sentinel Network | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190410/tell_about_your_health_workforce_needs_through_the_sentinel_network | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/Concepts/Dyad_Leadership_Course_stock_medical_team_645px.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>
April 10, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Tell About Your Health Workforce Needs Through the Sentinel Network</h2>
<p>
The Washington Sentinel Network wants to hear about your health care recruiting hurdles, common skill gaps, and other workforce challenges.
</p>
<p>
Since 2016, a state-led consortium has collected ground-level information about health care needs in Washington through the Health Workforce Sentinel Network. Now is your chance to add your voice: Become a sentinel today and tell educators and policymakers about your organization's health workforce needs. <a href="http://www.wasentinelnetwork.org/join">Learn more online</a>. The current data submission opportunity is only available through the end of April.
</p>
<p>
Since launching the Sentinel Network, health care providers have identified common occupational skills they need but can't always get. Sentinels have also provided feedback on changing health care roles, helping Washington's education and training programs retool to reflect these changes. Check the findings <a href="http://wasentinelnetwork.org/findings">dashboard</a> to view what sentinels have said to date.
</p>
</div> | 4/16/2019 3:05:47 PM | 4/10/2019 11:41:06 AM | 4/10/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| appropriate_utilization_of_ect_considered_in_olympia | Appropriate Utilization of ECT Considered in Olympia | memo | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/20190327/appropriate_utilization_of_ect_considered_in_olympia | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>
March 27, 2019
</h5>
<h2>Appropriate Utilization of ECT Considered in Olympia</h2>
<p>
With more than 2,000 bills introduced in the 2019 legislative session, it's easy for even important issues to occasionally fly under the radar. One example is a bill introduced this session pertaining to the use of electroconvulsive therapy for medical conditions such as catatonia. While the consensus around the use of ECT for these conditions is strong among physicians, there remains some stigma towards the treatment from elements of the public.
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<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5842&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">Senate Bill 5842</a>, sponsored by Sen. Reuven Carlyle (D-Seattle), was intended to start a conversation about appropriate utilization of ECT, particularly in cases where a patient is incapacitated due to conditions such as catatonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and status epilepticus. Current state law is unclear with regard to the ability of legal guardians and substitute decision-makers to provide consent for treatment under these conditions, contributing to substantial delays in patient care. While the bill did not advance out of its policy committee and will not receive further consideration this year, the WSMA is appreciative of Sen. Carlyle for highlighting this important issue before the Legislature and intends to continue working on it in the 2020 session and beyond. If this is an issue that's important to you, please share your thoughts with Sean Graham (<a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">sean@wsma.org</a>).
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</div> | 3/27/2019 12:34:09 PM | 3/27/2019 12:05:13 PM | 3/27/2019 12:00:00 AM |
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March 27, 2019
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<h2>CMS Will Randomly Audit Health Plans to Ensure Compliance</h2>
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The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services has initiated a new <a href="https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Administrative-Simplification/Subregulatory-Guidance/Downloads/CRProgramInformationBulletin.pdf" target="_blank">compliance review program</a> to ensure health plans and clearinghouses are complying with <a href="https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Administrative-Simplification/HIPAA-ACA/index.html">HIPAA administrative simplification rules</a> for electronic health care transactions as required by the Affordable Care Act. Covered entities found to be noncompliant will be given the opportunity to take corrective action but will be subjected to escalated enforcement actions if problems aren't addressed. Physicians who believe an insurer or clearinghouse is not in compliance with these administrative simplification standards can still <a href="https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Administrative-Simplification/Enforcements/FileaComplaint.html">file a complaint</a> using an online tool known as <a href="https://asett.cms.gov/ASETT_HomePage">ASETT</a>.
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</div> | 3/27/2019 12:34:09 PM | 3/27/2019 12:25:50 PM | 3/27/2019 12:00:00 AM |
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<h2>Get Help with Managed Care Recoupments</h2>
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If your claims for Apple Health (Medicaid) clients have been denied because of a managed care plan's recoupment (due to Medicare eligibility), the state Health Care Authority has provided the following guidance.
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First, be sure to enter the following claim note when you submit your claim to ProviderOne:
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MC RECOUP DATED [MM/DD/YYYY]
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For claims denied due to timely filing:<br />
When the claim is resubmitted, it will be denied for timely filing and you must contact the Health Care Authority with the claim numbers to be reprocessed.
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For claims denied for another reason:<br />
If a claim is denied for another reason after it has been reprocessed, HCA will review the additional/new denial for payment and contact you with the outcome.
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Do not resubmit your request or the claim again after this resubmission. Requests are being worked in the order received. To contact the Health Care Authority, call 800.562.3022 or use the <a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/p1contactus/">HCA's secure web portal</a>.
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</div> | 3/27/2019 12:34:09 PM | 3/27/2019 12:20:34 PM | 3/27/2019 12:00:00 AM |