| WSMA_formally_opposes_dhs_rule_that_increases_adverse_events_for_children | The WSMA formally opposes DHS rule that increases adverse events for children | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2018/WSMA_formally_opposes_dhs_rule_that_increases_adverse_events_for_children | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>November 2, 2018</h5>
<h2>The WSMA formally opposes DHS rule that increases adverse events for children</h2>
<p>Seattle, Wash.&nbsp;- The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) today sent a <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Press Room/WSMA formal comment on FSA-FINAL-110218.pdf]">formal public submission</a> into the Federal Register strongly opposing the proposed rule "<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2018-19052">Apprehension, Processing, Care, and Custody of Alien Minors and Unaccompanied Alien Children</a>"&nbsp;(Document Citation 83 FR 45486, Agency/Docket Number: ICEB-2018-0002). The final day to submit comments on this proposed rule is November 6, 2018. </p>
<p>The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) propose to “amend regulations relating to the apprehension, processing, care, custody, and release of alien juveniles.†In 1985, plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit, Flores v. Reno, challenged the policies of the legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) relating to the detention, processing, and release of child immigrants. The parties reached a settlement agreement, referred to as the Flores Settlement Agreement (FSA).</p>
<p>The Flores Settlement Agreement, in addition to placing other restrictions on the government’s actions, requires that children be released from custody within 20 days, (preferably to a parent) and establishes a general policy that a detained child be held in the least restrictive setting, taking into account the child’s age and special needs, until the child can safely be released (generally, in a non-secure facility licensed by a child welfare entity). </p>
<p>The administration's proposed regulation would end key provisions of the FSA. The WSMA submitted formal comment to the Department of Homeland Security opposing the proposed rule, opposing policy that is likely to increase Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) and called on the administration to retain the Flores Settlement Agreement. </p>
<p>“The WSMA and our House of Delegates voted at our Annual Meeting in October to endorse a resolution that opposes family immigration detention and the separation of children from their parents in detention. The detention of children is harmful and medical research shows it can result in lifelong health and mental health consequences,†said Donna Smith, MD, past president of WSMA and Seattle area pediatrician.</p>
<p>From a healthcare perspective, children held in detention facilities experience increased Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs). ACEs refer to categories of abuse, neglect and household/family challenges that children experience during the first 18 years of life. Peer-reviewed research demonstrates that ACEs have negative health outcomes, and the more adverse events a child experiences, the more that child is likely to experience an increased severity of poor health outcomes.</p>
<p>Current immigration practices that force the separation of families result in children experiencing at least three ACEs—parental separation, emotional neglect and physical neglect from parents who are forcibly separated from their children and cannot provide care for them.</p>
<p>Experiencing an increased number of ACEs in childhood specifically has been shown to increase the risk for autoimmune disease, alcoholism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, early death, illicit drug use, ischemic heart disease, liver disease, poor work performance, intimate partner violence, sexually transmitted diseases, smoking, suicide attempts, and unintended pregnancies into adulthood.</p>
<p>Studies of detained immigrant children have further shown that children often subsequently suffer negative physical and emotional symptoms from detention, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.</p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association opposes policies that force family immigration detention and the separation of children from their parents and it supports policies that promote unification of families at the border.</p>
<h4>About the WSMA</h4>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, residents, fellows and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the House of Medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe, APR, WSMA Communications<br />
813.244.2883&nbsp; cell/text<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
</p>
</div> | 11/2/2018 12:00:00 AM |
| Public-private_safe_prescribing_initiative_results_in_reductions_in_Medicaid_opioid_prescriptions | Public-private safe prescribing initiative results in reductions in Medicaid opioid prescriptions | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2018/Public-private_safe_prescribing_initiative_results_in_reductions_in_Medicaid_opioid_prescriptions | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>October 17, 2018</h5>
<h2>
Public/private safe prescribing initiative results in significant reductions of Apple Health (Medicaid) opioid prescriptions
</h2>
<p>Olympia, Wash.&nbsp;- A public/private safe prescribing initiative launched in late 2017, called Better Prescribing, Better Treatment, has resulted in significant reductions in Apple Health (Medicaid) opioid prescriptions in less than a year, initiative partners announced today.</p>
<p>The partners, the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA), the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) and the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), are reporting that the initiative has reduced opioid prescriptions exceeding new state Apple Health (Medicaid) program prescribing guidelines by nearly 70 percent. It has also reduced total Apple Health opioid prescriptions for acute (non-chronic) pain by nearly 30 percent.</p>
<p>Better Prescribing, Better Treatment is a component of <a href="https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1000/140-182-StateOpioidResponsePlan.pdf">the state opioid response plan</a>. The initiative was conceived and designed by a joint opioid task force comprised of physicians from WSMA and WSHA, who then partnered with the Washington State Health Care Authority to help implement the initiative. The goal of the initiative is to reduce the number of opioids in Washington’s communities by encouraging prescribers treating Apple Health patients to follow the latest evidence-based best practices and by providing data to help inform their prescribing.</p>
<p>More than 20 health systems and groups are currently participating in the Better Prescribing, Better Treatment initiative, representing more than 11,000 Apple Health prescribers in the state.</p>
<p>“I’m pleased to see positive results in our Apple Health program,†said Gov. Jay Inslee, whose executive order set this change in motion in 2016. “We are leading the nation in taking action to reduce inappropriate opioid prescribing and now we’re seeing 50 percent declines in prescription opioid-related overdose deaths. We have reason to hope that we can prevent even more death, and that our programs are working as designed. But we must focus on the next phase of the work to provide opioid treatment for people who need it and that’s what we’re doing here in Washington with our <a href="https://medium.com/wagovernor/what-are-hubs-and-spokes-and-how-can-they-help-fight-the-opioid-epidemic-d65f4f20345f">hub and spoke treatment networks</a>.â€</p>
<p>“This initiative is allowing us to drive change without adding more administrative requirements that create barriers to patient care,†said Dr. Nathan Schlicher, Tacoma emergency medicine physician and one of the lead architects of the initiative. “Physicians want to do the right thing for their patients, and through this initiative they are taking the lead on reducing the amount of these dangerous addictive medications in our communities while keeping appropriate pain treatments accessible for patients who need them. This initiative allows them to do both with a gentle nudge towards better care.â€</p>
<p>Better Prescribing, Better Treatment takes a three-pronged approach to safe prescribing:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Apple Health prescribing policy.</strong> The initiative encourages compliance with a new opioid prescribing policy for Washington’s Apple Health program that establishes pill limits for all opioid prescriptions written for the treatment of acute pain—commonly understood as pain expected to last less than three months. This limits doses to 18 (an approximate three-day supply) for patients age 20 or younger, and 42 (an approximate a seven-day supply) for patients age 21 or older.</li>
<li><strong>Prescriber discretion.</strong> The initiative emphasizes a broad exemption in the policy that allows the prescribing clinician to override those limits if they feel it’s in the best interest of their patient by simply documenting in the medical record and indicating the reason on the prescription. Importantly, this approach avoids the additional paperwork and administrative burden that accompany similar policies adopted in other states and that can take time away from patient care.</li>
<li><strong>Physician-led feedback program.</strong> Washington Opioid Reports provides data compiled from the state’s prescription monitoring program to physicians and other prescribing providers allowing them to see how their opioid prescribing practices compare to others in their health care system and specialty. This comparison to peers has been successful at encouraging physicians to adjust their prescribing habits, reducing the number of prescriptions exceeding the policy’s pill limits per quarter by 64.7 percent (3,462 to 1,223). And it has reduced the total acute pain prescriptions per quarter by almost 2,500 prescriptions.</li>
</ul>
<p>“The feedback program, combined with the exemption and pill limits, is driving safer prescribing in the Apple Health program while not burdening providers with additional paperwork, a win-win solution for the health care system,†said Health Care Authority Chief Medical Officer Dr. Judy Zerzan.</p>
<p>“Better Prescribing, Better Treatment enables physicians to reduce the number of opioids in our community without compromising patient care, and so far the results have been very promising,†WSHA President and CEO Cassie Sauer said. “We believe this strategy will be key to addressing the opioid epidemic, which has impacted all parts of our state. Working together, we will save lives.â€</p>
<p>As a result of the program’s success, the Washington State Department of Health is currently in negotiations with the initiative partners to merge all data from the state’s Prescription Monitoring Program with the physician feedback program, meaning at some point in the future, Better Prescribing, Better Treatment will expand beyond Medicaid to improve care for all patients in Washington state, regardless of their insurance carrier.</p>
<p>In addition to this initiative, new state rules covering all prescribers of opioids are being implemented this fall. <a href="http://www.doh.wa.gov/opioidprescribing">More details on those rules are on DOH’s webpage</a>.</p>
<p><strong>About the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) </strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) represents more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, residents, fellows and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the House of Medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care. Visit <a href="http://www.wsma.org">www.wsma.org</a> for more information.</p>
<p><strong>About the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA)</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) works to improve the health of all Washington state residents by being active on key issues of policy and quality. WSHA represents more than 100 hospitals and health systems in the state, including those that are non-profit, investor-owned, and county, state and military hospitals. The Triple Aim guides our members and our work, as we strive to improve the patient experience, improve the health of populations and reduce the cost of health care. Visit <a href="http://wsha.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=381c2b109dc0809662b7cd0da&amp;id=5c73ae3cad&amp;e=f15fdd481e">www.wsha.org</a> for more information.</p>
<p><strong>About the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA)</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents. HCA purchases health care for more than two million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, and, beginning in 2020, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost. Visit <a href="http://www.hca.wa.gov">www.hca.wa.gov</a> for more information.</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short, WSMA Associate Director, Communications<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
Rhonda Curry, WSHA SVP, Membership and Communication<br />
206.216.2556<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">rhondac@wsha.org</a><br />
<br />
Amy Blondin, Health Care Authority Chief Communications Officer<br />
360.725.1915<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">amy.gravelet-blondin@hca.wa.gov</a><br />
<br />
</p>
</div> | 10/17/2018 12:00:00 AM |
| WSMA_patient_safety_awards_go_to_TeamHealth_Northwest_and_PeaceHealth_Medical_Group | WSMA patient safety awards go to TeamHealth Northwest and PeaceHealth Medical Group | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2018/WSMA_patient_safety_awards_go_to_TeamHealth_Northwest_and_PeaceHealth_Medical_Group | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>October 17, 2018</h5>
<h2>
WSMA patient safety awards go to TeamHealth Northwest and PeaceHealth Medical Group
</h2>
<p>Seattle, Wash. - Two health care organizations in Washington state have been recognized by the Washington State Medical Association for their contributions to improving patient safety and quality care in the state. TeamHealth Northwest at CHI Franciscan and PeaceHealth Medical Group were each presented a William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award on Saturday, Oct. 13 at the medical association’s annual meeting at the Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane.</p>
<p>Each year, the WSMA, which represents physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students throughout the state, honors innovative patient safety initiatives in the ambulatory care setting. This year, the medical association gave two awards: an award of excellence and an award of achievement.</p>
<p>The William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award of Excellence was given to TeamHealth Northwest at CHI Franciscan for its work on addressing opioid prescribing practices in the emergency department.</p>
<p>To reduce the overall rate of opioid prescriptions and prescribing variation between providers, TeamHealth Northwest leveraged the Hawthorne effect (in which individuals modify an aspect of their behavior in response to their awareness of being observed), informing providers of their prescribing behavior as compared to their colleagues. Over time, participating departments significantly reduced the variation and standardized the experience for patients.</p>
<p>The William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award of Achievement was presented to PeaceHealth Medical Group for its work elevating and integrating the importance of advance care planning (ACP) within their system. PeaceHealth Medical Group provided ACP education for all caregivers and physicians, increased the number of facilitated ACP conversations, and streamlined electronic medical record processes to more swiftly integrate ACP documentation. PeaceHealth has a long history of working on advance care planning, and the WSMA has appreciated PeaceHealth’s leadership in helping ensure its patients receive care at the end of life that reflects their values and preferences.</p>
<p>The WSMA established the William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award in 2005 to recognize and share innovative patient safety initiatives in the ambulatory care setting. The award was named after WSMA past-president, the late William O. Robertson, MD, who was a champion for patient safety, risk management and quality improvement throughout his long and distinguished career.</p>
<p>For more information on TeamHealth Northwest's&nbsp; efforts to encourage safe opioid prescribing, contact Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD at <a href="mailto:schlicnr@yahoo.com">schlicnr@yahoo.com</a>. For more information on PeaceHealth Medical Group's advance care planning efforts, contact Hilary Walker at <a href="mailto:hwalker@peacehealth.org">hwalker@peacehealth.org</a>.</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 10/17/2018 12:00:00 AM |
| Spokane_geriatrician_named_president_of_Washington_State_Medical_Association | Spokane geriatrician named president of Washington State Medical Association | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2018/Spokane_geriatrician_named_president_of_Washington_State_Medical_Association | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>October 15, 2018</h5>
<h2>
Spokane geriatrician named president of Washington State Medical Association
</h2>
<p>Seattle, Wash. - Tom Schaaf, MD, MHA was elected president of the Washington State Medical Association at the association's annual meeting in Spokane, Sunday, Oct. 14. The WSMA represents physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students throughout Washington state.</p>
<p>Dr. Schaaf, who lives in Spokane, specializes in geriatrics and hospice care. He serves as the chief medical officer of Providence Home and Community Care in Tukwila and provides patient care at Providence Sound Hospice in Olympia.</p>
<p>Dr. Schaaf received his medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine (now the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA). He completed his family medicine internship and residency at Northridge Hospital Medical Center in Los Angeles before joining his father’s geriatric and family medicine private practice in California. Dr. Schaaf moved to Washington state in 1992 after being recruited to join Group Health Physicians in Spokane.</p>
<p>Dr. Schaaf served in various leadership roles in the Spokane area before joining Providence, including as regional primary care medical director for Group Health Cooperative; hospitalist team leader for Group Health at Sacred Heart Medical Center; and medical executive committee member for Sacred Heart Medical Center. Dr. Schaaf is a member of both the WSMA and the Spokane County Medical Society. He joined WSMA’s executive committee in 2015 after serving several years on the association’s board.</p>
<p>The following physicians were also elected as officers at the meeting: Bill Hirota, MD, Tacoma gastroenterologist, president-elect; Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, Tacoma emergency physician, 1<sup>st</sup> vice president; Mika Sinanan, MD, PhD, Seattle surgeon, 2<sup>nd</sup> vice president; Katina Rue, DO, Yakima osteopathic physician, secretary-treasurer; Nariman Heshmati, MD, Mukilteo OB/GYN, assistant secretary-treasurer. The seventh officer of WSMA’s executive committee is past-president Donna Smith, MD, Seattle pediatrician, who will serve as committee chair.<br />
<br />
<a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Press Room/Schaaf.Tom_2018.Portrait_hi-res.jpg]">Download a hi-res photo of Dr. Schaaf</a>.</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 10/15/2018 12:00:00 AM |
| governor_inslee_proclaims_april_16_healthcare_decisions_day | Governor Inslee proclaims April 16 Healthcare Decisions Day | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2018/governor_inslee_proclaims_april_16_healthcare_decisions_day | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>April 16, 2018</h5>
<h2>
Governor Inslee proclaims April 16 Healthcare Decisions Day
</h2>
<div class="shrink">
<p>
Seattle, Wash. - Gov. Jay Inslee has proclaimed April 16, 2018 as Healthcare Decisions Day in Washington. The day recognizes the need for and efforts to encourage individuals to discuss and record choices ahead of time regarding future medical treatment-known as advance care planning-and to have those wishes honored.
</p>
<p>
Honoring Choices Pacific Northwest (PNW), a joint initiative between the Washington State Hospital Association and the Washington State Medical Association, is part of a national effort to spotlight the importance of advance care planning on April 16, National Healthcare Decisions Day.
</p>
<p>
Inspiring conversations about the care people want at the end of life, Honoring Choices PNW helps to inform the public on available treatment options and supports health care organizations and community groups in discussing, recording and honoring the expressed wishes of individuals on their choices for care should they be unable to speak for themselves. Honoring Choices PNW's vision is that everyone will receive care that honors personal values and goals at the end of life.
</p>
<p>
"Advance care planning is for all adults over 18," said Joanne Roberts, MD, MHA, chair of the Honoring Choices PNW Advisory Council and an administrative physician at Providence St. Joseph Health who specializes in hospice and palliative care medicine. "Whatever your level of health, it's important to consider what is important to you and what future health care decisions you would want. Then, you can write them down in an advance directive, which can be used to guide care if you are not able to make those decisions. It's also critical to share your preferences with anyone who would be at that bedside-friends, family, loved ones and providers-so they will know and can honor your wishes."
</p>
<p>
Advance directives are forms that allow individuals to name a person to make medical decisions for them if they cannot; state values, goals and preferences; and select specific treatment options. Completing an advance directive and discussing it with the named decision-maker and loved ones better ensures personal choices can be honored.
</p>
<p>
Honoring Choices PNW partners with 26 organizations throughout Washington state, and many have local events to promote National Healthcare Decisions Day. Additional information can be found at Honoring Choices PNW's website (<a href="http://www.honoringchoicespnw.org/">honoringchoicespnw.org</a>), which includes a free advance directive to download and videos explaining advance care planning.
</p>
<p>
For additional information about the national efforts around National Healthcare Decisions Day, visit
<a href="http://www.nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org/">
nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org</a>.
</p>
<p>
<strong>About Honoring Choices Pacific Northwest</strong>
</p>
<p>
Honoring Choices Pacific Northwest is an initiative of the Washington State Hospital Association and the Washington State Medical Association who have gathered together professionals from various organizations across the region to work on a strategic plan for promoting advance care planning through increasing awareness, knowledge and resources.
</p>
<p>
<strong>About the Washington State Medical Association</strong>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students throughout Washington state. Its vision is to make Washington the best place to practice medicine and to receive care. For more information on the WSMA, visit <a href="https://wsma.org/">wsma.org</a>.
</p>
<p>
<strong>About the Washington State Hospital Association</strong>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Hospital Association works to improve the health of all Washington state residents by being active on key issues of policy and quality. WSHA represents more than 100 hospitals and health systems in the state, including those that are non-profit, investor-owned, and county, state and military hospitals. The Triple Aim guides our members and our work, as we strive to improve the patient experience, improve the health of populations and reduce the cost of health care. Visit <a href="http://www.wsha.org/">wsha.org</a> for more information.
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #4d6476;">WSMA Associate Director, Communications</span><br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #4d6476;">Jennifer Graves</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #4d6476;">WSHA Senior Vice President, Patient Safety &amp; Quality</span><br />
<a href="mailto:jennifer@wsha.org">jennifer@wsha.org</a></p>
</div>
</div> | 4/16/2018 12:00:00 AM |
| wa_physicians_make_house_and_senate_calls_in_olympia_today_to_lobby_for_patients_and_profession | WA physicians make House (and Senate) calls in Olympia today to lobby for patients & profession | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2018/wa_physicians_make_house_and_senate_calls_in_olympia_today_to_lobby_for_patients_and_profession | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>January 31, 2018</h5>
<h2>
WA physicians make House (and Senate) calls in Olympia today to lobby for patients &amp; profession
</h2>
<p>
Olympia, Wash. - Physicians and physician assistants from throughout the state are putting on their white coats and meeting with their elected officials in Olympia today for the 2018 Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) Legislative Summit. More than 100 WSMA members will talk with legislators about issues important to their patients and their profession, including the opioid epidemic, affordable drug pricing and accessibility and raising the age of the sale of tobacco and vapor products from age 18 to age 21.
</p>
<p>
"Members of the Washington State Medical Association are committed to making Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care," said Donna Smith, M.D., WSMA president and executive medical director of Virginia Mason Clinics. "We convene in Olympia each year to advocate for issues that protect patients and improve the practice of medicine in our state. As physicians, we are on the frontlines of care, and it's important for us to share what we experience in our practices across the state with our legislators."
</p>
<p>
There are several key issues important to physicians and patients being addressed in the 2018 Legislative Session:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
Opioid epidemic: Physicians see firsthand the toll the opioid epidemic is taking on Washington patients, families and communities, and they are speaking to legislators today about efforts to reduce opioid-related overdose and death, and increase the availability of addiction treatment. WSMA is supporting numerous bills that would create a comprehensive approach to opioid misuse, addiction treatment (SB 6150 and HB 2489) and drug take back programs (HB 1047), as well as reminding the legislature of their action during the 2017 legislative session in passing HB 1427, which is currently going through the regulatory rule making process, and will improve opioid prescribing practices and facilitate access to the state's prescription monitoring program.
<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>
Drug pricing and availability: High drug costs adversely affect patients and their families. WSMA physicians are supporting bills that will attempt to make drug pricing changes transparent and allow access to affordable, appropriate medications.
<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>
<strong>
</strong>Increase the age of sale of tobacco and vapor products to 21: Smoking continues to be the number one cause of preventable death in the U.S. Most smokers start using tobacco before age of 21. WSMA physicians are talking to legislators today in support of bills that raise the age of sale for tobacco and vapor products from age 18 to 21.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
Video b-roll and soundbites of the 2018 WSMA Legislative Summit are available at <a href="https://vimeo.com/253701376">www.vimeo.com/wsma</a>, Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/?logged_out=1&amp;lang=en">@wsma_update</a> and Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wsma.org/">@wsma</a>.
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the House of Medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 1/31/2018 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_and_wsha_joint_statement_on_governors_opioid_legislation | WSMA and WSHA's joint statement on governor's opioid legislation | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2018/wsma_and_wsha_joint_statement_on_governors_opioid_legislation | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>January 16, 2018</h5>
<h2>
WSMA and WSHA's joint statement on governor's opioid legislation
</h2>
<p>
Seattle, Wash. - The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) and Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) Joint Opioid Safe Practices Task Force supports Gov. Inslee's legislation (<a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2489&amp;Year=2017">HB 2489
</a> &amp;
<a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6150&amp;Chamber=Senate&amp;Year=2017">
SB 6150</a>) aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic in Washington state.
</p>
<p>
Since 2016, our associations have worked with the governor to implement his
<a href="http://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/16-09OpioidPreventionE.pdf" target="_blank">executive order</a> "Addressing the Opioid Use Public Health Crisis," which brings together state agencies, health provider organizations, law enforcement and other partners in a coordinated and unprecedented effort to combat the opioid crisis in this state. We are proud of the work we have accomplished, including
<a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1427&amp;Year=2017">HB 1427</a> from the 2017 legislative session that promotes safe and appropriate prescribing while establishing the nation's first overdose notification system. In addition to providing prescribers with the data they need to inform and update clinical practice, the bill requires the Department of Health to promulgate rules to ensure patient safety, including reasonable requirements for reviewing prescription monitoring program data and limits on prescriptions that also include flexibility for physicians to provide appropriate treatments to their patients.
</p>
<p>
The governor's legislation and budget request ensure that Washington state is taking a comprehensive approach to the opioid crisis by making critical investments in treatment capacity. Building out and sustaining the "hub and spoke" medication-assisted treatment (MAT) model, raising MAT rates in the Medicaid program, piloting programs to pay for non-opioid treatment therapies and initiating a statewide standing order for opioid overdose medication are significant investments that will make a meaningful difference in addressing the opioid crisis.
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the House of Medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 1/16/2018 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_responds_to_amtrak_train_derailment | WSMA responds to Amtrak train derailment | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2017/wsma_responds_to_amtrak_train_derailment | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>December 18, 2017</h5>
<h2>
WSMA responds to Amtrak train derailment
</h2>
<p>
Seattle, Wash. - Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) President Donna Smith, MD, issued the following statement today:
</p>
<p>
"On behalf of the statewide medical community, the Washington State Medical Association extends its deepest sympathy to the victims, their families and everyone impacted by the tragic train derailment that occurred today in Washington state.
</p>
<p>
"Many of our physician members are helping to provide life-saving support in the hospitals and emergency rooms where care is being provided for those in need. We are grateful for their service and skill in times like these-when it matters the most.
</p>
<p>
"For our friends, neighbors and colleagues who want to help-blood donations are always needed. Please contact Bloodworks Northwest at 206.292.6500 or visit
<a href="https://www.bloodworksnw.org/donate/locations">
bloodworksnw.org/donate/locations
</a> to find out how and where you can donate blood. Thank you for your life-saving help."
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 12/18/2017 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_responds_to_potential_repeal_of_the_individual_mandate | WSMA responds to potential repeal of the individual mandate | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2017/wsma_responds_to_potential_repeal_of_the_individual_mandate | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>November 27, 2017</h5>
<h2>
WSMA responds to potential repeal of the individual mandate
</h2>
<p>
Seattle, Wash. - Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) President Donna Smith, MD, issued the following statement today:
</p>
<p>
"The Washington State Medical Association is troubled once again that the Senate is threatening health insurance coverage for millions and greater market instability by repealing the Affordable Care Act's mandate. We stand with the coalition of the country's top health care organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, the Federation of American Hospitals and America's Health Insurance Plans in urging Congress to maintain the individual mandate and to pass measures to stabilize the insurance market to help ensure our patients have access to comprehensive, affordable health care coverage.
</p>
<p>
"Too many Washingtonians and too many Americans who are simply trying to access needed care are facing rising premiums and uncertainty regarding the future of their coverage. It's time to set aside our fractious debate and come together to pursue bi-partisan fixes to the Affordable Care Act so that we have a health care system that works for everyone."
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 11/27/2017 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_responds_to_attorney_generals_announcement_on_opioid_crisis | WSMA responds to Attorney General's announcement on opioid crisis | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2017/wsma_responds_to_attorney_generals_announcement_on_opioid_crisis | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>November 21, 2017</h5>
<h2>
WSMA responds to Attorney General's announcement on opioid crisis
</h2>
<p>
Seattle, Wash. - Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) Executive Director Jennifer Hanscom issued the following statement today in response to Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson's announcement of opioid-related legislation he will take to the Legislature in January:
</p>
<p>
"The WSMA appreciates the intent of the attorney general's bill limiting pill counts, which is to reduce the amount of prescription opioids in our communities. The WSMA supported and helped to pass a bill earlier this year that seeks to achieve the same result. As one of its provisions, House Bill 1427 calls for all state licensing boards that regulate prescribers to implement new opioid prescribing rules. We are currently working with the state Department of Health on this rulemaking, in an open and transparent process involving the state, prescribing professions and the public. We encourage the attorney general to join his fellow state agencies and us in this work currently in progress, rather than initiating an unnecessary, duplicative effort.
</p>
<p>
"Similarly, the WSMA appreciates the attorney general's suggestion to increase usage of the state prescription monitoring program—improving the use of the PMP is also one of the goals of HB 1427. Physicians and other prescribing providers have indeed needed, and asked for, PMP prescribing data for over a decade to help inform their prescribing. But while the idea of a mandate sounds good on the surface, until the PMP can integrate with electronic health records to bring this data to physicians in an efficient manner—which is the case in states with similar mandates—then a mandate will only add to the administrative entanglement physicians currently face with the PMP and, most importantly, take time away from patient care.
</p>
<p>
"Together with the efforts established by HB 1427, the WSMA has also partnered with the governor's office, the state Health Care Authority and other stakeholders like the hospital association, to put forward community- and evidence-based approaches that address the opioid issue while ensuring patients have access to appropriate quality care. We look forward to having the attorney general join us in this work."
<br />
<br />
The WSMA and the state hospital association are leading a task force to address prescription drug opioid abuse, addiction and overdose in Washington state. Learn more about the
<a href="[@]WSMA/Resources/Clinical_Quality/Opioid_Clinical_Guidance/Opioid_Clinical_Guidance.aspx">Joint Opioid Safe Practices Task Force</a>.
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 11/21/2017 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_patient_safety_awards_go_to_the_everett_clinic_jefferson_healthcare_and_the_vancouver_clinic | WSMA patient safety awards go to the Everett Clinic, Jefferson Healthcare and the Vancouver Clinic | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2017/wsma_patient_safety_awards_go_to_the_everett_clinic_jefferson_healthcare_and_the_vancouver_clinic | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>October 20, 2017</h5>
<h2>
WSMA patient safety awards go to the Everett Clinic, Jefferson Healthcare and the Vancouver Clinic
</h2>
<p>
Seattle, Wash. - Three health care organizations in Washington state have been recognized by the Washington State Medical Association for their contribution to improving patient safety and quality care in the state. Jefferson Healthcare, The Vancouver Clinic and The Everett Clinic were each presented a William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award on Saturday, Oct. 14 at the medical association's annual meeting at the Hilton Seattle Airport &amp; Conference Center in Seattle.
</p>
<p>
Each year, the WSMA, which represents physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students throughout the state, honors innovative patient safety initiatives in the ambulatory care setting. This year, the medical association gave three awards: a Patient Safety Award of Excellence and two Awards of Achievement.
</p>
<p>
The William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award of Excellence was presented to The Everett Clinic for its work on addressing the opioid epidemic in its patient community. Over the past year, the Everett Clinic pursued three strategies: appropriate pain control, safe opioid prescribing, and identification/management of high-risk chronic opioid therapy patient groups. This three-pronged approach resulted in:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
A stable chronic opioid therapy population despite significant growth of the patient population following the closure of the Seattle Pain Centers.
</li>
<li>
A 26 percent decline in total walk-in-clinic (WIC) opioid prescriptions and a 62 percent decline in pediatric WIC opioid prescriptions.
</li>
<li>
A 27 percent reduction in the number of chronic opioid therapy patients receiving opioid prescriptions by their surgeons.
</li>
<li>
Increased compliance with best practice by 14 percent in the Comprehensive Pain Center and by 37 percent in primary care.
</li>
<li>
And they doubled the number of patients managed by their pain specialists.
</li>
<li>
A 56 percent decline in the number of high morphine equivalent dose patients.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
Accepting the award on behalf of the Everett Clinic were Chief Medical Officer Al Fisk, MD, Associate Medical Director of Quality Kent Hu, MD and occupational medicine physician Dianna Chamblin, MD.
</p>
<p>
The first William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award of Achievement was given to Jefferson Healthcare for its work to improve communication, teamwork and collaboration to significantly reduce adverse events. After training its entire staff-both clinical and non-clinical-using the evidence-based teamwork approaches of TeamSTEPPS and "Just Culture" principles of accountability, Jefferson Healthcare decreased the number of patient falls with injury, reduced re-admissions and continues to report zero health-care-acquired pressure ulcers. Jefferson Healthcare's CEO Mike Glenn accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
</p>
<p>
The second William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award of Achievement was presented to The Vancouver Clinic for its work on standardizing and improving its process for patient advance care planning through the Honoring Choices® Pacific Northwest initiative. Since adopting the initiative, the clinic has held 157 advance care planning conversations-discussions between patients and facilitators on patient's future treatment preferences-72 percent of which included the health care agent, which is the gold standard, and all of which were documented in the electronic medical record. Physician assistant Katie Pence, PA-C, from The Vancouver Clinic accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA established the William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award in 2005 to recognize and share innovative patient safety initiatives in the ambulatory care setting. The award was named after WSMA past-president, the late William O. Robertson, MD, who was a champion for patient safety, risk management and quality improvement throughout his long and distinguished career.
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the House of Medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 10/20/2017 12:00:00 AM |
| seattle_pediatrician_named_president_of_state_medical_association | Seattle pediatrician named president of state medical association | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2017/seattle_pediatrician_named_president_of_state_medical_association | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>October 16, 2017</h5>
<h2>
Seattle pediatrician named president of state medical association
</h2>
<p>
Seattle, Wash. - Donna Smith, MD was elected president of the Washington State Medical Association at the association's annual meeting in Seattle, Sunday, Oct. 15. The WSMA represents physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students and throughout Washington state.
</p>
<p>
Dr. Smith, who lives in Seattle, is a pediatrician and serves as the executive medical director of Virginia Mason Clinics.
</p>
<p>
Dr. Smith received her medical degree from Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland. She completed her internship and residency at Seattle Children's Hospital and Medical Center before launching into private practice. She joined Virginia Mason in 1995.
</p>
<p>
Dr. Smith has served in various leadership roles at Virginia Mason, including medical director of Virginia Mason Hospital, chief of pediatrics, and medical director of the emergency department. She joined WSMA's executive committee in 2012 after serving several years on its board.
</p>
<p>
The following physicians were also elected as officers at the association's annual meeting: Tom Schaaf, MD, Spokane family physician, president-elect; Bill Hirota, MD, Tacoma gastroenterologist, 1st vice president; Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, Tacoma emergency physician, 2nd vice president; Mika Sinanan, MD, Seattle surgeon, secretary-treasurer; Katina Rue, DO, Yakima osteopathic physician, assistant secretary-treasurer. The seventh officer of WSMA's executive committee is past-president Shane Macaulay, MD, Bellevue radiologist, who will serve as committee chair.
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the House of Medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 10/16/2017 12:00:00 AM |
| senator_rivers_honored_by_state_medical_association | Senator Rivers honored by state medical association | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2017/senator_rivers_honored_by_state_medical_association | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>October 16, 2017</h5>
<h2>
Senator Rivers honored by state medical association
</h2>
<p>
Seattle, Wash. - Sen. Ann Rivers (R-La Center) has been named the Washington State Medical Association's 2017 Legislator of the Year for her support of the medical association's legislative efforts, including a bill to help physicians fight the opioid epidemic and legislation protecting the public from distracted driving. The senator, who represents the state's 18th Legislative District serving parts of Clark County, received the award on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the medical association's annual meeting at the Hilton Seattle Airport &amp; Conference Center in Seattle.
</p>
<p>
Each year, the statewide professional organization, representing physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students, honors a legislator whose knowledge and influence do much to improve the health of people in Washington state.
</p>
<p>
As a member of the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus and chair of the Senate Health Care Committee, Sen. Rivers was instrumental in getting WSMA-supported bills scheduled for hearings, moved out of committee and passed out of the Senate. She also sponsored or co-sponsored bills that were top priority for the medical association, including legislation in 2017 that advanced solutions identified by the medical and state hospital association's joint opioid task force to help clinicians fight the opioid epidemic.
</p>
<p>
"Washington state is facing a worsening crisis of opioid-related addiction and overdose, and Sen. Rivers was crucial in working with the WSMA and our partners to pass legislation giving physicians and hospitals new tools to fight the epidemic" said Dr. Donna Smith, president of the WSMA. "Sen. Rivers helped us secure provisions in the bill that support safe, appropriate prescribing and, importantly, do not interfere with a patient's ability to have their pain treated."
</p>
<p>
Sen. Rivers was also the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 5289, a priority bill for the medical association that allows law enforcement to cite individuals for using electronic devices while driving, a significant factor in automobile-related injuries and deaths.
</p>
<p>
Sen. Rivers was praised by the association for her contribution to WSMA's successful legislative efforts in Olympia on behalf of physicians and patients.
</p>
<p>
"Sen. Rivers was always available when we needed her, and was excellent at sharing important and timely information on bills and other key issues during session," said Dr. Smith. "Sen. Rivers is truly a physician and patient advocate, and we look forward to working with her in the years ahead."
</p>
<p>
Sen. Rivers lives with her husband Fred and their two sons in La Center.
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the House of Medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 10/16/2017 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_reponds_to_csr_payments_encourages_patients_to_enroll | The WSMA reponds to CSR payments, encourages patients to enroll | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2017/wsma_reponds_to_csr_payments_encourages_patients_to_enroll | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>October 13, 2017</h5>
<h2>
The WSMA reponds to CSR payments, encourages patients to enroll
</h2>
<p>
Seattle, Wash. - Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) President Shane Macaulay, MD, issued the following statement today:
</p>
<p>
"The Washington State Medical Association is deeply disappointed in the Trump administration's decision to end cost-sharing reduction subsidies to insurers, which help financially support the cost of the health plans offered to low-income individuals through the ACA marketplaces. A Congressional Budget Office analysis has shown that without these subsidies premiums will increase and insurers will be more likely to pull out of the ACA exchanges. Here in Washington, uncertainty in the individual market has already led to insurers not offering products on the exchange and/or increasing premiums by double-digit percentages. Ending the CSR payments will further erode the remaining market stability, impacting tens of thousands of our patients.
</p>
<p>
"We are additionally concerned that this decision has been made practically on the eve of an open enrollment period, potentially creating additional confusion for consumers already facing a shorter window in which to obtain health coverage.
</p>
<p>
"We urge Congress to act immediately to reinstate these payments and to engage in bipartisan discussions to improve our health care system and ensure access to comprehensive, affordable health care for everyone. We also encourage our patients here in Washington to get covered and stay covered by visiting <a href="https://www.wahbexchange.org/">Washington Healthplanfinder</a> starting Nov. 1."
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 10/13/2017 12:00:00 AM |
| washington_state_medical_association_responds_to_graham-cassidy_bill | The Washington State Medical Association responds to Graham-Cassidy bill | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2017/washington_state_medical_association_responds_to_graham-cassidy_bill | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right">&nbsp;</div>
<h5>September 25, 2017</h5>
<h2>
The Washington State Medical Association responds to Graham-Cassidy bill
</h2>
<p>
Seattle, Wash. - Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) President Shane Macaulay, MD, issued the following statement today in response to the Graham-Cassidy bill in the U.S. Senate that would repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act:
</p>
<p>
"At the WSMA, we are deeply concerned with the Graham-Cassidy bill and its impact on Washington state. The bill's proposal to repeal the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion and replace with block grants would result in massive cuts to our Medicaid program. Studies indicate Washington could lose nearly $10 billion over the next 10 years. Such devastating cuts would not only impact those who have benefited from the program's expansion, but also those patients who qualify for traditional Medicaid services, such as children and the disabled. In addition to putting coverage out of reach for thousands of Washingtonians, the cuts would severely impact our state's already strained budget and would force people to access routine care through emergency rooms, driving up the cost of care for all.
</p>
<p>
"The bill also would undermine protections for those with pre-existing conditions, threatening the existing coverage finally obtained by many under the ACA. Furthermore, the bill would repeal the individual and employer mandates, which would create further market uncertainty and endanger employer-sponsored coverage.
</p>
<p>
"The WSMA is committed to improving health care in our state, but we believe that any legislative effort should be guided by our
principles for health care reform
, at the heart of which is access to comprehensive, affordable health care for all Washingtonians. Adequate funding for Medicaid and stability in the market are essential if we are to ensure that everyone in our state has access to affordable coverage.
</p>
<p>
"We urge lawmakers in both chambers to reject this proposal and instead engage in bipartisan discussions to improve the health care system and ensure access to high-quality, affordable care and coverage."
</p>
<p>Read WSMA's <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/Health_Care_Reform/Health_Care_Reform.aspx">Principles for Health Care Reform</a>.
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the House of Medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 9/25/2017 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_presidents_statement_on_the_health_care_freedom_act | WSMA President's statement on the Health Care Freedom Act | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2017/wsma_presidents_statement_on_the_health_care_freedom_act | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>July 30, 2017</h5>
<h2>
WSMA President's statement on the Health Care Freedom Act
</h2>
<p>
Seattle, Wash.<strong> </strong>-<strong> </strong> Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) President Shane Macaulay, MD, issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Senate's vote to reject the Health Care Freedom Act, also known as the "skinny repeal" of the Affordable Care Act:
</p>
<p>
"We commend the majority of U.S. senators, including Senator Patty Murray and Senator Maria Cantwell, for voting against a so-called 'skinny repeal' of the Affordable Care Act that would have reversed the gains we have made in Washington state in reducing the number of uninsured and making comprehensive, affordable insurance attainable for many of our patients.
</p>
<p>
"At the WSMA, our focus is on making Washington the best place to practice medicine and to receive care. Our principles for health care reform center around access to comprehensive, affordable health care for all Washingtonians, including support for adequate funding for Medicaid and Medicare and the preservation of coverage attained through the Affordable Care Act. Our principles also call for stabilizing the health insurance market to ensure choice and insurer participation. The proposals put forward in the Senate, if enacted, would jeopardize that vision.
</p>
<p>
"The individual insurance mandate in the Affordable Care Act is intended to support stability in the market and is integral to the Affordable Care Act. The Health Care Freedom Act would have eliminated the individual mandate, which the Congressional Budget Office projected last year would result in millions more people being uninsured by 2026. In our state, we are already seeing insurers pull out of the individual market due to market uncertainty. Eliminating the individual mandate would make the current instability in the individual market worse.
</p>
<p>
"Going forward, the WSMA urges Congress to put aside partisan rhetoric and instead engage in bipartisan discussions with physicians and other health care organizations to improve the health care system to ensure access to high-quality, affordable care and coverage."
</p>
<p>Read WSMA's <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/Health_Care_Reform/Health_Care_Reform.aspx">Principles for Health Care Reform</a>.</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 7/30/2017 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_presidents_statement_on_better_care_reconciliation_act | WSMA President's statement on Better Care Reconciliation Act | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2017/wsma_presidents_statement_on_better_care_reconciliation_act | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>June 23, 2017</h5>
<h2>
WSMA President's statement on Better Care Reconciliation Act
</h2>
<p>
Seattle, Wash.<strong> </strong>-<strong> </strong> Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) President Shane Macaulay, MD, issued the following statement today in response to the unveiling of the U.S. Senate's Better Care Reconciliation Act:
</p>
<p>
"At the WSMA, our focus is on making Washington the best place to practice medicine and to receive care. However, the 'discussion draft' of the Senate's Better Care Reconciliation Act jeopardizes that vision. Like the House-passed American Health Care Act, the Senate bill would reverse the gains we have made in Washington state in reducing the number of uninsured and would make affordable insurance unattainable for many of our patients. For those reasons, we cannot support the Better Care Reconciliation Act.
</p>
<p>
"At the heart of the WSMA's principles for health care reform is access to comprehensive, affordable health care for all Washingtonians, including support for programs like Medicaid and Medicare and through the preservation of coverage attained through the Affordable Care Act. Our principles also call for stabilizing the health insurance market to ensure choice and insurer participation.
</p>
<p>
"Adequate funding for Medicaid and stability in the market are essential if we are to ensure that all Washingtonians have access to affordable coverage. By compromising these provisions in their proposal to change the Affordable Care Act, Congress has only exacerbated the problem. In our state, we are already seeing insurers pull out of the individual market due to market uncertainty. We've also seen proposed increases in insurance rates of over 20 percent. This impacts not only the most vulnerable, but also those with employer-sponsored coverage. By dropping the employer mandate, the Senate bill increases the likelihood that employers will pull back from offering coverage to their employees as prices begin to climb."
</p>
<p>
Read WSMA's <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/Health_Care_Reform/Health_Care_Reform.aspx">Principles for Health Care Reform</a>.
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 6/23/2017 12:00:00 AM |
| washington_state_physicians_praise_lawmakers_for_expanding_access_to_care_through_telemedicine | Washington state physicians praise lawmakers for expanding access to care through telemedicine | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2017/washington_state_physicians_praise_lawmakers_for_expanding_access_to_care_through_telemedicine | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right">&nbsp;</div>
<h5>May 11, 2017</h5>
<h2>
Washington state physicians praise lawmakers for expanding access to care through telemedicine
</h2>
<p>
<em>Gov. Inslee signed the telemedicine bill SB 5436 on May 5</em>
</p>
<p>
Seattle, Wash.<strong> </strong> - The Washington State Medical Association, which represents nearly 11,000 physicians and physician assistants, commends Gov. Jay Inslee and the Washington State Legislature for enacting legislation that will improve access to basic health care services through telemedicine, especially for patients in rural and underserved communities in our state.
</p>
<p>
Senate Bill 5436, sponsored by Sen. Randi Becker (R-Eatonville) and passed by lawmakers during the 2017 state legislative session, clarifies the definition of "home" for telemedicine services that qualify for reimbursement by Medicaid and commercial insurers. Under the legislation, "home" no longer applies only when patients are physically in their home but will also include "any location determined by the individual receiving the service." This change will take effect Jan. 1, 2018. Gov. Inslee signed the bill into law on May 5.
</p>
<p>
"We are pleased to see our state's elected officials support innovative solutions to health care access by improving access to telemedicine services," said WSMA President Shane Macaulay, MD, a practicing radiologist. "SB 5436 is another important step toward ensuring that people in all areas of our state get the care they need."
</p>
<p>
The WSMA has supported previous legislation passed by the Legislature to improve patients' access to health care through telemedicine. In 2015, the Legislature established a health insurance reimbursement policy for services delivered through telemedicine. The legislation established "originating sites" for telemedicine services that included hospitals, rural health centers, federally qualified health centers, health care providers' officers, community mental health centers, skilled nursing facilities and renal dialysis centers.
</p>
<p>
In 2016, the Legislature added the patient's home as an originating site, which provided for reimbursement for telemedicine services when the patient is at home. The Legislature also established the Washington State Telehealth Collaborative to develop recommendations to improve access to these services.
</p>
<p>
"Telemedicine is an important tool for addressing the health care needs of Washington citizens, especially in rural and underserved communities that continue to face a severe shortage of primary care physicians and specialists," said Jennifer Hanscom, the WSMA's executive director and CEO. "We must look at multiple solutions, including not only telemedicine but also training more physicians, working to retain our resident physicians in state and making sure that physicians can afford to continue caring for patients."
</p>
<p>
The WSMA also applauds passage this spring of House Bill 1337, which calls for the adoption of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact that allows physicians to receive an expedited license to practice medicine in member states. Gov. Inslee signed the bill into law on May 5. With the enactment of this legislation, Washington will join 19 other states, including Idaho and Montana, as members of the compact. The compact is another important tool for increasing access to health care for individuals in underserved or rural areas, in part by allowing patients to more easily consult medical experts across state lines through the use of telemedicine technologies.
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the House of Medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 5/11/2017 12:00:00 AM |
| WSMA_President_statement_US_House_Representatives_passage_American_Health_Care_Act | WSMA President's statement on U.S. House of Representatives' passage of the American Health Care Act | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2017/WSMA_President_statement_US_House_Representatives_passage_American_Health_Care_Act | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>May 5, 2017</h5>
<h2>WSMA President's statement on U.S. House of Representatives' passage of the American Health Care Act</h2>
<p>
</p>
<p>
Seattle, Wash. - Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) President Shane Macaulay, M.D., issued the following statement today following the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of the American Health Care Act (AHCA):
</p>
<p>
"The Washington State Medical Association is deeply disappointed that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Health Care Act. As amended in the House, the AHCA would reduce access to affordable health care coverage for thousands of Washingtonians. The WSMA cannot support the version of the AHCA passed yesterday. Thousands of our most vulnerable patients—those who are low income, disabled and older—and patients purchasing plans through the exchange may lose access to affordable health care coverage if this legislation is enacted into law.
</p>
<p>
"We at the WSMA are firmly committed to seeking solutions that bring better care for our patients. While we stand ready to engage in finding solutions that will address the flaws in our current health care system, this work cannot be done in isolation. To date, there have been no public hearings on the AHCA. The legislation has been drafted and amended by House lawmakers with virtually no input from health care stakeholders. Moreover, the House passed the AHCA without waiting for an updated score from the Congressional Budget Office.
</p>
<p>
"We are grateful that most of Washington state's congressional delegation stood with us, as all six U.S. House Democrats along with Republican Reps. Dave Reichert and Jaime Herrera Beutler voted against the plan. As this bill passes out of the House, we urge lawmakers in the Senate to take a thoughtful and deliberate approach when considering this version of health care reform and its potential impact on patients and health care providers. The physicians of Washington state stand on the frontlines of care. It is our goal to work together toward positive health outcomes for all."
</p>
Read the WSMA's <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/Health_Care_Reform/Health_Care_Reform.aspx">Principles for Health Care Reform</a>.
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 5/5/2017 12:00:00 AM |
| WSMA_Presidents_statement_American_Health_Care_Act | WSMA President's statement on the American Health Care Act | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2017/WSMA_Presidents_statement_American_Health_Care_Act | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>March 9, 2017</h5>
<h2>
WSMA President's statement on the American Health Care Act
</h2>
<p>Seattle, Wash.<strong> </strong>- "On Tuesday, March 6, the American Health Care Act (AHCA) to "repeal and replace" the Affordable Care Act was released. While we recognize that the ACA has flaws that must be addressed and we are encouraged to see that the bill recognizes the need for replacement rather than simply repeal, the WSMA does not support the AHCA as currently drafted.</p>
<p>
"At the heart of the WSMA's <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/Health_Care_Reform/Health_Care_Reform.aspx">Principles for Health Care Reform</a> is access to affordable health care for all Washingtonians. While the Congressional Budget Office analysis has yet to be released, as currently written, the AHCA puts our state's Medicaid program at risk, reducing access to coverage for thousands of our most vulnerable patients. The act also shifts much of the Medicaid funding obligation onto Washington state. Sufficient funding of our state's health care program is imperative to avoid damaging ripple effects throughout the entire health care system. Our state is already facing budgetary challenges, and is simply not able to fill the funding gap that would result from the policies proposed in this act.
</p>
<p>
"Although the AHCA does preserve some important gains achieved through the ACA—mandatory coverage for pre-existing conditions, limitation on lifetime benefit caps and allowing children to stay on parents' plans through age 26—the new act contains other elements that are not in alignment with WSMA's existing policies and principles such as:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
Preserving the ability of those who received access to insurance under the original ACA to maintain coverage at affordable premium rates;
</li>
<li>
Ensuring adequate funding of public programs such as Medicaid and Medicare in every community so that patients have access to affordable coverage and physicians receive adequate reimbursement;
</li>
<li>
Strengthening and stabilizing the health insurance market, including the individual market, to ensure choice and the ongoing participation of a number of regional and national insurers.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
Read the WSMA's <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/Health_Care_Reform/Health_Care_Reform.aspx">Principles for Health Care Reform</a>
</p>
<p>
"The WSMA is firmly committed to positive engagement on seeking solutions that bring better care for our patients. The physicians of Washington state stand on the frontlines of care. It is our goal to work toward positive health outcomes for all."
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a><br />
<br />
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883
<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 3/9/2017 12:00:00 AM |