| vulnerable_patient_health_care_jeopardized_by_proposed_b_and_o_tax_increase | Vulnerable Patient Health Care Jeopardized by Proposed B&O Tax Increase | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/April/vulnerable_patient_health_care_jeopardized_by_proposed_b_and_o_tax_increase | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/Misc/Press-Release-Graphic_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>April 25, 2019</h5>
<h2>Vulnerable Patient Health Care Jeopardized by Proposed B&amp;O Tax Increase</h2>
<p>
Seattle, Wash. - A proposed increase to Washington state's business and occupation tax now under consideration in the House of Representatives would have a devastating impact on health care access for the most vulnerable of populations, especially children, a coalition of physicians and other health care providers vehemently opposed to the measure warned Thursday.
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2158&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 2158</a> would increase the B&amp;O professional services tax on independent physicians and medical practices from its current rate of 1.5 percent to 1.8 percent—a total increase of 20 percent. Physicians practicing within large hospitals or organized medical centers will not incur the tax.
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA), Washington Chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP) and the King County Medical Society (KCMS) are among those adamantly opposed to this proposed B&amp;O tax increase because of its impact on the most vulnerable patients they serve – especially the lowest of income and rural populations.
</p>
<p>
The proposed B&amp;O tax would have the following effects:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Limit access to care: Adding additional taxes onto physician practices could force many physicians to stop seeing Medicaid patients to stay financially viable. This will have a particularly significant impact on pediatricians and independent pediatric clinics.</li>
<li>Medicaid payment for some medical care in Washington State decreased more than 30% in 2015, when a two-year federal provision to maintain Medicaid-Medicare equity ended. Currently Medicaid payment to physicians for pediatric care in our state is two-thirds of Medicare payment. And Medicare is considered a "floor" – the bare minimum to possibly cover costs. This makes it difficult for providers to continue to see children insured by Medicaid today. </li>
<li>In Washington one in every two children relies on Apple Health for health coverage, but payment often doesn't cover the cost of care. As a result, multiple rural and suburban clinics have closed or no longer accept children on Apple Health. </li>
<li>Lack of timely preventive care leads parents to rely on expensive, episodic care in urgent care and emergency rooms. Washington state's current Medicaid payment rate creates a tiered system of care in this state, where children with private insurance have timely access to cost-effective medical care and children enrolled in Medicaid do not. If Washington state fails to invest in adequate Medicaid payment and increases the B&amp;O taxes, health care for our most vulnerable populations will be significantly hindered. </li>
</ul>
<p>
The B&amp;O tax increase would also:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Disproportionately harm those in private practice and independent medical clinics—about a third or more of our state's physicians.</li>
<li>Put an enormous strain on many practices' ability to remain economically viable and competitive in today's marketplace. The tax only applies to physicians' services delivered in a private practice or independent clinic, which puts these doctors at a competitive disadvantage to their peers practicing in hospital-based medical groups, which are protected from the increase.</li>
<li>Result in a loss of jobs, impact the ability of practices to invest in innovations that improve patient safety and population health and stifle their ability to be competitive in today's marketplace, as independent physician practices run on very tight margins. </li>
<li>Limit independent practices' ability to make investments in EHRs, comply with increasing regulatory burdens or hire more people, effecting the economy in many communities.</li>
</ul>
<p>
The WSMA, WCAAP and KCMS represent thousands of physicians in Washington state and are collectively asking the legislature to exempt all physicians from the B&amp;O tax increase to protect the vital health interests of our communities.
</p>
<p>
"Medicaid-dependent patients are already having a hard time getting seen, especially in more rural areas," said Dr. Frances Chalmers, MD, a recently retired pediatrician with Skagit Pediatrics in Mount Vernon, WA. "Patients aren't able to get the basic medical care they need, so many put off preventative care, which leads to more chronic illnesses, treatment in expensive urgent care or emergency room settings, and long term health problems that cost us all far more in the long run," said Chalmers, a longtime member and trustee of the Washington Chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics.
</p>
<p>
"On behalf of the Washington State Medical Association, I urge our elected officials not to raise this B&amp;O tax on health care services, which would unfairly impact our state's independent practice physicians, and stands to increase the cost of health care at a time when patients can least afford it" said Tom Schaaf, MD, Washington State Medical Association president. "And make no mistake, even though the tax unfairly targets independent physicians--roughly 40% of our state's active practice physicians--it will impact our patients, as the tax increase threatens these practices' economic viability in an increasingly competitive marketplace. This is tax is unwise and unfair for both patients and physicians, and we urge lawmakers to exempt our state's independent physicians from this tax increase."
</p>
<p>
"We need to focus on the children. Especially special needs, at-risk, Medicaid Insured, rural children," said Nancy L. Belcher, PhD, CEO of the King County Medical Society. "Nearly 50% of children are on Medicaid statewide. A high percentage of those children live in more rural areas. A greater number of children with special health care needs are on Medicaid. Make no mistake. Pediatricians in physician-owned practices that serve these populations will be hit hard. More clinics will close, more patients will go without care," Belcher said.
</p>
<p>
<strong>For more information, contact:</strong>
</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
Washington State Medical Association<br />
206.956.3633<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>
</p>
<p>
Jennifer Donahue<br />
Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics<br />
206.713.1087<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">jdonahue@wcaap.org</a>
</p>
<p>Josh Kerns<br />
King County Medical Society<br />
206.920.1482<br />
<a href="mailto:jkerns@kcmsociety.org">jkerns@kcmsociety.org</a>
</p>
<p>
<strong>About the WSMA</strong>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 4/26/2019 2:24:57 PM | 4/25/2019 12:33:43 PM | 4/25/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| washingtons_health_care_community_applauds_state_legislature_for_passage_of_mmr_vaccine_bill | Washington's Health Care Community Applauds State Legislature for Passage of MMR Vaccine Bill | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/April/washingtons_health_care_community_applauds_state_legislature_for_passage_of_mmr_vaccine_bill | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/News/Bill-Progress-Graphics-HB-1638-Signed-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>April 24, 2019</h5>
<h2>Washington's Health Care Community Applauds State Legislature for Passage of MMR Vaccine Bill</h2>
<p>
Olympia, Wash. - The Washington State Medical Association and the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, together with the Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials and members of the Public Health Round Table, which all together represent tens of thousands of physicians and other stakeholders in the Washington state health care community, applaud our state Legislature for the passage of legislation that eliminates personal and philosophical exemptions to school entry requirements for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine (HB 1638). This improvement to Washington state law will increase MMR vaccination rates, providing important and potentially life-saving protections for children and other medically vulnerable persons in our communities.
</p>
<p>
Washington will become the 34th state that disallows personal and philosophical exemptions for MMR vaccinations required for school entries once Gov. Jay Inslee signs this essential legislation into law. Children with medical contraindications to vaccines can still be granted exemptions.
</p>
<p>
The measles outbreak in Clark County, as well as outbreaks currently happening in other parts of our country, are stark reminders that high immunization rates are necessary to protect children and the public-at-large from vaccine-preventable diseases. In order to do this, we must achieve the highest proportion of people who are vaccinated to help protect those who cannot be vaccinated, including children too young to be vaccinated, pregnant women, people with immune system problems, and those who are too ill to receive vaccines, such as some cancer patients. This is called "herd immunity." To achieve herd immunity for measles because of the disease's extreme contagiousness, at least 95 percent of the population needs to be vaccinated. Vaccinated individuals not only protect themselves from disease, but also play a critical role in protecting others in their communities.
</p>
<p>
Washington's medical community is committed to increasing vaccination rates for all childhood vaccinations to protect every Washington resident and help our state realize the promise of a future free from vaccine-preventable diseases. We will continue to honor our mission as health care providers by educating our patients, their families, and the public on the safety of vaccines and the importance of having children vaccinated.
</p>
<h3>Messages From the Washington State Health Care Community</h3>
<p>
"Speaking on behalf of the Washington State Medical Association, we are grateful for the courage and thoughtfulness of our state lawmakers who championed this important public health policy. We are also grateful for the many advocates in the physician and public health community who stood strong for vaccination policy that protects our patients and communities. As physicians, we know vaccines save lives, and that prevention is preferable to cure. As partners in fostering good health in our communities, we are here to help our patients and their families to make the best health decisions they can, and this bill will help us do just that."<br />
<strong><em>—Tom Schaaf, MD, president of the Washington State Medical Association </em></strong>
</p>
<p>
"The recent measles outbreak served as an alarm, and today our legislators bravely stood with facts over fiction. The core reason we are seeing measles outbreaks across the country is the loss of community immunity due to the rise of vaccine exemptions for personal and philosophical beliefs. We applaud our state legislature for protecting our children and other medically vulnerable persons in our communities by eliminating personal and philosophical exemptions to school entry requirements for the MMR vaccine. Pediatricians will continue to partner with parents to dispel the misinformation fueling the drop in vaccination rates and the rise of preventable disease."<br />
<strong><em>— Rupin Thakkar, MD, FAAP, president of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics</em></strong>
</p>
<p>
"Improving measles vaccination rates can prevent outbreaks from occurring—protecting children, families, and the most vulnerable in our communities who cannot be vaccinated." <br />
<strong><em>—Jeff Duchin, MD, Public Health Seattle-King County</em></strong>
</p>
<p>
"Local public health is at the root of our public health and health care system and has been in the epicenter of the recent measles outbreak. Local health jurisdictions see the cost of poor vaccination rates and the impact from outbreaks in our communities, schools, and businesses. Vaccines are proven, time and again, to prevent outbreaks from occurring—protecting our most vulnerable in our communities and reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases."<br />
<strong><em>—Alan Melnick, MD, Clark County Public Health </em></strong>
</p>
<p>
<strong>For more information, contact:</strong>
</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
Washington State Medical Association<br />
206.956.3633<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>
</p>
<p>
Jennifer Donahue<br />
Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics<br />
206.713.1087<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">jdonahue@wcaap.org</a>
</p>
<p>
<strong>About the WSMA</strong>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 4/25/2019 9:19:36 AM | 4/25/2019 9:18:49 AM | 4/24/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| Washington_State_Physicians_Praise_Lawmakers_for_Raising_Purchase_Age_of_Tobacco_and_Vaping_Products | Washington State Physicians Praise Lawmakers for Raising Purchase Age of Tobacco and Vaping Products | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/March/Washington_State_Physicians_Praise_Lawmakers_for_Raising_Purchase_Age_of_Tobacco_and_Vaping_Products | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/Advocacy/Bill-Progress-Graphics-HB-1074-T21-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>March 28, 2019</h5>
<h2>
Washington State Physicians Praise Lawmakers for Raising Purchase Age of Tobacco and Vaping Products
</h2>
<p>Seattle, Wash. - The Washington State Medical Association, representing more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, and medical students, commends state lawmakers for passing House Bill 1074, which will raise the age of sale for tobacco and vapor products in Washington state from 18 to 21 and help protect our state’s youth from a lifetime of nicotine addiction. The bill is now headed to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature.</p>
<p>“We are pleased to see state lawmakers in the Senate and House do the right thing for our patients by passing this bill,†said WSMA President Tom Schaaf, MD, MHA, chief medical officer of Providence Home and Community Care and Providence Sound Hospice. “We urge the governor to sign it into law and secure this hard-won public health victory. Washington’s children deserve a chance to grow up addiction-free.</p>
<p>
“This is the fifth legislative session where Washington’s physicians have fought for policy to raise the tobacco and vaping purchasing age. In this instance, the fifth time’s the charm,†said Dr. Schaaf. “It’s a reminder to all of us that the health and well-being of our patients, families, and loved ones is worth fighting for, no matter how long and hard the fight.â€</p>
<p>
The WSMA has highlighted “Tobacco 21†policy as a key priority for its yearly physician lobby day, the WSMA Legislative Summit, since 2015. Tobacco remains the main cause of preventable disease and death in Washington state, with one in five deaths caused by cigarettes and secondhand smoke.</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong></p>
<p>
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 more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 3/29/2019 3:10:47 PM | 3/28/2019 12:12:03 PM | 3/28/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| Washington_physicians_in_Olympia_on_Feb._7_to_talk_to_lawmakers_on_behalf_of_patients_and_profession | Washington physicians in Olympia on Feb. 7 to talk to lawmakers on behalf of patients and profession | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2019/Washington_physicians_in_Olympia_on_Feb._7_to_talk_to_lawmakers_on_behalf_of_patients_and_profession | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>February 7, 2019</h5>
<h2>
Washington Physicians, Wearing their White Coats, in Olympia Today Talking to Legislators on Behalf of Patients and 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 2019 WSMA Legislative Summit. More than 100 WSMA members will talk with legislators about issues important to their patients and their profession, including the vaccination issue, access to care for behavioral and mental health, and raising the age of the sale of tobacco and vapor products from age 18 to age 21.</p>
<p>"The mission of the Washington State Medical Association is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care," said Tom Schaaf, MD, MHA, WSMA president. "Because we work at the frontlines of care, we are visiting the capitol today because it's important for us to share what we experience in our practices everyday with our elected officials."</p>
<p>There are several key issues important to physicians and patients being addressed in the 2019 Washington state legislative session:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Increase the age of sale of tobacco and vapor products to 21:</strong> Smoking continues to be the number one cause of preventable death in the U.S. Most smokers start using tobacco before age of 21. Cities and towns across the country that increased legal smoking to age 21 have seen significant reductions in their youth smoking rates, in some cases as high as 50 percent. WSMA physicians are talking to legislators today in support of bills (House Bill 1074/Senate Bill 5057) that raise the age of sale for tobacco and vapor products from age 18 to 21.</li>
<li><strong>Vaccinations</strong>: To strengthen our state’s immunization policy and protect our communities, the WSMA supports the elimination of personal and philosophical vaccine exemptions for school, child care and preschool immunization requirements (House Bill 1638/Senate Bill 5841).</li>
<li><strong>Mental and Behavioral Health:</strong> Washington’s physicians support increases in funding for targeted behavioral/mental health and substance abuse disorder in primary care; support behavioral and mental health workforce initiatives; support integration of BH/MH treatment into primary care; and support tele-psych consult and training programs, all of which will help improve access to mental and behavioral health care for all Washington patients.</li>
</ul>
<p>Also at the WSMA Legislative Summit, the association will honor Rep. Steve Burquist with the Legislator of the Year Award for his support during the 2018 legislative session, at noon in the Columbia Room of the Legislative Building.</p>
<p>
B-roll footage and photos will be provided the afternoon of Feb. 7 on Vimeo (<a href="https://vimeo.com/wsma">www.Vimeo.com/WSMA</a>), on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/WSMA_update">@WSMA_update</a> and Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wsma.org/">@wsma.org</a>. </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong></p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a></p>
<p>
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883 cell/text<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 3/14/2019 9:53:58 AM | 2/6/2019 12:07:04 PM | 3/14/2019 9:53:58 AM |
| WSMA_responds_to_Texas_federal_court_ACA_ruling | WSMA responds to Texas federal court ACA ruling | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2018/WSMA_responds_to_Texas_federal_court_ACA_ruling | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>December 17, 2018</h5>
<h2>
WSMA Responds to Texas Federal Court ACA Ruling
</h2>
<p>Seattle, Wash. - Washington State Medical Association President Tom Schaaf, MD, issued the following statement today in response to a federal U.S. District court judge ruling the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional:</p>
<p>"This decision threatens to turn back the clock to a time in our country when double-digit uninsured rates were the norm and when millions of Americans were at risk of being denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition. It would undo the tremendous amount of work done here in Washington state to extend coverage to hundreds of thousands through the expansion of Medicaid and establishment of the state exchange. We hope for a swift close to this chapter and urge policymakers to look forward, not backward, toward solutions that help ensure our patients have access to comprehensive, affordable health care coverage."</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong></p>
<p>
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 for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 2/20/2019 9:45:51 AM | 12/17/2018 2:58:23 PM | 2/20/2019 9:45:51 AM |
| wsma_doctor_polio_survivor_take_it_from_me_childhood_diseases_are_dangerous | WSMA Doctor and Polio Survivor: Take It from Me, Childhood Diseases Are Dangerous | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/February/wsma_doctor_polio_survivor_take_it_from_me_childhood_diseases_are_dangerous | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/News/Goldbaum_Gary-HB1638-2-8-2019-645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>February 20, 2019</h5>
<h2>WSMA Doctor and Polio Survivor: Take It from Me, Childhood Diseases Are Dangerous</h2>
<p>Olympia, Wash. - Gary Goldbaum, MD, and his brother are polio survivors. Before vaccines were available, Dr. Goldbaum and his brother contracted poliomyelitis. "I have a photo of my brother in a wheelchair and braces while he endured months of physical and occupational therapy to support his recovery," Dr. Goldbaum said. "The days of iron lungs to treat polio are now behind us - thanks to vaccines."
</p>
<p>
Dr. Goldbaum will be representing the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) in Olympia on Feb. 20 testifying before the Senate Health &amp; Long Term Care Committee giving his firsthand account of the life-threatening dangers that diseases, once considered nearly eliminated, can pose to a whole new generation of children. "Before vaccines were available, infectious diseases including measles killed thousands and hospitalized tens of thousands nationwide. We must do all we can to keep that Pandora's box from opening again in our state," he said.
</p>
<p>
Goldbaum, a former health officer and director of the Snohomish Health District, remembers the pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak and the H1N1 influenza pandemic, when unvaccinated Snohomish County residents fell victim to these dangerous diseases, and some died. "I do not wish to see such events like this occur again in our state," he said.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA, together with the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP), support the elimination of personal and philosophical vaccine exemptions for school, child care, and preschool immunization requirements (Senate Bill 5841) to strengthen our state's immunization policy and protect our communities. Vaccines are safe—they are rigorously tested for safety before being approved for use.
</p>
<p>
Vaccinations are very important in protecting our most vulnerable citizens—newborns and those with compromised immune systems, such as persons undergoing cancer treatment—who cannot be vaccinated. In order to protect them, it's critical that we vaccinate more than 95 percent of the population, often called "herd immunity." Unfortunately, Washington state fails to reach this level of vaccination of our population, and one of the primary reasons is parents exempting their children for personal and philosophical reasons. Washington is one of only 17 states in the nation that allow for a personal/philosophical exemption.
</p>
<p>
"We know that if these personal/philosophical exemptions are eliminated we will see vaccination rates rise, be-cause states that have eliminated this exemption have proven it," said Tom Schaaf, MD, president of the WSMA. "And when vaccine rates rise, not only are vaccinated people protected, but so are others in the community who cannot be vaccinated, because their potential for exposure to dangerous diseases drops as the number of vaccinated people increase in their community."
</p>
<p>
<em>Pictured: Gary Goldbaum MD, earlier this month testifying before lawmakers in the House Health Care &amp; Wellness Committee in support of a proposal to eliminate the personal and philosophical exemption for childrens' measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (House Bill 1638).</em>
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong></p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a></p>
<p>
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883 cell/text<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 3/29/2019 9:12:39 AM | 2/20/2019 12:22:54 PM | 2/20/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| Representative_Bergquist_receives_2018_Legislator_of_the_Year_award_from_the_WSMA | Representative Bergquist receives 2018 Legislator of the Year award from the WSMA | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2019/Representative_Bergquist_receives_2018_Legislator_of_the_Year_award_from_the_WSMA | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/HeadShots/LOY2018_Berquist_Schaaf_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>February 7, 2019</h5>
<h2>
Representative Bergquist Receives 2018 Legislator of the Year Award from the WSMA
</h2>
<p>Olympia, Wash. - Representative Steve Bergquist, representing the state's 11th Legislative District serving parts of South Seattle, Tukwila, and Renton, has been named WSMA's 2018 Legislator of the Year for his support of the medical association's 2018 legislative efforts. He received the award from WSMA 2019 President Thomas Schaaf, MD, on Feb. 7, 2019 during the association's 2019 Legislative Summit in the Columbia Room at the Legislative Building in Olympia.</p>
<p>Each year the WSMA, the largest professional physician organization in the state, honors a legislator whose knowledge and influence help improve the health of Washingtonians while making Washington one of the best states in the nation to practice medicine. Rep. Bergquist's accomplishments of relevance to the WSMA include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Co-sponsorship of legislation creating a statewide drug take-back program for the safe and secure disposal of unwanted medication—the first program of its kind in the nation.</li>
<li>Co-sponsorship of legislation raising the purchasing age of tobacco to age 21. As a teacher, Rep. Bergquist understands firsthand how tobacco can infiltrate schools and its harmful effects on children. The bill passed the House with overwhelming support, but ultimately died in the Senate during the 2018 legislative session. The WSMA is continuing to advocate for this issue in 2019, supporting HB 1074 (Rep. Bergquist is a secondary sponsor) and SB 5057.</li>
<li>Prime sponsorship of legislation to ensure coverage of services delivered via telemedicine.</li>
</ul>
<p>Rep. Bergquist, who was elected by his colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus to serve as Deputy Majority Floor Leader, serves on various committees including Appropriations (2nd Vice Chair), College and Workforce Development, Education and Rules.</p>
<p>“Representative Bergquist has been a champion for Washington’s patients, physicians and medical community in recent years, and has worked with us on several top-priority issues,†said Dr. Smith. “One of those top issues is Tobacco 21, and we look forward to continuing our work with Rep. Bergquist. About 95% of smokers start before age 21. In Washington, 3,900 kids become daily smokers every year, and one-third of them will die prematurely as a result. Raising the tobacco sale age to 21 is an effective strategy to save lives.â€</p>
<p>Rep. Bergquist lives with his physician wife, Avanti, and their children in Tukwila.</p>
<p><em>Pictured: Rep. Bergquist and WSMA President Tom Schaaf, MD during the award presentation. <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Press Room/LOY2018_Berquist_Schaaf.jpg]">Download a full-sized, hi-resolution photo</a>. Photos courtesy of Meryl Schenker.</em></p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong></p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a></p>
<p>
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883 cell/text<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 2/20/2019 10:51:54 AM | 2/7/2019 3:20:24 PM | 2/7/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| 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> | 2/20/2019 9:46:19 AM | 11/2/2018 11:02:03 AM | 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> | 11/8/2018 10:52:32 AM | 10/16/2018 2:28:53 PM | 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 9:53:32 AM | 10/16/2018 1:58:22 PM | 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 10:23:28 AM | 10/15/2018 9:29:46 AM | 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> | 7/13/2018 11:52:12 AM | 4/19/2018 2:01:56 PM | 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> | 7/13/2018 12:03:02 PM | 2/23/2018 2:57:14 PM | 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> | 7/13/2018 12:03:12 PM | 2/23/2018 2:55:08 PM | 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> | 6/5/2018 1:17:01 AM | 2/23/2018 2:51:02 PM | 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> | 6/5/2018 1:17:02 AM | 2/23/2018 2:43:13 PM | 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> | 6/5/2018 1:17:02 AM | 2/23/2018 2:38:57 PM | 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> | 6/5/2018 1:17:00 AM | 2/23/2018 12:11:24 PM | 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> | 6/5/2018 1:16:59 AM | 2/23/2018 12:02:37 PM | 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> | 6/5/2018 1:16:59 AM | 2/23/2018 12:00:34 PM | 10/16/2017 12:00:00 AM |