| 2025-legislative-landscape-other-health-policies-passed | 2025 Legislative Landscape: Other Health Policies Passed | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/april-28/2025-legislative-landscape-other-health-policies-passed | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/april/steth-warm-background-645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope on a cloth" /></div>
<h5>April 28, 2025</h5>
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<h2>2025 Legislative Landscape: Other Health Policies Passed</h2>
<p>More than 2,000 bills were introduced during the 2025 session, with over 400 of them approved by the Washington State Legislature. The WSMA tracked and engaged on over 400 bills, with topics ranging from practice of medicine, public health, reproductive health care, insurance coverage, and beyond. Led by our physician leadership tables at the WSMA executive committee, board of trustees, and legislative steering committee, our overarching principle in legislative advocacy is to promote patient access to care and ensure physicians can practice medicine in a manner that's appropriate and financially viable. </p>
<p>Ensuring access to reproductive health is a continuing priority of the WSMA and legislative Democrats, with another set of relevant bills approved in the 2025 session. Legislation was adopted to build on the state's "shield law" to protect physicians and other health care practitioners providing reproductive health care and gender-affirming services, as well as patients receiving the care (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5632&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">SB 5632</a>). Another bill ensures commercial insurance coverage for a 12-month supply of contraceptive drugs (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5498&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">SB 5498</a>). And two bills were passed to update outmoded state law related to a pregnancy provision in the state's model form for advance health care directives (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=1215&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">HB 1215</a>) and to remove the state statute of the crime of concealing a birth (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5093&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">SB 5093</a>). </p>
<p>The cost of health care was front of mind for many legislators. A bill was adopted this year to establish reimbursement rate caps for facility payments to hospitals for the care of individuals enrolled in state employee health plans (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5083&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">SB 5083</a>). The WSMA was neutral on the bill after an amendment was adopted to exempt professional service reimbursement under the bill, though in future years the issue is likely to be revisited and rate caps will be proposed to be expanded. And the WSMA supported a bill to prohibit medical debt from being included in credit reports after securing amendments to ensure there would not be undue administrative burden imposed on practices (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5480&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">SB 5480</a>). </p>
<p>As it has been in recent years, the business of medicine was a point of focus in the 2025 session with bills proposed to limit the ability of physician groups and other entities to enter into mergers and acquisitions (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=1881&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">HB 1881</a>), impose new corporate practice of medicine requirements (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5387&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=False">SB 5387</a>), and establish a registry of all health care entities in the state (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=1686&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">HB 1686</a>). </p>
<p>The registry bill was approved as a study-directing the Department of Health and other state agencies to make recommendations on how it could be implemented-but the other bills failed to make it through the legislative process. All are likely to return in 2026 and the WSMA will advocate that the Legislature's interest in preserving independent practice should be reflected not only in policy bills, but also in tax policy. It's neither reasonable nor realistic for lawmakers to continue to make it more difficult for physician organizations to operate while also protesting consolidation and diminishing access to care in communities. </p>
</div> | 4/28/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| 2025-session-has-adjourned-whats-next | 2025 Session Has Adjourned: What's Next? | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/april-28/2025-session-has-adjourned-whats-next | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/april/ls-2025-01-white-coats-008-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="physicians in white coats at the capitol" /></div>
<h5>April 28, 2025</h5>
<h2>2025 Session Has Adjourned: What's Next? </h2>
<p>The Washington State Legislature runs on a two-year cycle, and any bill not adopted in 2025 will automatically be reintroduced when the 2026 legislative session begins next January. This means that over 1,500 bills will be on the table on day one of session next year, with another 1,500 or so likely to be introduced during the course of the 60-day session. </p>
<p>Of course, that's assuming that the Legislature doesn't convene in a special session in the meantime. A number of factors could bring lawmakers back to town in the coming months, most notably the cuts to Medicaid and other areas of the federal government that are being threatened by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans. </p>
<p>Speaking of the federal government, a point of focus for the WSMA this interim will be working with the governor's office and the state Health Care Authority to pursue approval of the Medicaid Access Program from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Similar programs have been approved by CMS in recent years, including during the first Trump administration. </p>
<p>Throughout our advocacy for the bill, we acknowledged there is a possibility the program will not be approved. But particularly given the state's budget challenges, this represented the best opportunity we have to increase investments in Medicaid reimbursement. We designed the program to comply with federal regulations and are hopeful it will be approved in the interest of promoting access to care for Medicaid enrollees and enacting long-overdue rate increases for the physician community. </p>
<p>And while it seems like the last election was just yesterday, with the adjournment of session it's campaign season again. Several state legislators were appointed to office since the 2024 election, requiring them to run for special election in November to retain their seats. Some will be high-profile contests that could have an impact on the ideological and partisan make-up of the Legislature. Through WAMPAC, the WSMA's nonpartisan campaign arm, we'll be working to connect with the candidates and support those whose priorities align with the house of medicine. </p>
<p>Our advocacy work never stops at the WSMA, and we can't do it without you. Your yearly investment in the WSMA is what powers our work on behalf of the profession and your patients. Thank you to the hundreds of physicians and who took time in recent months to join us at the WSMA Legislative Summit, testify before the Legislature, and send messages to your lawmakers. We're grateful to you and we want to know what the WSMA can be doing to be helpful to you, your practice, and your patients. If you have suggestions for the WSMA's 2026 legislative agenda, contact WSMA Government Affairs Director <a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">Sean Graham</a>. </p>
</div> | 4/28/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| final-2025-2027-state-budget-approved | Final 2025-2027 State Budget Approved | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/april-28/final-2025-2027-state-budget-approved | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/april/ls-2025-01-685-medium.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="capitol building" /></div>
<h5>April 28, 2025</h5>
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<h2>Final 2025-2027 State Budget Approved </h2>
<p>The <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/april-28/tax-increase-on-physician-groups-included-in-2025-session-revenue-package.aspx">revenue package</a>&nbsp;contributed to a $78 billion state operating budget adopted by legislators Sunday afternoon, increasing state spending in the coming two-year fiscal cycle by around $5 billion. While there were cuts to health care programs and other areas of the budget, the revenue increases obviated the type of deep programmatic reductions that the state saw during the great recession. Many Democrats in Olympia recalled the legacy of those cuts and were committed to not repeating it.</p>
<p>Bright spots in the budget include funding largely being retained for WSMA-supported programs such as foundational public health services ($300 million), insurance coverage for undocumented residents of the state ($142 million), health insurance premium assistance for exchange enrollees ($85 million), and numerous appropriations to address the opioid epidemic and increase access to medication for opioid use disorder.</p>
<p>But cuts to health care programs were not completely avoided. State payments to Medicaid managed care organizations were cut by 1% for both physical health care services ($106 million savings) and behavioral health capitation ($27.7 million savings). Medicaid reimbursement for laboratory services was reduced to 80% of the corresponding Medicare rates ($33.5 million savings). And funding was trimmed for the state's health professional student loan repayment program ($2.6 million savings), among other cuts to programs supporting physical and behavioral health care.</p>
<p>The state budget shortfall was driven by not only tapering anticipated revenues, but also increased costs associated with existing state programs due to heightened enrollment and per-capita costs. The bulk of the new spending in the budget went towards K-12 education, and especially special education.</p>
<p>Another cost driver was the collective bargaining agreements negotiated last year by former Gov. Jay Inslee. There was discussion during session of rejecting the agreements and sending negotiators back to the bargaining table, as well as furloughs or pay cuts for state employees. But the final budget fully funded the collective bargaining agreements and did not include pay cuts for state workers.</p>
<p>Through the course of session, Gov. Bob Ferguson largely stayed outside the fray of budget negotiations. He offered suggestions for budget reductions and expressed opposition to the Legislature relying on revenue to the extent that was initially proposed. But he consistently avoided expressing support for specific tax increases and issued a statement following adjournment of session saying that he would be carefully reviewing the budget and tax bills in the coming weeks before taking action on them.</p>
</div> | 4/28/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| major-victories-for-wsma-2025-priority-legislation | Major Victories for WSMA 2025 Priority Legislation | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/april-28/major-victories-for-wsma-2025-priority-legislation | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/april/istock-1442379947-for-web-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="physician with mother and child" /></div>
<h5>April 28, 2025</h5>
<h2>Major Victories for WSMA 2025 Priority Legislation </h2>
<p>On the policy front, the physician community saw numerous important wins in the 2025 legislative session and we were successful in defeating all bills that we opposed. At the top of the list of accomplishments is the passage of <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=1392&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1392</a>, the WSMA's Medicaid Access Program legislation to increase reimbursements for all services provided by physicians, physician assistants, and other advance practice providers to at least Medicare levels and index to inflation, representing a multiyear advocacy effort on the part of the physician community.</p>
<p>HB 1392 proposes the establishment of a covered lives assessment on insurance carriers to leverage around $400 million per year for Medicaid rate increases across primary and specialty care. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Nicole Macri (D-Capitol Hill) and approved by the House and Senate on largely party-line votes, with Democratic support winning out over Republican objections. As of this writing, the bill is pending final approval from Gov. Bob Ferguson.</p>
<p>The vast majority of the funding for the Medicaid Access Program comes from the federal government, bypassing the state budget morass but introducing a new variable: the need for federal approval for the program to be implemented. In the coming months the WSMA will be working with the governor's office and the state Health Care Authority to seek approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the program. Assuming the program is approved, the assessment on insurance carriers will commence on Jan. 1 of the year following CMS approval and rate increases will begin Jan. 1 of the year after that.</p>
<p>Ensuring confidentiality for physician and physician assistant well-being programs was another bill that required multiple sessions to work through the legislative process. <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=1718&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1718</a> by Rep. My-Linh Thai (D-Bellevue) was developed by the WSMA and the Washington Chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to promote the use of physician well-being programs (defined in the new law as programs to address the career fatigue and well-being of physicians and physician assistants) as a tool to address burnout and improve workforce retention. Extensive negotiations with the state's trial bar resulted in an agreed-upon bill that was approved unanimously by the Legislature and signed into law on April 21.  </p>
<p>Promoting a strong public health system and access to vaccines is a perennial priority of the WSMA that has taken on newfound importance with mounting headwinds from the federal government. <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=1531&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1531</a> by Rep. Dan Bronoske (D-University Place), the new chair of the House Health Care and Wellness Committee, ensures that at the state and local levels public health responses to communicable disease and communications on vaccines will continue to be guided by the best available science. The bill was spearheaded by the public health community, approved primarily with Democratic support, and signed into law by Gov. Ferguson on April 21. In addition to the Democrats who supported HB 1531 and the WSMA's Medicaid Access Program legislation, the WSMA wants to express our thanks to Sen. Paul Harris (R-Vancouver) who was the lone legislative Republican to vote for both bills.  </p>
<p>One WSMA priority bill that did not make it through the process this year was <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5395&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">Senate Bill 5395</a> by Sen. Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines) which sought to reform the prior authorization process. The bill was developed in partnership with the Washington State Hospital Association and Proliance Surgeons and would have imposed new restrictions on insurance carriers' use of artificial intelligence to deny prior authorizations, limited the frequency with which carriers may adjust their prior authorization policies, and clarified a state prohibition on retroactive denials of prior authorizations. SB 5395 saw bipartisan support, but the bill died due to its anticipated cost to the state. The WSMA will work with our partners on the legislation through the interim in anticipation of reintroduction and hopeful passage in the 2026 session.</p>
<p>Defending against bad bills in Olympia is just as important as passing good policy, and the WSMA was successful in defeating all policy bills we opposed during the 2025 session. Chief among them was a host of scope of practice bills, where the WSMA advocates that any scope increase must make adequate provision for education and training to ensure patient safety. The WSMA worked to defeat legislation granting prescriptive authority to psychologists (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5112&amp;Chamber=Senate&amp;Year=2025">SB 5112</a>), authorizing independent practice authority for pharmacists (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1520&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">HB 1520</a>), and broadening the scope of naturopaths (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1888&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">HB 1888</a>). And for the seventh consecutive session, the WSMA successfully opposed legislation to mandate advanced practice practitioners be reimbursed at the same rate as physicians (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=1430&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">HB 1430</a>).</p>
<p>A trio of bills related to international medical graduates was considered this session. One was approved by the Legislature to update parameters of the clinical experience license that IMGs can work under to gain experience to qualify for a residency (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?billnumber=5118&amp;year=2025">SB 5118</a>). The WSMA was able to secure amendments and was supportive of the bill as it was adopted. A bill the WSMA supported to create residency slots for IMGs died due to lack of funding capacity (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?billnumber=5226&amp;year=2025">SB 5226</a>). And a bill we opposed to create an "apprenticeship" pathway to full, unrestricted practice was not adopted (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?billnumber=5185&amp;year=2025">SB 5185</a>). More discussion is expected on this topic over the coming months, as national groups consider recommendations for pathways to licensure for IMGs, and in the next legislative session.</p>
</div> | 4/28/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| tax-increase-on-physician-groups-included-in-2025-session-revenue-package | Tax Increase on Physician Groups Included in 2025 Session Revenue Package | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/april-28/tax-increase-on-physician-groups-included-in-2025-session-revenue-package | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/april/stethoscope-dollar-sign-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope in the shape of a dollar sign" /></div>
<h5>April 28, 2025</h5>
<h2>Tax Increase on Physician Groups Included in 2025 Session Revenue Package </h2>
<p>The state budget shortfall hung like a cloud over Olympia all session, dimming the prospects of new programs and dooming the fate of most bills that carried a cost. State revenues are projected to increase in the coming years, but not at the pace of the recent run-up in recent state spending. The result was an estimated two-year budget shortfall of around $15 billion.</p>
<p>From the beginning of session, majority-party Democrats made clear their intention to bridge the budget shortfall primarily with new revenue, rather than spending cuts. A parade of tax proposals was considered over the course of session, including a tax on the state's wealthiest individuals and a payroll tax that would have impacted most physician organizations. The WSMA opposed the payroll tax as it would have had a significant impact on the physician community and Gov. Bob Ferguson expressed skepticism toward both proposals on the grounds they were legally unproven revenue options, leading to the proposals not being enacted.</p>
<p>To balance the state budget, legislators pivoted primarily to a well-known mechanism, the state's business and occupation tax. <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2081&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 2081</a> enacts B&amp;O tax increases for most industries as well as a surcharge on companies that gross over $250 million annually. For the physician community this means all physician organizations that gross more than $5 million annually will see their B&amp;O tax rate hiked by 20%, from 1.75% to 2.1%, and those that gross more than $250 million annually are subject to an additional 0.5% surcharge.</p>
<p>Based on data from the state's Department of Revenue, the WSMA estimates the impact of the tax increases on physician organizations to be around $50 million per year. This will have the effect of decreasing patient access to care, increasing the cost of care, and fueling more consolidation into larger health systems, all running counter to what we consistently hear as concerns of legislators.</p>
<p>Acknowledging the difficult decisions facing Democratic budget writers, the WSMA strongly opposed these tax increases on physician organizations. In public testimony, private meetings with legislators, and in the more than 1,000 messages WSMA members sent to their lawmakers, we stressed that these tax increases on physician organizations could have a similar negative impact on access to care as the budget cuts legislators were trying to avoid by raising revenue.</p>
<p>In all, the revenue package adopted this session is estimated to raise taxes by around $9 billion over the next four years. Other revenue increases were adopted to extend sales tax to more services and allow counties to increase property tax. The WSMA supported a proposal to increase the state's cigarette tax and while the bill received serious consideration, the proposal died in the House of Representatives.</p>
</div> | 4/28/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| ceo-rounds-april-25-2025-this-may-invest-in-yourself-your-career-and-your-profession | CEO Rounds: April 25, 2025 - This May, Invest in Yourself, Your Career, and Your Profession | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/ceo-rounds/2025/ceo-rounds-april-25-2025-this-may-invest-in-yourself-your-career-and-your-profession | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>April 25, 2025</h5>
<h2>This May, Invest in Yourself, Your Career, and Your Profession</h2>
<p>Jennifer Hanscom, CEO</p>
<p>
More than ever, health care needs smart, compassionate, and innovative leaders guiding the way. With today's challenges in the house of medicine, the shifting landscape of health care, and the unpredictable fate of federal legislation impacting our work, effective physician leaders are essential if we are to navigate a healthy way forward for the profession and their patients.
</p>
<p>
It will take bold leadership to tackle these challenges and the WSMA is here to help. Physician leadership is critical to ensuring that patient-centered care is clinician-driven. Yet those skills aren't always traditionally taught in medical schools and physicians may not always recognize that it's a skillset they need to learn. It takes leadership competencies to envision and shape the future, and those who possess the right mix of these skills will continue to be in high demand.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA is committed to helping you develop professionally in today's health care environment, whether or not you choose a leadership path.
</p>
<p>
To that end, for some 30 years, we've been bringing members our annual <a href="[@]ldc?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=vkBBA">Leadership Development Conference</a>, held on the shores of beautiful Lake Chelan. Many WSMA leaders, chiefs of staff, and CMOs started and shaped their leadership journey at this conference. You can too!
</p>
<p>
This year's conference will explore the themes of leading as a medical staff, being an effective advocate, leading in your organization, and leading with strength. Topics and speakers include:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Leading Out of Burnout: Redesigning the Way You Work - Ed Walker, MD</li>
<li>Take Your Leadership to the Next Level: Applying Adaptive Leadership to Your Greatest Challenges - Kurt O'Brien</li>
<li>Wife and Death with Lady Glaucomflecken - Kristin Flanary</li>
<li>Health Policy and Economics - Jeb Shepard, WSMA Director of Policy</li>
<li>Legislative Advocacy 101 - Sean Graham, WSMA Director of Government Affairs and Rep. Mike Steele (R-Chelan)</li>
<li>Incite Curiosity, Change the Game: Preparing for a media interview or testifying in the Legislature - Mary Kay Clunies-Ross, Sunshine Communications</li>
<li>Thriving in Medicine: Implementing Wellness Best Practices in Your Organization - Alka Atal-Barrio, MD, WSMA Wellness Committee chair, and Carrie Horwitch, MD, MPH, WSMA Wellness Committee member</li>
<li>Leadership, Equity, and You - James Whitfield, co-founder of Be Culture</li>
<li>Contract Review Tips &amp; Salary Data - Kyle Claussen, Resolve CEO</li>
<li>Wealth Prescription: Smart Financial Planning for Physicians - Jim Wilson and Elizabeth Hail, Northern Capital Management</li>
</ul>
<p>
I hope you'll take this opportunity to continue investing in your leadership development with the WSMA. <a href="[@]ldc?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=vkBBA">Register today to join us in Chelan May 16-17</a>.
</p>
<h3>The results of your advocacy</h3>
<p>
I also want to take this opportunity to say "thank you" to each of you for investing in your state professional society, the WSMA. We are grateful for your yearly investment in the association. Our work doesn't always come with instant gratification-advocacy can sometimes take years to bring change, whether in the state capital or in a court of law. But to get to that moment, it takes you-your ideas, feedback, direction, and engagement.
</p>
<p>
Speaking of advocacy, we are in the waning days of this year's legislative session and I'm happy to report that after two years of advocacy we have finally passed our Medicaid Access Program! That said, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=1392&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1392</a> does still require the governor's signature and final approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, but we've successfully cleared a major hurdle in this journey.
</p>
<p>
Thank you again to all our members and practice leaders who wrote op-eds and letters to editors and responded to our many calls to action and requests to testify. Your grassroots engagement mattered.
</p>
<p>
I also want to offer a shout out and special thanks to our team in Olympia, especially Sean Graham, WSMA's director of government affairs, who worked tirelessly around the clock to develop the Medicaid Access Program and to secure legislative leaders who introduced, advocated for, and supported the bill.
</p>
<p>
Their work, and yours, made all the difference. Thank you, one and all, for all you do!
</p>
</div> | 4/25/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| session-update-tax-increases-and-medicaid-access-program | Session Update: Tax Increases and Medicaid Access Program | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/april-18/session-update-tax-increases-and-medicaid-access-program | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/april/wa-capitol-columns-645x425ps.png" class="pull-right" alt="Columns of the Washington Legislative Building" /></div>
<h5>April 18, 2025</h5>
<h2>Session Update: Tax Increases and Medicaid Access Program </h2>
<p>With the scheduled adjournment of the 2025 legislative session approaching on Sunday, April 27, legislators are working toward agreement on a final state budget and tax increases to bridge an estimated $15 billion shortfall. As is the case with most sessions, this year has presented challenges and opportunities, and we saw both for the physician community over the last week. </p>
<p>On Monday, the Senate approved <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=1392&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1392</a>, the WSMA's Medicaid Access Program legislation to improve access to care by increasing Medicaid rates to Medicare equivalents. The bill goes back to the House for agreement with changes made by the Senate, then to the governor's desk for approval. </p>
<p>Assuming the bill passes into law this year, our next phase of work will commence in seeking federal approval from the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services. Passing the bill through the House and Senate this year is a major step forward, and we're grateful to all of the WSMA members who advocated in support of the bill through messages to legislators, media engagement, and public testimony. This was truly a team effort and we thank you all for your engagement! </p>
<p>Our celebration in Olympia was short-lived, however, as on Tuesday majority-party Democrats released a new package of tax proposals totaling around $13 billion, intended to be part of a final budget agreement. Most businesses and industries will be impacted by elements of the tax proposals and the physician community is no exception. </p>
<p>In particular, the proposal to increase the state business and occupation tax in <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2081&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 2081</a> and <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=5815&amp;Chamber=Senate&amp;Year=2025">Senate Bill 5815</a> will have a significant impact on physician organizations. The bills would increase the B&amp;O tax rate for the "service and other activities," which includes physician organizations, from 1.75% to 2.1%. This represents a 20% increase and layers on top of the increase we saw in 2019, when the rate was raised from 1.5%. </p>
<p>Legislators are facing legitimately difficult decisions in crafting a final state budget that will likely rely on a combination of cuts and tax increases. State health care programs are particularly vulnerable, as health care constitutes the largest slice of the state budget that is not constitutionally protected. But especially as physician organizations cannot set their own prices and have to look at measures that reduce access to care to mitigate the impact of tax increases, the B&amp;O rate hike will have a similar impact as the budget cuts that legislators are trying to avoid with tax increases. </p>
<p>The WSMA is working in opposition to the B&amp;O tax increase on physician organizations, asking that the current B&amp;O rate be maintained. You can join in our advocacy by <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/no-b-and-o-tax-increase/?_zs=KUcFd1&amp;_zl=mkTAA">sending a message to your legislators today</a>. </p>
</div> | 4/18/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| 2025-seattle-king-county-free-clinic-is-apr-24-27 | 2025 Seattle-King County Free Clinic is Apr. 24-27 | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/april-11/2025-seattle-king-county-free-clinic-is-apr-24-27 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/april/skcc-clinical-non-clinical-social-media-graphic-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Seattle/King County Clinic volunteers needed graphic" /></div>
<h5>April 11, 2025</h5>
<h2>2025 Seattle-King County Free Clinic is Apr. 24-27 </h2>
<p><em>For our King County members: Help us spread the word!</em> </p>
<p>This year, the WSMA is proud <a href="https://seattlecenter.org/skcclinic/partners/">to join the partners</a> of the Seattle/King County Clinic, the yearly health care event offering free dental, vision, and medical services to those in need. All are welcome to the three-day free clinic, which takes place in the Fisher Pavilion of the Seattle Center starting at 5:30 a.m. on April 24. All services are free, no ID is required, and interpreters are available.</p>
<p><strong>About the clinic</strong> </p>
<p>Of the patients who seek services, approximately 95% are housed, 49% are insured, and only 36% are unemployed. As a recent <a href="https://seattlecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Big-Seattle-free-clinic-shows-the-gaps-in-our-health-care-system-_-Seattle-Times.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Seattle Times op-ed</a> that featured the clinic shared, there are many reasons people may struggle to access or afford health care.</p>
<p><strong>Patient outreach</strong> </p>
<p>Help spread the word about the free clinic! Printable flyers, social media graphics, and suggested text are available at <a href="http://www.seattlecenter.org/patients">seattlecenter.org/patients</a>. Share the clinic's patient outreach posts from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SKCClinic/posts/pfbid0mLtbvcfF8TKqL6Gz6o41rZgjV4nQey4ba44S8x8RaVwV47456oort4J7EE5YwCXGl">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHb7VfARDTx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7308604503279157249">LinkedIn</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/SKCClinic/status/1902839177399656711">X</a>. The clinic's <a href="https://seattlecenter.org/skcclinic/faq/">FAQs</a> may also be a helpful resource. Join the hundreds of community organizations that are sharing the details with their networks. It takes an engaged community to connect with all those who need the services the clinic provides.</p>
<p><strong>Volunteer registration</strong> </p>
<p>Volunteers are still needed. Visit <a href="http://www.seattlecenter.org/volunteers">seattlecenter.org/volunteers</a> to see the list of needs that exist or simply go to the volunteer registration page and see what openings are available. Thursday and Sunday are always good places to start.</p>
<p>Stay connected to clinic updates by following them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SKCClinic/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/seattlekingcountyclinic/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://linkedin.com/company/skcclinic">LinkedIn</a>.</p>
</div> | 4/10/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| cme-webinar-advocacy-as-wellness-navigating-the-path-to-reform-and-resilience | CME Webinar: Advocacy as Wellness: Navigating the Path to Reform and Resilience | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/april-11/cme-webinar-advocacy-as-wellness-navigating-the-path-to-reform-and-resilience | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Physician &amp; Practitioner Wellness Webinar Series" src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/april/WSMA-Wellness-Webinar-Series-Graphic-No-Date-No-Button.png" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>April 11, 2025</h5>
<h2>CME Webinar: Advocacy as Wellness: Navigating the Path to Reform and Resilience </h2>
<p><em>May 12, noon-1 p.m. CME available.</em> </p>
<p>The frightening prevalence of physician suicide and physician and clinician burnout has spurred targeted interventions and reforms that seek to eliminate the systemic barriers to mental health care that physicians and practitioners face. From licensing and credentialing reforms to confidential peer support and wellness programs, from providing mental and behavioral health training and beyond, advocates are uniting behind multipronged initiatives to ensure health professionals feel secure in seeking mental health support when they need it.</p>
<p>Join us on Monday, May 12, for the next Physician and Practitioner Wellness webinar where we'll catch up on national and local reform efforts. Presenters include Washington Physicians Health Program Executive Medical Director Chris Bundy, MD, and Stef Simmons, MD, an emergency department physician and vice president of clinician engagement for Envision Healthcare's national medical group.</p>
<p>During the webinar, Dr. Simmons will dive into national targets such as licensing and credentialing reform, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, and the new "Health Workers Have the Right, Too" mental health care initiative. Then, Dr. Bundy will shift the focus to local reform efforts, highlighting the roles of the Washington Medical Commission, the University of Washington, the Washington Practitioner Application, Physicians Insurance, and others, and discussing the path forward. </p>
<p>Dr. Simmons and Dr. Bundy will reflect on how to be successful in advocacy work: How can we navigate challenges? And how can we view advocacy itself as a form of wellness? They'll explore how engaging in advocacy promotes our own well-being and encourage participants to share their advocacy stories and discuss potential projects they'd like to start but aren't sure how to approach.</p>
<p>This interactive discussion will leave you inspired to take meaningful steps toward advocacy, wellness, and professional growth.</p>
<p>This lunchtime session is open to all. <a href="https://wsma.org/eventdetail?eventkey=WWS2024">Register online</a>. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em>â„¢.</p>
</div> | 4/10/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| exclusive-partner-discounts-for-members | Exclusive Partner Discounts for Members | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/april-11/exclusive-partner-discounts-for-members | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/april/wsma-partners-in-medicine-graphic-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA Partners in Medicine logo" /></div>
<h5>April 11, 2025</h5>
<h2>Exclusive Partner Discounts for Members </h2>
<p><strong>What to know</strong>: You spoke, we listened! Our members often ask for help with contract reviews, services that help independent practices, and financial planning. We sought out trusted partners to bring you exactly that.</p>
<p><strong>Negotiate the best contract:</strong> Employment contracts are complicated, and physicians may be offered less than they deserve in compensation and other terms. WSMA's partner, Resolve, reviews and negotiates physician contracts along with salary comparison data. Resolve's attorneys specialize in physician contracts. <em>WSMA members receive 10% off all packages.</em> </p>
<p><strong>Get cash back on purchases</strong>: Physician practices purchase high-cost supplies and equipment, but they may not be earning back tangible rewards or cash back on those expenses. The new WSMA Mastercard offers unlimited 2.1% cash back on all purchases**, as well as 5% cash back on medical supplies and equipment**. Additionally, a $560 sign-on bonus helps offset the cost of your WSMA membership dues**! </p>
<p><strong>Make smart financial decisions:</strong> No matter where you are in your career journey, Northern Capital can help address your financial needs and goals for the future. From financial planning services to wealth management, they will help you craft a plan customized to meet your needs, along with actionable steps to help you succeed. <em>Stand-alone financial planning is a service offered exclusively to WSMA members. Other services are offered at a discount.*</em> </p>
<p><em>*The WSMA is a client and paid promoter, as a result there is an inherent conflict of interest. Visit the </em><a href="[@]wsma/membership/why_join_the_wsma_/partners-in-medicine/northern-capital-management.aspx"><em>partner page</em></a><em> for a full disclosure.</em> </p>
<p>Find out more about these opportunities on the <a href="[@]wsma/membership/why_join_the_wsma/partners-in-medicine/wsma/membership/why_join_the_wsma_/partners.aspx?hkey=906c2a46-7f38-4645-8a71-6bc5666027cb">WSMA website</a>.</p>
<p><em>**Affiniti Finance, Inc. is the program manager of the WSMA World Elite Business Mastercard and is responsible for its operations, including but not limited to card issuance, rewards, management, and customer service. Cardholders are encouraged to review the comprehensive terms and conditions provided by Affiniti Finance, Inc., which can be </em><a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMTc5NjM4NiZwPTEmdT0xMDg4MzY2MjQ3JmxpPTExMjk2MjQ0Mw/index.html"><em>found here</em></a><em>. Affiniti Finance, Inc is not an FDIC-insured institution. WSMA World Elite Business Mastercard is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated.</em> </p>
</div> | 4/10/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| national-minority-health-month-guidance-on-delivering-culturally-sensitive-care | National Minority Health Month: Guidance on Delivering Culturally Sensitive Care | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/april-11/national-minority-health-month-guidance-on-delivering-culturally-sensitive-care | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/april/hands-circle-illustration-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="illustration of hands in a circle" /></div>
<h5>April 11, 2025</h5>
<h2>National Minority Health Month: Guidance on Delivering Culturally Sensitive Care </h2>
<p>April is National Minority Health Month. This month-long celebration highlights the importance of promoting and improving the health and wellness of historically marginalized communities, which continue to pay a heavy price from health inequities. Whether it's poorer outcomes for Black patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, low birth weights for Hispanic infants, or higher rates of behavioral health issues among LGBTQ+ youth, studies have shown a consistent gap among how patients access and fare in the health care system depending upon their identity.</p>
<p>Helping physicians understand the root causes of health inequities, including their own contributions to them, no matter how unconscious, is essential to ensure all patients receive the highest-quality care. The WSMA will celebrate this year's National Minority Health Month with a month-long campaign highlighting our health equity professional resources. Make the commitment today to advance health equity for the patients you serve, starting with the following guidance.</p>
<h3>Building authentic relationships of trust and delivering culturally sensitive care</h3>
<p>The WSMA and WSMA Foundation identified the need to mitigate the harm of racism perpetuated throughout medicine and set a goal to develop a plan for physicians and physician assistants to build authentic relationships of trust with diverse communities through mentorship, education, and community support programs. Building and maintaining trustworthy relationships with your patients is critical to delivering equitable and culturally sensitive care. Use the following best practice resources, developed by the WSMA and the WSMA Foundation, as a starting point.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><strong>Improving early detection of&nbsp;</strong><strong>colon cancer </strong>- Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S. with about 4.2% of men and women being diagnosed at some point in their lifetime. Currently, the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce recommends starting screening for colorectal cancer at age 50, with some risk factors such as a family history indicating earlier screening. In Washington state, of adults aged 50-75, only 63% with commercial insurance and 43% with Medicaid received screening, with variation by county. Review guidance on <a href="https://wsma.org/doc_library/news/colon-cancer-best-practices-one-pager-final.pdf" target="_blank">delivering culturally sensitive care to improve rates of colon cancer screenings</a>.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><strong>Preventing maternal mortality</strong> - The U.S. has the worst maternal mortality rate among developed nations. Death rates amongst Black birthing people are higher than other racial groups. Black birthing people are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white birthing people. Pregnancy-related mortality is preventable if the root causes are identified and addressed early on. Review guidance on <a href="https://wsma.org/doc_library/news/maternal-mortality-best-practices-one-pager.pdf" target="_blank">delivering culturally sensitive care to prevent maternal mortality</a>.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><strong>Improving early detection of endometrial cancer</strong> - Endometrial cancer is detectable early due to symptoms such as postmenopausal bleeding. It is always treatable and often cured. Black women have a 98% higher rate of death from endometrial cancer compared to white women, much of which is due to late-stage diagnosis. The goal is to have no difference in stage of endometrial cancer diagnosis by race, class, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Review guidance on <a href="https://wsma.org/doc_library/news/endometrial-cancer-best-practices-one-pager.pdf" target="_blank">delivering culturally sensitive care to improve early detection of endometrial cancer</a>.</p>
<h3>Guidance on key terms, definitions, further reading, and more</h3>
<p>For more guidance on building trust with your patients, visit the <a href="[@]wsma/foundation/health-equity/inclusive-language-and-health-equity-resources.aspx?hkey=17162be8-1f3b-402c-b5b3-9371960a4740&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">WSMA Foundation's Inclusive Language and Health Equity Resources</a>, where you'll find: </p>
<ul>
<li>Learning about trust: Guidance on key terms, definitions, and background material.</li>
<li>Tools and templates for building trust in your community.</li>
<li>Additional resources, including a list of state health coalitions representing Washington state's diverse communities.</li>
<li>Further reading on achieving health equity.</li>
</ul>
<p>For all of our health equity resources and CME opportunities, take a moment to explore the WSMA Foundation's <a href="[@]wsma/foundation/health-equity/wsma/foundation/health-equity/health-equity.aspx?hkey=4afa0741-715c-400d-9a5b-3cea426872c1">health equity webpages</a>.</p>
</div> | 4/10/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| new-cme-podcast-episodes-available-on-wellness-moud | New CME Podcast Episodes Available on Wellness, MOUD | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/april-11/new-cme-podcast-episodes-available-on-wellness-moud | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/april/wsma-podcasts-icon-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA Podcasts logo" /></div>
<h5>April 11, 2025</h5>
<h2>New CME Podcast Episodes Available on Wellness, MOUD </h2>
<p>New episodes from our Physician and Practitioner Wellness Podcast and our Better Prescribing Better Treatment Podcast are now available, accessible when and where you want (and featuring CME credit).</p>
<h3>Physician and Practitioner Wellness podcasts on staff retention, wellness programs, self-compassion, more</h3>
<p> </p>
<p>Like the <a href="[@]wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/physician-and-practitioner-wellness-webinar-series/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/physician-and-practitioner-wellness-webinar-series.aspx?hkey=be048ba4-758d-472c-9168-7449f8c5728a">live webinar series</a>, the Physician and Practitioner Wellness Podcast provides discussions on topics such as creating a culture of wellness, creating effective teams, and drawing on evidence-based work on wellness. Each episode is moderated by a member of the WSMA and WSMA Foundation Wellness Committee. The podcast is free and open to all practitioner types. Access the following new podcast episodes on the <a href="[@]wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/physician-and-practitioner-wellness-podcast/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/physician-and-practitioner-wellness-podcast.aspx?hkey=bc2edb3f-b410-48c8-8e36-1b9c4f24af67">WSMA website</a> or from our podcast channel, WSMA Podcasts, available through <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wsma-podcasts/id1702920307">Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0PBMBLgHr6e0X3OaMjyJON?si=af140842c00c430c">Spotify</a>. Each podcast is approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>.</p>
<ul>
<li>Episode 2: <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/wellness-podcast-episodes/episode-2-wellness-centered-leadership.aspx">Wellness-Centered Leadership</a> - How wellness-centered leadership practiced by both physicians and practitioners can facilitate workplace culture that enables physician well-being. With Ashleigh Rodriguez, co-founder and head of innovation and strategy at Care4th.</li>
<li>Episode 3: <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/wellness-podcast-episodes/episode-3-building-a-business-case-for-well-being.aspx">Building a Business Case for Well-Being</a> - Confluence Health's collaborative approach to investing in and delivering a clinician wellness program. With James Murray, MD, chief medical officer, and Makrina Shanbour, MD, director of provider experience.</li>
<li>Episode 4: <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/wellness-podcast-episodes/episode-4-use-of-team-based-care.aspx">Use of Team-Based Care to Improve Clinician Professional Fulfillment</a> - The importance of interprofessional teams in ambulatory care, emphasizing patient-centered, team-based collaboration, leadership models, and best practices to enhance health care delivery and improve patient outcomes. With Carrie Horwitch, MD, vice president of the WSMA Foundation and a member of the WSMA Wellness committee.</li>
<li>Episode 5: <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/wellness-podcast-episodes/episode-5-thriving-in-medicine.aspx">Thriving in Medicine</a> - Physician and practitioner engagement and retention issues, leadership development opportunities, professional fulfillment as a quality improvement tool, and the WSMA Foundation Wellness Committee's "Thriving in Medicine" report. With Carrie Horwitch, MD, vice president, WSMA Foundation board, and Alka Atal-Barrio, MD, national senior medical director of Optum Health and chair of the WSMA Wellness Committee.</li>
<li>Episode 6: <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/wellness-podcast-episodes/episode-6-fierce-self-compassion-and-boundaries.aspx">Fierce Self-Compassion and Boundaries</a> - Self-compassion, the challenges of boundary setting, and strategies for practicing self-compassion and setting or adjusting boundaries effectively. With Nina Willow, MD, a seasoned family physician with 28 years of experience: 18 in high-acuity urgent care and 10 in community medicine for immigrant and refugee populations.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Better Prescribing, Better Treatment podcasts on OUD treatment via telemedicine, in schools, with first-responders, more </h3>
<p>Better Prescribing, Better Treatment is WSMA's physician-led, peer-to-peer, non-punitive initiative aimed at encouraging safe prescribing of opioids, benzodiazepines, sedatives, and treatment of opioid use disorder. To complement the program's peer reporting and best practices, Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, hosts a podcast featuring conversations with guest physician leaders from across specialties and systems on how we reduce the dependence on opioids for pain management where appropriate, help those suffering with chronic conditions safely, and help those with addiction.</p>
<p>The following new episodes are available on the <a href="[@]wsma/resources/better-prescribing-better-treatment/better-prescribing-better-treatment-podcast.aspx">WSMA website</a> or from our podcast channel, WSMA Podcasts, available through <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wsma-podcasts/id1702920307">Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0PBMBLgHr6e0X3OaMjyJON?si=af140842c00c430c">Spotify</a>. Each podcast is approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>.</p>
<ul>
<li>Episode 19: <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/resources/better-prescribing-better-treatment/podcast-episodes/bpbt-episode-19-telemedicine-and-treatment-prescribing.aspx">Telemedicine and Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder</a> - The benefits of prescribing buprenorphine via telehealth and what Washington state is doing around virtual care and treatment of opioid use disorder. With Jessica Schlicher, MD, MBA, chief medical officer for virtual care and digital health at Providence.</li>
<li>Episode 20: <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/resources/better-prescribing-better-treatment/podcast-episodes/bpbt-episode-20-schools-and-treatment-of-opioid-use-disorder.aspx">Schools and Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder</a> - Current school-based efforts in education, prevention, and treatment of opioid use disorders, and strategies to support youth, collaborate with families, and strengthen community partnerships for effective interventions. With Becky Maffei, school counselor at Peninsula School District in Gig Harbor.</li>
<li>Episode 21: <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/resources/better-prescribing-better-treatment/podcast-episodes/bpbt-episode-21-regulation-and-legislative-update.aspx">Regulation and Legislative Update</a> - The state's approach to addressing the opioid epidemic, settlements underway, and what to look for in the 2025 legislative session. With the WSMA's Sean Graham and Jeb Shepard.</li>
<li>Episode 22: <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/resources/better-prescribing-better-treatment/podcast-episodes/bpbt-episode-22-first-responders-and-the-opioid-crisis.aspx">First Responders and the Opioid Crisis</a> - The role of first responders in the opioid epidemic, and what can be done to improve access to OUD treatment. With Mike Dumas, division chief of EMS, Gig Harbor Fire &amp; Medic One.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Now available: Coaching services on improving opioid prescribing and treatment protocols in clinics </h3>
<p>The WSMA is pleased to offer coaching services on improving opioid prescribing and treatment protocols in clinics. Examples of past projects include developing an opioid curriculum for a residency program and updating clinic opioid prescribing policies. As part of WSMA's current grant funding for the Better Prescribing, Better Treatment program, we are excited to offer a stipend for clinics that engage with us. You will also get consulting time with the program's chief clinical officer, Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD. Contact Monica Salgaonkar at <a href="mailto:monica@wsma.org">monica@wsma.org</a> for more information.</p>
</div> | 4/10/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| register-for-wsmas-post-session-webinar-today | Register for WSMA's Post-Session Webinar Today! | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/april-11/register-for-wsmas-post-session-webinar-today | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/april/ls-2023-02-009-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Legislative building" /></div>
<h5>April 11, 2025</h5>
<h2>Register for WSMA's Post-Session Webinar Today! </h2>
<p><em>Friday, May 2 at noon</em> </p>
<p>All WSMA members are invited to attend a free post-session advocacy update via Zoom at noon on Friday, May 2. WSMA's government affairs team will review the outcomes of WSMA's priority bills, the final state budget, and give an insider's perspective on the broader health care policy landscape.</p>
<p><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/gsbzmHM8ThmaZzBnRboM_Q#/registration">Register for the webinar here</a>. You will receive a confirmation email with the connection information after registering. The meeting will also be recorded and posted to the WSMA website. And as always, we want to hear your feedback and any concerns or issues you or your practice are facing, so we will hold time during the meeting for questions.</p>
<p>Please note that the 2025 session is scheduled to adjourn on April 27, but it is possible that a special session may be required for the Legislature to finalize its work. Depending on the dynamic in Olympia, the date of this webinar is subject to change. WSMA will keep you apprised of any changes.</p>
</div> | 4/10/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| take-our-brief-survey-on-removal-of-health-information | Take Our Brief Survey on Removal of Health Information | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/april-11/take-our-brief-survey-on-removal-of-health-information | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/april/stethoscope-on-table-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope on a wooden table" /></div>
<h5>April 11, 2025</h5>
<h2>Take Our Brief Survey on Removal of Health Information </h2>
<p>Since late January, the federal government has removed and modified thousands of webpages and resources containing a vast array of data and information from public health agencies like the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. There has been a significant focus on removing LGBTQ+, gender, reproductive rights, clinical trials, infectious disease, reproductive care, and HIV/AIDS data and research from federal government websites.</p>
<p>We believe these actions were unlawful. The WSMA has joined a coalition of public health advocacy groups to challenge these deletions and restore access to these important resources. We are filing a lawsuit soon to bring this information back online, but <strong>we need your help in telling the judge about the importance of this removed information and how it is impacting the physician community</strong>.</p>
<p>As a member of WSMA, you might be personally and professionally affected by these deletions. If you have been impacted, please let us know by taking our brief member survey. The WSMA will include your story as a collection of stories that we put before the judge. If you would like to tell your own story in more detail and offer a standalone statement, contact WSMA CEO <a href="mailto:jen@wsma.org%22%20HYPERLINK%20%22mailto:jen@wsma.org">Jennifer Hanscom</a>.</p>
<p>Please note that if you provide your name in response to this survey, we may disclose your name as part of a public filing or confidentially to the defendants in this case. If you have more questions about this disclosure, contact Jennifer.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5QYJJJ7">Click here to take our survey</a>.</p>
<p>Thank you for your assistance with this important matter.</p>
</div> | 4/10/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| tricare-pcm-referral-waiver-update | TRICARE PCM Referral Waiver Update | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/april-11/tricare-pcm-referral-waiver-update | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/april/tricare-logo-jpg-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="TRICARE logo" /></div>
<h5>April 11, 2025</h5>
<h2>TRICARE PCM Referral Waiver Update </h2>
<p>The following update on the West region's TRICARE program may be beneficial to your practice.</p>
<h3>TRICARE PCM referral waiver extension </h3>
<p>The Defense Health Agency has extended the primary care manager referral waiver through April 30, giving physicians and their TRICARE patients more flexibility<strong>.</strong>The waiver allows all TRICARE Prime patients who are referred for outpatient specialty care by their primary care manager to proceed without requiring TriWest approval. TriWest will pay claims associated with this care during this waiver period. Referrals and authorizations for service issued to TRICARE Prime beneficiaries between Jan. 1, 2025, and April 30, 2025, are valid for services rendered through June 30, 2025. After that, normal referral and authorization rules will resume. More information can be found <a href="https://tricare.triwest.com/">here</a>.</p>
<h3>TRICARE claims update </h3>
<p>TriWest took over the TRICARE contract in 26 western states on Jan. 1. Since that time, TriWest has successfully processed and paid approximately 4.1 million claims, including 125,600 autism claims, totaling more than $432 million paid out to physicians and practitioners. TriWest is processing more than 91% of claims within 30 days and continues to work toward reaching the target of paying 98% in 30 days or less.</p>
<p>For more guidance, see <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2025/provider-information-guide-updated-4-4-25-final.pdf]">Ongoing Resources for Navigating the TRICARE Transition to TriWest Healthcare Alliance</a>.</p>
</div> | 4/10/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| all-eyes-on-olympia-after-opposite-house-cutoff | All Eyes on Olympia After Opposite House Cutoff | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/april-4/all-eyes-on-olympia-after-opposite-house-cutoff | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>April 4, 2025</h5>
<h2>All Eyes on Olympia After Opposite House Cutoff </h2>
<p>While much of the focus in Olympia has shifted to the budget, policy bills are still making their way through the legislative process-as long as they are still "alive" following the April 2 opposite house cutoff deadline. </p>
<p>As a quick reminder, bills need to be approved by their chamber of origin and advance from the opposite chamber's policy committee in order to continue to be eligible for consideration this year. For example, WSMA priority legislation <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=1718&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1718</a>, which establishes confidentiality protections for physician well-being programs, passed the House (its chamber of origin) unanimously and has been approved by the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee (its opposite chamber policy committee). </p>
<p>A number of bills supported by WSMA are advancing: </p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=1531&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">HB 1531</a>: Ensures that local governments cannot bar the implementation and promotion of evidence-based responses to control the spread of communicable diseases. </li>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5093&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">SB 5093</a>: Repeals the crime of "concealing a birth" and removes deaths related to abortion, premature birth, and stillbirth from circumstances where authority for review and custody is vested in the county coroner or medical examiner. </li>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=1215&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">HB 1215</a>: Removes language from health care directives that nullifies directives if the patient is pregnant. </li>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5632&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">SB 5632</a>: Updates the state's patient and provider shield law to require Washington businesses to notify the attorney general's office if the business receives a subpoena that seeks information on protected health care services under certain circumstances, among other provisions. </li>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5577&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">SB 5577</a>: Requires the Health Care Authority to provide coverage to Medicaid enrollees for all HIV antiviral drugs approved by the FDA without prior authorization or step therapy. </li>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5498&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">SB 5498</a>: Applies the requirement that health plans reimburse for a 12-month supply of contraceptives to all prescriptions, instead of only refills. </li>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5568&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">SB 5568</a>: Requires the Office of Financial Management, in coordination with stakeholders, to update the state health plan by developing a statewide health resources strategy. </li>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=1432&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">HB 1432</a>: Incorporates the Federal Mental Health Parity Act into state law to improve access to appropriate mental health and substance use disorder services. </li>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5480&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">SB 5480</a>: Exempts medical debt from being included on a consumer's credit report, among other provisions. </li>
</ul>
<p>Legislators will spend the next week in fiscal committees, holding public hearings on bills with an impact on the state budget and then the remaining weeks of session will focus on floor debates and budget negotiations. The 2025 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on April 27. </p>
</div> | 4/4/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| doh-begins-sunrise-review-of-pharmacist-scope-of-practice | DOH Begins Sunrise Review of Pharmacist Scope of Practice | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/april-4/doh-begins-sunrise-review-of-pharmacist-scope-of-practice | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>April 4, 2025</h5>
<h2>DOH Begins Sunrise Review of Pharmacist Scope of Practice</h2>
<p>The Washington State Department of Health has accepted a request from Sen. Annette Cleveland (D-Vancouver) to review House Bill 2116 specific to prescriptive authority for pharmacists. The bill was brought forward by the Washington State Pharmacy Association and would move our state away from the collaborative drug therapy agreement currently utilized. </p>
<p>Instead, the proposal would grant the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission the ability to set a pharmacist's scope of practice. We are aware of no precedent for this level of legislative delegation of authority for setting scope of practice to a board or commission. The proposal contemplates pharmacists treating "minor ailments, initiating and modifying treatment for chronic conditions, providing preventative care, and managing emergency situations that present in a pharmacy." There are no additional education or training requirements for pharmacists performing these services. </p>
<p>The WSMA, along with the Washington Osteopathic Medical Association and several physician specialties, submitted <a href="https://wsma.org/doc_library/news/physician-delegation-letter-doh-pharmacist-sunrise-4-1.pdf" target="_blank">this comment letter</a> opposing the proposal citing concerns not limited to patient safety and care coordination, as this proposal doesn't include any meaningful safeguards. Furthermore, the Legislature-not a regulatory board- sets a profession's scope of practice and this bill would set a dangerous precedent for both the practice of pharmacy and other professions. </p>
<p>We want to thank the numerous physicians who shared their concerns with the DOH via written comment. The next step in the process will be a public hearing held via Zoom on Wednesday, May 14 at 1 p.m. If you have any interest in participating in this hearing, please contact WSMA Associate Policy Director <a href="mailto:billie@wsma.org">Billie Dickinson</a>. </p>
</div> | 4/4/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| how-to-avoid-2024-performance-period-mips-penalty-due-to-nationwide-iv-fluid-shortage | How to Avoid 2024 Performance Period MIPS Penalty Due to Nationwide IV Fluid Shortage | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/april-4/how-to-avoid-2024-performance-period-mips-penalty-due-to-nationwide-iv-fluid-shortage | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>April 4, 2025</h5>
<h2>How to Avoid 2024 Performance Period MIPS Penalty Due to Nationwide IV Fluid Shortage</h2>
<p>In response to advocacy from the physician community, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced it will accept new extreme and uncontrollable circumstances hardship exception applications to avoid a Merit-based Incentive Payment System penalty due to the nationwide IV fluid shortage. </p>
<p>Physicians will be able to submit an EUC hardship exception application until April 14, 2025 to avoid a MIPS penalty of up to -9% if they were affected by the shortage. This hardship exception will apply to the 2024 performance period, which will adjust Medicare payments in 2026. </p>
<p>To avoid a MIPS penalty, physicians who were affected by the IV fluid shortage should submit an EUC application requesting reweighting of all four MIPS categories: quality, cost, promoting interoperability, and improvement activities. Note that CMS will not reweight any performance category for which the agency has received data. However, if three performance categories are reweighted to 0% and only one performance category can be scored, then the physician or group will earn a final score equal to the performance threshold and avoid a MIPS penalty. </p>
<p>Additionally, because the MIPS cost performance category relies entirely on claims-based measures that do not require submission from physicians or groups, we recommend requesting reweighting of this category if a physician or group needed to conserve IV fluids, use alternatives, restrict access to elective surgery, or take any other measures due to the nationwide IV fluid shortage. In addition, CMS is extending the MIPS data submission window for the 2024 performance period for two weeks from March 31 until April 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. PT. <a href="https://wsma.org/doc_library/news/2024-mips-submission-extension-and-mips-euc-application-reopening-1.pdf">Download this factsheet</a> for more information. </p>
</div> | 4/4/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| practice-viability-and-patient-access-to-care-in-the-balance-keep-your-message-to-legislators-coming | Practice Viability and Patient Access to Care in the Balance: Keep Your Message to Legislators Comin | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/april-4/practice-viability-and-patient-access-to-care-in-the-balance-keep-your-message-to-legislators-coming | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>April 4, 2025</h5>
<h2>Practice Viability and Patient Access to Care in the Balance: Keep Your Message to Legislators Coming </h2>
<p>One of WSMA's top priorities during the 2025 legislative session is protecting the viability of Washington's physician practices and their ability to provide timely, affordable care to patients in their communities. Whether it's opposing new taxes on physician services or supporting fair reimbursement from government payers, our priority is to help ensure our practice community remains healthy so they in turn can keep Washingtonians healthy. </p>
<p>It's critical that state legislators hear from you today on two issues of paramount importance to practice viability and patient access to care. Please take action on these issues today. </p>
<p><strong>Tell your senator to oppose the payroll tax in SB 5796 and protect patient access to care.&nbsp;</strong>Senate Bill 5796 would levy a statewide "high-earner" payroll tax of 5%, applying to businesses with gross annual payroll of more than $7 million that have employees with annual compensation of more than $176,100 (the federal social security threshold). The tax is modeled on what is currently in place in Seattle and would apply to most physician groups operating in the state. While the WSMA acknowledges the extremely difficult choices state legislators face in working to close a state budget shortfall, the statewide payroll tax as proposed in SB 5796 would harm patient access to care in communities throughout Washington state to such a degree that we must oppose the bill in its current form. It's urgent that we send a message to the Senate to oppose this bill and to consider alternative approaches for raising revenue that will not negatively impact health care access as legislators work toward a final budget agreement. <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/oppose-payroll-tax-SB-5796/?_zs=A3aFd1&amp;_zl=h7m8A">Contact your senator today and ask them to oppose SB 5796 to protect patient access to care</a>. </p>
<p><strong>Tell your legislators to promote access to care in your community by passing the Medicaid Access Program.</strong>Considering threats to Medicaid funding at the state and federal levels, it's more important than ever that the physician community comes together in support of the Medicaid Access Program in House Bill 1392. The Medicaid Access Program is intended to be fiscally neutral to the state and will allow more Medicaid patients to get the care they need by bringing approximately $400 million annually in federal funds to Washington state and raising reimbursements for all physician services to Medicare levels. It's high time <strong>the state </strong>supports patients with meaningful access to the care they deserve. <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/share-your-story/">Urge your legislators to support the Medicaid patients in your area with equivalent access to health care services as those with private insurance by passing HB 1392</a>. </p>
</div> | 4/4/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-participates-on-attorney-generals-ai-task-force-panel | WSMA Participates on Attorney General's AI Task Force Panel | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/april-4/wsma-participates-on-attorney-generals-ai-task-force-panel | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>April 4, 2025</h5>
<h2>WSMA Participates on Attorney General's AI Task Force Panel </h2>
<p>On March 19, WSMA's Director of Policy Jeb Shepard joined representatives from hospitals, patient groups, and technology experts on a panel to discuss how artificial intelligence is currently being or will be leveraged in health care utilization management. The group explored the benefits and risks of utilizing AI in health care administration and policy recommendations for the task force to consider. </p>
<p>Shepard focused his remarks on the potential AI holds to reduce drivers of physician burnout and health care costs, especially administrative burden, using prior authorization as an example. While noting its promise there, he highlighted recent cautionary examples of carriers using AI to deny claims and the need for policies that protect patients from undue barriers to care. He pointed to WSMA-backed Senate Bill 5395, which, among other protections, ensures that AI is not used as the sole means to deny, delay, or modify health care services, and that all determinations of medical necessity must be made by a licensed physician or health professional working within their scope of practice. A <a href="https://tvw.org/video/ai-task-force-healthcare-subcommittee-2025031250/?eventID=2025031250">recording of the panel can be found here</a>. </p>
<p>The Washington State Legislature established an AI Task Force, administered by the attorney general's office, to assess current uses and trends of AI and make recommendations to the Legislature regarding guidelines and potential legislation for the use of AI systems. Last month's panel was hosted by the task force's health care subcommittee. </p>
</div> | 4/4/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |