| Rep._Nicole_Macri_Named_2025_WSMA_Legislator_of_the_Year | Rep. Nicole Macri Named 2025 WSMA Legislator of the Year | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/June_20/Rep._Nicole_Macri_Named_2025_WSMA_Legislator_of_the_Year | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>June 20, 2025</h5>
<h2>Rep. Nicole Macri Named 2025 WSMA Legislator of the Year</h2>
<p>Each year, the WSMA honors a legislator whose influence and leadership help to make Washington one of the best states to practice medicine and receive care. This year, we are thrilled to award the 2025 Legislator of the Year Award to Rep. Nicole Macri (D-Capitol Hill).</p>
<p>Rep. Macri was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and has been a legislative leader in promoting access to care, serving on the House Health Care and Wellness Committee and as vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee.</p>
<p>Over the past two legislative sessions, Rep. Macri was the prime sponsor of WSMA priority legislation House Bill 1392 creating the Medicaid Access Program. She shepherded the bill through the legislative process during a challenging budget year, resulting in its passage and delivery to the governor’s desk. Her thoughtful facilitation of negotiation meetings, generous accessibility throughout the legislative session, and focused efforts to ensure the bill came up for a vote at crucial junctures were all instrumental to the passage of this legislation. We appreciate Rep. Macri’s leadership and collaboration on this important effort.</p>
<p>Rep. Macri also worked with the WSMA to amend another of her bills, House Bill 1123. This amendment clarified that the reimbursement cap for inpatient and outpatient hospital services for state employee health plans would not apply to professional services, ensuring independent physician groups operating in hospital settings would not be adversely impacted by limiting reimbursement. We are grateful for Rep. Macri’s willingness to hear our concerns and work with us on a solution.</p>
<p>More broadly, the WSMA and physician community are grateful for Rep. Macri’s ongoing work to support access to behavioral health services, address the opioid epidemic, protect reproductive health care services, and support public health. These are crucial and often contentious areas of policy where Washington state’s residents all benefit from her leadership.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The WSMA thanks Rep. Macri for her work on the Medicaid Access Program and for her ongoing partnership to ensure its implementation as well as her legislative leadership. Congratulations on being named our 2025 Legislator of the Year! </p>
</div> | 6/17/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| antibiotic-stewardship-resources-for-outpatient-clinics | Antibiotic Stewardship Resources for Outpatient Clinics | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/June-13/antibiotic-stewardship-resources-for-outpatient-clinics | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/june/pill-bottle-illustration-shutterstock-645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Pill bottle illustration" /></div>
<h5>June 13, 2025</h5>
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<h2>Antibiotic Stewardship Resources for Outpatient Clinics </h2>
<p>The antimicrobial stewardship team at the Washington State Department of Health has new resources to share with the physician community. In addition to enhancing safety for patients, implementation of antibiotic stewardship principles can provide further benefits by improving scores for specific Health Effectiveness Data and Information Set measures and fulfilling select Merit-based Incentive Payment System measures.</p>
<p><strong>Why antibiotic stewardship is critical for patient care</strong> </p>
<p>Optimizing the use of antibiotics through stewardship is critical to effectively treat infections, protect patients from harms caused by unnecessary antibiotic use, and combat antibiotic resistance. Side effects can include rash, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and yeast infections, but also more serious conditions like C. difficile infection and severe allergic reactions. Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria often require extended hospital stays, additional visits to physicians and health care professionals, and treatments that may be more costly and potentially more toxic.</p>
<p><strong>Resources for medical groups and outpatient practices</strong> </p>
<p>Be sure you and your teams are up to speed on these updated resources.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.train.org/cdctrain/training_plan/3697">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention training on antibiotic stewardship</a>, completion of which fulfills MIPs improvement activities PSPA_23 and PSPA_24. </li>
<li>University of Washington Centers for Stewardship in Medicine's <a href="https://www.uwcsim.org/sites/default/files/A3972.TASP%20booklet%20v7.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Pacific Northwest Antibiotic Guide</a>.</li>
<li>An <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/420-204-ProviderCommitmentToStewardshipPoster.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">educational poster for display in the patient waiting area</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/communication-resources/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/print-materials.html">Educational handouts for patients</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>Be sure to visit the Department of Health's dedicated <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-provider-resources/healthcare-professions-and-facilities/healthcare-associated-infections/antimicrobial-resistance-and-antimicrobial-stewardship/antibiotic-stewardship/outpatient-clinics">antibiotic stewardship webpages for outpatient clinics</a> for more resources.</p>
</div> | 6/12/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| deadlines-and-delegate-opportunities-for-the-2025-annual-meeting-of-the-wsma-house-of-delegates | Deadlines and Delegate Opportunities for the 2025 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/June-13/deadlines-and-delegate-opportunities-for-the-2025-annual-meeting-of-the-wsma-house-of-delegates | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/june/se-01-venticinque-240928-0460-2024-annual-meeting-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Annual Meeting session" /></div>
<h5>June 13, 2025</h5>
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<h2>Deadlines and Delegate Opportunities for the 2025 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates </h2>
<p>Mark your calendars and plan to attend the 2025 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates at The Westin Bellevue, Sept. 20-21. The WSMA Annual Meeting is the association's yearly policymaking event, where the voting members of the association gather to debate and determine policy, elect officers, enjoy educational offerings, and connect in person. The meeting isn't just for delegates; all are welcome to attend and take advantage of the educational offerings, social events, and networking opportunities. It's also a great way to witness firsthand how policy is made at the WSMA.</p>
<h3><strong>What you need to know in advance of the WSMA Annual Meeting </strong></h3>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>How to serve as a delegate</strong> <br />
If you would like to serve as a delegate at the 2025 Annual Meeting, please contact your local county society or state specialty society. If you are unsure who to contact, email WSMA staff at <a href="mailto:hod@wsma.org">hod@wsma.org</a>. Be sure to review the <a href="[@]wsma/about_us/who_we_are/house-of-delegates/wsma/about/who_we_are/house-of-delegates.aspx?hkey=8c843bfe-b865-4199-9765-4ac24e2de108">duties and expectations of service as a delegate</a>.</p>
<p><strong>How to propose policy<br />
</strong>As a WSMA member, you can help guide the direction of the association and raise awareness of issues of importance to the practice of medicine in Washington by authoring a resolution: a proposal asking the WSMA to take a position or act on an issue. Resolutions must be sponsored by at least two WSMA delegates. If you are interested in authoring a resolution but are not a delegate or board member, the WSMA will work with you to develop your resolution idea and find a sponsor. Contact us at <a href="mailto:hod@wsma.org">hod@wsma.org</a> for assistance. Visit the <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMTU3ODYxMyZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTEwOTc4Mjk2NA/index.html">How to Write a Resolution page</a> for everything you need to know about proposing policy at the WSMA Annual Meeting.</p>
<p><strong>How to review, discuss, and inform proposed policy in advance of the meeting</strong><br />
To help hone your resolution idea or to engage with other highly engaged and policy-focused WSMA members, including delegates, join our secure Virtual Reference Committees and Policy Community. Accessible using email, website, or mobile app, you may post and share resources, connect via private chat, see member profiles, and receive updates tailored to your specifications. <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMTU3ODYxMyZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTEwOTc4Mjk2NQ/index.html">Request to join the WSMA Virtual Reference Committees and Policy Community</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Important meeting deadlines</strong> </p>
<ul>
<li>Aug. 9: Reports and resolutions due for inclusion in delegate handbook.</li>
<li>Aug. 20: Final deadline for reports and resolutions. Resolutions received after this date must have the consent of two-thirds of the House at the opening session to be considered.</li>
<li>Aug. 28: Deadline to make room reservations at The Westin Bellevue.</li>
<li>Aug. 29: Delegate handbook will be available for download.</li>
<li>Sept. 20-21: 2025 WSMA Annual Meeting.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thank you to our corporate partners</strong> </p>
<p>Thank you to our corporate partners for their generous support: Physicians Insurance, Northern Capital Management, Gohagan &amp; Company, and Resolve.</p>
</div> | 6/12/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| immersive-leadership-training-with-the-physician-leadership-course-two-options-this-fall | Immersive Leadership Training with the Physician Leadership Course: Two Options This Fall | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/June-13/immersive-leadership-training-with-the-physician-leadership-course-two-options-this-fall | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/june/2025-plc-fall-dates-social.png" class="pull-right" alt="Fall 2025 Dates of the WSMA PLC classes" /></div>
<h5>June 13, 2025</h5>
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<h2>Immersive Leadership Training with the Physician Leadership Course: Two Options This Fall </h2>
<p>Led by instructor Ed Walker, MD, MHA, the WSMA Physician Leadership Course is a 40+ hour leadership skills-development course for physicians and physician assistants who want to know more about health care leadership. With two formats available, hybrid-distance or all virtual, the course delivers 10 weeks of solid curriculum, minimizing your time away from patients, while maximizing your knowledge-building time.</p>
<p><strong><em>Note:</em></strong><em> Did you attend the Leadership Development Conference? Your LDC event registration receipt included a special promotion code to get 5% off registration to WSMA's leadership courses.</em> </p>
<p>To make sure we're reaching as many physicians and physician assistants as possible with our cornerstone leadership development education, this fall we're offering two options for our Physician Leadership Course, a hybrid-format course and an all-virtual course.</p>
<ul>
<li>Physician Leadership Course (hybrid-distance) <br />
Sept. 12-Nov. 21, 2025. Only two in-person days required.</li>
<li>Physician Leadership Course (all virtual) <br />
Oct. 3-Dec. 12, 2025 </li>
</ul>
<p>Learn more about the course from Dr. Walker and hear what Physician Leadership Course graduates have to say about growing their leadership skills to drive positive change in health care in this <a href="https://player.vimeo.com/video/837228441?h=a7645ccf29">brief five-minute video</a>.</p>
<p>For a full course curriculum, information on CME and MOC credits, visit the <a href="[@]wsma/education/physician_leadership/physician_leadership_course/wsma/physician_leadership/physician_leadership_course/physician_leadership_course.aspx?hkey=efdc4ad1-ff20-4089-ab51-caafbe73572b&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">course webpage</a>. Get started on your leadership journey and enroll today for the schedule and format that fits your needs. These activities have been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em>â„¢.</p>
</div> | 6/12/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| new-cme-podcast-episodes-available-on-wellness-safe-prescribing-and-oud-treatment | New CME Podcast Episodes Available on Wellness, Safe Prescribing, and OUD Treatment | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/June-13/new-cme-podcast-episodes-available-on-wellness-safe-prescribing-and-oud-treatment | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>June 13, 2025</h5>
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<h2>New CME Podcast Episodes Available on Wellness, Safe Prescribing, and OUD Treatment </h2>
<p>New episodes from our Physician and Practitioner Wellness Podcast and our Better Prescribing Better Treatment Podcast featuring CME are now available.</p>
<p><strong>Wellness episodes: The power of perspective, coaching programs, tools for compassion and well-being</strong> </p>
<p>The Physician and Practitioner Wellness Podcast is free and open to all practitioner types. Episodes are available at the links below or on 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 7: <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/wellness-podcast-episodes/episode-7-the-power-of-our-mindset-and-perspectives.aspx">The Power of Our Mindset and Perspectives</a> - Tamara Chang, MD, pediatric oncologist, leadership coach, and co-founder of Pink Coat, MD, explores the power of perspective and mindset in the work and lives of physicians and practitioners.</li>
<li>Episode 8: <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/wellness-podcast-episodes/episode-8-coaching-programs-to-improve-wellness.aspx">Coaching Programs to Improve Wellness</a> -Gregg Miller MD, chief medical officer at Vituity, looks at medical group best practices around wellness and tailored coaching programs.</li>
<li>Episode 9: <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/wellness-podcast-episodes/episode-9-stress-less-tools-for-clinician-well-being-and-compassion.aspx">Stress Less: Tools for Clinician Well-Being and Compassion</a> - Astrid Pujari, MD, medical director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, discusses practical tools to support personal well-being and proven communication techniques that enhance relationships.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Rx best-practice episodes: OUD treatment in tribal clinics, sedative safe prescribing, novel drug variants </strong> </p>
<p>Better Prescribing, Better Treatment is WSMA's peer-to-peer safe prescribing initiative. Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, is your host. Episodes are available at the links below or on 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 23: <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/resources/better-prescribing-better-treatment/podcast-episodes/bpbt-episode-23-oud-treatment-in-tribal-clinics.aspx">OUD Treatment in Tribal Clinics</a> - A conversation with Zoe Taylor, MD, director of operations and informatics at Lummi Tribal Health Center, about the opioid crisis and supporting American Indian/Alaska Native communities.</li>
<li>Episode 24: <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/resources/better-prescribing-better-treatment/podcast-episodes/bpbt-episode-24-benzodiazepines-and-sedative-safe-prescribing-guidelines.aspx">Benzodiazepines and Sedative Safe Prescribing Guidelines</a> - A conversation with Joshua Jones, MD, general and forensic psychologist at Providence St. Joseph Health, on the importance of benzodiazepines and sedative prescribing.</li>
<li>Episode 25: <a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/resources/better-prescribing-better-treatment/podcast-episodes/bpbt-episode-25-variants-and-novel-drugs.aspx">Variants and Novel Drugs</a> - A conversation with Sasha Kaiser, MD, associate medical director of Washington Poison Center, on current trends in drug overdose deaths and how to support harm-reduction efforts.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Now available! Coaching services on improving opioid prescribing and treatment protocols in clinics</strong> </p>
<p>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> | 6/12/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| register-for-the-ai-in-clinical-medicine-conference-sept-19-in-bellevue- | Register for The AI in Clinical Medicine Conference, Sept. 19 in Bellevue | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/June-13/register-for-the-ai-in-clinical-medicine-conference-sept-19-in-bellevue- | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/june/ai-conf-graphic.png" class="pull-right" alt="AI Clinical Medicine Conference graphic" /></div>
<h5>June 13, 2025</h5>
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<h2>Register for The AI in Clinical Medicine Conference, Sept. 19 in Bellevue </h2>
<p>WSMA's Artificial Intelligence Work Group is pleased to announce the AI in Clinical Medicine Conference, a full day of learning and engagement with a keynote presentation from the president of Microsoft Research and global leader in AI Peter Lee, named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in health and life sciences in 2024. The conference will explore what physicians, practitioners, and others in health care need to know about the legal, regulatory, and policy implications of AI in medicine, and what real, useful tools are available for you to use in your practice now.</p>
<h3><strong>Keynote presentation from Peter Lee: "The AI Revolution in Medicine, Revisited" </strong></h3>
<p> </p>
<p>While ChatGPT and the GPT-4 AI models were still in secret development at OpenAI, Lee led a group of researchers at Microsoft Research in an investigation of the potential impact of this new technology on health care delivery and medical research. Their findings were published in 2023 in the seminal book, "The AI Revolution in Medicine: GPT-4 and Beyond." Now, with more real-world observation and experience, what is actually happening and what is likely to happen next in the world of health care? Lee's presentation will go into what he and his co-authors had predicted, what they got right, and what they missed as a way to help us all see a bit into the future.</p>
<p>In addition to the keynote presentation, the AI in Clinical Medicine Conference features a dynamic lineup of speakers. See the full agenda on the <a href="[@]wsma/events/ai-in-clinical-medicine-conference/ai-in-clinical-medicine-conference.aspx?WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927&amp;_zs=lfaFd1&amp;_zl=IdtEA">conference</a> webpage.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>AI in Practice - AI Literacy for Physicians</strong> - Nadia Smati, MD, Ainsley Advisory Group </li>
<li><strong>AI in Practice - Clinical AI Tools Today: Useful, Real Tools, Right Now</strong> - Jessica Schlicher MD, MBA, CMO for Virtual Care and Digital Health at Providence </li>
<li><strong>Representation in Model Evaluation</strong> - Lucy Orr-Ewing, chief of staff for the Coalition for Health AI </li>
<li><strong>What Clinicians Need to Know: Regulatory, Legal, and Policy Implications</strong> - Tony S. Quang, MD, JD, FASTRO, FCLM, president of the AVAHO Foundation, and Clara De Abreu E Souza, JD </li>
<li><strong>Panel Discussion: The Next 5 Years of AI in Medicine</strong> - Moderated by Colin Fields, MD, with panelists Tony S. Quang, MD, JD; Jessica Schlicher, MD, MBA; Vanessa Saavedra of Northwest Health Law Advocates; Lucy Orr-Ewing; and Nadia Smati, MD.</li>
</ul>
<p>We hope to see you in Bellevue this September for this exciting event. Visit the <a href="[@]wsma/events/ai-in-clinical-medicine-conference/ai-in-clinical-medicine-conference.aspx?WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">event webpage</a> for more event details, information on accommodations, and to register.</p>
<p>This activity has been approved for A<em>MA PRA Category 1 Credit</em><sup>TM</sup>.</p>
</div> | 6/12/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| screening-for-unhealthy-social-media-use-by-adolescents | Screening for Unhealthy Social Media Use by Adolescents | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/June-13/screening-for-unhealthy-social-media-use-by-adolescents | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/june/teen-with-smartphone-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Teen with smartphone" /></div>
<h5>June 13, 2025</h5>
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<h2>Screening for Unhealthy Social Media Use by Adolescents </h2>
<p>Recognizing the responsibilities of physicians and health professionals to the health and well-being of adolescents, the 2024 House of Delegates passed policy directing the WSMA to encourage physicians to use social media guidelines and resources as a part of routine health screenings and patient care. Use the following guidelines to inform your practice.</p>
<h3><strong>Background</strong></h3>
<p> </p>
<p>Social media use starts during childhood and can play a significant role in the relationships and experiences that impact children and teens' growth, development, and mental health. Today, social media use is pervasive among adolescents, with 95% of teens having access to a smart phone and 46% of teens reporting that they are online "almost constantly," prompting significant concerns about the impact of social media use on adolescent mental and physical health.</p>
<p>Current guidelines stress the need for ongoing parental involvement and monitoring of adolescent social media use to mitigate potential mental health risks, with specific recommendations to avoid social media use during key developmental periods and before bedtime to prevent sleep disruption and other health issues. Further, experts highlight the lack of comprehensive, longitudinal studies on the long-term effects of social media on youth, urging for more research to understand how extended use impacts adolescent development and well-being over time.</p>
<h3><strong>Social media use in adolescence: Guidelines for health professionals</strong></h3>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>American Academy of Pediatrics' Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health </strong>- The Center provides a variety of educational and technical assistance opportunities to support clinicians, educators, parents, youth, and others in encouraging healthy social media use: </p>
<ul>
<li>Virtual interactive learning communities leveraging Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), an online learning community modality that uses didactic presentations from multidisciplinary faculty experts, case-based peer learning discussions, and quality improvement methodologies to improve health outcomes.</li>
<li>Regularly scheduled webinars and follow-up office hours with expert clinicians.</li>
<li>Expert speakers and presentations delivered by the center's co-medical directors, staff, and ambassadors.</li>
<li>A variety of tipsheets, educational case studies, and brief topical educational videos.</li>
<li>A question and answer portal: A two-way communication channel for questions about social media and mental well-being. Each submitted question has an evidence-based response from the center's expert team, and users can search our library of previously submitted questions and responses.</li>
</ul>
<p>To learn more, visit the center's website at <a href="https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/center-of-excellence-on-social-media-and-youth-mental-health/">aap.org/socialmedia</a>. Download a <a href="https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/About_the_CoE.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">PDF flyer</a> to help spread the word.</p>
<h3><strong>American Psychological Association's 2023 Health Advisory and 2024 Report on Social Media Use in Adolescence</strong></h3>
<p> </p>
<p>In 2023, a presidential panel of the American Psychological Association issued a <a href="https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use">health advisory on social media use in adolescence</a>, noting that while these platforms can promote healthy socialization, their use should be preceded by training in social media literacy to ensure that youth have skills that will maximize the chances for balanced, safe, and meaningful experiences.</p>
<p>The advisory included 10 recommendations for the use of social media by adolescents, including: </p>
<ul>
<li>Tailor social media use, functionality, and permissions to youths' developmental capabilities; designs created for adults may not be appropriate for children.</li>
<li>For younger kids, adults should monitor social media use, including discussing and coaching around social media content. This should be balanced with youths' appropriate needs for privacy. Autonomy may increase gradually as kids age and gain more digital literacy skills.</li>
<li>Minimize adolescents' exposure to social media content that depicts illegal or psychologically maladaptive behavior, including content that instructs or encourages youth to engage in self-harm or high-risk behaviors or those that encourage eating-disordered behavior (such as restrictive eating, purging, or excessive exercise).</li>
<li>Minimize adolescents' exposure to online content that promotes discrimination, prejudice, hate, or cyberbullying, especially directed toward groups targeted because of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability status.</li>
<li>Monitor adolescents for signs of problematic social media use that can impair their ability to engage in daily roles and routines and may present risk for more serious psychological harms over time.</li>
<li>Limit social media use so as not to interfere with adolescents' sleep or physical activity, as each is required for healthy brain and psychological development.</li>
<li>Limit adolescents' use of social media for primarily beauty- or appearance-related content.</li>
</ul>
<p>In 2024, the American Psychological Association followed its health advisory with a new report that looked at the science on the risks and opportunities social media present to young social media users: "<a href="https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/youth-social-media-2024">Potential risks of content, features, and functions: The science of how social media affects youth</a>." </p>
<h3><strong>U.S. Surgeon General's 2021 Advisory: Protecting Youth Mental Health</strong></h3>
<p> </p>
<p>This 2021 advisory from the U.S. surgeon general offers recommendations for supporting the mental health of children, adolescents, and young adults. The advisory includes essential recommendations for the institutions that surround young people and shape their day-to-day lives-schools, community organizations, health care systems, technology companies, media, funders and foundations, employers, and government. For health care professionals, the surgeon general advises: </p>
<ol>
<li>Recognize that the best treatment is prevention of mental health challenges. Implement trauma-informed care principles and other prevention strategies to improve care for all youth, especially those with a history of adversity.</li>
<li>Routinely screen children for mental health challenges and risk factors, including adverse childhood experiences.</li>
<li>Identify and address the mental health needs of parents, caregivers, and other family members.</li>
<li>Combine the efforts of clinical staff with those of trusted community partners and child-serving systems (e.g., child welfare, juvenile justice).</li>
<li>Build multidisciplinary teams to implement services that are tailored to the needs of children and their families.</li>
</ol>
<p>Read the full advisory, "<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-youth-mental-health-advisory.pdf?null">Protecting Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory, 2021</a>." </p>
<p>For more information on these guidelines and for further reading, visit the WSMA's new <a href="[@]wsma/resources/practice-management/social-media-screening/wsma/resources/practice-management/social-media-adolescent-screening.aspx?hkey=ae8a00b6-45cf-468a-bf68-ecac0eb60b0c">Social Media Adolescent Screening</a> page on our website, under Resources then Practice Management.</p>
</div> | 6/12/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_physician_leader_elected_to_leadership_at_the_american_medical_association | WSMA Physician Leader Elected to Leadership at the American Medical Association | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/June-13/wsma_physician_leader_elected_to_leadership_at_the_american_medical_association | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/june/Rege_5811.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Teen with smartphone" /></div>
<h5>June 13, 2025</h5>
<!-- **************************NEW ARTICLE****************************** -->
<h2>WSMA Physician Leader Elected to Leadership at the American Medical Association </h2>
<p>The WSMA offers a hearty congratulations to Sheila Rege, MD, a radiation oncologist in private practice serving the Kennewick community, who this week was elected to the 21-member AMA board of trustees.</p>
<p>The election was held Tuesday, June 10, during the Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in Chicago. Dr. Rege is a longtime WSMA member and trustee, currently serving on the WSMA board as an AMA delegate representing the interests and needs of Washington state physicians and their patients in the creation of policies and programs at the AMA.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In her new position on the AMA board, Dr. Rege will have a further strengthened opportunity to inform AMA policy on the many shared interests of the two associations, from reforming onerous prior authorization processes and a broken Medicare physician payment system to providing leadership in the development of artificial intelligence in health care and cultivating the next generation of physician leaders.</p>
<p>“I am deeply honored to be elected to the AMA board of trustees,†said Dr. Rege in a <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/wsma_physician_leader_elected_to_leadership_at_the_american_medical_association"><span data-contrast="none">press release</span></a>. “At a time when physicians are navigating unprecedented pressures—from misinformation to mounting administrative burdens—I’m committed to bringing practical, ethical leadership. I will advocate to protect physician autonomy, and ensure patients—regardless of ZIP code, race, or income—receive high-quality, compassionate care.â€</p>
<p>Dr. Rege has been a member of the WSMA for more than 20 years, serving on its board of trustees for 20 years. As she assumes her new leadership position with the AMA, she will continue to remain active at the state medical association to share insights into her work at the AMA.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Other newsmakers at the AMA meeting&nbsp;</h3>
<p>WSMA Foundation vice president and WSMA board member, Carrie Horwitch, MD was recognized by the AMA Foundation as one of their <a href="https://amafoundation.org/news/meet-the-2025-ama-foundation-excellence-in-medicine-honorees/"><span data-contrast="none">Excellence in Medicine Award winners</span></a>. Dr. Horwitch received the Jack B. McConnell, MD Award in Excellence for Volunteerism. In honor of Dr. Horwitch, a grant was awarded to the MAVEN Project.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The WSMA would like to also acknowledge WSMA board member Teresa Girolami, MD, for being nominated for an AMPAC award.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Picture courtesy of Ted Grudzinski, MMX</em></p>
</div> | 6/12/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_physician_leader_elected_to_leadership_at_the_american_medical_association | WSMA Physician Leader Elected to Leadership at the American Medical Association | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/wsma_physician_leader_elected_to_leadership_at_the_american_medical_association | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>June 11, 2025, 2025</h5>
<h2>WSMA Physician Leader Elected to Leadership at the American Medical Association</h2>
<p>Washington's largest physician professional association, the Washington State Medical Association, today is celebrating the election of a key Washington physician leader to a top position within the American Medical Association, the nation's largest physician organization.</p>
<p>Sheila Rege, MD, a radiation oncologist in private practice serving the Kennewick community, was elected by the AMA House of Delegates to serve on the 21-member board of trustees of the national organization. The election was held Tuesday, June 10, during the Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in Chicago. Dr. Rege is a leader within the WSMA, serving on the WSMA's board of trustees as an AMA delegate representing the interests and needs of Washington state physicians and their patients in the creation of policies and programs at the AMA. In her new position on the AMA board, Dr. Rege will have a further strengthened opportunity to inform AMA policy on the many shared interests of the two associations, from reforming onerous prior authorization processes and a broken Medicare physician payment system to providing leadership in the development of artificial intelligence in health care and cultivating the next generation of physician leaders.</p>
<p>“I am deeply honored to be elected to the AMA board of trustees,†said Dr. Rege. “At a time when physicians are navigating unprecedented pressures—from misinformation to mounting administrative burdens—I’m committed to bringing practical, ethical leadership. I will advocate to protect physician autonomy, and ensure patients—regardless of ZIP code, race, or income—receive high-quality, compassionate care.â€</p>
<p>Dr. Rege has been a member of the WSMA for more than 20 years, serving on its board of trustees for 20 years. She has been a member of the AMA since 1987. Dr. Rege has been elected twice to the AMA Council on Medical Service and brings to the AMA board deep expertise in the issues of health care payment systems and advocacy.</p>
<p>“I’m especially focused on advancing Medicare and Medicaid reforms, reducing red tape, and amplifying the voices of frontline physicians. As new federal policies and executive actions emerge, we must be proactive—shaping legislative change rather than reacting to it—and build a profession that empowers today’s and tomorrow’s physician leaders,†added Dr. Rege.</p>
<p>As she assumes her new leadership position with the AMA, she will continue to remain active at the state medical association to share insights into her work at the AMA.</p>
<p>“We are so proud of Dr. Rege and offer her the warmest of congratulations for her hard-won campaign,†says WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD. “The house of medicine is facing so many challenges both at the state and federal levels—challenges that continue to create barriers to physicians’ ability to connect with their patients and provide the expert, evidence-based care that’s at the heart of good medicine. Having someone with Dr. Rege’s insights and accomplishments in leadership at the AMA will help both of our organizations as we continue working together to keep medicine physician-driven and patient-focused, both nationally and in Washington state.â€</p>
<p>In addition to roles within the AMA, Dr. Rege is a clinical associate professor at Washington State University at Tri-Cities and has been a mentor at the Creative Destruction Lab, a global initiative supporting science and tech start-ups. She is past chair of the Washington State Health Technology Committee. Dr. Rege has served as president of the American College of Radiation Oncology, was previously the medical director for the western region of a large physician multispecialty group, and worked in an urban academic center as the director of research in radiology at Louisiana State University Shreveport. Dr. Rege received her undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley and graduated with highest distinction and high honors as a President’s Undergraduate Research Fellow. She received her medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine.</p>
<p><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Press Room/Rege.Sheila_2019.NovDec.jpg]">Download a portrait of Sheila Rege, MD.</a></p>
<p>For more information contact:</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a> / 206.329.6851 cell/text</p>
<p>
<strong>About the Washington State Medical Association </strong>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types 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> | 6/11/2025 9:27:52 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma_statement_on_removal_of_cdc_vaccine_advisory_committee_members | WSMA Statement on Removal of CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee Members | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/wsma_statement_on_removal_of_cdc_vaccine_advisory_committee_members | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>June 11, 2025, 2025</h5>
<h2>WSMA Statement on Removal of CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee Members</h2>
<p>WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD, issued the following statement in response to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision to remove all 17 members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices.
</p>
<p>"Secretary Kennedy's <a href="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/rfk-jr-hhs-moves-to-restore-public-trust-in-vaccines-45495112?mod=opinion_lead_pos5">sudden firing</a> of all 17 members of the CDC panel of advisors for immunization practices (ACIP) all but confirms the fears of the thousands of <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25482818-committee-to-protect-health-care-rfk-jr/">physicians</a> and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/09/health/kennedy-hhs-nobel-laureates.html">scientists</a> that opposed his nomination that he would not respect scientific evidence and would use his office to continue his attacks on established medical approaches to disease prevention such as <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/rfk-jr-vaccines-cdc-fascism-abuse-catholic-church-autism-conferences-rcna181605">vaccination</a>.</p>
<p>"This panel of dedicated scientists and physicians advises the CDC, which then makes official recommendations for childhood and adult vaccine schedules—critically important guidance for the American public’s access to protective immunizations, for the health professionals administering these vaccines, and for the safeguarding of communities from communicable disease.</p>
<p>"This decision follows on the heels of other concerning federal actions relating to health care, including the targeted removal of public health data. The WSMA joins our many health partners in Washington state and across the country in denouncing these ideologically driven actions that have dangerously weakened public trust in the guidance provided by our federal health institutions and undermined our ability as physicians and health professionals to provide the highest standard of care to our patients."</p>
<p>For more information contact:</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a> / 206.329.6851 cell/text</p>
<p>
<strong>About the Washington State Medical Association </strong>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types 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> | 6/11/2025 9:04:58 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| action-alert-help-wsma-set-the-record-straight-on-medicaid-cuts | Action Alert! Help WSMA Set the Record Straight on Medicaid Cuts | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/june-6/action-alert-help-wsma-set-the-record-straight-on-medicaid-cuts | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/june/iStock-2174234952-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="patient in physician office" /></div>
<h5>June 6, 2025</h5>
<h2>Action Alert! Help WSMA Set the Record Straight on Medicaid Cuts </h2>
<p>The WSMA is deeply concerned with the proposed Medicaid cuts currently under consideration in Congress, which would have severe consequences for Washington state, intensifying our existing budget challenges and destabilizing the health care system-particularly in rural areas where Medicaid is a significant source of insurance coverage.</p>
<p>We are just as troubled by the reasons given for these cuts. From "requiring able-bodied people to work" to "tackling fraud and abuse" and the frequent reference to Medicaid being available to only those who "deserve it," comments from congressional supporters continually downplay the real-world impact these cuts will have on the health and welfare of everyone who needs health care-all of us.</p>
<p><strong>It's time to let all Washingtonians know what is at stake. The most important way the physician community can help oppose these Medicaid cuts is to educate the public via your local paper, op-eds, letters to the editor, and social media.</strong> </p>
<p>Physicians and practitioners are trusted voices-we must leverage that trust to tell the public what these cuts mean to Washington state and Washingtonians. And we must do it soon, as time is running out.</p>
<p>Nationwide, the current congressional proposal passed by the U.S. House of Representatives would impose $715 billion in cuts to health care and result in more than 13.7 million Medicaid and Affordable Care Act enrollees losing coverage. The proposal would also end state-directed payments and "provider taxes," used by states to return revenue to physicians and health professionals in the form of higher reimbursement rates, such as the assessment at the heart of WSMA's priority Medicaid Access Program in House Bill 1392.</p>
<p>The U.S. Senate is currently considering similar significant changes to the Medicaid program and will be issuing its proposal later this month. This month is crucial-and the sooner you act, the better.</p>
<p>To help our members take action, the WSMA has created <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/take_action/wsma/advocacy/take_action/take_action.aspx?hkey=3598752c-64f4-4866-a95a-7610f4e1dd25">a public messaging campaign</a>, with tools to help the physician community correct the record on Medicaid cuts. In our campaign, we look at the common reasons congressional supporters give for these cuts vs. the reality of how the cuts will impact Washington state and Washingtonians, based on data and estimates from the state Health Care Authority. We provide language to help you set the record straight using simple, clear arguments.</p>
<p>We also provide: </p>
<ul>
<li>A sample op-ed or letter to the editor </li>
<li>Sample social media posts </li>
<li>Social media graphics </li>
<li>Digital banner graphic for websites, email newsletters, social media pages </li>
</ul>
</div> | 6/6/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| state-budget-and-tax-package-signed-into-law-whats-next | State Budget and Tax Package Signed Into Law - What's Next? | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/june-6/state-budget-and-tax-package-signed-into-law-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/june/ls-2023-02-009-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="state capitol legislative building" /></div>
<h5>June 6, 2025</h5>
<h2>State Budget and Tax Package Signed Into Law - What's Next? </h2>
<p>Once legislators approved a new budget and billions in tax increases and left Olympia on April 27, the only question left was whether Gov. Bob Ferguson would sign the bills into law. After vowing to carefully review the budget and tax bills before taking action on them, Gov. Ferguson signed the bills on May 20, keeping the tax bills intact and making only minor vetoes to items in the operating budget.</p>
<p>In all, the new state spending plan appropriates $78 million over the two-year fiscal cycle that begins on July 1. And the business and occupation tax increase included in House Bill 2081-proposed and passed in the last 12 days of session- will increase taxes on physicians and health care professionals by around $50 million annually.</p>
<p>Gov. Ferguson did note that tax rates would be revisited in future sessions. The WSMA vehemently opposed the B&amp;O tax increase on the physician community and will be working with policymakers to try to rectify the rate hike in the interest of promoting access to care and preserving independent physician practices.</p>
<p>In addition to ongoing work around the B&amp;O tax, the WSMA will be revisiting prior authorization reforms in the 2026 session when Senate Bill 5395 is reintroduced. Elsewhere, we're working to fill out our legislative agenda. If you have an idea of an issue we should consider working on, email WSMA Director of Government Affairs <a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">Sean Graham</a>.</p>
<p>Of course, it's possible that legislators will be back in town for a special session before next January. The dust hadn't settled on this year's session before speculation started spreading of a special session in September or October, potentially in response to cuts that are being threatened to Medicaid and other programs at the federal level.</p>
<p>While that process is playing out in the "other" Washington, closer to home, legislators will get an updated sense of the state budget picture next month with an updated revenue forecast that estimates how much in taxes the state will take in over the coming years. Spoiler: Expect a gloomy outlook and a challenging state budget dynamic for the foreseeable future.</p>
</div> | 6/6/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| work-continues-to-reform-prior-authorization-at-state-federal-levels | Work Continues to Reform Prior Authorization at State, Federal Levels | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/june-6/work-continues-to-reform-prior-authorization-at-state-federal-levels | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/june/paperwork-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="graphic of a towering pile of paper next to a physician and patient" /></div>
<h5>June 6, 2025</h5>
<h2>Work Continues to Reform Prior Authorization at State, Federal Levels </h2>
<p>Building on our past efforts to reform the prior authorization process, the WSMA worked with the Washington State Hospital Association and Proliance Surgeons to bring forward legislation in the 2025 legislative session-Senate Bill 5395, sponsored by Sen. Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines), and House Bill 1566, sponsored by Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine)-to improve transparency and accountability in prior authorization determinations.</p>
<p>As the use of artificial intelligence increases in health care, one point of focus in the bill was aimed at ensuring transparency and building guardrails for the use of such technology. The legislation would have prohibited AI from being the sole means to deny a prior authorization, ensuring that any denial of a request can only be made upon review by a licensed physician or health professional working within their scope of practice.</p>
<p>Additionally, we heard from the physician community that there are cases where a prior authorization is approved and then later denied, causing physician-led teams to chase payment from carriers. While this is already illegal under state law, this bill would have clarified current statute to say that retrospective denials would not be considered "adverse benefit determinations" and would not be required to follow the standard appeals process to avoid another time-consuming hurdle for physicians and their teams.</p>
<p>The bill was met with initial opposition from insurance carriers and concerns from the Health Care Authority, the state's Medicaid agency. Working with our partners, we were able to successfully negotiate policy elements of the bill with impacted state agencies, insurance carriers, and patient groups. However, the bill was ultimately bogged down by the cost of implementation in a year with tough budget constraints and did not advance out of the Senate budget committee.</p>
<p>Despite the outcome, the WSMA remains committed to our work in reforming the prior authorization process as it continues to disrupt patients' access to health care services and contribute to administrative burden for the physician community. The Washington State Legislature operates on a two-year cycle, and these bills will automatically be reintroduced when the 2026 session convenes next January. With these bills and our broader, ongoing work around prior authorization, the WSMA looks forward to continuing to prioritize advocacy on this important issue.</p>
<h3>The Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act </h3>
<p>At the federal level, a bipartisan group of congressional senators and representatives, including Washington's Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) reintroduced the WSMA-supported Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act. During a recent meeting with Rep. DelBene, the WSMA indicated strong support for a measure that would: </p>
<ul>
<li> Establish an electronic prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage plans, including standardization for transactions and clinical attachments.
<ul>
<li>Faxes, electronic forms, or proprietary web portals run by health plans that do not meet these standards would not qualify as secure electronic transmissions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Increase transparency around Medicare Advantage prior authorization and its use.
<ul>
<li>Health plans would now be required to, among other things, report on all items and services subjected to electronic prior authorization requirements during the previous plan year, the percent and number of requests approved and denied, the percent and number of requests approved or denied utilizing artificial intelligence or machine learning technology, and the average and median amount of time (in hours) that elapsed between the time the request was submitted and when the health plan issued a final decision.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Clarify U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' authority to establish timeframes for electronic prior authorization requests, including expedited timelines for determinations, as well as real-time decisions for routinely approved items, services, and other prior authorization requests.</li>
<li>Expand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes, including allowing for the waiver or modification of prior authorization requirements for contracted physicians and suppliers based on past performance and adherence to evidence-based medical guidelines (i.e., Gold Card programs).</li>
<li>Require HHS and other agencies report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the electronic prior authorization process.</li>
</ul>
<p>A full section-by-section analysis of the legislation can be found <a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Seniors-Act-Section-by-Section-Summary.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">here</a>. As of May 27, the legislation has garnered tremendous bipartisan support, securing 49 cosponsors in the Senate and 77 in the House. The WSMA applauds the introduction of this legislation and will urge members of Washington's congressional delegation to support its passage into law.</p>
</div> | 6/6/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-leads-legal-challenge-to-federal-removal-of-public-health-data | WSMA Leads Legal Challenge to Federal Removal of Public Health Data | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/june-6/wsma-leads-legal-challenge-to-federal-removal-of-public-health-data | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/june/bill-oxford-oxghu60nwxu-unsplash-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="wooden gavel" /></div>
<h5>June 6, 2025</h5>
<h2>WSMA Leads Legal Challenge to Federal Removal of Public Health Data </h2>
<p><em>Washington State Medical Association et al. v. Kennedy et al. was filed in federal district court on May 20.</em> </p>
<p>Aligned with our mission to provide leadership and advocacy to shape the future of medicine and advance quality care for Washingtonians, the WSMA is leading a legal challenge to the federal administration's removal of essential public health and scientific data from federal websites. This nonpartisan action is vital for restoring access, ensuring transparency, and supporting the evidence-based decision-making at the heart of the patient-physician relationship that enhances health outcomes across all communities.</p>
<p>Since January, the federal executive branch has deleted numerous websites that physicians, practitioners, scientists, public health professionals, and others rely upon, removing data on a wide range of topics including pregnancy risks, opioid-use disorder, the AIDS epidemic, and more.</p>
<p>"In an instant, trusted health information vanished-resources that physicians, other clinicians, and clinics relied on to manage patients' health conditions and overall care," said WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD, in <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/washington-health-groups-sue-to-stop-federal-governments-deletion-of-vital-health-data-and-resources.aspx">a press release</a>. "This is more than a policy shift; it is a direct attack on science, evidence-based medicine, and our profession's ability to care for our patients. As the leading voice for physicians in Washington state, we must stop this direct interference into our ability to provide the best care for our patients." For specific resources deleted and the executive orders being challenged, see the <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/washington-health-groups-sue-to-stop-federal-governments-deletion-of-vital-health-data-and-resources.aspx">press release</a>.</p>
<p>Washington State Medical Association et al. v. Kennedy et al. was filed in United States District Court for the Western District of Washington on May 20. The suit highlights the significant impact of the deleted information on physicians and health professionals and includes testimony from WSMA members among others on the impact to their patients and practices. Joining the WSMA as co-plaintiffs are the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Washington State Nurses Association, AcademyHealth, Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, Fast-Track Cities Institute, International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, National LGBT Cancer Network, and Vermont Medical Society. The plaintiffs are suing to require the administration to restore deleted websites and stop any further removal of public health data.</p>
<p>The WSMA will incorporate the principles at the heart of this legal challenge into its <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/your-care-is-at-our-core/wsma/advocacy/your-care-is-at-our-core.aspx?hkey=e7b72239-4fec-4a55-92d9-462cbf769389">Your Care Is at Our Core</a> public messaging campaign in the months ahead to highlight our core values of <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/president-john-bramhall-md-phd-reaffirms-the-wsmas-commitment-to-medical-ethics">medical ethics, evidenced-based medicine, and science</a> and to help combat misinformation. For questions, contact WSMA Director of Communications Graham Short at <a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 6/6/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| gov-ferguson-signs-hb-1392-medicaid-access-program-legislation | Gov. Ferguson Signs HB 1392 Medicaid Access Program Legislation | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/gov-ferguson-signs-hb-1392-medicaid-access-program-legislation | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>May 20, 2025</h5>
<h2>Gov. Bob Ferguson Signs HB 1392 to Improve Reimbursements, Strengthen Medicaid, Improve Access to Care in Washington State</h2>
<p>
<em>With its Medicaid Access Program bill now law, the Washington State Medical Association joins 50-state coalition to stop nationwide Medicaid cuts</em>
</p>
<p>
Washington state's physician community is celebrating today after <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=1392&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1392</a>, legislation sponsored by Rep. Nicole Macri (D-Capitol Hill) that establishes the Medicaid Access Program, was signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson on Monday, May 19. Both the culmination of a multiyear coalition effort led by the Washington State Medical Association and the first step in a longer journey to increase access to services provided through Washington state's Medicaid program, HB 1392 establishes state law designed to leverage federal dollars, invest in Washington's Medicaid program, and allow physicians and advanced practitioners to take more Medicaid patients.
</p>
<p>
"Our work to increase access to routine preventive and acute primary and specialty care in Washington state is certainly not done, as Medicaid is under grave threat by Republicans in Congress," says WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD. "But the passage of our Medicaid Access Program bill is a moment that needs to be acknowledged. HB 1392 represents so much hard work by our many partners in the physician community, all of whom were driven by a compassionate desire to ensure Washingtonians can access the care they need."
</p>
<p>
Despite the fact that nearly 1 out of every 4 Washington residents is on Medicaid, the state effectively limits their access to primary and specialty care services by not paying the full cost of care. It's been decades since the Washington State Legislature has provided a broad-based reimbursement rate increase for physicians and practitioners serving Medicaid patients, with Washington's specialty Medicaid reimbursement rates among the worst in the nation. This underpayment means that many clinics and medical groups cannot afford to see the number of Medicaid patients who need care. As designed, the Medicaid Access Program will leverage federal funding to raise Medicaid reimbursement rates for all professional services provided by physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses from all specialties to at least Medicare levels and will index to inflation. Details on the Medicaid Access Program can be found <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/faq/">here</a>.
</p>
<p>
"The Medicaid Access Program is premised on the simple idea that Medicaid recipients deserve the same expert medical care as everyone else and the best way to do that is to increase reimbursement rates," says Dr. Bramhall.
</p>
<p>
Approval of the Medicaid Access Program represents a critical step in a long journey toward a healthier Washington. Over the past several months, the WSMA has been working in coalition with all 50 state medical associations to <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/no-federal-medicaid-cuts">stop federal cuts to state Medicaid programs</a>. In addition, the WSMA will be working in the coming months with the governor's office and the state Health Care Authority to seek required approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the Medicaid Access Program. The Medicaid Access Program in HB 1392 was designed to comply with current federal regulations.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA would like to thank Rep. Macri for championing the legislation, the many physician organization partners and individual physicians that provided support and testimony for HB 1392, including the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Washington State Radiology Society, TRA Medical Imaging in Tacoma, Beth Ebel, MD, Jay Fathi, MD, Anna McKeone, MD, Douglas Seiler, MD, Lloyd Stambaugh, MD, Chelsea Unruh, MD, and the dozens of other state specialty societies, county medical societies, medical associations, clinics and medical groups, and hundreds of individuals who sent messages to legislators, submitted letters and op-eds to media, supplied data, and otherwise supported HB 1392.
</p>
<p>
<a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Press Room/1392-bill-signing-pic.jpg]">Download a hi-res photo of the bill signing</a>. Pictured: WSMA Government Affairs Director Sean Graham, WSMA contract lobbyist Amy Brackenbury, Gov. Bob Ferguson, and WSMA CEO Jennifer Hanscom.
</p>
<p>
For more information contact:
</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a> / 206.329.6851 cell/text
</p>
<h3>About the Washington State Medical Association</h3>
<p>
The WSMA represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types 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> | 5/20/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| washington-health-groups-sue-to-stop-federal-governments-deletion-of-vital-health-data-and-resources | WA Health Groups Sue to Stop Federal Government's Deletion of Vital Health Data and Resources | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/washington-health-groups-sue-to-stop-federal-governments-deletion-of-vital-health-data-and-resources | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>Tuesday, May 20, 2025</h5>
<h2>Washington Health Groups Sue to Stop Federal Government's Deletion of Vital Health Data and Resources</h2>
<p>
<em>The federal lawsuit aims to restore taxpayer-funded websites and databases relied on by health professionals, scientists, and researchers.</em>
</p>
<p>
Seattle - Today, a coalition of nine co-plaintiffs, including three Washington-based health professional organizations, sued the federal government to stop the deletion of vital public health and science data. Since January, the federal executive branch has deleted numerous websites that physicians, nurses, scientists, public health professionals and others rely upon, removing data on a wide range of topics including pregnancy risks, opioid-use disorder, the AIDS epidemic, and more.
</p>
<p>
"These executive-ordered website deletions were driven by ideology, not by science or evidence," said John Bramhall, MD, PhD, president of the Washington State Medical Association. "In an instant, trusted health information vanished—resources that physicians, other clinicians, and clinics relied on to manage patients' health conditions and overall care. This is more than a policy shift; it is a direct attack on science, evidence-based medicine, and our profession's ability to care for our patients. As the leading voice for physicians in Washington state, we must stop this direct interference into our ability to provide the best care for our patients."
</p>
<p>
The suit, filed in United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, would require the administration to restore deleted websites and stop any further removal of public health data. The suit highlights the administration's "arbitrary, capricious and unreasoned" decisions to delete these critical resources, which federal law requires be made available to the American people.
</p>
<p>
"Nurses strive to provide evidence-based care. That means care that is driven by current data—but we can't do that if the data is unavailable," said Justin Gill, DNP, APRN, RN, president of the Washington State Nurses Association. "The Administration's actions in deleting and scrubbing information from federal health agency websites not only harms our members—it endangers our patients, their families, and communities. We need access to current data to provide our patients with the care they need and the knowledge they need to make informed health care decisions."
</p>
<p>
In recent years, Washington has been on the front lines of public health crises where up-to-date, evidence-based care is crucial to effective prevention and treatment, from the first confirmed U.S. cases of COVID-19 and a recent surge in whooping cough cases to crises in youth mental health, fentanyl addiction, and many more.
</p>
<p>
"WCAAP is joining this lawsuit so that pediatricians regain access to the evidence and databases we need in order to care for children and their families," said Beth Ebel, MD, MPH, president of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Our members have been startled to discover that critical travel advice to protect children and adolescents from infections has been removed, including guidance on highly effective medications and vaccinations. Early alert data identifying new injury and poison risks have been impacted. Long-time data that guide the health of kids in school and emergence of new risks such as Zyn pods filled with flavored nicotine are impacted. Families rely upon pediatricians to provide the best advice for their children, and pediatricians need access to critical data to guide their care and do our jobs."
</p>
<p>
Washington State Medical Association et al. v. Kennedy et al. highlights the significant impact of the deleted information. The scrubbing of data is preventing physicians, nurses, and other practitioners from providing critical information to their patients, preventing nonprofit health organizations from utilizing data to inform cutting-edge research, and impeding efforts by local governments to track the spread of disease and address behavioral health crises.
</p>
<p>
"We can't afford to stand on the sidelines while the foundation of evidence-based research—open, public data—is quietly dismantled," said Aaron Carroll, MD, president and CEO of AcademyHealth. "Access to trustworthy information is what allows us to solve real problems, improve health outcomes, and plan for the future. If we don't stand up for data now, we risk losing the tools we all rely on to make progress—regardless of politics."
</p>
<p>
The lawsuit's nine plaintiffs are the following: Washington State Medical Association, Washington State Nurses Association, Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, AcademyHealth, Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, Fast-Track Cities Institute, International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, National LGBT Cancer Network, and Vermont Medical Society.
</p>
<p>
For more information contact:
</p>
<p>
Graham Short, WSMA<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>, c: 206.329.6851 (text OK)
</p>
<p>
Lelach Rave, MD, WCAAP<br />
<a href="mailto:lrave@wcaap.org">lrave@wcaap.org</a>, c: 206.403.6105 (text OK)
</p>
<p>
Evan Sutton, WSNA<br />
<a href="mailto:esutton@wsna.org">esutton@wsna.org</a>, c: 206.851.0178
</p>
<p>
Bobbi Nodell, WSNA<br />
<a href="mailto:bnodell@wsna.org">bnodell@wsna.org</a>, c: 206.639.1708
</p>
<h3>BACKGROUND AND MORE</h3>
<p>
<strong>Relevant EOs:</strong> <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/30/2025-02090/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal">Executive Order 14168</a>, titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," was signed on Jan. 20, 2025. <a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-01953.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Executive Order 14151</a>, titled "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing," was signed the same day.
</p>
<p>
<strong>"Gold-standard" resources deleted</strong>, identified include: NIH's HIV Risk Reduction Tool, information related to National Immunization Awareness Month, HRSA FAQs for Mpox treatment, HRSA information about opioid use among women, various resources on health issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, guidance to integrate diversity and inclusion in work related to mental-health assistance for the homeless, training modules from NIH's Office of Research on Women's Health, information related to transgender behavioral-health disparities, an HHS reading list titled "Advancing Better Health Through Better Understanding for Black and African American Communities: Health Literacy, Health Care Access, and Culturally Appropriate Care," and HHS's website dedicated to reproductive rights.
</p>
<p>
<strong>About WSMA:</strong>&nbsp;The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types 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>
<p>
<strong>About WSNA: </strong>The Washington State Nurses Association is a professional organization and labor union representing more than 20,000 registered nurses in Washington state. It is the Washington constituent of the American Nurses Association and an affiliate of AFT, a national union representing professionals in education, health care, and public service. The WSNA is dedicated to advancing and advocating for nurses and the nursing profession in Washington. It provides leadership for the nursing profession and promotes quality health care for consumers through education, collective bargaining, and policy advocacy. The WSNA and its members are on the front line of providing health care services, including preventive care.
</p>
<p>
<strong>About WCAAP:</strong>&nbsp;The Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics represents over 1,200 pediatric health care professionals from across Washington state. Our mission is to optimize the health and well-being of children and their families while advancing pediatric care. The WCAAP frames and leads the public discussion on child health issues, advances public policy to benefit children, and empowers pediatric clinicians to provide quality medical care.
</p>
</div> | 5/20/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| numerous-special-elections-on-tap-for-2025 | Numerous Special Elections on Tap for 2025 | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/may-16/numerous-special-elections-on-tap-for-2025 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/may/istock-1259154099-stethoscope-ballotbox-blue-background-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="ballot being place in ballot box with image of stethoscope on the outside" /></div>
<h5>May 16, 2025</h5>
<h2>Numerous Special Elections on Tap for 2025</h2>
<p>2025 is a unique post-presidential election year for Washington state as there is an array of special elections for legislative seats slated in November. A combination of retirements, elections to higher offices, and appointments made by Gov. Bob Ferguson necessitates at least nine special elections across six legislative districts. Washington Medical Political Action Committee-better known as WAMPAC, the nonpartisan campaign arm of the WSMA-will monitor and engage in these campaigns to highlight the priorities of the house of medicine.</p>
<h3>Special election process</h3>
<p>When a vacancy arises in the Legislature, generally the board of county commissioners or county council bears the responsibility to select a replacement. As outlined in the state constitution, the local political party of the departing legislator nominates three replacements for consideration and the board or council picks from that list. If a decision isn't reached within 60 days of a vacancy occurring, the governor has 30 days to make an appointment. Then, a special election is held for the voters to determine who will hold the seat for the remainder of the legislative term whether that is the appointee or another candidate who runs for the position.</p>
<h3>5th Legislative District</h3>
<p>State Sen. Bill Ramos died unexpectedly on April 19 and the process to fill this vacancy has not yet begun at the time of this writing. Current Rep. Victoria Hunt plans to seek the Senate seat, potentially creating another vacancy in the 5th district. The 5th District includes Issaquah, Renton, and Snoqualmie, among other areas.</p>
<h3>26th Legislative District</h3>
<p>Former state Sen. Emily Randall was elected to Congress during the 2024 elections, creating an open Senate seat in the 26th District. Deborah Krishnadasan was appointed to fill the vacancy, serving as the district's state senator during the 2025 legislative session. Rep. Michelle Caldier, the Republican representative in this district, has announced she will also run for the Senate seat. The 26th District includes parts of Kitsap and Pierce counties and is one of the few remaining swing districts in the state.</p>
<h3>33rd Legislative District</h3>
<p>The most tenured member of the state Senate, Sen. Karen Keiser, announced her retirement last year, after serving the 33rd Legislative District for 29 years. Her retirement came mid-term and Tina Orwall, a longtime member of the House representing the same district, was appointed to fill the Senate seat. Sen. Orwall will run for election in November to retain the Senate seat and finish out the legislative term. This domino effect created an open House seat in the 33rd District and Rep. Edwin Obras was appointed and will also face an election in November to retain his seat. Both Sen. Orwall and Rep. Obras sit on their chamber's respective health care committees.</p>
<h3>34th Legislative District</h3>
<p>Following Gov. Ferguson's election, he selected then-state Sen. Joe Nguyen of the 34th Legislative District to serve as the director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. Then-Rep. Emily Alvarado was selected to his Senate seat and Brianna Thomas was appointed to the resulting vacated House seat. Both Alvarado and Thomas are expected to run in November to retain their positions. The 34th District encompasses West Seattle, Vashon Island, and parts of Burien and White Center.</p>
<h3>41st Legislative District</h3>
<p>In another open seat created due to Gov. Ferguson's appointments, then-Rep. Tana Senn was selected to lead the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The King County Council appointed Bellevue City Councilmember Janice Zahn, who will run to retain the seat. The 41st District includes Mercer Island and the surrounding cities and is reliably Democratic.</p>
<h3>48th Legislative District</h3>
<p>Patty Kuderer was elected to statewide office, becoming the state's insurance commissioner and leaving an open Senate seat. Then-state Rep. Vandana Slatter was selected to fill the Senate position and Osman Salahuddin was appointed to the House seat. Sen. Slatter sits on the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee and Rep. Salahuddin worked as a researcher at Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center and UW Medicine. Both legislators are expected to run to retain their respective seats, and current 48th District Rep. Amy Walen has signaled she will also run for the Senate seat against her former seatmate.</p>
<h3>Stay engaged-join the WAMPAC Diamond Club</h3>
<p>Your engagement on campaigns makes a difference as we work year-round to strengthen the voice of medicine in politics. A new WAMPAC Diamond Club membership cycle has begun, and our effectiveness depends on the support of physicians like you! Diamond Club members receive special recognition at WSMA events, insider election updates, opportunities to connect with elected officials, and more. Invest in the Diamond Club today by visiting the WAMPAC webpage at <a href="[@]wampac">wsma.org/wampac</a>. If you have questions about WAMPAC's campaign activities, contact WAMPAC Director Alex Wehinger at <a href="mailto:alex@wsma.org">alex@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 5/16/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| take-the-doh-health-professional-shortage-area-survey | Take the DOH Health Professional Shortage Area Survey | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/may-16/take-the-doh-health-professional-shortage-area-survey | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/may/female-patient-physician-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="female patient in an exam room" /></div>
<h5>May 16, 2025</h5>
<h2>Take the DOH Health Professional Shortage Area Survey</h2>
<p>Health professional shortage areas refer to geographic regions, specific population groups, or health care facilities that lack sufficient primary, dental, or mental health care physicians or practitioners to meet the population's needs. The federal government designates these areas and assesses them, and assigns a score based on national data sets. A crucial component in this assessment is the provider data collected by individual states.</p>
<p>The Primary Care Office of the Washington State Department of Health is responsible for <a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/opinio/s?s=HPSAProviderSurvey">surveying all physicians and practitioners</a> eligible for HPSA designation in Washington. This process ensures that the most recent data is incorporated into the system, allowing for the evaluation of current HPSA designations or the creation of new ones that meet federal eligibility requirements during the national updates. If you have not submitted an HPSA survey in the past 24 months or if there have been changes in your current work status, please <a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/opinio/s?s=HPSAProviderSurvey">complete the survey</a>.</p>
<h3>Why are HPSAs Important?</h3>
<p>State and federal agencies use HPSA designations to prioritize and allocate limited resources to areas with unmet health care needs. Workforce programs utilize HPSAs to help determine eligibility for their services.</p>
<ul>
<li>CMS HPSA Bonus Payment Program</li>
<li>National Health Service Corps</li>
<li>CMS Rural Health Clinic Program</li>
<li>Nurse Corps</li>
<li>IHS Loan Repayment Program</li>
<li>WA Health Corps</li>
<li>J-1 Visa Waiver</li>
</ul>
<h3>Take the survey</h3>
<p>Take the <a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/opinio/s?s=HPSAProviderSurvey">survey online</a> or access a printable version on the <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-provider-resources/rural-health/useful-links">Department of Health website</a>.<br />
To request a spreadsheet for multiple practitioners, please contact the Department of Health at <a href="mailto:PCO@doh.wa.gov">PCO@doh.wa.gov</a>.</p>
</div> | 5/16/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-opposes-house-republican-proposed-cuts-to-medicaid | WSMA Opposes House Republican Proposed Cuts to Medicaid | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/may-16/wsma-opposes-house-republican-proposed-cuts-to-medicaid | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/may/istock-1442379947-for-web-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="female doctor showing a tablet screen to a mom and daughter" /></div>
<h5>May 16, 2025</h5>
<h2>WSMA Opposes House Republican Proposed Cuts to Medicaid </h2>
<p><em>Send a message to your member of Congress today</em> </p>
<p>Earlier this week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved significant reforms to the Medicaid program as part of a broader Republican budget package. The reforms include massive cuts to the Medicaid program that would have a severe impact on patient care in Washington state. </p>
<p>The WSMA continues outreach to all members of Washington's congressional delegation. On Tuesday, we sent letters to the two Republican members, <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2025/wsma-letter-to-rep-newhouse-05132025.pdf]" target="_blank">Rep. Dan Newhouse</a>&nbsp;and <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2025/wsma-letter-to-rep-baumgartner-05132025.pdf]" target="_blank">Rep. Michael Baumgartner</a>, urging them to not support any bill that would significantly reduce Medicaid funding to our state. In the letter, WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD, says:</p>
<p>"Nationwide, the current proposal would impose $715 billion in cuts to health care and result in more than 13.7 million Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollees losing coverage. While the legislation stops short of imposing per-capita caps on Medicaid, it includes equally damaging restrictions on longstanding Medicaid financing mechanisms. </p>
<p>These proposed changes would have severe consequences for Washington state, intensifying our existing budget challenges and destabilizing the health care system-particularly in rural areas where Medicaid is a primary coverage source. Physician reimbursement already falls short of the cost of care, and further reductions or limitations on payments would deprive frontline physicians of critical resources, reduce access to care, and worsen health outcomes across our communities." </p>
<p>Provisions include: </p>
<ul>
<li>Restrictions and moratoriums that would eliminate provider and managed care taxes thereby significantly decreasing Medicaid program funding in Washington state and jeopardizing approval of the WSMA's Medicaid Access Program. </li>
<li>Reducing federal matching funds for the 14 states that cover undocumented residents with state-only funding, including Washington. </li>
<li>Defunding of non-profits that provide family planning and reproductive health care. </li>
<li>To review and monitor these and additional provisions as the legislation moves its way through Congress, view the KFF <a href="https://www.kff.org/tracking-the-medicaid-provisions-in-the-2025-budget-bill/">Medicaid Provisions in the 2025 Reconciliation Bill tracker</a>. </li>
</ul>
<p>The bill now advances to the House Budget Committee. The full House of Representatives is expected to pass the measure by Memorial Day, after which the Senate will consider. Congress' goal is to deliver the bill to President Donald Trump by July 4. </p>
<p>Take time right now to <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/no-federal-medicaid-cuts/?_zs=Pimae1&amp;_zl=Wj6DA">send your member of Congress a message</a>, urging them to vote against cuts to the Medicaid program. </p>
<h3>Join our national patient texting campaign </h3>
<p>The WSMA has joined the Protect Our Healthcare Coalition in launching a nationwide peer-to-peer Medicaid texting campaign and we need volunteers. </p>
<p>Using a secure platform called RumbleUp, you'll send prewritten, personalized messages to voters in key congressional districts urging them to call their members of Congress to oppose Medicaid cuts. All texts are sent through RumbleUp's secure platform; your personal phone number is never used. </p>
<p><a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMTk3NDAwNSZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExNTcyNDEyNw/index.html">Learn more and volunteer today</a>. </p>
<h3>A small bright spot </h3>
<p>
While the WSMA strongly opposes the proposed Medicaid cuts, we recognize one positive provision in the proposed budget package: an update to Medicare physician payments tied to the Medicare Economic Index. This update, long advocated by the WSMA and physician groups nationwide, would better align payment rates with practice growth costs, offering much needed stability to physicians treating Medicare patients. If finalized, 2026 would see a conversion factor based on 75% of the Medicare Economic Index and 10% in subsequent years. </p>
</div> | 5/16/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| climate-checkup-for-health-care | Climate Checkup for Health Care | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/climate-checkup-for-health-care | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/Reports/2025/may-june/cover-wsma-may-june-2025-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="cover image from May-June 2025 issue of WSMA Reports" /></div>
<h5>May 13, 2025</h5>
<h2>Climate Checkup for Health Care</h2>
<h5>
<em>Members only; sign-in required.</em>
</h5>
<p>
By Rita Colorito
</p>
<p>
At Seattle Children's Hospital, during procedures, pediatric anesthesiologist Elizabeth Hansen, MD, can tell if kids have been exposed to wildfire smoke damage. Some 15 miles north in Kirkland, cardiologist Mark Vossler, MD, recalls one heart patient who was stable when they left a checkup, broke down driving home, and had a heart attack waiting for a tow in 100-plus-degree heat. Like these physicians, at some point nearly every health care professional will treat someone impacted by climate change. Yet health care's role in the climate crisis goes beyond patient health. The U.S. health care sector produces approximately 8.5% of all domestic greenhouse gas emissions-the highest health sector percentage of any country, according to the most recent analysis.
</p>
<p>
These and other unintended climate consequences challenge medicine's long-held credo of "first, do no harm." Increasingly, however, concerned members of the medical community, including the WSMA, are taking an active role in the climate equivalent of "physician, heal thyself," asking what health care can and should do to reduce its carbon footprint.
</p>
<h3>WSMA House of Delegates leads the charge</h3>
<p> Since 2016, the WSMA House of Delegates has adopted varied policies calling for solutions that both reduce pollution and promote healthier, sustainable communities, including those aimed at mitigating the health effects of climate change through sustainable practices statewide. Adding to the roster of climate-forward policy, last year, delegates passed new policies focused on specific actions for health care professionals and organizations. They include policies directing the WSMA to: </p>
<ul>
<li>Encourage hospitals and surgical centers in Washington to adopt programs to reduce the climate impacts from anesthesia.</li>
<li>Encourage hospitals and clinics to reduce their use of plastics, particularly single-use plastics.</li>
<li>Urge members, health care organizations, and affiliated stakeholders to decarbonize the U.S. health sector by following the National Academy of Medicine's Sustainability Journey Map (see sidebar on pg. 11).</li>
</ul>
<p>
"There's motivation for most people in health care to do what they can to reduce emissions. The challenge is picking what things to focus on and the costs," says Dr. Vossler, who co-authored the new policies. Dr. Vossler, now retired, serves as the president of Physicians for Social Responsibility and on the climate and health task force of the national advocacy group's Washington chapter.</p>
<p>
The priority? Reducing the use of anesthetic gases. "If we had to pick one thing to do first, that's the area to focus on for every hospital and every surgical center," says Dr. Vossler.
</p>
<p>
Desflurane and nitrous oxide gas are the worst offenders based on clinical equivalency, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Desflurane is the inhaled anesthetic that is the most potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential 2,540 times that of carbon dioxide. N2O has a global warming potential 273 times that of carbon dioxide and an atmospheric lifetime of over 100 years. Currently, N2O is also the single greatest contributor to the destruction of the ozone layer. In the U.S., it's estimated to contribute some 3% to ozone destruction.
</p>
<p>
Reducing single-use plastics matters on two levels, says Dr. Vossler. One, the manufacturing of these materials is carbon intensive. Moving to reusables means less is produced and less carbon dioxide emitted.
</p>
<p>
The other issue is the proliferation of microplastics and nanoplastics in the human body. Dr. Vossler cites a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine that found microplastics in atheromatous plaque removed from carotid arteries.
</p>
<p>
"Patients who had microplastic in their carotid arteries at the time of surgery had higher subsequent cardiac event rates than patients who did not have it," he says. "The thing about plastics is that for a lot of things, we have alternatives. We just have fallen into this complacency."
</p>
<h3>Partnering for progress</h3>
<p> Following NAM's Sustainability Journey Map to decarbonize the health sector is the goal, says Dr. Vossler, but one that will take firm, continuous commitment and resources to achieve. To get health care there, the WSMA, at the direction of its House of Delegates, is working with the Washington State Hospital Association to explore ways to promote and implement these climate change policies.</p>
<p> "When we seek to mitigate health care's impact on climate change, we only want to do so in a manner that maintains patient safety and clinical excellence, doesn't increase the administrative burden or workload for physicians, and does not significantly increase the cost of delivering care," says WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD. "Addressing the climate impacts of health care should not supersede the clinical judgment of a physician acting in a patient's best interest." </p>
<p>
At its Quality Leaders Collaborative this spring, hospital leaders throughout the state and the Washington State Health Care Authority shared what they are doing to mitigate climate change and improve resilience and adaptation. "Hearing from hospitals similar to theirs that are successfully implementing innovative approaches inspires meaningful change," says Tracy Wellington, RN, WSHA senior director of clinical excellence and rural programs, who oversees the Medicaid Quality Incentive Program, a partnership between the two organizations.
</p>
<p>
The increased use of telemedicine and wearable patient-monitoring devices, such as for blood glucose, are some ways hospitals identified to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining high- quality care, says Wellington. "Reducing patient travel presents an opportunity not only to enhance accessibility and convenience for patients but also to significantly cut emissions, improving environmental sustainability."
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WSHA is collaborating with the HCA to focus on measures in the Medicaid Quality Initiative Program to address climate change and highlight its impact on health, and with the American Hospital Association to plan a regional workshop on environmental impact on community health to take place in September.
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<h3>Paving the way</h3>
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Hospitals and medical centers throughout Washington state are already making climate change a priority. In a 2024 WSHA survey, 53 hospitals reported actively monitoring their greenhouse gas emissions.
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Some, like Providence, have created executive roles to tackle climate change. In 2023, Providence appointed Brian Chesebro, MD, as its first medical director for environmental stewardship, a role he had served at Providence Oregon since 2019.
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<p>
"The position isn't just standing upon a soapbox talking about environmental impacts. It provides perspective in a broader conversation and analysis of driving health care toward higher value," says Dr. Chesebro, defining value as quality divided by cost. Quality factors include safety, efficacy, efficiency, equity, patient centeredness, resilience, and compliance. Cost includes financial, social, and environmental costs.
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<p>
Under Dr. Chesebro's leadership, Providence undertook two large anesthesia-related emissions mitigation projects, including one addressing nitrous oxide consumption-reducing these greenhouse gases by the equivalent of 10,000 metric tons of CO2 a year. N2O is relatively inexpensive, so an environmental impact analysis revealed something a scan of financial ledgers alone would have missed, says Dr. Chesebro: The hospitals' central pipe systems were leaking and wasting over 90% of N2O.
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Leaks can happen throughout the system, making it challenging and unfeasible to avoid N2O losses through maintenance and repair. The environmental health impact to patients, caregivers, and staff is more difficult to measure but was also a serious concern, says Dr. Chesebro.
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"It wasn't an issue with clinical overuse," he says. "Financially, it's not a huge expense for the hospital … But when we looked at it on our environmental ledger, we said 'whoa, this is an opportunity for us to start thinking about the other facets of value.' "
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In October, following similar recommendations from the Royal College of Anaesthetists in the U.K. and referencing Dr. Chesebro's analysis, the American Society of Anesthesiologists recommended deactivating central piped N2O and transitioning to a portable source for N2O delivery for all clinical use-building on its 2022 guidelines to reduce the carbon footprint from inhaled anesthesia, which included:
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<ul>
<li>Avoiding inhaled anesthetics with disproportionately high climate impacts, such as desflurane and nitrous oxide.</li>
<li>Selecting the lowest possible fresh gas flow when using inhaled anesthetics.</li>
<li>Prioritizing regional anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia when appropriate, since they have less of a negative environmental impact.</li>
<li>Avoiding centrally piped N2O, substituting with portable canisters that should be closed between uses to avoid continuous leaks.</li>
</ul>
<p>
Providence had already implemented these changes. Dr. Chesebro's current project is focusing on value-based solutions to reduce the use of metered- dose inhalers for people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The propellant used has 1,000 times the global warming effects of carbon dioxide, and at 75% of the market, according to The Commonwealth Fund, has an equivalent emissions impact of driving half a million cars for a year.
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<p>
"You have to go through that whole value analysis again. Is it going to improve [patient] resilience? Is it going to improve their disease control? Is it going to cost them 10 times more? How do you balance all of that? It's really complicated, but it is another opportunity," says Dr. Chesebro.
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<h3>A data-driven approach to mitigation</h3>
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Anyone hoping to undertake a climate- change initiative should start with data- driven analysis, looking at all aspects of operations, including clinical delivery of care, says Dr. Chesebro. "It has to be this holistic assessment of the way our health system operates."
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<p>
A data-driven approach is at the heart of Senate Bill 5236, legislation the WSMA supported during the 2025 legislative session to require the Washington State Department of Ecology to address greenhouse gas emissions from anesthetic gases by establishing a multistep process to study, understand, and reduce these emissions in Washington. WSMA's support was driven by House of Delegates policy asking the WSMA to assist hospitals, surgical centers, and anesthesiology practices in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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The Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists also supported the bill. "We were happy to support it as a generally environmentally responsible piece of legislation, perhaps not primary to our mission, but the board felt like we could support it, given that it preserved the autonomy of the physicians to make good patient decisions and that it was not unduly burdensome," says Erik Condon, MD, president of the society.
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The bill did not pass the Senate Ways and Means Committee but will automatically be reintroduced during next year's session. Dr. Vossler remains hopeful that some version will pass.
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Dr. Condon, an anesthesiologist affiliated with Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital in Spokane, remains encouraged by organizations like his own that have already taken action to reduce anesthesia-related greenhouse gases. "The more we do things of our own volition, the less likely we're going to have clumsy rules made that reduce our flexibility and ability to exercise our judgment at the point of care," he says.
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<p>
He advocates for physicians to review data and practices at the patient care level to mitigate the climate impact; for example, grouping medical procedures under a single anesthetic when possible. "From a patient standpoint and from a more environmental and just efficiency standpoint, it's better for us to be proactive," says Dr. Condon.
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<p>
When Dr. Hansen joined Seattle Children's eight years ago, data is what propelled her to become a climate change crusader. The hospital's then- manager of sustainability programs, Colleen Groll, produced yearly greenhouse gas emissions reports. Anesthesia gases represented 7% of the hospital's total emissions. Shocked by the data, Dr. Hansen resolved to learn and share all she could about mitigation.
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<p>
To build collaboration among different groups, Dr. Hansen took software Seattle Children's uses for clinical quality improvement metrics and used it to track climate change educational initiatives and emission mitigation strategies. Each month she sends out a performance report, highlighting high performers and sharing their strategies for reducing emissions. After each report, physicians often ask how they can improve and get recognized in the newsletter. That friendly competition helps motivate everyone to do better, says Dr. Hansen. "Now we're more than 90% lower in terms of our average emissions for every anesthetic that we do at Seattle Children's compared to where we started."
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<p>
Sustainability work by Dr. Hansen and others are part of Seattle Children's commitment to become carbon neutral by the end of 2025. Since Groll retired, the hospital has hired a sustainability director with a higher level of authority to implement sustainability programs.
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<h3>Building bridges</h3>
<p>
Building consensus is a critical part of implementing any sustainability initiative, says Dr. Hansen. Before moving desflurane vaporizers out of the OR to a separate room-the idea being the effort to get it would cause someone to rethink its need-her group went through several rounds of use analysis and conversation. After one year, the group reanalyzed their decision and removed desflurane from Seattle Children's formulary altogether.
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<p>
"It took a little bit of time to have those discussions and really make sure that we were listening to everybody's viewpoints, taking into account patient safety and those concerns, and reviewing the literature ... And once we were able to all feel comfortable with that, then we moved forward," says Dr. Hansen.
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<p>
Sharing Seattle Children's emissions- reduction success during meetings of the Society of Pediatric Anesthesia led to the expansion of Project SPRUCE into a pediatric anesthesia quality improvement consortium. Dr. Hansen serves as its principal investigator. The group applies the same data tracking to their own hospital systems.
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<p> Since it began a little over a year ago, the consortium has grown to include 12 hospitals. Emissions from inhaled anesthetics have already decreased by 50% among the consortium's nine initial hospitals. This also results in cost savings. Yearly spending on inhaled anesthetics, minus nitrous oxide, has gone from a total of $250,000 a year down to about $75,000 a year, says Dr. Hansen.</p>
<p>
"Sustainable care isn't just using the lower-carbon-intense widget," says Dr. Chesebro. In his own work, he often uses the Sustainability in Quality Improvement Programme from the U.K.-based Centre for Sustainable Healthcare. In this model, patient empowerment and disease prevention are the two most upstream principles of sustainability.
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<p>
"The greenest health care is the health care that we don't need to do," says Dr. Chesebro. "It includes partnering with our patients to make sure that they stay healthy … so they don't have to enter into care delivery in these high resource- intense hospital environments. That is climate action that does reduce the climate impact of health care."
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<p>
As we head into summer, Dr. Chesebro worries about the larger implications of dangerously high temperatures. At the top of his mind: heat domes-high pressure systems that create and trap extreme high temperatures over a region like the one over the Pacific Northwest in the summer of 2021. "One thing that's often overlooked is the impact on the day-to-day operations of health care facilities under a sustained heat dome," he says. "We're also having to think about how our facilities continue to operate safely in the face of these environmental challenges."
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<p>
One thing is clear as climate change continues to wreak havoc in Washington state and across the globe: Health care is an inextricable part of the problem and the solution.
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<p>
"There are so many opportunities for every single one of us in Washington state to be taking on some aspect of this work-whether that's advocacy, working with our patients on education, or doing the kind of mitigation work that we're trying to do," says Dr. Hansen. "We are trusted voices. We do understand and know this information. And we can make a big difference."
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<p>
<em>Rita Colorito is a freelance writer specializing in health care.</em>
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<p>
<em>This article was featured in the May/June 2025 issue of WSMA Reports, WSMA's print magazine.</em>
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</div> | 5/13/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |