| ceo-rounds-aug-23-2024-how-your-engagement-makes-a-difference | CEO Rounds: Aug 23, 2024 - How Your Engagement Makes a Difference | CEO_Rounds | Shared_Content/News/ceo-rounds/2024/ceo-rounds-aug-23-2024-how-your-engagement-makes-a-difference | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/Weekly%20Rounds/ceo-rounds-article-graphic-2024-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="CEO Rounds with Jennifer Hanscom" /></div>
<h5>Aug. 23, 2024</h5>
<h2>How Your Engagement Makes a Difference</h2>
<p>Jennifer Hanscom, CEO</p>
<p>The WSMA's guiding principle is being physician driven and patient focused. You are central to our decision-making, policymaking, advocacy, education, and, well, I could go on. We are able to represent your voice because you make your voice heard and we are always listening. To that end, here are five ways your voice makes a difference.</p>
<h3>You spoke, we listened</h3>
<p>We conducted a survey in July to better understand your interests and concerns. Some 245 physicians and physician assistants responded on topics about career satisfaction, noncompete agreements, and what the WSMA can do to support you. I thought you'd like to know how things shook out:</p>
<ul>
<li>A majority of respondents said they were subject to a noncompete agreement (57%).</li>
<li>The vast majority supported restrictions on the imposition of noncompetes, either in the form of a ban on their use (77%), significant limitations (15%), or some restrictions (5%). Just 2% said they supported noncompetes and opposed restrictions on their use.</li>
<li>Respondents subject to noncompete agreements noted that:</li>
<ul>
<li>98% included geographic restrictions.</li>
<li>91% included time-period restrictions.</li>
<li>A majority of agreements:</li>
<ul>
<li>Included provisions restricting the physical area where they may practice if they leave their current employer.</li>
<li>Imposed a set length of time a physician may not practice within a given physical area.</li>
</ul>
<li>Two less common, but still prevalent included restrictions around contacting and serving patients (47%) and line of business (46%).</li>
</ul>
<li>Interestingly, when looking at the demographic crosstabs of respondents, members who said they practiced at an independent group practice were more likely to be part of a noncompete agreement than average (65%), however, were slightly less likely to support a ban on noncompete agreements (61%).</li>
<li>The majority of survey respondents supported either a ban on noncompete agreements (76.54%) or significant limitations (15.23%). Just 4.53% of respondents supported only some restrictions on noncompete agreements and only 2.47% of respondents fully supported noncompete agreements and opposed any restrictions on them.</li>
</ul>
<p>You'll recall that in May, the Federal Trade Commission issued a final rule banning post-employment noncompete agreements as "unfair methods of competition" under the FTC Act, a development that could have a vast impact across the health care sector. In breaking news at the time of this writing, a <strong><a href="https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/legal-regulatory-issues/federal-judge-strikes-down-ftcs-noncompete-ban-nationwide.html">Texas court issued an injunction blocking implementation of the FTC rule</a></strong>, which was expected to go into effect Sept. 4, 2024. We will monitor the legal process around the FTC final rule and keep you posted on relevant developments in the weeks ahead.</p>
<h3>You asked for it, we're delivering it</h3>
<p>The survey noted above also provided an opportunity for us to better understand what tangible actions we can take to better support employed physicians. A majority of respondents (62%) noted they would appreciate help with reviewing physician employment contracts.</p>
<p>I'm happy to report that the WSMA Executive Committee recently approved a collaboration with a physician-focused contract review organization called <strong><a href="[@]wsma/membership/why_join_the_wsma_/partners-in-medicine/resolve.aspx?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=740m9">Resolve</a></strong> to assist WSMA members with employment contract reviews. Resolve currently partners with several state medical associations, including Nebraska, Oregon, New York, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Florida, as well as national specialty societies such as the American College of Surgeons, American College of Radiology, American Academy of Otolaryngology, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Physicians, and American Academy of Family Physicians.</p>
<p>Whether you are signing your first employment contract or renegotiating a current one, their team ensures your terms are fair. Even better, as a WSMA member, you receive a 10% discount on Resolve's services.</p>
<p>By engaging with Resolve, you'll be connected with a specialized attorney who will take your priorities into account, review your contract in full, make suggestions, and even negotiate on your behalf. Detailed compensation data unique to your specialty and location is also provided, so you always know what you should be earning. With the right data, insights, and expertise, Resolve ensures your contract is written fairly and you are earning the compensation you deserve. Our partners at Resolve note that contracts they review and negotiate typically see an average of $24,000 in increased compensation. To get started, go to <strong><a href="https://go.resolve.com/wsma?utm_campaign=Washington%20State%20Medical%20Association&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=partner-page">the Resolve website</a></strong> and use code WSMA10 at checkout.</p>
<h3>You-as WSMA members-set our policies</h3>
<p>At the WSMA we are constantly looking at ways we can improve representation of issues of importance to our physician members and their patients. Since our founding, we have held an annual meeting of our House of Delegates. That gathering is a critical way in which we hear from WSMA members who are active in their county medical associations or state specialty societies or sections, as well as from WSMA board members.</p>
<p>If you are interested in serving as a delegate to this year's annual meeting, please go to <strong><a href="[@]wsma/about_us/partner_organizations/wsma/about/partner_organizations/partner_organizations.aspx?hkey=906365b0-ebb4-491f-9dfa-407badb9a7e4&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=940m9">Partner Organizations</a></strong> on the WSMA website to contact your local county or state specialty society to see if they have open delegate positions.</p>
<p>For those attending the 2024 WSMA Annual Meeting in Spokane Sept. 28-29, be sure to register and arrange your accommodations in Spokane. Details on the <strong><a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=A40m9">meeting webpage</a></strong>.</p>
<h3>Make your voice heard via virtual reference committees</h3>
<p>For members not serving as delegates, you still have the opportunity to add your voice to the debate via our virtual reference committees. There, all WSMA members are invited to review and provide feedback on resolutions that will be debated during the WSMA Annual Meeting in Spokane. The virtual reference committees are secure, password-protected members-only discussion forums that enable all members greater access to the policymaking process.</p>
<p>Also, of critical importance: Testimony provided in the virtual reference committees is <strong>given equal weight to that of in-person testimony</strong>. Testimony provided in the virtual reference committees is compiled and provided to reference committee members prior to the Annual Meeting and made available to members attending the in-person reference committee hearings at the meeting. That commentary is closely reviewed by the reference committee members and considered equally with heard testimony at the meeting.</p>
<p>Resolutions are now posted in the virtual reference committees. These proposed policies, if adopted by the House of Delegates, will help determine WSMA advocacy on issues impacting patients and the physician community. To ensure these discussions are secure, those new to the virtual reference committees must submit a one-time request to join, then create a dedicated password. Learn more and join the discussion on our <strong><a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/virtual-reference-committees/wsma/events/annual_meeting/virtual-reference-committees.aspx?hkey=e30c0e9a-efb8-4160-821e-fa2485cc6bdd&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=B40m9">Virtual Reference Committees page</a></strong>.</p>
<p>Resolutions now available for discussion in the virtual reference committees:</p>
<ul>
<li>Resolution B-1: Public Health Advisory Board Resolution</li>
<li>Resolution B-2: Directing WSMA to Advocate for a Reduced Volume of Prior Authorizations</li>
<li>Resolution B-3: Improving Sexual Health in Washington State</li>
<li>Resolution B-4: Increasing Harm Reduction Education and Resources</li>
<li>Resolution B-5: Inactive Counties Section to the House of Delegates</li>
<li>Resolution B-6: Liability Protections and Mentorship Program for Physicians</li>
<li>Resolution B-7: Maintaining Medicaid Reimbursement for Audio-Only Telehealth Visits</li>
<li>Resolution B-8: Health Risks of Micro and Nano Plastics</li>
<li>Resolution B-9: Ensuring Effective Collaboration Between WSMA and County Medical Societies</li>
<li>Resolution B-10: Training Primary Care Physicians in Prescribing Medications for Psychiatric Conditions</li>
<li>Resolution B-11: Adolescent Screening for Unhealthy Social Media Use in the Health Care Setting</li>
<li>Resolution B-12: Removing Prior Authorization from the Buprenorphine Monoproduct</li>
<li>Resolution B-13: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Standing Committee</li>
<li>Resolution B-14: Supporting Physician Use of AI in Practice Settings</li>
<li>Resolution B-15: Expanding Payment for Visit Complexity for Office/Other Outpatient Services to Commercial Payers</li>
<li>Resolution B-16: Advancing Access to Health Savings Accounts for All Americans</li>
<li>Resolution B-17: Reporting of Health Care Access Metrics</li>
<li>Resolution B-18: Enhancing Public Safety Through Standardized Placement and Expanded Access of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Public Spaces</li>
<li>Resolution C-1: Supporting Access to Contraception Without Prior Authorization</li>
<li>Resolution C-2: Creating a Digital Repository for Sterilization and Hysterectomy Consents</li>
<li>Resolution C-3: Diaper Product Access and Retail Tax Exemption</li>
<li>Resolution C-4: Expanding Medicaid Coverage to Include Air Purifiers or Air Cleaners in Washington State for Individuals with Asthma</li>
<li>Resolution C-5: Urging Washington State Department of Transportation to Complete Full AMTRAK CASCADES Infrastructure Plan</li>
<li>Resolution C-6: Making Education on Firearm Injury Prevention a Standard Part of the Health Curriculum for Washington State High School Students</li>
<li>Resolution C-7: Hospital Pricing and Ensuring Equitable Distribution of Health Care Funds</li>
<li>Resolution C-8: Establishing the Washington State Commission on Boys and Men</li>
<li>Resolution C-9: Continuous Glucose Monitoring for People with Diabetes</li>
<li>Resolution C-10: Regarding Reducing Climate Impacts of Anesthesia</li>
<li>Resolution C-11: Maintaining Training Requirements for Coroners and Medical Examiners in Counties Under 40,000 Population</li>
<li>Resolution C-12: Support for Legislation that Improves Health via Implementation of a Tax on Extreme Wealth</li>
<li>Resolution C-13: Washington State Return-to-Service Loan Repayment</li>
<li>Resolution C-14: Washington State Senior Medical Corp</li>
<li>Resolution C-15: Washington State Single Source Credentialing</li>
<li>Resolution C-16: Support for the Health Engagement Hub Model of Addiction Treatment</li>
<li>Resolution C-17: Reforming the Prior Authorization Processes</li>
<li>Resolution C-18: Addressing Health Disparities in Maternal and Infant Mortality</li>
</ul>
<h3>You are seeking community</h3>
<p>We often hear from members that they have a desire to engage directly with other members who have similar interests or backgrounds. Among those interest groups is our Latinx Advisory Council. If you identify as Latinx and are interested in being part of that community and providing leadership for WSMA's Latinx members, we invite you to send a letter of intent and your CV to <strong><a href="mailto:milana@wsma.org">Milana McLead</a></strong> by Aug. 30. Meet the current council <strong><a href="[@]wsma/about_us/who_we_are/latinx-advisory-council/wsma/about/who_we_are/latinx-advisory-council.aspx?hkey=f8623efe-ee07-47f7-bc61-220f49369bc6&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=C40m9">here</a></strong>. The council meets bimonthly via Zoom to build connections, engage in activities such as National Latino Physician Day, share and address concerns, and more.</p>
<p>The WSMA exists for its members, by its members, and with its members. We are here for you. As always, thanks for all you do.</p>
</div> | 8/23/2024 12:32:33 PM | 8/20/2024 9:52:34 AM | 8/23/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| ceo-rounds-july-26-2024-how-to-advocate-for-patient-care-during-a-tumultuous-campaign-season | CEO Rounds: July 26, 2024 - How to Advocate for Patient Care During a Tumultuous Campaign Season | CEO_Rounds | Shared_Content/News/ceo-rounds/2024/ceo-rounds-july-26-2024-how-to-advocate-for-patient-care-during-a-tumultuous-campaign-season | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/Weekly%20Rounds/ceo-rounds-article-graphic-2024-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="CEO Rounds with Jennifer Hanscom" /></div>
<h5>July 26, 2024</h5>
<h2>How to Advocate for Patient Care During a Tumultuous Campaign Season</h2>
<p>Jennifer Hanscom, CEO</p>
<p>
The last few weeks in national politics have seemed surreal, with the unexpected happening nearly daily. This lyric from the Grateful Dead's famous song "Truckin'" seems especially apt right now: "What a long, strange trip it's been"! With the election just 102 days away, it's anyone's guess as to what will happen next.
</p>
<p>
In the WSMA world, we do have some insight into what's coming, as we look ahead to big issues for medicine at both the state and federal levels. I appreciate the way that so many of you are leaning in and getting involved this campaign season-it really does make a difference to our work and to the house of medicine. Lately I've been to numerous fundraisers hosted by WSMA members, and I've appreciated the opportunity to watch our members engage with the candidates on issues of importance to medicine and the profession. As is our tradition, the WSMA is glad to promote campaign fundraisers that are organized by WAMPAC, hosted by our members, or are of particular relevance to the physician community. If there's an event you'd like us to promote, or if you're interested in getting more involved in campaigns in any way, please don't hesitate to let us know.
</p>
<p>
Remember that these campaign events are important opportunities to discuss two priority issues for the physician community:
</p>
<ul>
<li>For state legislative or statewide races: Please urge state-level candidates to increase Medicaid reimbursement to all physician specialties. Find more information on WSMA's <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=qFXj9">Medicaid reimbursement and patient access to care advocacy</a>.</li>
<li>In meetings with congressional candidates, please continue to share how detrimental further cuts to Medicare are to our communities. Find more information on our <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/medicare_payment_reform/wsma/advocacy/medicare_payment_reform/medicare_payment_reform.aspx?hkey=d1a48c1c-af7b-4680-bd55-967338f3c977&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=rFXj9">Medicare physician payment advocacy</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>
I urge you to reach out and talk to your local legislators about Medicaid reimbursement and your members of Congress about the need for Medicare physician payment reform. If you check out the webpages linked above, you'll find everything you need-talking points, data references, etc.-to be fully equipped for these discussions.
</p>
<p>
Also, as mentioned in last week's WSMA Advocacy Report, ballots for the Aug. 6 primary election are being mailed to voters this week. If you need to register to vote, you can do so on the <a href="https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters/voter-registration/register-vote-washington-state">secretary of state's website</a>. As you consider legislative candidates, remember to review the WAMPAC Legislator Report Card in the 2024 WSMA Legislative Report to see how your local legislators voted on the issues most important to the house of medicine. The report card begins on page 23 of the <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/legislative_regulatory/wsma-legislative-report.aspx?WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=tFXj9">Legislative Report</a>, which can be downloaded by WSMA members.
</p>
<p>
In other news, health care got another unexpected IT hit last Thursday with a widespread outage to Microsoft systems leading to <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/how-the-crowdstrike-outage-is-impacting-wa-hospitals-and-patients/">local hospitals temporarily cancelling or rescheduling non-urgent medical appointments and surgeries</a>. While not a cyberattack, physician practices should still prepare for such incidents that are becoming all too frequent. The American Medical Association has a <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/sustainability/recent-cyber-attacks-ransomware-trends-and-cybersecurity-threats">good primer on cybersecurity and physician practices</a>.
</p>
<p>
With all that is impacting health care today, the WSMA remains steady in its commitment to representing the profession. We look forward to hearing what's on your minds at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates, Sept. 28-29 in Spokane. If you haven't yet registered and reserved your room at the Historic Davenport, <a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=xFXj9">be sure to do so soon</a>. The deadline for resolutions is Aug. 9, and they will soon be posted on our <a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/virtual-reference-committees/wsma/events/annual_meeting/virtual-reference-committees.aspx?hkey=e30c0e9a-efb8-4160-821e-fa2485cc6bdd&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=1GXj9">virtual reference committees</a> where you can lend your opinions to the matters before the House. The virtual reference committees are a great way for members to engage and have their voices be heard in WSMA's policymaking process. Member testimony posted in these virtual forums is considered equal to the testimony heard at the in-person reference committee hearings at the House of Delegates meeting, so I urge you to make your thoughts known in that forum.
</p>
<p>
As for voting on issues, remember the House of Delegates is made up of WSMA board members, county medical society delegates, state specialty society delegates, and a few special sections (e.g., the WSMA Medical Student Section). If you'd like to participate as a delegate, please contact your local county medical society, specialty society, or <a href="mailto:hod@wsma.org">the WSMA</a>. Learn more about the House of Delegates and the responsibilities of being a delegate on the <a href="[@]wsma/about_us/who_we_are/house-of-delegates/wsma/about/who_we_are/house-of-delegates.aspx?hkey=c5e98d40-6e37-4bc0-9bda-a7aa66e67919&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=3GXj9">WSMA website</a>.
</p>
<p>
All to say, there's never a dull moment and there's always something to do. Let's heed the wise words from the Dead and "keep truckin'"!
</p>
<p>
<em>CEO Rounds, formerly Weekly Rounds, will now be published monthly, to accommodate WSMA's newest member newsletter, WSMA Advocacy Report.</em>
</p>
</div> | 8/20/2024 9:49:46 AM | 8/16/2024 3:47:41 PM | 7/26/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| weekly-rounds-july-4-2024-three-things-to-know-before-watching-the-fireworks | Weekly Rounds: July 4, 2024 - Three Things to Know Before Watching the Fireworks | CEO_Rounds | Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2024/weekly-rounds-july-4-2024-three-things-to-know-before-watching-the-fireworks | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/Weekly%20Rounds/Weekly-Rounds-Article-Graphic-2022-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Weekly Rounds logo with Jennifer Hanscom, WSMA CEO" /></div>
<h5>July 4, 2024</h5>
<h2>Three Things to Know Before Watching the Fireworks</h2>
<p>Jennifer Hanscom, CEO</p>
<p>
Every Fourth of July is something to celebrate in my household and not just because of our nation's independence! Besides that, every year on the Fourth, my husband and I celebrate our wedding anniversary-and this year is our 27th. To do it justice, we'll spend the day with our boys cheering for the Mariners. Fingers crossed that we'll be their lucky charm and they'll overcome their slump…in spite of the naysayers betting on the Orioles.
</p>
<p>
As you're prepping your July Fourth activities, here are a couple of reminders on things to know from the WSMA.
</p>
<h3>New neighborhood</h3>
<p>
It was exciting to start this week in our new office in the Financial District of downtown Seattle! We are now officially settled in our new digs. If you've ever visited us in person at our Belltown address, you will know how very difficult it was to navigate the building's security. Thankfully our visitors won't have as many challenges in our new space. We look forward to hosting meetings at our new office or in one of the many conference rooms we have access to.
</p>
<h3>Seeking input on non-compete agreements</h3>
<p>
We have been getting some great input on how our members feel about non-compete agreements. If you haven't yet <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7BLXC8Y">taken the survey</a>, we'd be grateful for your perspective. It will only take you 5-10 minutes. With resolutions debated at the 2023 WSMA House of Delegates, policy discussions in Olympia, and a Federal Trade Commission rule restricting their use, non-compete agreements are a current area of focus for the physician community (including at the recent American Medical Association Annual Meeting). As we participate in these conversations and advocate on your behalf, we want to know how non-competes have impacted you.
</p>
<h3>Don't miss the WSMA Annual Meeting</h3>
<p>
I've been attending WSMA annual meetings longer than I've been celebrating my wedding anniversary! The meeting is a highlight of the year for our organization as thought leaders come together to raise the physician voice, set policy for the WSMA, and build on the strength of our organization. As a physician driven, patient focused organization, this is our opportunity to hear from our members and ensure our agenda and policies are focused on what's important to you and your patients. The meeting, taking place Sept. 28-29 in Spokane, is open to all members, with opportunities for education, socializing, and networking. It's also a great way to witness first hand how policy is set at the WSMA. <a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=smoh9">Register today</a> and remember to <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1704478035241&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink">book your room at The Historic Davenport</a> by Aug. 28 to receive our special room rate.
</p>
<p>
For now, have fun today as you celebrate the Fourth of July and, as always, thanks for all you do.
</p>
</div> | 8/20/2024 9:49:47 AM | 7/8/2024 9:16:59 AM | 7/4/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| weekly-rounds-june-21-2024-making-connections-through-the-wsma | Weekly Rounds: June 21, 2024 - Making Connections Through the WSMA | CEO_Rounds | Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2024/weekly-rounds-june-21-2024-making-connections-through-the-wsma | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/Weekly%20Rounds/Weekly-Rounds-Article-Graphic-2022-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Weekly Rounds logo with Jennifer Hanscom, WSMA CEO" /></div>
<h5>June 21, 2024</h5>
<h2>Making Connections Through the WSMA</h2>
<p>Jennifer Hanscom, CEO</p>
<p>
Have you played Connections, a relatively new game by the New York Times? Friends of mine are obsessed with playing it daily and I admit to thinking about joining them. In case you're not as familiar with that game as you are with Wordle, the concept is that there are 16 words from which you create four groups of four words that share a common thread. The connections are clever, always interesting, and often quite challenging. What I like the most about it is just that, the connections. And that got me thinking recently about all the ways the WSMA makes and fosters connections with you, the profession, and our broader community. Check out these examples.
</p>
<h3>New neighborhood coming soon for the WSMA</h3>
<p>
After five decades on the same block in Belltown, the WSMA is relocating to a new part of town as of July 1. Our new Seattle office address will be 1215 4th Ave., Suite 1901, Seattle, WA 98161. Our main phone line and fax numbers remain the same. Let's be sure to stay connected, so please take note of our new location. And while updating that information, another way to ensure we stay in touch is to update your member profile by signing into <a href="[@]?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=rvhg9">our website</a> and making sure your contact information is correct. If you need assistance, contact us <a href="mailto:membership@wsma.org">by email</a> or call 206.441.9762.
</p>
<h3>What do you think about non-competes?</h3>
<p>
With resolutions debated at the 2023 WSMA House of Delegates, policy discussions in Olympia, and a Federal Trade Commission rule restricting their use, non-compete agreements are a current area of focus for the physician community, including at the American Medical Association Annual Meeting I just attended. As we participate in these conversations and advocate on your behalf, we want to understand your thoughts on non-compete agreements and how they have impacted you. Please complete this <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7BLXC8Y">5-10-minute survey</a>.
</p>
<h3>Making physician leadership connections</h3>
<p>
I so enjoyed seeing many of you in person at the WSMA Leadership Development Conference in Chelan. While the blustery weather could have been better, the camaraderie was great-as always-and what a wonderful way to recharge our batteries.
</p>
<p>
To further develop your leadership skills and connect with other physician leaders, WSMA's Physician Leadership Course will once again be offered this fall. The fall course is offered virtually in order to appeal to physicians around the state and to accommodate your busy work schedules. The dates are Oct. 4-Dec. 13, beginning with two live virtual sessions on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4 and 5. Course participants will then engage in 11 weeks of online instruction and interaction that you can do at your own pace, finishing with a third live virtual session on Friday, Dec. 13. The deadline for registration is Sept. 4. This course is sure to fill up quickly so be sure to <a href="[@]eventdetail?eventkey=PLC100424&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=tvhg9">register soon</a>.
</p>
<h3>Connect and make policy at the WSMA Annual Meeting</h3>
<p>
<a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f&amp;_zs=lfaFd1&amp;_zl=iGdg9">Registration is now open</a> for the 2024 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates, scheduled for Sept. 28-29 at the Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane. There are a few key deadlines to know, especially the Aug. 9 deadline for resolutions to be included in the delegate handbook. If you have an idea for a resolution but are not sure how to get started, visit the <a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/how_to_write_a_resolution/wsma/events/annual_meeting/How_to_Write_a_Resolution/how_to_write_a_resolution.aspx?hkey=a22cd977-aaed-4445-9ee2-6fc4716a7136&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=xvhg9">How to Write a Resolution</a> page on the WSMA website for everything you need to know about writing and submitting a resolution. If you are looking to serve as a county or state special society delegate, contact your society directly. For contact information, visit our <a href="[@]wsma/about_us/partner_organizations/wsma/about/partner_organizations/partner_organizations.aspx?hkey=906365b0-ebb4-491f-9dfa-407badb9a7e4&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=0whg9">Partner Organizations page</a>.
</p>
<h3>WSMA's Latinx members create community</h3>
<p>
We are excited to have Michael Galvez, MD, join the upcoming Zoom meeting of WSMA's Latinx Advsory Council on July 1 at 5:15 p.m. Dr. Galvez is the creator of National Latino and Latina Physician Day. He introduced legislation in 2023 to designate Oct. 1 as National Latino and Latina Physician Day and to encourage the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support Latinx medical students and aspiring students through increased funding, awareness, and retention programs. All are welcome, though a quick registration is required. <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrdOGgrT0tHdIntTrePypiUTc5rlL2Dtd6#/registration">Register online</a>.
</p>
<p>
WSMA's Latinx member interest group is just one example of how the WSMA is creating opportunities for our members to network with each other. As a statewide organization, our members have asked us to create these opportunities for connections and we are responding! <a href="[@]wsma/membership/wsma-communities/wsma/membership/wsma-communities.aspx?hkey=d63f5896-20c4-4bc3-98e5-9ea442cc9adf&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=3whg9">Find out more here</a> and let us know of your interest.
</p>
<p>
Thanks for being part of the WSMA and for connecting with us. I'm always glad to hear from you. Meanwhile, let's go see how we do on the NYT Connections game!
</p>
</div> | 8/20/2024 9:49:47 AM | 6/21/2024 10:39:45 AM | 6/21/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| weekly-rounds-june-7-2024-five-things-to-know-as-the-sun-arrives | Weekly Rounds: June 7, 2024 - Five Things to Know as the Sun Arrives | CEO_Rounds | Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2024/weekly-rounds-june-7-2024-five-things-to-know-as-the-sun-arrives | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/Weekly%20Rounds/Weekly-Rounds-Article-Graphic-2022-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Weekly Rounds logo with Jennifer Hanscom, WSMA CEO" /></div>
<h5>June 7, 2024</h5>
<h2>Five Things to Know as the Sun Arrives</h2>
<p>Jennifer Hanscom, CEO</p>
<p>
It's been a busy week and as we emerged into sunshine after two wildly windy "atmospheric rivers," I headed to Chicago for the American Medical Association's annual meeting. During the next several days, there will be lots going on there, including an election for the AMA Council on Science and Public Health. Your WSMA president, Nari Heshmati, MD, is running for that council and I hope you'll join us in pulling for a win on that next week!
</p>
<p>
In the meantime, with so much going on, I wanted to flag five key items you need to know about while you're enjoying the sunshine.
</p>
<h3>Prior authorization bill expected to be introduced on June 11</h3>
<p>
An updated version of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act, bipartisan legislation to streamline and standardize the use of prior authorization within Medicare Advantage, will be introduced in the House and Senate on June 11. The WSMA has joined the AMA and other organizations in supporting the latest version of this bill sponsored by several representatives, including Washington <a href="https://delbene.house.gov/">Rep. Suzan DelBene</a>, Democrat from the 1st Congressional District.
</p>
<p>
During the 117th Congress (2021-2022), the act garnered more than 378 total bipartisan co-sponsors in the House and Senate and passed the full House of Representatives. In addition, the legislation secured endorsements from more than 500 organizations, including the AMA and numerous national and state medical societies. Unfortunately, the version of this bill that passed the House in the 117th Congress was never considered in the Senate because of its $16 billion "score," or anticipated fiscal impact, from the Congressional Budget Office, thus necessitating modifications to lessen the bill's cost.
</p>
<p>
While <a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/cms-interoperability-and-prior-authorization-final-rule-cms-0057-f">electronic prior authorization rules</a> that were finalized by the Biden administration in <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/press-releases/ama-applauds-new-prior-authorization-regulation">January 2024</a> lowered the score substantially, the forthcoming bill that will be introduced in the 118th Congress has been amended to ensure it has minimal fiscal impact. Among other provisions, the legislation is intended to advance real-time prior authorization decisions for routinely approved services.
</p>
<p>
We will keep you up to date on this bill's journey through Congress. In the meantime, it's worth noting that Washington was one of the first states to pass legislation to modernize prior authorization along the lines of the federal bill. During the 2023 state legislative session, the WSMA successfully championed <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1357&amp;Year=2023&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1357</a> to facilitate the transition to electronic prior authorization processes and shorten processing timelines across state-regulated insurance plans for both health care services and prescription drugs.
</p>
<p>
You can read more about the new state rules in place as of January 2024 on our <a href="[@]wsma/resources/Administrative_Simplification/prior-authorization.aspx?hkey=753be15f-bb92-4091-9bf5-a1e45ddda525&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=PObf9">Prior Authorization resources page</a>.
</p>
<h3>WSMA board votes to oppose Initiative 2117</h3>
<p>
At its May meeting, the WSMA board of trustees voted to support the "No on 2117" campaign, pursuant to WSMA <a href="[@]wsma/about/policies/whats_our_policy/environmental-health/clean-air.aspx?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=QObf9">policy adopted in 2018</a> that specifically supports investments in clean energy via a fee on large suppliers of CO2-emitting products. The policy was adopted by the WSMA House of Delegates in response to a then-pending ballot initiative that would have established a cap-and-invest system, a precursor to <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5126&amp;Initiative=false&amp;Year=2021">Senate Bill 5126</a> from 2021, which created the Climate Commitment Act.
</p>
<p>
Initiative 2117 is also in direct opposition to WSMA policy that acknowledges climate change as a critical public health issue. The WSMA's House of Delegates, since 2016, has adopted policies that urge the association to work on solutions that both reduce pollution and address the issue of climate change to promote healthier, sustainable communities.
</p>
<p>
You can read WSMA's statement opposing Initiative 2117 <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2024/statement-from-washington-state-medical-association-opposing-initiative-2117?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=SObf9">on our website</a>.
</p>
<h3>WSMA Foundation seeks board members</h3>
<p>
The <a href="[@]wsma/foundation/wsma-foundation/about-the-foundation.aspx?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=TObf9">WSMA Foundation for Health Care Improvement</a>, a 501(c)(3), has several openings on its board. This fall, foundation membership will be voting on applicants for two physician-at-large positions as well as a position designed for a member of the WSMA board of trustees.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA Foundation's 2024 strategic plan focuses on:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Strengthening physician wellness and restoring the joy of practice.</li>
<li>Advancing health equity in all communities.</li>
<li>Honoring peoples' goals, values, and preferences.</li>
</ul>
<p>
In particular, the foundation has launched a <a href="https://foundation.wsma.org/?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=UObf9">Scholarship and Diversity Advancement Fund</a> to build a more diverse physician population in Washington state by supporting students who are underrepresented in medicine.
</p>
<p>
If you are interested in serving on the WSMA Foundation board, <a href="mailto:jen@wsma.org">send your cover letter and CV to me</a>.
</p>
<h3>Do you have a chief wellness officer?</h3>
<p>
This week's "Pearl of the Week" from the AMA focuses on the practice environment and, in particular, the role of the chief wellness officer. A health care organization's chief wellness officer has a significantly different role than those in other industries. In health care, the chief wellness officer focuses on the unique needs of health care professionals and works to improve the efficiency of their practice environment. Critical areas include reducing EHR burden, building leadership skills that foster a culture of wellness, and improving workflows and team functions.
</p>
<p>
Access the AMA's toolkits on the topic below:
</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward/module/2767739?j=2368846&amp;sfmc_sub=368087502&amp;l=5497_HTML&amp;u=46989448&amp;mid=515000152&amp;jb=76&amp;utm_source=SFMC&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=632024&amp;utm_content=24-9986+POW+W142+06-03-24&amp;utm_campaign=PS2_Email_Newsletter_STEPSForward_Pearl&amp;utm_uid=&amp;utm_effort=RENPS2">Establishing a Chief Wellness Officer Position</a></li>
<li><a href="https://edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward/module/2767764?j=2368846&amp;sfmc_sub=368087502&amp;l=5497_HTML&amp;u=46989450&amp;mid=515000152&amp;jb=76&amp;utm_source=SFMC&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=632024&amp;utm_content=24-9986+POW+W142+06-03-24&amp;utm_campaign=PS2_Email_Newsletter_STEPSForward_Pearl&amp;utm_uid=&amp;utm_effort=RENPS2">Chief Wellness Officer Road Map</a></li>
</ul>
<p>
Through its Wellness Action Committee, the WSMA Foundation is currently working on the development of organizational-level intervention plans to reduce burnout and improve wellness within medical practices and systems.
</p>
<p>
The best practices document will be unveiled at a WSMA Foundation CEO-CMO Wellness Summit on Oct. 16, 2024. CEOs, CMOs, and wellness leaders from medical groups, health care organizations, and systems will gather to learn about the new criteria and pledge to meet it. The summit will be held at SeaTac Conference Center. For details contact <a href="mailto:alyssa@wsma.org">Alyssa Crawford</a>.
</p>
<h3>Now available: WSMA podcast meets new health equity CME mandate</h3>
<p>
In response to the new state health equity CME mandate, the WSMA developed a four-part audio miniseries, "Health Equity in Medicine." The podcast features host Edwin Lindo, JD, who covers the history of racism in medicine and the impacts of the medical profession on health equity. He shares how your colleagues tackled these complicated issues-both structurally and individually-and provides ideas on how to incorporate equity principles into practice. The series is free for WSMA members, and nonmember pricing is also available.
</p>
<p>
This engaging educational series, available only on the WSMA website, fulfills the Washington state requirement of two hours of health equity education at least once every four years. The requirement is the result of <a href="https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2021-22/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/Senate/5229-S.SL.pdf?q=20240307094750">Senate Bill 5229</a> passed by the Washington State Legislature in 2021 and implemented in 2024 after a period of rulemaking by the Washington State Department of Health.
</p>
<p>
The entire four-part program totals two and a half hours, which meets the state requirement. Episodes include:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Episode 1: Definitions and Background</li>
<li>Episode 2: Impact of Medical Profession on Health Equity</li>
<li>Episode 3: Individual Interventions with Estell Williams, MD</li>
<li>Episode 4: Structural Interventions with Mabel Bodell, MD, and Bindu Nayak MD</li>
</ul>
<p>
WSMA members may <a href="[@]wsma/foundation/health-equity/health-equity-in-medicine-podcast.aspx?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=aObf9">access the episodes on the WSMA website</a>. This activity is approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em><sup>TM</sup>.
</p>
<p>
Everything we do here at the WSMA is to support our members and the physician community. We'll never stop on that count, but we are always grateful for your engagement. Thanks for everything you do!
</p>
</div> | 8/20/2024 9:49:48 AM | 6/7/2024 10:31:48 AM | 6/7/2024 12:00:00 AM |