| board-of-naturopathy-moves-forward-with-non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures-rulemaking | Board of Naturopathy Moves Forward with Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Rulemaking | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/november/mortar-pestle-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="mortar and pestle" /></div>
<h5>November 23, 2022</h5>
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<h2>Board of Naturopathy Moves Forward with Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Rulemaking</h2>
<p>Despite overwhelming opposition from the physician community and a division within the naturopathic community, the Washington State Board of Naturopathy voted to move forward with its years-long effort to include non-surgical cosmetic procedures within their scope of practice. The proposal was slimmed down to focus on the use of botulinum toxin. Previous iterations included the use of dermal fillers and other inert substances.</p>
<p>The board will likely revisit this rulemaking during a <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/legislative___regulatory/understanding_the_regulatory_process/wsma/advocacy/legislative_regulatory/understanding_the_regulatory_process/understanding_the_regulatory_process.aspx?hkey=0695da42-202f-458b-8127-cbfc07207c56">CR-102</a> hearing at its Feb. 10 meeting. The WSMA will attend the meeting to again share our patient safety concerns and our positions that the rulemaking is inconsistent with naturopathic medicine and that the Legislature should set a profession's scope of practice. The board is still receiving public testimony on this issue, and we encourage physicians and physician assistants to share their opposition to the proposal by emailing <a href="mailto:susan.gragg@doh.wa.gov">susan.gragg@doh.wa.gov</a>.</p>
<p>The WSMA would like to thank WSMA President Katina Rue, DO; Chris Chambers, MD; Andrea Kalus, MD; Kendra Bergstrom, MD; and Kate Impastato, MD, for delivering expert testimony on this issue, and for clearing their schedules to accommodate the meeting on short notice. We'd also like to thank the Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, Washington Society of Plastic Surgeons, Washington State Dermatology Association, and the American Academy of Dermatology for their continued partnership on this rulemaking.</p>
<p>If you have questions or thoughts on this rulemaking, please contact <a href="mailto:billie@wsma.org">WSMA Associate Policy Director Billie Dickinson</a>&nbsp;at <a href="mailto:billie@wsma.org">billie@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/23/2022 11:28:19 AM | 11/23/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| in-new-survey-practices-continue-to-grapple-with-economic-hardship | In New Survey, Practices Continue to Grapple with Economic Hardship | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/november-23/in-new-survey-practices-continue-to-grapple-with-economic-hardship | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/november/stethoscope-dollar-sign-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="Stethoscope in shape of a dollar sign" /></div>
<h5>November 23, 2022</h5>
<h2>In New Survey, Practices Continue to Grapple with Economic Hardship</h2>
<p>Results from a new survey from the WSMA and the Washington State Medical Group Management Association make clear that physician practices and clinics in Washington continue to face severe economic strain, putting at risk the ability of patients to access care in communities across the state.</p>
<p>Throughout the pandemic, the WSMA and the WSMGMA have jointly conducted economic impact surveys of physician clinics in Washington state to gauge the impact of the pandemic and pandemic-associated pressures on patient access to care and to help inform our advocacy on behalf of the physician community.</p>
<p>A few key highlights from the latest survey, which featured responses from 82 physician practices:</p>
<ul>
<li>89% have experienced staffing shortages due to COVID-19. Of those:
<ul>
<li>77% are experiencing challenges filling administrative staff positions.</li>
<li>75% are experiencing challenges filling medical assistant positions.</li>
<li>40% are having trouble filling nursing positions.</li>
<li>33% are having trouble hiring physicians.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>46% have had to reduce patient access. Almost 40% have had to reduce their office hours, as well as services and treatments offered to patients.</li>
<li>93% have less than four months days cash on hand. Industry standard is 18 weeks.</li>
<li>51% said that inflation has had a significant impact on their practice, while 44% said that inflation has had some impact on their practice. Of those impacted by inflation:
<ul>
<li>89% noted the rising cost of labor.</li>
<li>Over 30% have reduced office hours, patient access, and services/treatments offered to patients in response.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Just over 50% are not confident they'll be able to provide the same level of patient access a year from now.</li>
<li>46% have had to limit Medicaid panels due to their financial situation. The most commonly cited solution: increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates to Medicare rates.</li>
</ul>
<p>Thank you to the practices that responded to the survey. The WSMA will use these data points as a snapshot of what is happening in practices across the state in its discussions with policymakers.</p>
</div> | 11/23/2022 11:19:36 AM | 11/23/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| 2023-medicare-part-b-final-rule-features-expected-payment-reductions | 2023 Medicare Part B Final Rule Features Expected Payment Reductions | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/november/medicare-barcode-645px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Medicare barcode graphic" /></div>
<h5>November 11, 2022</h5>
<h2>2023 Medicare Part B Final Rule Features Expected Payment Reductions</h2>
<p>The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services has released the <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/current">final rule for the CY 2023 Medicare physician fee schedule</a>. As expected, the rule contains provisions that, when combined with other cuts to the program, amount to about a 10% reduction in Medicare physician payments starting Jan. 1. The WSMA, the American Medical Association, and much of organized medicine are strongly opposing these cuts and urging congressional intervention before the end of the year. Join your voice to ours by <a href="https://physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/be-heard?vvsrc=%2fcampaigns%2f96014%2frespond">contacting your congressional representatives today</a>.</p>
<p>In the rule, the 2023 Medicare conversion factor will be reduced by approximately 4.48% from $34.61 to $33.06. This incorporates the budget neutrality adjustments, which are required by law to ensure payment rates for individual services don't result in changes to estimated Medicare spending, the required statutory update to the conversion factor for 2023 of 0%, and the expiration of the 3% supplemental increase to physician fee schedule payments for 2022.</p>
<p>In addition to the final rule's 4.48% reduction for physician services, congressional Pay-As-You-Go rules require an automatic 4% cut in the program starting in 2023 as a result of new federal spending having nothing to do with physicians. Unless <a href="https://physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/be-heard?vvsrc=%2fcampaigns%2f96014%2frespond">Congress acts by the end of the year</a>, cuts in physician Medicare payments will total 8.42% in 2023, which would severely impede patient access to care due to the forced closure of physician practices and put further strain on those that remained open during the pandemic.</p>
<p>In other top lines, courtesy of the Medical Group Management Association, the final rule:</p>
<ul>
<li>Finalizes implementation of provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 that extend the application of certain Medicare telehealth flexibilities for an additional 151 days after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, such as allowing telehealth services to be furnished to patients in their homes.</li>
<li>Extends flexibilities to permit split/shared E/M visits to be billed based on one of three components (history, exam, or medical decision-making) or time until 2024.</li>
<li>Expands access to behavioral health by permitting marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, and others to furnish behavioral health services under general, instead of direct, supervision.</li>
<li>Maintains the MIPS performance threshold at 75 points for the 2023 MIPS performance year/2025 payment year.</li>
<li>Adds five new MIPS Value Pathways related to nephrology, oncology, neurological conditions, and promoting wellness for voluntary reporting beginning in 2023.</li>
<li>Creates an advanced incentive payment pathway for certain low-revenue, new entrant accountable care organizations to bolster participation in the Medicare Shared Savings Program.</li>
</ul>
<p>For more analysis of the rule's provisions, <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/health-care-advocacy/advocacy-update/nov-5-2021-advocacy-update-spotlight-final-rule-2022-medicare?utm_source=SFMC&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=1152021&amp;utm_content=21-9997+Advocacy+Update+Newsletter+110521&amp;utm_campaign=Advocacy_Email_Newsletter_AdvocacyUpdate&amp;utm_uid=8809453&amp;utm_effort=">see this AMA article</a>. Additional information about the final rule is available in the <a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/calendar-year-cy-2023-medicare-physician-fee-schedule-final-rule?utm_source=email&amp;utm_medium=marketo&amp;utm_campaign=gov-washingtonconnection-oct-2022-regalert1031&amp;mkt_tok=MTQ0LUFNSi02MzkAAAGH1B53i5dWXBFoq6oxvHPyLpGNzdAQLASX61P5QkHiBNI8SoXosd1Z8l2xi4GQP6sqt18RwTR3U32mDW841r76RXp6PmAH2R_yonQD5eFwHQ">2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule fact sheet</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/8/2022 4:11:47 PM | 11/11/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| election-update-democrats-signal-strong-showing | Election Update: Democrats Signal Strong Showing | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/november/i-voted-stickers-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="I Voted stickers" /></div>
<h5>November 11, 2022</h5>
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<h2>Election Update: Democrats Signal Strong Showing</h2>
<p>After months of buildup and drama, the 2022 midterm elections were held this past Tuesday, Nov. 8. Early returns show Democrats picking up a seat in our state's congressional delegation and maintaining wide majorities in both chambers of the Washington State Legislature. But "early" is the operative word as our state's mail-in voting system yields late ballot returns that can shift races substantially. The <a href="https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20221108/">Washington Secretary of State's website</a> displays the latest results, and your WSMA will continue to provide election updates as late votes are counted (below results are current as of Thursday evening).</p>
<p>Top of mind for the WSMA are the two physician candidates in the field. Rep. Kim Schrier (D-8<sup>th</sup> Congressional District) was staked to a 52-48 lead in her swing district reelection effort. Lelach Rave, MD, a pediatrician running as a Democrat for an open seat in North Seattle's 46<sup>th</sup> Legislative District, was trailing in her race by a margin of 56-43.</p>
<p>In other high-profile races, Democrat Sen. Patty Murray defeated Republican challenger Tiffany Smiley, Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is leading Republican Joe Kent 51-49 in Southwest Washington's 3<sup>rd</sup> Congressional District, and Democrat Steve Hobbs is leading independent Julie Anderson by a margin of 49-47 for secretary of state.</p>
<p>If Tuesday's vote counts were binding, Democrats would be adding to their already wide majorities in Olympia, picking up one seat in the state Senate and three seats in the state House. After the first day of counting there were more than 600,000 votes yet to be counted, representing around 27% of the total ballots received. Recent experience shows that Republicans tend to vote later, and if the pattern holds it's likely many races will tighten and a few will flip, likely yielding a dynamic in Olympia that's similar to what we've seen in recent years.</p>
<p>Campaign themes were well-worn by the time voters cast their ballots, with Republicans focusing on concerns about inflation and public safety, while Democrats highlighted the importance of ensuring access to abortion and reproductive health care services. Republican hopes for a "red wave" were tempered by results in August's primary election that didn't live up to their expectations, though they still had aims of making gains in the state Legislature that don't look to be materializing.</p>
</div> | 11/8/2022 4:11:41 PM | 11/11/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| physician-feedback-needed-on-renewed-naturopath-scope-effort | Physician Feedback Needed on Renewed Naturopath Scope Effort | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/november/mortar-pestle-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="mortar and pestle" /></div>
<h5>November 11, 2022</h5>
<h2>Physician Feedback Needed on Renewed Naturopath Scope Effort </h2>
<p>The WSMA continues to push back on efforts of various nonphysician health professions to expand their scope of practice without commensurate training and patient safety protections in place. A key part of WSMA's defense on your and your patients' behalf is providing physician expertise to help educate policymakers on the patient safety implications of these efforts. One such recent effort is underway by the Washington State Board of Naturopathy. Learn more about the effort and how you can help.</p>
<p>For the past several years, the Washington State Board of Naturopathy has made an effort to <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WADOH/2020/12/31/file_attachments/1637208/WSR%2020-24-042.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">expand naturopaths' scope of practice to include nonsurgical cosmetic procedures through the rulemaking process</a>. If adopted, this change would allow naturopaths to administer botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, and other inert substances for cosmetic purposes. The education and training required to perform these procedures would be decided by the Board of Naturopathy, which comprises naturopaths and public members without experience in these procedures. While their progress on this rulemaking was stalled by other projects, the board has indicated it plans to refocus on the nonsurgical cosmetic procedure rulemaking.</p>
<p>The WSMA partnered with the Washington Society of Plastic Surgeons, Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, and the Washington State Dermatology Association to submit an <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2022/wsma-delegation-letter-on-non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures-rulemaking.pdf]">official comment letter</a>&nbsp;that outlines our opposition to this proposal. We appreciate the numerous physicians and other specialty organizations who have also submitted comments opposing this proposal.</p>
<p>The Board of Naturopathy is still accepting public comment on this rulemaking. More than anyone else, the board needs to hear from physicians like yourself who have experience with these procedures. We encourage you to share your opposition to this proposal by emailing your comments to <a href="mailto:susan.gragg@doh.wa.gov">susan.gragg@doh.wa.gov</a> in advance of their Nov. 18 board meeting. Should you have questions about the rulemaking process or how to best engage with the board, email WSMA Associate Director of Policy Billie Dickinson at <a href="mailto:billie@wsma.org">billie@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/8/2022 4:11:50 PM | 11/11/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| plan-now-to-join-us-session-preview-webinar-on-dec-13-and-legislative-summit-on-feb-3 | Plan Now to Join Us: Session Preview Webinar on Dec. 13 and Legislative Summit on Feb. 3 | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/november/ls-2020-01-105-cropped-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Physicians standing on the capitol steps at the WSMA Legislative Summit" /></div>
<h5>November 11, 2022</h5>
<h2>Plan Now to Join Us: Session Preview Webinar on Dec. 13 and Legislative Summit on Feb. 3</h2>
<p>The 2023 state legislative session is just around the corner, as are opportunities for direct advocacy on the part of WSMA members passionate about ensuring the physician voice is heard loud and clear by lawmakers in Olympia.
</p>
<h3>Register today to attend the 2023 Legislative Session Preview Webinar</h3>
<p>Join your colleagues and WSMA's government affairs team for a pre-session Advocacy Council meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at noon. The meeting is open to all WSMA members and will serve as preview of the 2023 legislative session that begins on Jan. 9, the primary focus of which will be the creation of a new state biennial budget, and which will see numerous policy bills introduced and debated that stand to impact the practice of medicine in Washington state.</p>
<p>What we'll cover: Your government affairs team will review WSMA's 2023 legislative and budget priorities, as well as provide an overview of the broader health care policy landscape. As always, we want to hear from you regarding any concerns or issues you or your practice are facing, so we will hold time during the meeting for you to provide feedback.</p>
<p><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZApc-ugqz4pE9IXUUHeiTCjN4q1HKfMfLvo">Registration is free and is required</a>. You will receive a confirmation email containing the Zoom information after completing your registration. If you have questions, email WSMA Government Affairs Coordinator Chelsea Thumberg at <a href="mailto:chelsea@wsma.org">chelsea@wsma.org</a>.</p>
<h3>Save the date! The 2023 WSMA Legislative Summit is Feb. 3</h3>
<p>Grab your white coat and join us in Olympia for WSMA's 2023 Legislative Summit on Friday, Feb. 3! After several years of virtual events, we are excited to be back at the state Capitol to advocate on issues of importance to the house of medicine.</p>
<p>As always, the event will feature keynote speakers, a legislative update from WSMA's government affairs team, and optional meetings with your legislative delegation. Additional information will be shared as details are confirmed, including registration. The Legislative Summit is free for WSMA members. If you are passionate about direct advocacy, this event is a great opportunity to come to Olympia, learn more about WSMA's legislative agenda, and help deliver our advocacy message directly to your elected representatives.</p>
<ul>
<li>Date: Feb. 3, 2023</li>
<li>Time: Beginning at 8 a.m.</li>
<li>Location: Columbia Room of the Legislative Building: 416 Sid Snyder Avenue Southwest, Olympia, WA 98504 </li>
</ul>
<p>Free registration will be available shortly for WSMA members. For now, save the date. If you have questions, email WSMA Government Affairs Coordinator Chelsea Thumberg at <a href="mailto:chelsea@wsma.org">chelsea@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/8/2022 4:11:55 PM | 11/11/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| your-advocate-behind-the-scenes-regulatory-and-policy-updates | Your Advocate Behind the Scenes: Regulatory and Policy Updates | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/november-11/your-advocate-behind-the-scenes-regulatory-and-policy-updates | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/november/state-capitol-olympia-2015-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="State capitol building in Olympia" /></div>
<h5>November 11, 2022</h5>
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<h2>Your Advocate Behind the Scenes: Regulatory and Policy Updates</h2>
<p>From protecting your data privacy to drawing focus to administrative costs, the following policy updates from this past month demonstrate WSMA's value to you, your patients, and your ability to practice medicine in Washington state.</p>
<h3>WSMA testifies with concerns regarding state auditor's office PMP recommendations</h3>
<p>Earlier this month, the Office of the Washington State Auditor released a <a href="https://portal.sao.wa.gov/ReportSearch/Home/ViewReportFile?arn=1031260&amp;isFinding=false&amp;sp=false">performance audit of Washington state's prescription monitoring program</a>. In its audit, the auditor's office recommends that the Washington State Legislature amend the relevant data privacy law so that the auditor's office can access identifiable prescription monitoring program data. The auditor's office notes it would use the data to identify "1. Potential instances of doctor shopping 2. Unusually high quantities of opioids prescribed. 3. Dangerous drug combinations."</p>
<p>As noted in our <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2022/wsma-letter-on-sao-pmp-recommendation.pdf]">official comments</a>&nbsp;and in testimony from WSMA Past President Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, MBA, and WSMA Director of Policy Jeb Shepard at an Oct. 19 hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee, WSMA supports the intent of the audit - to improve the effectiveness of the prescription monitoring program - but we are greatly concerned about the recommendation that would give the auditor's office unfettered access to identifiable prescription monitoring program data. A blunt approach that seeks to identify prescribing "outliers" absent any patient-specific clinical context and referring those "outliers" to regulatory authorities will accelerate the well-documented problem of patients struggling to access appropriate pain medications.</p>
<h3>Sunshine Committee recommends keeping public records exemption for Washington Physician Health Program in place </h3>
<p>The Sunshine Committee makes recommendations to the Legislature to repeal or amend exemptions to the Public Records Act. During its Oct. 18 meeting, the committee considered whether to recommend to the Legislature that it repeal or maintain the Public Records Act exemption at <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=42.56.360">42.56.360(1)(e)</a> addressing health care records related to the Impaired Physician Program.</p>
<p>Washington Physicians Health Program Executive Director Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, Washington Medical Commission legal counsel Rick Glein, and WSMA Director of Policy Jeb Shepard testified in support of keeping the exemption in place to protect public safety and encourage physicians and nonphysician licensed professionals to seek services when necessary. The Sunshine Committee voted unanimously to recommend to the Legislature that it keep these protections in place.</p>
<h3>WSMA presents to Health Care Cost Transparency Board on administrative cost drivers </h3>
<p>During an Oct. 19 meeting, immediate WSMA Past President Mika Sinanan, MD, PhD, and WSMA Director of Policy Jeb Shepard presented to the <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/who-we-are/health-care-cost-transparency-board">Health Care Cost Transparency Board</a> on the need to address administrative costs as part of any meaningful approach to reducing total health care costs. The presentation and conversation lasted around 40 minutes and was well received. The board is responsible for reducing the state's total health care expenditures by identifying cost trends and cost drivers in the health care system and setting a health care cost growth benchmark for physicians, health care professionals, and payers, as well as reporting annually to the Legislature, including providing recommendations for lowering health care costs. The WSMA requested time on the agenda to discuss administrative costs because while much attention has been given to the cost of health care services, <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/health_care_cost_transparency/wsma/advocacy/health_care_cost_transparency/health_care_cost_transparency.aspx?hkey=a9ff53b5-1080-43e7-9b48-1fec039ce9c6">very little discussion has taken place around what is driving those costs</a>.</p>
</div> | 11/8/2022 4:11:52 PM | 11/11/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| nov-8-is-general-election-day-be-sure-to-vote | Nov. 8 is General Election Day-Be Sure to Vote! | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/october/i-voted-stickers-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="I Voted stickers" /></div>
<h5>October 28, 2022</h5>
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<h2>Nov. 8 is General Election Day-Be Sure to Vote!</h2>
<p>Tuesday, Nov. 8, is General Election Day. By now, all Washingtonians registered to vote will have received their ballots in the mail. If you've changed your address or need to register to vote, there's still time: Monday, Oct. 31 is the deadline to register or update your address <a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx">online</a>. You may also register and vote in person at a county voting center through Election Day. </p>
<p>We urge all members to make their voice heard and vote. Ensuring that the physician community's voice is heard in Olympia and Washington, D.C. starts at the ballot box. All 10 of the state's congressional House seats and more than 120 state legislative seats are up for grabs in key races that will help shape the future of health care policy in Washington state. In two of these races, WSMA-supported physicians are on the ballot: <a href="https://www.drkimschrier.com/">Dr. Kim Schrier</a> in the 8<sup>th</sup>Congressional District is up for reelection and <a href="https://drlelachrave.com/">Dr. Lelach Rave</a> is a first-time candidate for North Seattle's 46<sup>th</sup>Legislative District.</p>
<p>Before you cast your vote, download the latest version of the WAMPAC Legislator Report Card <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/wampac/wampac_legislator_report_card/wsma/advocacy/wampac/wampac_legislator_report_card.aspx?hkey=11823ee2-e48a-4214-af1a-fcad1da9d502">here</a> to see how your legislators aligned with the house of medicine. If you'd like to support WAMPAC's work, there is still time to join the <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/WAMPAC/Give_to_WAMPAC.aspx">WAMPAC Diamond Club</a> at a special rate of $100 for the duration of the membership cycle, culminating in November's election. Diamond Club members receive access to exclusive insider information about elections. And as a bonus, you'll receive a first-of-its-kind membership pin to recognize your contribution to WAMPAC.</p>
</div> | 10/27/2022 2:52:45 PM | 10/27/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| reminder-cme-other-licensing-requirements-reinstated-as-of-oct-27 | Reminder: CME, Other Licensing Requirements Reinstated as of Oct. 27 | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/october-28/reminder-cme-other-licensing-requirements-reinstated-as-of-oct-27 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/october/steth-warm-background-645x425.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope" /></div>
<h5>October 28, 2022</h5>
<h2>Reminder: CME, Other Licensing Requirements Reinstated as of Oct. 27</h2>
<p>Gov. Jay Inslee's <a href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/20-32%20-%20COVID-19%20DOH%20Healthcare%20Worker%20Licensing%20%28tmp%29.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">Proclamation 20-32</a>, which extended certain licensing flexibilities to licensed health care professionals during the pandemic, ended this Thursday, along with waivers and holds on continuing medical education requirements.</p>
<h3>CME requirements </h3>
<p>As a reminder to WSMA members, the Washington Medical Commission will exercise enforcement discretion for MDs and physician assistants regarding the resumption of CME requirements, including instating a grace period for MDs and PAs to complete their CME requirements. See <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/august-26/washington-medical-commission-announces-grace-period-for-cme-requirements-.aspx?_zs=A3aFd1&amp;_zl=vJ5X8">this Membership Memo article for a timetable of CME attestation requirements</a>.</p>
<p>In a recent notice, the Washington Medical Commission indicated it has received questions regarding the required suicide prevention training. Visit the commission's website for FAQs regarding <a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/resources/faq#faq-cat-28">Suicide Assessment, Treatment, Management Training</a>. For a specific list of training courses visit the <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-healthcare-providers/healthcare-professions-and-facilities/suicide-prevention/training-programs/model-list">Department of Health model list webpage</a>.</p>
<p>For our DO members: The Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery will excuse osteopathic physicians from attesting to completion of CME requirements as a requirement for license renewal until they have completed their next full CME cycle after Oct. 27, 2022. “Full cycle†means the full timeframe for completing CME, which is three years for osteopathic physicians. This will assure osteopathic physicians have ample time to meet CME requirements for license renewal.</p>
<h3>Waivers by profession</h3>
<p>Effective Oct. 27, the following requirements have been reinstated:</p>
<ul>
<li>Physician assistants - physician supervision ratios and delegation agreement requirements.</li>
<li>Limited license holders - restrictions regarding geographic locations or specific jobs as described in their appointments.</li>
<li>Retired active MD and DO licensees - restrictions that include not receiving compensation for health care services and only practicing in emergent or intermittent circumstances.</li>
<li>Retired active PA licensees - requirements to have a delegation agreement and will be prohibited from receiving compensation for health care services.</li>
</ul>
<h3>For questions or more information</h3>
<p>For questions regarding the rescission of waivers and the return of CME, contact the Washington Medical Commission Licensing Unit at 360.236.2750 or <a href="mailto:medical.licensing@wmc.wa.gov">medical.licensing@wmc.wa.gov</a>, or watch this <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMjUuNjU2NzE3NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS93YXRjaD92PVMwS1lWSWstSzNNIn0.TDnHz2ycKxJ9L9gVk5BRK9Hq1IsOQqFBm26Ez_3vJ9Y/s/1385682275/br/146724394379-l">informational webinar</a>. For our DO members, email <a href="mailto:osteopath@doh.wa.gov">osteopath@doh.wa.gov</a> or call 360.236.4700.</p>
</div> | 10/27/2022 10:41:12 AM | 10/27/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| washington-behavioral-health-agencies-may-continue-telehealth-assessments | Washington Behavioral Health Agencies May Continue Telehealth Assessments | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/october-28/washington-behavioral-health-agencies-may-continue-telehealth-assessments | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/october/telemedicine-patient-tablet-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="telemedicine appointment happening over tablet computer" /></div>
<h5>October 28, 2022</h5>
<!-- **************************NEW ARTICLE****************************** -->
<h2>Washington Behavioral Health Agencies May Continue Telehealth Assessments</h2>
<p>To help licensed behavioral health agencies continue providing key mental health and substance use disorder services, the Washington State Department of Health extended a key telehealth assessment flexibility set to expire on Oct. 31 as part of Gov. Jay Inslee's rescinding of Washington's state of emergency.</p>
<p>During the COVID-19 pandemic, DOH <a href="https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/Law/WSR/2020/07/20-07-105.htm">waived</a> behavioral health licensing and certification requirements regarding "in-person" or "face-to-face" assessments or services under <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.F8VTov7oxU_K1z7wXAdhauonc8byqBZi7ZoUkOOUO7E/s/690743948/br/146293273072-l">chapter 246-341 WAC</a>, which allowed behavioral health agencies to provide those services via telehealth technologies.</p>
<p>Washington's state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic will end on Oct. 31, at which time this waiver will also expire. In response, the DOH has released a <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMjAuNjU0MjE1OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvbnRlbnQuZ292ZGVsaXZlcnkuY29tL2F0dGFjaG1lbnRzL1dBRE9ILzIwMjIvMTAvMTkvZmlsZV9hdHRhY2htZW50cy8yMzAzNjEwLzIyMjEwNjVCSFNGYWNldG9GYWNlUG9saWN5Q0hTMDkxMzIyLnBkZiJ9.IsK-xb-3SLWry0-q9vAiNKv2tH0JJOYRXan9U3czhS4/s/690743948/br/146293273072-l">policy statement</a> allowing these services or assessments to continue to be provided either in person or via telehealth. As detailed in the statement, rulemaking is underway to update chapter 246-341 WAC to define "face-to-face" as occurring either in person or by way of synchronous video conferencing. Until the rules are amended, licensed behavioral health agencies may continue to use telehealth for assessments or services.</p>
</div> | 10/27/2022 10:41:18 AM | 10/27/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-backs-texas-medical-associations-latest-no-surprises-act-lawsuit | WSMA Backs Texas Medical Association's Latest No Surprises Act Lawsuit | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/october/bill-oxford-oxghu60nwxu-unsplash-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="gavel" /></div>
<h5>October 28, 2022</h5>
<h2>WSMA Backs Texas Medical Association's Latest No Surprises Act Lawsuit</h2>
<p>The WSMA has joined with other state medical and medical specialty associations in signing on to an amicus brief supporting a new Texas Medical Association lawsuit challenging the independent dispute resolution provisions of the federal No Surprises Act, the latest volley in an ongoing debate over the implementation of the balance billing legislation.</p>
<p>The brief, filed this month by the Physicians Advocacy Institute, supports TMA's legal challenge filed in September, which alleges that federal regulators, when issuing a final rule implementing the independent dispute resolutionprovisions, violated the No Surprises Act by giving preference to the "qualifying payment amount," which unfairly favors insurers when settling payment disputes between physicians and payers. This flawed approach was struck down by the Eastern District of Texas earlier this year before federal regulators sidestepped the court's decision in the final rule.</p>
<p>The WSMA continues to hear from physician groups struggling with the No Surprises Act, primarily due to changes in carrier contracting practices resulting from the more favorable independent dispute resolution process. In many of these cases, carriers are less willing to contract with physician groups on reasonable terms as they perceive they'll be successful in disputes with out-of-network physicians.</p>
<p>If allowed to stand, the federal regulators' approach will encourage even more health care consolidation and give insurers an unfair advantage contracting with physicians. This will further constrict already narrow, insurer-built networks of physicians and clinicians, raising serious concerns about patients' ability to access affordable, quality specialty care.</p>
<p>TMA's lawsuit and the supporting amicus brief do not challenge the No Surprises Act's critical patient protections, which went into effect in January of this year and which physicians strongly support. The WSMA will keep members apprised of developments as the legal challenge proceeds.</p>
</div> | 10/27/2022 10:41:36 AM | 10/27/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| election-alert-wampac-legislator-report-card-and-discounted-diamond-club-membership-available | Election Alert: WAMPAC Legislator Report Card and Discounted Diamond Club Membership Available | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/october/wampac-pin-graphic-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="WAMPAC Diamond Club pin" /></div>
<h5>October 14, 2022</h5>
<h2>Election Alert: WAMPAC Legislator Report Card and Discounted Diamond Club Membership Available</h2>
<p>Nov. 8, 2022 is Election Day. All 10 of the state's congressional House seats and more than 120 state legislative seats are up for grabs in key races that will help shape the future of health care policy in Washington state. In two of these races, WSMA-supported physicians are on the ballot: <a href="https://www.drkimschrier.com/">Dr. Kim Schrier</a> in the 8<sup>th</sup> Congressional District is up for reelection and <a href="https://drlelachrave.com/">Dr. Lelach Rave</a> is a first-time candidate for North Seattle's 46<sup>th</sup> Legislative District.</p>
<p>Ensuring that the physician community's voice is heard in Olympia and Washington, D.C. starts at the ballot box. WAMPAC, WSMA's non-partisan campaign arm, tracks how state legislators voted on WSMA's priority bills during the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions. Before you cast your vote, download the latest version of the WAMPAC Legislator Report Card <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/wampac/wampac_legislator_report_card/wsma/advocacy/wampac/wampac_legislator_report_card.aspx?hkey=11823ee2-e48a-4214-af1a-fcad1da9d502">here</a> to see how your legislators aligned with the house of medicine.</p>
<p>If you'd like to support WAMPAC's work, now is your chance to join the <a href="[@]WSMA/Advocacy/WAMPAC/Give_to_WAMPAC.aspx">WAMPAC Diamond Club</a> at a special rate of $100 for the duration of the membership cycle, culminating in November's election (regular two-year membership rates are $250/$500/$1,000). Diamond Club members receive access to exclusive insider information about elections. And as a bonus, you'll receive a first-of-its-kind membership pin to recognize your contribution to WAMPAC.</p>
</div> | 10/12/2022 10:11:07 AM | 10/14/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| secretary-of-health-shah-extends-medical-assistant-practice-flexibilities | Secretary of Health Shah Extends Medical Assistant Practice Flexibilities | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/october-14/secretary-of-health-shah-extends-medical-assistant-practice-flexibilities | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/october/stethoscope-on-table-645x425px.jpeg" class="pull-right" alt="stethoscope on a table" /></div>
<h5>October 14, 2022</h5>
<h2>Secretary of Health Shah Extends Medical Assistant Practice Flexibilities</h2>
<p>Washington State Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, has issued a <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WADOH/2022/09/27/file_attachments/2281306/WA_DOH_PREP_act_authorization_medical_assistants_Signed.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act authorization</a> allowing a medical assistant-registered and medical assistant-certified to perform COVID-19 tests and administer COVID-19 vaccines without an on-site supervisor. MA-Cs and MA-Rs are required to have a supervising health care practitioner who is "immediately available" to them.</p>
<p>This flexibility in utilizing MA-Cs and MA-Rs, currently allowed under Gov. Jay Inslee's proclamation 20-32, which is set to terminate Oct. 27, has been a benefit to many practice settings to ensure timely access to COVID-19 vaccines and tests. Without the PREP Act authorization, state law would have reverted to requiring the supervising practitioner to be physically present and immediately available in the facility when the MA-R or MA-C is performing these duties.</p>
<p>This PREP Act authorization also allows MAs to administer products to treat serious conditions caused by tests or vaccines (e.g., epi autoinjectors), subject to normal requirements in state law. Many thanks to Secretary Shah for listening to the WSMA and many others in the physician and practice community who have advocated for this flexibility.</p>
</div> | 10/21/2022 11:39:28 AM | 10/14/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| 2022-wsma-annual-meeting-final-call-for-preregistration | 2022 WSMA Annual Meeting: Final Call for Preregistration | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/august/2022-annual-meeting-graphic-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="2022 Annual Meeting graphic" /></div>
<h5>September 23, 2022</h5>
<h2>2022 WSMA Annual Meeting: Final Call for Preregistration</h2>
<p>There's still time to preregister and join your colleagues next weekend, Oct. 1-2 in Spokane for the <a href="[@]wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">2022 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates</a>. In addition to the policymaking and networking that are central to the meeting, you'll have an opportunity to attend thought-provoking CME sessions, participate in celebratory events, and be on hand as we inaugurate WSMA's next president, Katina Rue, DO, who will be the first osteopathic physician and the first Latina to hold WSMA's top office. <a href="[@]Shared_Content/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=ANNMTG2022">Reserve your spot today</a>-preregistration closes at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 (registration is free for all WSMA members). </p>
<h3>A quick look at Saturday afternoon presentations</h3>
<p>Our two plenary sessions on Saturday will seek to uncover what truly inspires us as physicians, what moves us, and what keeps us connected to ourselves and our work. Sessions include:</p>
<ul>
<li>The Obstacle is the Path: Finding Meaning and Purpose in Troubling Times: In this presentation, Washington Physicians Health Program Executive Medical Director Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, will explore the core existential concerns as defined in contemporary discourse and identify strategies that physicians can use to promote meaning and purpose in the face of adversity.</li>
<li>Thinking Deeper - Necessary Components to Achieve Health Equity: A conversation between Fernando De Maio, PhD, and Edwin Lindo, JD, two nationally recognized scholars and practitioners in health equity. This is an opportunity to observe the rigorous intellectual exploration of health equity, as speak about a few of the most challenging elements of this work.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Accommodations and COVID-19 precautions</h3>
<p>Room availability at The Historic Davenport is very limited. If no rooms are available, ask about availability at the Davenport Tower across the street. Call The Davenport at 800.899.1482 for room information at both locations.</p>
<p>The WSMA will have the following COVID-19 precautions in place at the 2022 Annual Meeting, as we look to have a safe and supportive gathering:</p>
<ul>
<li>Conference attendees and guests will have attested that they are up to date on their vaccines.</li>
<li>Wearing a mask during indoor meetings is recommended. We will have masks available at the registration desk.</li>
<li>Refunds for lunch and/or dinner tickets will be offered if you get sick prior to the event and are unable to attend. Please call 206.441.9762 or email <a href="mailto:abby@wsma.org">abby@wsma.org</a> if you test positive or are symptomatic for COVID-19.</li>
<li>We will have a limited number of COVID-19 test kits available at the registration desk.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Thank you to our corporate partners for their generous support: Physicians Insurance, The Polyclinic and The Everett Clinic, and the UW Psychiatry Consultation Line. If your company would like to be a WSMA Corporate Partner, contact Jessica Martinson at </em><a href="mailto:jessica@wsma.org"><em>jessica@wsma.org</em></a><em>.</em></p>
</div> | 9/22/2022 10:34:01 AM | 9/23/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| department-of-health-announces-regional-medical-officers | Department of Health Announces Regional Medical Officers | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/september/doh-regional-health-offices-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Map of DOH regional health offices" /></div>
<h5>September 23, 2022</h5>
<h2>Department of Health Announces Regional Medical Officers </h2>
<p>The Washington State Department of Health has announced the four physicians who will serve as regional medical officers as part of a Legislature-directed effort to decentralize the agency's work and increase its responsiveness to community health needs.</p>
<p>The state Legislature directed the DOH to <a href="https://waportal.org/resources/state-rho">establish regional health offices</a> in the 2021 legislative session. The DOH divided the state into four operational areas, with each regional health office serving as an easy entry point for access to a regional liaison and a medical officer. Regional health offices will provide services such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Assistance with unanticipated vacancies or workforce gaps.</li>
<li>Consultations with medical officer or regional liaison.</li>
<li>Support and resources for convening partners.</li>
<li>A point of contact to bring resources and support within DOH together.</li>
</ul>
<p>The following new regional health officers will join the new Division of Medical and Veterinary Science led by Scott Lindquist, MD, MPH:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Herbie Duber, MD, MPH</strong> - regional medical officer for Region 4, Northwest Waterway. Dr. Duber is an emergency physician at UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and president-elect of the Washington chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians.</li>
<li><strong>Bob Lutz, MD, MPH</strong> - regional medical officer for Region 2, Eastern Plains. Dr. Lutz is a family medicine physician with more than 30 years of urgent care experience, recently serving as the health officer for Spokane County until moving to DOH to serve as COVID-19 medical advisor.</li>
<li><strong>James ("Jay") S. Miller, MD, MPH</strong> - regional medical officer for Region 3, South Gorge. Dr. Miller is an internal medicine physician and epidemiologist who has worked on the DOH and the CDC COVID-19 response as a CDC epidemic intelligence service officer.</li>
<li><strong>Amy Person, MD</strong> - regional medical officer for Region 1, Central Corridor. Dr. Person is a pediatrician who, since 2011, has served as local health officer for Benton-Franklin Health District and additionally for Klickitat County Public Health.</li>
</ul>
<p>Joining the four regional health officers is Beth Lipton, who will serve as the new public health veterinarian.</p>
</div> | 9/22/2022 10:34:16 AM | 9/23/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| gov-inslee-to-rescind-remaining-emergency-proclamations-on-oct-31 | Gov. Inslee to Rescind Remaining Emergency Proclamations on Oct. 31 | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/september-23/gov-inslee-to-rescind-remaining-emergency-proclamations-on-oct-31 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/september/state-capitol-olympia-2015-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Washington state capitol building" /></div>
<h5>September 23, 2022</h5>
<h2>Gov. Inslee to Rescind Remaining Emergency Proclamations on Oct. 31 </h2>
<p>After more than two years of emergency proclamations related to COVID-19 being in place, Gov. Jay Inslee <a href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-announces-end-remaining-covid-19-emergency-orders-and-state-emergency-october-31">announced</a>&nbsp;that all remaining orders will be rescinded on Oct. 31.</p>
<p>Ten emergency orders are currently still in effect following the <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/August_12/gov_inslee_announces_termination_of_emergency_proclamations_related_to_health_care">rescission of 12 orders at the end of July</a>. Included in the list of remaining emergency proclamations is the <a href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/20-05%20Coronavirus%20%28final%29.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">underlying order declaring the state of emergency</a> in Washington, which will also be rescinded on Oct. 31, effectively ending the state of emergency.</p>
<p>Another notable proclamation among those being rescinded is <a href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/21-14.5%20-%20COVID%20Vax_outdoor%20workers%20%28tmp%29.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">21-14</a> regarding vaccines, which requires state workers, staff at educational facilities, and health care employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. However, employers may still voluntarily choose to keep the requirement in place. In addition, the governor will keep the COVID-19 vaccine requirements in place for workers at most Washington state agencies. A separate order by the state Department of Health requiring face coverings for health care and long-term care facilities will remain in place beyond the end of the state of emergency. </p>
<h3>Pending issues</h3>
<p>In a meeting with the DOH this week, WSMA staff discussed the following issues, with outcomes pending:</p>
<ul>
<li>Infection control: Conversations continue around updating infection control procedures in health care facilities. The WSMA asked the DOH to continue coordinating with us going forward to ensure physicians in both outpatient and inpatient settings remain fully apprised of updates and have opportunities to provide feedback on any changes. WSMA staff also met with the Department of Labor &amp; Industries, which is in the early stages of drafting a permanent rule aimed at protecting health care workers from infectious diseases, including COVID-19.</li>
<li>Waiver on medical assistant supervision: There will be an effort to continue allowing for this flexibility, which has helped ameliorate staffing issues for physician practices during the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
<p>The WSMA will keep members apprised of developments. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 9/22/2022 12:44:02 PM | 9/23/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| keep-your-messages-to-congress-coming-on-medicare-payment-cuts-and-prior-authorization | Keep Your Messages to Congress Coming on Medicare Payment Cuts and Prior Authorization | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/september/megaphone-evergreen-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="megaphone illustration" /></div>
<h5>September 23, 2022</h5>
<!-- **************************NEW ARTICLE****************************** -->
<h2>Keep Your Messages to Congress Coming on Medicare Payment Cuts and Prior Authorization</h2>
<p>There are two federal action alerts in play that need your attention: <a href="https://physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/be-heard?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f96014%2fRespond%3fvvcgUT%3dU2n8B9gDicI8Np0q9ql0_w%26unregistered%3dU2n8B9gDicI8Np0q9ql0_w%26vvcgRD%3dBc7t28PAPWy22WQW%26vvsbr%3dZoWBN17BsEoKbiErNhiL7w">One to prevent a nearly 10% cut in Medicare payments in 2023</a> and one that will hold big insurance companies accountable by <a href="https://physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/be-heard?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f85317%2fRespond%3fvvcgUT%3dU2n8B9gDicI8Np0q9ql0_w%26unregistered%3dU2n8B9gDicI8Np0q9ql0_w%26vvcgRD%3dB9btKzqAWPNi2fQP%26vvsbr%3dK_sKdH-101q6AMqONgb-0Q">requiring Medicare Advantage plans to adopt transparent prior authorization programs</a>. In both instances, there are promising bipartisan bills on the table-the Supporting Medicare Providers Act (H.R. 8800) and The Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (S. 301)-but lawmakers in the Senate and House must hear from more physicians and physician assistant constituents to ensure their passage. Click on the links above to learn more about these action alerts and send your messages today.</p>
</div> | 9/22/2022 12:42:58 PM | 9/23/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| resolutions-now-available-for-wsma-member-input | Resolutions Now Available for WSMA Member Input | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/august/resolutions-print-2-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="resolutions on paper" /></div>
<h5>August 26, 2022 - (<em>Updated Sept. 23)</em></h5>
<h2>Virtual Reference Committees Close on Tuesday: Share Your Thoughts Now</h2>
<p>The WSMA's secure, password-protected virtual reference committees give all members an opportunity to review and provide feedback on policy proposals that will be considered by the WSMA House of Delegates at its <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx">annual meeting</a> in Spokane next weekend. Comments on the proposals will be compiled and reviewed by the reference committees when making their official recommendations to the House. Don't miss this opportunity to lend your expertise and insights to these proposals—your engagement can make a difference in shaping policy that has real-world impact. Share your thoughts now by visiting the <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/membership/discussion_forums/virtual_reference_committees/wsma/membership/discussion_forums/virtual_reference_committees.aspx?hkey=d674a5ae-4fb5-48d6-b969-16aab9b63647">virtual reference committees</a> (sign-in to the WSMA website is required). The virtual reference committees close Tuesday, Sept. 27 at midnight—don’t delay.&nbsp;</p>
<p>WSMA members may also provide testimony during the in-person reference committee sessions scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 1 during the Annual Meeting. <a href="[@]WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/WSMA/Events/Annual_Meeting/Annual_Meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">Learn more about the meeting, which is free for members, and register online</a>.</p>
<p>Click on the resolution title to read the full resolution, any comments from your colleagues, and to comment (you'll be prompted to enter your password to enter the secure forums).</p>
<h3>Reference Committee B (professional and internal affairs)</h3>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=03680c4a-ca73-4c77-8379-a78bc23f3372&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-1 - Physician Noncompetes</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=baa8ac83-5392-47e1-a32e-8f8a47cb608b&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-2 - WSMA Dues Increase</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=88ce0ea2-6832-422a-a3ab-5940bb0f77aa&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-3 - SNF and Multiple Prescribers</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=06d75a8e-96ce-4846-a5f9-85d1f05d8ca3&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-4 - Soteria for Early Treatment of Acute Serious Mental Illness</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=c4c99b23-22ac-4138-a3df-772507f4a123&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-5 - Private Equity Purchase of Physician Practices</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=9131c4a7-56a8-4ed0-9d66-419037bdd73a&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-6 - Commitment to Limit Inhaler-Induced Climate Change</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=28c3b1a2-176e-46b1-b61c-21dd5063250b&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-7 - Removing the Race Coefficient from the Calculation of Estimated Glomerular F. Rate</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=4dc05e4f-89d2-476c-8970-ac6ebf92df37&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-8 - Parents Deserve Comprehensive Postpartum Care</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=3bbc3c75-6f97-45e2-8836-56cc0bff110d&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-9 - Allocate Opioid Funds to Student Debt of Addiction Treatment Physicians and Health Care Professionals</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=93b1c03a-bbd7-4587-9932-6a16acc23b20&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-10 - Addressing Physician Burnout Through the Elimination of Mandatory Reporting by Physician Wellness Groups</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=e377e86b-4d7d-477c-a497-8fe51789ba2d&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-11: Improving Access to Evidence-Based Harm Reduction Services</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=fe61ae2e-ac94-4727-b952-269ff026dd05&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-12: Legislative Advocacy to Support Harm Reduction Services in the State of Washington</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=304aed34-b346-41c6-a74c-cc4ded4ddebb&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-13: Racial Bias in Pulse Oximetry</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=c1371340-d1ce-4f3e-860d-20461995bfb2&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-14: Washington State Opioid Prescribing Rules</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=3fc16ad6-b511-491a-bc1b-4b65e87b9948&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-15: Improving Refugee Primary Care Access and Interpreter Certification Testing</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=425d5393-2a9e-44cf-a825-4afd157eed3f&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution B-16: Addressing Vaccine Misinformation</a></p>
<h3>Reference Committee C (legislative affairs and health care economics/reform)</h3>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=9592e3d3-f8ff-46f4-9d0b-21bf17523ca6&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-1 - Improving Health Care Staff and Physician Workforce in Washington</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=aa6a451e-888f-4a80-a00b-212b2512f2b7&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-2 - Increasing Access to Vasectomies</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=6d4ddf07-d362-4042-8a62-71f1c25e113c&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-3 - Education and Support for Physicians Delivering End-of-Life Care</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=0fd80a18-93ca-4d64-9018-5da142d16e13&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-4 - Support for Legislation that Improves Health via Implementation of Statewide GBI</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=c4a5b58e-c538-465c-a675-f489ffe72ebc&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-5 - Protecting Patient Access</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=b642dc9c-8b85-4b75-a108-32361a876d0e&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-6 - Shortage of Mental Health Professionals and Ancillary Mental Health Workers</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=d960aa6d-8d48-471c-9e29-b0a04c933fe9&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-7 - Equitable Youth Physical Activity and Sport Organization</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=f1023f18-1a6c-4e2b-8670-b17efce69aa3&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-8 - Restricting Derogatory and Stigmatizing Language of ICD-10 Codes</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=b3e46e1f-5779-43bb-bd1f-5dd307f39dd0&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-9 - Support Eat, Sleep, Console as Treatment for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=23f6b645-d2d4-4b90-8901-723cf131452d&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-10 - Advocating for the Informed Consent for Access to Transgender Health Care Model</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=28d7f3aa-4a29-4897-8107-c61a7d82ed08&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-11 - Patient Access to Safe and Legal Information</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=8fdee19e-a49b-4243-a723-a65574abf460&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-12: Decreasing Exposure to Air Pollution Near Airports</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=4fbe03ee-11ad-4968-b6a9-39b6cb5762ec&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-13: Protecting Physicians who Provide Reproductive Services</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=39afb657-a5fc-4338-94c7-e94a3b93120b&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-14: Reducing Gun Harm by Requiring Gun Owners to Obtain and Maintain Liability Insuranc</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=b9ebcb5b-8f30-435b-943f-3aa90a7c8bd9&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-15: Expanding Behavioral Health Urgent Care</a></p>
<p><a href="[@]iCore/Communities/TopicDefault.aspx?iUniformKey=e1f102ce-3c23-40da-95a5-62481ff53d4e&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">Resolution C-16: Recognizing Issues of Stigma and Equity Amidst the Monkeypox Epidemic</a></p>
</div> | 8/25/2022 3:15:17 PM | 9/22/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| biden-administration-issues-final-rules-on-balance-billing-arbitration | Biden Administration Issues Final Rules on Balance Billing Arbitration | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/september/billing-invoice-645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="billing invoice" /></div>
<h5>September 9, 2022</h5>
<!-- **************************NEW ARTICLE****************************** -->
<h2>Biden Administration Issues Final Rules on Balance Billing Arbitration</h2>
<p>The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and the Treasury have issued <a href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/EBSA/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/faqs/ebsa1210-ac00-and-1210ab99-idr-process-final-rule-dol816-final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">final rules</a> and supporting <a href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/EBSA/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/faqs/aca-part-55.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">guidance</a>&nbsp;addressing several provisions of the payment process for out-of-network care under the federal No Surprises Act. The rules make <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/health-care-advocacy/advocacy-update/sept-2-2022-advocacy-update-spotlight-final-rules-nsa?utm_source=SFMC&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=922022&amp;utm_content=22-9997_Advocacy_Update_090222&amp;utm_campaign=Advocacy_Email_Newsletter_AdvocacyUpdate&amp;utm_uid=8809453&amp;utm_effort=">several important changes</a>, including the removal of provisions that directed the independent resolution process arbiter to presume that the qualifying payment amount is the appropriate out-of-network rate (an <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2022/February_25/federal_judge_rules_for_physicians_in_lawsuit_challenging_no_surprises_act?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=fmjX8">interpretation of the legislation challenged in a WSMA-supported lawsuit filed by the Texas Medical Association</a>). While there are outstanding concerns, the final rules represent a step toward a more balanced independent resolution process.</p>
<p>Ultimately, the No Surprises Act will end up superseding most provisions of our <a href="[@]wsma/resources/balance_billing/wsma/resources/balance_billing/balance_billing.aspx?hkey=a3b550fb-fd76-4368-83ba-800b0d57c8a6">state balance billing law</a>, hard-won compromise legislation that protects patients from unexpected bills while preserving physicians' ability to negotiate fair reimbursement from Washington's health insurers. Since passage of the federal bill, the WSMA has worked at the state level with the Legislature and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner to ensure that physicians in Washington are not unduly disadvantaged from these balance billing laws, both in contract negotiations with insurance carriers and during the dispute resolution processes that kick in when out-of-network patients are treated under the laws.</p>
<p>While the recently updated final rules should help to deemphasize the importance of carriers' contracted rates during arbitration, <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Weekly_Rounds/2022/weekly-rounds-september-2-2022-playing-hardball-on-your-behalf">insurance carriers are wasting no time using balance billing laws to play hardball in contract negotiations</a>. If your practice is among those that are experiencing challenges in contracting with insurance carriers due to balance billing laws, we'd like to hear from you: Contact Sean Graham at <a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">sean@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 9/8/2022 12:00:06 PM | 9/9/2022 12:00:00 AM |
| serve-as-a-delegate-at-the-wsma-annual-meeting | Serve as a Delegate at the WSMA Annual Meeting | Advocacy | | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2022/september/am-2019-10-263-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA Annual Meeting conference room" /></div>
<h5>September 9, 2022</h5>
<h2>Serve as a Delegate at the WSMA Annual Meeting</h2>
<p>There are still seats remaining in the House of Delegates for the <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">2022 WSMA Annual Meeting</a>, Oct. 1-2 in Spokane. Review the <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/about_us/leadership/house_of_delegates/wsma/about/leadership/house_of_delegates/house_of_delegates.aspx?hkey=e2c50002-384d-4ff7-9116-5ce7a51116e7">2022 delegate roster</a> to find out if there are openings within your county or specialty, then contact your <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/about_us/partner_organizations/county_medical_societies/wsma/about/partner_organizations/County_Medical_Societies/county_medical_societies.aspx?hkey=718f0a74-10ca-4fe2-8c45-d2434ed861de&amp;_zs=A3aFd1&amp;_zl=N5rX8">county medical society</a> or <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/about_us/partner_organizations/state_specialty_societies/wsma/about/partner_organizations/State_Specialty_Societies/state_specialty_societies.aspx?hkey=df249f5e-6385-417e-ba44-426ac03fa84d&amp;_zs=lfaFd1&amp;_zl=UOmX8">state specialty society</a> about serving as a delegate. To review the issues to be considered for action by the House, download the 2022 Delegate Handbook, now available <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/events/annual_meeting/wsma/events/annual_meeting/annual_meeting.aspx?hkey=fea49254-3815-4dc9-8710-53ff2e3a100f">on the Annual Meeting webpage</a>. Delegates are expected to be available for one year of service beginning with the House of Delegates meeting. Review the <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/WSMA/data/images/Attachments/WSMA_2022_Delegate-Duties.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">delegate duties information sheet</a> for expectations of service. If you're unsure who to contact or have any questions about serving on the WSMA House of Delegates, email Shannon Bozarth at <a href="mailto:slb@wsma.org">slb@wsma.org</a> for assistance.</p>
</div> | 9/8/2022 12:00:34 PM | 9/9/2022 12:00:00 AM |