| wsma_physician_leader_elected_to_leadership_at_the_american_medical_association | WSMA Physician Leader Elected to Leadership at the American Medical Association | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/wsma_physician_leader_elected_to_leadership_at_the_american_medical_association | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>June 11, 2025, 2025</h5>
<h2>WSMA Physician Leader Elected to Leadership at the American Medical Association</h2>
<p>Washington's largest physician professional association, the Washington State Medical Association, today is celebrating the election of a key Washington physician leader to a top position within the American Medical Association, the nation's largest physician organization.</p>
<p>Sheila Rege, MD, a radiation oncologist in private practice serving the Kennewick community, was elected by the AMA House of Delegates to serve on the 21-member board of trustees of the national organization. The election was held Tuesday, June 10, during the Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in Chicago. Dr. Rege is a leader within the WSMA, serving on the WSMA's board of trustees as an AMA delegate representing the interests and needs of Washington state physicians and their patients in the creation of policies and programs at the AMA. In her new position on the AMA board, Dr. Rege will have a further strengthened opportunity to inform AMA policy on the many shared interests of the two associations, from reforming onerous prior authorization processes and a broken Medicare physician payment system to providing leadership in the development of artificial intelligence in health care and cultivating the next generation of physician leaders.</p>
<p>“I am deeply honored to be elected to the AMA board of trustees,†said Dr. Rege. “At a time when physicians are navigating unprecedented pressures—from misinformation to mounting administrative burdens—I’m committed to bringing practical, ethical leadership. I will advocate to protect physician autonomy, and ensure patients—regardless of ZIP code, race, or income—receive high-quality, compassionate care.â€</p>
<p>Dr. Rege has been a member of the WSMA for more than 20 years, serving on its board of trustees for 20 years. She has been a member of the AMA since 1987. Dr. Rege has been elected twice to the AMA Council on Medical Service and brings to the AMA board deep expertise in the issues of health care payment systems and advocacy.</p>
<p>“I’m especially focused on advancing Medicare and Medicaid reforms, reducing red tape, and amplifying the voices of frontline physicians. As new federal policies and executive actions emerge, we must be proactive—shaping legislative change rather than reacting to it—and build a profession that empowers today’s and tomorrow’s physician leaders,†added Dr. Rege.</p>
<p>As she assumes her new leadership position with the AMA, she will continue to remain active at the state medical association to share insights into her work at the AMA.</p>
<p>“We are so proud of Dr. Rege and offer her the warmest of congratulations for her hard-won campaign,†says WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD. “The house of medicine is facing so many challenges both at the state and federal levels—challenges that continue to create barriers to physicians’ ability to connect with their patients and provide the expert, evidence-based care that’s at the heart of good medicine. Having someone with Dr. Rege’s insights and accomplishments in leadership at the AMA will help both of our organizations as we continue working together to keep medicine physician-driven and patient-focused, both nationally and in Washington state.â€</p>
<p>In addition to roles within the AMA, Dr. Rege is a clinical associate professor at Washington State University at Tri-Cities and has been a mentor at the Creative Destruction Lab, a global initiative supporting science and tech start-ups. She is past chair of the Washington State Health Technology Committee. Dr. Rege has served as president of the American College of Radiation Oncology, was previously the medical director for the western region of a large physician multispecialty group, and worked in an urban academic center as the director of research in radiology at Louisiana State University Shreveport. Dr. Rege received her undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley and graduated with highest distinction and high honors as a President’s Undergraduate Research Fellow. She received her medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine.</p>
<p><a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Press Room/Rege.Sheila_2019.NovDec.jpg]">Download a portrait of Sheila Rege, MD.</a></p>
<p>For more information contact:</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a> / 206.329.6851 cell/text</p>
<p>
<strong>About the Washington State Medical Association </strong>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 6/11/2025 9:27:52 AM | 6/11/2025 8:54:09 AM | 6/11/2025 9:27:52 AM |
| wsma_statement_on_removal_of_cdc_vaccine_advisory_committee_members | WSMA Statement on Removal of CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee Members | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/wsma_statement_on_removal_of_cdc_vaccine_advisory_committee_members | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>June 11, 2025, 2025</h5>
<h2>WSMA Statement on Removal of CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee Members</h2>
<p>WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD, issued the following statement in response to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision to remove all 17 members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices.
</p>
<p>"Secretary Kennedy's <a href="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/rfk-jr-hhs-moves-to-restore-public-trust-in-vaccines-45495112?mod=opinion_lead_pos5">sudden firing</a> of all 17 members of the CDC panel of advisors for immunization practices (ACIP) all but confirms the fears of the thousands of <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25482818-committee-to-protect-health-care-rfk-jr/">physicians</a> and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/09/health/kennedy-hhs-nobel-laureates.html">scientists</a> that opposed his nomination that he would not respect scientific evidence and would use his office to continue his attacks on established medical approaches to disease prevention such as <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/rfk-jr-vaccines-cdc-fascism-abuse-catholic-church-autism-conferences-rcna181605">vaccination</a>.</p>
<p>"This panel of dedicated scientists and physicians advises the CDC, which then makes official recommendations for childhood and adult vaccine schedules—critically important guidance for the American public’s access to protective immunizations, for the health professionals administering these vaccines, and for the safeguarding of communities from communicable disease.</p>
<p>"This decision follows on the heels of other concerning federal actions relating to health care, including the targeted removal of public health data. The WSMA joins our many health partners in Washington state and across the country in denouncing these ideologically driven actions that have dangerously weakened public trust in the guidance provided by our federal health institutions and undermined our ability as physicians and health professionals to provide the highest standard of care to our patients."</p>
<p>For more information contact:</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a> / 206.329.6851 cell/text</p>
<p>
<strong>About the Washington State Medical Association </strong>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 6/11/2025 9:04:58 AM | 6/11/2025 8:41:57 AM | 6/11/2025 9:04:58 AM |
| gov-ferguson-signs-hb-1392-medicaid-access-program-legislation | Gov. Ferguson Signs HB 1392 Medicaid Access Program Legislation | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/gov-ferguson-signs-hb-1392-medicaid-access-program-legislation | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>May 20, 2025</h5>
<h2>Gov. Bob Ferguson Signs HB 1392 to Improve Reimbursements, Strengthen Medicaid, Improve Access to Care in Washington State</h2>
<p>
<em>With its Medicaid Access Program bill now law, the Washington State Medical Association joins 50-state coalition to stop nationwide Medicaid cuts</em>
</p>
<p>
Washington state's physician community is celebrating today after <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=1392&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1392</a>, legislation sponsored by Rep. Nicole Macri (D-Capitol Hill) that establishes the Medicaid Access Program, was signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson on Monday, May 19. Both the culmination of a multiyear coalition effort led by the Washington State Medical Association and the first step in a longer journey to increase access to services provided through Washington state's Medicaid program, HB 1392 establishes state law designed to leverage federal dollars, invest in Washington's Medicaid program, and allow physicians and advanced practitioners to take more Medicaid patients.
</p>
<p>
"Our work to increase access to routine preventive and acute primary and specialty care in Washington state is certainly not done, as Medicaid is under grave threat by Republicans in Congress," says WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD. "But the passage of our Medicaid Access Program bill is a moment that needs to be acknowledged. HB 1392 represents so much hard work by our many partners in the physician community, all of whom were driven by a compassionate desire to ensure Washingtonians can access the care they need."
</p>
<p>
Despite the fact that nearly 1 out of every 4 Washington residents is on Medicaid, the state effectively limits their access to primary and specialty care services by not paying the full cost of care. It's been decades since the Washington State Legislature has provided a broad-based reimbursement rate increase for physicians and practitioners serving Medicaid patients, with Washington's specialty Medicaid reimbursement rates among the worst in the nation. This underpayment means that many clinics and medical groups cannot afford to see the number of Medicaid patients who need care. As designed, the Medicaid Access Program will leverage federal funding to raise Medicaid reimbursement rates for all professional services provided by physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses from all specialties to at least Medicare levels and will index to inflation. Details on the Medicaid Access Program can be found <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/faq/">here</a>.
</p>
<p>
"The Medicaid Access Program is premised on the simple idea that Medicaid recipients deserve the same expert medical care as everyone else and the best way to do that is to increase reimbursement rates," says Dr. Bramhall.
</p>
<p>
Approval of the Medicaid Access Program represents a critical step in a long journey toward a healthier Washington. Over the past several months, the WSMA has been working in coalition with all 50 state medical associations to <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/no-federal-medicaid-cuts">stop federal cuts to state Medicaid programs</a>. In addition, the WSMA will be working in the coming months with the governor's office and the state Health Care Authority to seek required approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the Medicaid Access Program. The Medicaid Access Program in HB 1392 was designed to comply with current federal regulations.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA would like to thank Rep. Macri for championing the legislation, the many physician organization partners and individual physicians that provided support and testimony for HB 1392, including the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Washington State Radiology Society, TRA Medical Imaging in Tacoma, Beth Ebel, MD, Jay Fathi, MD, Anna McKeone, MD, Douglas Seiler, MD, Lloyd Stambaugh, MD, Chelsea Unruh, MD, and the dozens of other state specialty societies, county medical societies, medical associations, clinics and medical groups, and hundreds of individuals who sent messages to legislators, submitted letters and op-eds to media, supplied data, and otherwise supported HB 1392.
</p>
<p>
<a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Press Room/1392-bill-signing-pic.jpg]">Download a hi-res photo of the bill signing</a>. Pictured: WSMA Government Affairs Director Sean Graham, WSMA contract lobbyist Amy Brackenbury, Gov. Bob Ferguson, and WSMA CEO Jennifer Hanscom.
</p>
<p>
For more information contact:
</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a> / 206.329.6851 cell/text
</p>
<h3>About the Washington State Medical Association</h3>
<p>
The WSMA represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 5/20/2025 10:20:00 AM | 5/20/2025 10:10:52 AM | 5/20/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| washington-health-groups-sue-to-stop-federal-governments-deletion-of-vital-health-data-and-resources | WA Health Groups Sue to Stop Federal Government's Deletion of Vital Health Data and Resources | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/washington-health-groups-sue-to-stop-federal-governments-deletion-of-vital-health-data-and-resources | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>Tuesday, May 20, 2025</h5>
<h2>Washington Health Groups Sue to Stop Federal Government's Deletion of Vital Health Data and Resources</h2>
<p>
<em>The federal lawsuit aims to restore taxpayer-funded websites and databases relied on by health professionals, scientists, and researchers.</em>
</p>
<p>
Seattle - Today, a coalition of nine co-plaintiffs, including three Washington-based health professional organizations, sued the federal government to stop the deletion of vital public health and science data. Since January, the federal executive branch has deleted numerous websites that physicians, nurses, scientists, public health professionals and others rely upon, removing data on a wide range of topics including pregnancy risks, opioid-use disorder, the AIDS epidemic, and more.
</p>
<p>
"These executive-ordered website deletions were driven by ideology, not by science or evidence," said John Bramhall, MD, PhD, president of the Washington State Medical Association. "In an instant, trusted health information vanished—resources that physicians, other clinicians, and clinics relied on to manage patients' health conditions and overall care. This is more than a policy shift; it is a direct attack on science, evidence-based medicine, and our profession's ability to care for our patients. As the leading voice for physicians in Washington state, we must stop this direct interference into our ability to provide the best care for our patients."
</p>
<p>
The suit, filed in United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, would require the administration to restore deleted websites and stop any further removal of public health data. The suit highlights the administration's "arbitrary, capricious and unreasoned" decisions to delete these critical resources, which federal law requires be made available to the American people.
</p>
<p>
"Nurses strive to provide evidence-based care. That means care that is driven by current data—but we can't do that if the data is unavailable," said Justin Gill, DNP, APRN, RN, president of the Washington State Nurses Association. "The Administration's actions in deleting and scrubbing information from federal health agency websites not only harms our members—it endangers our patients, their families, and communities. We need access to current data to provide our patients with the care they need and the knowledge they need to make informed health care decisions."
</p>
<p>
In recent years, Washington has been on the front lines of public health crises where up-to-date, evidence-based care is crucial to effective prevention and treatment, from the first confirmed U.S. cases of COVID-19 and a recent surge in whooping cough cases to crises in youth mental health, fentanyl addiction, and many more.
</p>
<p>
"WCAAP is joining this lawsuit so that pediatricians regain access to the evidence and databases we need in order to care for children and their families," said Beth Ebel, MD, MPH, president of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Our members have been startled to discover that critical travel advice to protect children and adolescents from infections has been removed, including guidance on highly effective medications and vaccinations. Early alert data identifying new injury and poison risks have been impacted. Long-time data that guide the health of kids in school and emergence of new risks such as Zyn pods filled with flavored nicotine are impacted. Families rely upon pediatricians to provide the best advice for their children, and pediatricians need access to critical data to guide their care and do our jobs."
</p>
<p>
Washington State Medical Association et al. v. Kennedy et al. highlights the significant impact of the deleted information. The scrubbing of data is preventing physicians, nurses, and other practitioners from providing critical information to their patients, preventing nonprofit health organizations from utilizing data to inform cutting-edge research, and impeding efforts by local governments to track the spread of disease and address behavioral health crises.
</p>
<p>
"We can't afford to stand on the sidelines while the foundation of evidence-based research—open, public data—is quietly dismantled," said Aaron Carroll, MD, president and CEO of AcademyHealth. "Access to trustworthy information is what allows us to solve real problems, improve health outcomes, and plan for the future. If we don't stand up for data now, we risk losing the tools we all rely on to make progress—regardless of politics."
</p>
<p>
The lawsuit's nine plaintiffs are the following: Washington State Medical Association, Washington State Nurses Association, Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, AcademyHealth, Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, Fast-Track Cities Institute, International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, National LGBT Cancer Network, and Vermont Medical Society.
</p>
<p>
For more information contact:
</p>
<p>
Graham Short, WSMA<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>, c: 206.329.6851 (text OK)
</p>
<p>
Lelach Rave, MD, WCAAP<br />
<a href="mailto:lrave@wcaap.org">lrave@wcaap.org</a>, c: 206.403.6105 (text OK)
</p>
<p>
Evan Sutton, WSNA<br />
<a href="mailto:esutton@wsna.org">esutton@wsna.org</a>, c: 206.851.0178
</p>
<p>
Bobbi Nodell, WSNA<br />
<a href="mailto:bnodell@wsna.org">bnodell@wsna.org</a>, c: 206.639.1708
</p>
<h3>BACKGROUND AND MORE</h3>
<p>
<strong>Relevant EOs:</strong> <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/30/2025-02090/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal">Executive Order 14168</a>, titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," was signed on Jan. 20, 2025. <a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-01953.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Executive Order 14151</a>, titled "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing," was signed the same day.
</p>
<p>
<strong>"Gold-standard" resources deleted</strong>, identified include: NIH's HIV Risk Reduction Tool, information related to National Immunization Awareness Month, HRSA FAQs for Mpox treatment, HRSA information about opioid use among women, various resources on health issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, guidance to integrate diversity and inclusion in work related to mental-health assistance for the homeless, training modules from NIH's Office of Research on Women's Health, information related to transgender behavioral-health disparities, an HHS reading list titled "Advancing Better Health Through Better Understanding for Black and African American Communities: Health Literacy, Health Care Access, and Culturally Appropriate Care," and HHS's website dedicated to reproductive rights.
</p>
<p>
<strong>About WSMA:</strong>&nbsp;The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
<p>
<strong>About WSNA: </strong>The Washington State Nurses Association is a professional organization and labor union representing more than 20,000 registered nurses in Washington state. It is the Washington constituent of the American Nurses Association and an affiliate of AFT, a national union representing professionals in education, health care, and public service. The WSNA is dedicated to advancing and advocating for nurses and the nursing profession in Washington. It provides leadership for the nursing profession and promotes quality health care for consumers through education, collective bargaining, and policy advocacy. The WSNA and its members are on the front line of providing health care services, including preventive care.
</p>
<p>
<strong>About WCAAP:</strong>&nbsp;The Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics represents over 1,200 pediatric health care professionals from across Washington state. Our mission is to optimize the health and well-being of children and their families while advancing pediatric care. The WCAAP frames and leads the public discussion on child health issues, advances public policy to benefit children, and empowers pediatric clinicians to provide quality medical care.
</p>
</div> | 6/9/2025 3:05:51 PM | 5/20/2025 9:33:39 AM | 5/20/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| president-john-bramhall-md-phd-reaffirms-the-wsmas-commitment-to-medical-ethics | President John Bramhall, MD, PhD, Reaffirms the WSMA's Commitment to Medical Ethics | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/president-john-bramhall-md-phd-reaffirms-the-wsmas-commitment-to-medical-ethics | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo"></div>
<h5>February 14, 2025</h5>
<h2>Statement from WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD, Reaffirming the Association's Commitment to Medical Ethics, Evidence-based Medicine, and the Science that Supports It</h2>
<p>"While the national landscape for scientific research and medical care has become uncertain and worrisome, the Washington State Medical Association wants to emphasize its commitment to medical ethics, evidence-based medicine, and the science that supports it. </p>
<p>"Since 2005, the WSMA has embraced the AMA Principles of Medical Ethics. Those nine principles, among other things, call for a dedication to providing competent medical care with compassion and respect for human dignity and rights, respect for the law but with recognition of a responsibility to seek changes in those requirements which are contrary to the best interests of the patient, and also the overarching commitment to regard the responsibility to the patient as paramount.</p>
<p>"The challenges we face today in health care policy making at the state and federal levels are constant and intense. Regardless, professional integrity and patient welfare must remain paramount. The WSMA will continue to provide accurate, evidence-based information to our members to support and empower appropriate and lawful delivery of care, to elected officials to guide the development of state and federal policy, and to patients to shield them from overt misinformation.</p>
<p>"At the foundation of the physician-patient relationship there must be trust. Without that trust, quality of care suffers. As physicians, we take that public trust very seriously. Our patients put their very lives in our hands. Knowing what’s at stake, the WSMA will continue to act as a resource, providing accurate, evidence-based information to help you care for your patients. We will, of course, continue to use our advocacy to fight against efforts to propagate false or harmful medical information.</p>
<p>"The WSMA reaffirms our intent to advance equitable care for our patients. These efforts are foundational to increasing health care access, improved outcomes and quality of life, and the experience of belonging in our communities. We will continue to strive for the highest attainable standard of health for all.</p>
<p>"The WSMA remains committed to building health equity and to the elimination of well-documented disparities to improve patient care here in Washington state. Such efforts are necessary to achieve the standard of health that is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation, political beliefs, or economic or social conditions.</p>
<p>"Finally, the WSMA will continue to provide education and resources for the profession and our patients on evidence-based care that enhance inclusive excellence and culturally sensitive care, with the continued goal of achieving equitable health outcomes for every Washingtonian. Only through these efforts will we realize our vision to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care."</p>
<br>
<div style="padding: 56.25% 0 0 0; position: relative;">
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1058039701?badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479" style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe>
</div>
<script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script>
<br>
<p>For more information contact:</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br>
WSMA Director of Communications<br>
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a> / 206.329.6851 cell/text</p>
<p>
<strong>About the Washington State Medical Association </strong>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 2/19/2025 11:11:22 AM | 2/14/2025 4:44:18 PM | 2/19/2025 11:11:22 AM |
| physician-community-rallies-behind-medicaid-access-program-legislation | Physician Community Rallies Behind Medicaid Access Program Legislation | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/physician-community-rallies-behind-medicaid-access-program-legislation | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>February 13, 2025</h5>
<h2>Physician Community Rallies Behind Medicaid Access Program Legislation</h2>
<p>
<em>House Bill 1392 and Senate Bill 5372 would increase patient access to care by improving Medicaid reimbursements for health professionals.</em>
</p>
<p>
With legislative hearings slated for this week and next, the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) and a coalition of health care organizations are rallying support for legislation establishing the Medicaid Access Program, which would leverage federal funds for Washington's Medicaid program. Such funding is desperately needed to improve access to care for our state's most vulnerable patients.
</p>
<p>
"Understand that Medicaid in Washington state covers nearly a quarter of the state's residents. The goal of the Medicaid Access Program is simple: To ensure those Washingtonians can access the care they need within their communities," says WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD. The WSMA represents nearly 13,000 physicians from all specialties and practice types throughout Washington, as well as physician assistants, resident physicians, and medical students.
</p>
<p>
Washington state's Medicaid program is dismally out of touch with the cost of providing care to patients. Washington state is one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to reimbursing physicians for the services they provide, in some cases paying <a href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/state-indicator/medicaid-to-medicare-fee-index/?currentTimeframe=0&amp;sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Other%20Services%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D">below 60% of what Medicare pays</a>. HB 1392 and SB 5372 would reverse that trend and provide payment for services on par with what Medicare pays, ensuring that Medicaid patients have improved access to essential services such as primary care, cancer treatments, joint replacements, OB-GYN and well-child care for mothers and babies, X-rays, and more.
</p>
<p>
"For my independent radiology practice, Medicaid covers less than half the actual cost of delivering care," says Douglas Seiler, MD, president of TRA Medical Imaging in Tacoma. "Because of this unsustainable reimbursement model, we have had to close offices or scale back operations in two of the communities we serve. Unfortunately, patients will have to wait longer for imaging services and often receive care at higher-cost facilities. We're just asking for rates to keep our practices healthy so that we can, in turn, keep our patients healthy."
</p>
<p>
First introduced during the 2024 legislative session, the Medicaid Access Program legislation has benefited from collaborative workshopping led by the WSMA in the run-up to the 2025 legislative session, which included legislators, the state Health Care Authority (which operates the state's Medicaid program, known as Apple Health), and other stakeholders.
</p>
<p>
"The Medicaid Access Program bills being considered these next few weeks are truly a collaborative effort," said Dr. Bramhall. "Everyone at the table has agreed that low Medicaid rates are having a significant impact on access to crucial services, particularly in Washington's rural and other vulnerable communities. These bills very much reflect everyone's genuine desire to invest in our communities and the folks on the ground providing these essential services, and we owe a debt of gratitude for everyone's willingness to work together toward a solution."
</p>
<p>
Scheduled for respective hearings in the House Appropriations Committee this Thursday, Feb. 13, and the Senate Health Care Committee on Thursday, Feb. 20, HB 1392 and SB 5372 would implement the Medicaid Access Program in Washington state beginning in 2026. At the heart of the program is an assessment, similar to assessments in place for Washington's hospitals, ambulances, and nursing homes, that would be applied to insurance carriers. The assessment would then be used to draw down federal matching funds to invest in Washington's Medicaid program by raising Medicaid rates to Medicare levels.
</p>
<p>
As the WSMA and its partner societies have been saying in recent years, investments in the state's Medicaid program cannot come too soon. Medical association survey data continues to show Medicaid enrollees are increasingly struggling to access specialty care in their communities, with physician practices increasingly unable to accommodate the number of Medicaid patients needing care. Illustrating the near-universal agreement on the scope of the problem and the solution needed, the Medicaid Access Program bills have the support of nearly all of the state's medical associations, specialty societies, and county medical societies, along with a large number of clinics and medical groups, hospitals (including the state hospital association), and patient advocacy groups.
</p>
<p>
"Half of children in Washington state depend on Medicaid and live in families where every penny counts," says Beth Ebel, MD, president of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "These kids face delays and barriers when they need timely specialty treatment, while kids with commercial insurance do not. This inequity falls hardest on kids living in rural areas where there just aren't options."
</p>
<p>
"This is not an individual doctor-and-patient problem, it's a systemic problem-and it's one our Legislature can solve," said Dr. Bramhall. "We know this approach works: Physicians frequently cite low reimbursements as limiting their ability to see more Medicaid patients. Funding raised from the Medicaid Access Program in HB 1392 and SB 5372 would improve access for critical care such as pediatric neonatal care, cancer diagnosis, joint replacements, X-rays, and more. For patients throughout Washington, these are not optional services-these are essential to living a good, healthy life."
</p>
<p>
For more information on the Medicaid Access Program, visit <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/">takeaction.wsma.org</a>.
</p>
<p>
<em>Physician interviews and survey data available upon request. </em>
</p>
<p>For more information contact:</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a> / 206.329.6851 cell/text</p>
<p>
<strong>About the Washington State Medical Association </strong>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 2/13/2025 9:30:54 AM | 2/13/2025 9:26:05 AM | 2/13/2025 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-introduces-two-point-one-percent-cash-back-mastercard-to-empower-physician-practices | WSMA Introduces 2.1% Cash Back Mastercard to Empower Physician Practices | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2024/wsma-introduces-two-point-one-percent-cash-back-mastercard-to-empower-physician-practices | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>Dec. 2, 2024 </h5>
<h2>WSMA Introduces 2.1% Cash Back Mastercard to Empower Physician Practices </h2>
<p>
<em>A financial solution to meet the needs of physician practices throughout Washington </em>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) is excited to reveal the WSMA World Elite Business Mastercard®, a financial solution crafted to cater exclusively to the distinctive financial needs of physician practices throughout Washington. This outstanding new benefit of WSMA membership offers 5% cash back on medical supplies*, up to 2.1% unlimited cash back* on everything else, and an opportunity to get your WSMA dues rebated. All of these rewards were designed for practice owners to be able to invest more into their business and add to their savings.
</p>
<p>
"The WSMA World Elite Business Mastercard® is a game-changer for physician practices, offering unparalleled benefits that directly address the unique needs of our profession," says WSMA CEO Jennifer Hanscom. "This innovative card provides businesses with substantial cash-back rewards and a unique management platform to make managing your finances simple."
</p>
<h3>Key Highlights of the WSMA World Elite Business Mastercard </h3>
<p>
<strong>Up to 2.1% unlimited cash back*</strong> - Enjoy the savings of earning up to 2.1% unlimited cash back on all purchases, empowering practices to maximize their profit margins.
</p>
<p>
<strong>5% Cash back on medical supplies and equipment* </strong>- Your physician practice can earn 5% back on $5,000 of medical supplies and equipment every year as a cardholder.
</p>
<p>
<strong>$560 sign-on bonus*</strong> - The WSMA World Elite Business Mastercard ® offers a $560 sign-on bonus that can offset the cost of your WSMA membership dues*!
</p>
<p>
<strong>No annual fees and unlimited employee cards</strong> - The WSMA World Elite Business Mastercard® has no annual fees, making it a cost-effective choice for physician practices.
</p>
<p>
<strong>QuickBooks integration</strong> - Easily sync your credit card transactions into QuickBooks, so you can spend more time focusing on your practice, and less on accounting hassles.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Included expense management software</strong> - The included expense management platform allows businesses to issue free and unlimited cards to different users/departments/locations, manage all of their spend limits, track all of their spending in real time, and request receipts or memos associated with each purchase.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Apply with no effect on personal credit* </strong>- Applying for the WSMA World Elite Business Mastercard ® has no impact on personal credit.
</p>
<p>
Learn more or apply today at <a href="https://WSMACard.com">WSMACard.com</a>. Experience the new method of reinvesting into your physician practice without any impact on your personal credit.
</p>
<p>
<em>*Important notice: Affiniti Finance, Inc. is the program manager of the WSMA World Elite Business Mastercard and is responsible for its operations, including but not limited to card issuance, rewards, management, and customer service. Cardholders are encouraged to review the comprehensive terms and conditions provided by Affiniti Finance, Inc., which can be accessed at <a href="https://affiniti.finance/legal/">affiniti.finance/legal</a>. Affiniti Finance, Inc is not an FDIC-insured institution. WSMA World Elite Business Mastercard is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated.</em>
</p>
<p>
For more information:
</p>
<p>
Graham Short <br />
WSMA Director of Communications <br />
206.956.3633 <br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a> </p>
<p>
<strong>About the Washington State Medical Association </strong>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 12/2/2024 2:21:59 PM | 11/27/2024 3:45:11 PM | 12/3/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| washington-state-medical-association-launches-your-care-is-at-our-core-advocacy-campaign | Washington State Medical Association Launches Your Care Is at Our Core Advocacy Campaign | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2024/washington-state-medical-association-launches-your-care-is-at-our-core-advocacy-campaign | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>Oct. 14, 2024 </h5>
<h2>WSMA Launches Your Care Is at Our Core Advocacy Campaign </h2>
<p>
<em>Patient-focused campaign to strengthen the bond between physicians and patients in Washington. </em>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association is proud to launch the <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/advocacy/your-care-is-at-our-core/wsma/advocacy/your-care-is-at-our-core.aspx?hkey=e7b72239-4fec-4a55-92d9-462cbf769389">Your Care Is at Our Core campaign</a> in partnership with the American Medical Association to highlight the importance of the patient-physician relationship.
</p>
<p>
Physicians in Washington state and across the country have faced growing challenges ignited by battles over the COVID-19 pandemic, prevalence of mis- and dis-information, administrative burdens, and the politicalization of health care. These factors have created an unnecessary crack in the patient-physician relationship that we intend to mend.
</p>
<p>
The data speaks for itself: A vast majority of patients agree that the patient-doctor relationship is central to health care, that physicians should be central to treatment decisions and care; and that red tape bureaucracy makes it harder for physicians to provide the best care to patients.<sup>1</sup>
</p>
<p>
Over the last several years, decisions made by third parties like insurance companies and others in health care have dramatically limited the time physicians can spend with their patients. From insurer prior authorizations that delay needed care to access issues resulting from <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/">reimbursements that don't cover the cost of care</a>, physicians are spending more and more of their time and energy fighting to ensure their patients can access the care they need. Adding to their frustration, physicians then find they often are blamed for these third-party intrusions into the patient-physician relationship.
</p>
<p>
Physicians understand that time spent listening to, responding to, and treating patients is essential to providing the quality care patients deserve. Health care can be an especially vulnerable space for patients, and establishing a meaningful relationship is necessary to build trust and provide the most effective care and treatment.
</p>
<p>
"Physicians enter the practice medicine because they are caring, compassionate, and genuinely want to help others," says WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD. "They are very protective of the time they spend with their patients-time to have questions answered, time for a second look, time to make the best choices together to provide the best quality care. Time spent arguing with insurers over care decisions or fighting for reimbursements just to cover the basic costs of the care being provided is time stolen from their patients. Physicians are patients' best advocates, and it's way past time for us to push back together against artificial barriers that prevent patients from accessing timely, needed care and that keep physicians trapped in a cycle of frustration and burnout."
</p>
<p>
Physicians are fighting alongside their patients. We look forward to amplifying their efforts through the <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/advocacy/your-care-is-at-our-core/wsma/advocacy/your-care-is-at-our-core.aspx?hkey=e7b72239-4fec-4a55-92d9-462cbf769389">Your Care Is at Our Core campaign</a> and hope you will continue to follow along.
</p>
<p>For more information contact:</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a> / 206.329.6851 cell/text</p>
<p>
<strong>About the Washington State Medical Association </strong>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
<p>
<strong>About the American Medical Association</strong>
</p>
<p>
The American Medical Association is the physician's powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises, and driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
</p>
<p>
<sup>1</sup> <em>Results from a National Online Survey of 1,000 voters conducted March 8-10, 2023, on behalf of the AMA.</em>
</p>
</div> | 10/14/2024 10:13:28 AM | 10/14/2024 10:09:11 AM | 10/14/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| seattle-anesthesiologist-inaugurated-as-2024-2025-president-of-washington-state-medical-asso | Seattle Anesthesiologist Inaugurated as 2024-2025 President of WSMA | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2024/seattle-anesthesiologist-inaugurated-as-2024-2025-president-of-washington-state-medical-asso | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>Sept. 30, 2024 </h5>
<h2>Seattle Anesthesiologist Inaugurated as 2024-2025 President of Washington State Medical Association </h2>
<p>
Seattle anesthesiologist John Bramhall, MD, PhD, was inaugurated as president of the Washington State Medical Association at its annual House of Delegates meeting on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Historic Davenport in Spokane. The WSMA represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students throughout Washington state.
</p>
<p>
After 30 years working at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Dr. Bramhall recently stepped away from his position as associate medical director at the level-one trauma center to serve as WSMA president. He maintains an academic position at the University of Washington School of Medicine, also in Seattle, as a clinical professor emeritus in the department of anesthesiology.
</p>
<p>
Dr. Bramhall received a diploma from John Dalton College, in Manchester, U.K. in 1971, followed by a PhD in biochemistry at Aston University in Birmingham in 1976. A Fulbright Scholarship brought him to the United States, where he studied immunology-oriented sciences first at the Molecular Biology Institute of the University of California, Los Angeles, then as a research fellow at the Neurobiology Institute at Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, California. A passion for immunology and its impact on disease states led him to medical school at the University of California San Diego, where he graduated in 1991, after developing a fascination for the study of anesthesia, including scholarly interest in the many interventions common to anesthesiology practice.
</p>
<p>
Pivoting from academic to practical medicine, Dr. Bramhall chose an anesthesia residency at Virginia Mason in Seattle and then stayed in Seattle for his subsequent career as a clinician, professor, and medical director with UW Medicine at Harborview. Though he recently stepped back from his administrative positions at Harborview, he maintains an ad hoc practice in the ORs of the trauma center as needed and continues with his academic appointments at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
</p>
<p>
Dr. Bramhall brings more than 30 years of experience to his tenure as the medical association president, including a wide variety of front-line clinical roles and extensive administrative responsibilities within a large medical system, as well as 25 years of experience in academic medicine. He is past president of the Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists, past delegate to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, past member of UW Academic Senate and multiple UW/Harborview committees, and a current member of Washington State Hospital Association board of directors, among other roles.
</p>
<p>
The following physicians were also elected as officers at the meeting: Bridget Bush, MD, FASA, Anacortes anesthesiologist, president-elect; Matt Hollon, MD, MPH, MACP, Spokane internist, vice president; and Bindu Nayak, MD, Wenatchee endocrinologist, secretary-treasurer. The fifth officer of WSMA's executive committee is Past President Nariman Heshmati, MD, MBA, FACOG, Mukilteo OB-GYN, who will serve as committee chair.
</p>
<p>
In addition to several WSMA members who were re-elected to the board of trustees, newly elected to the board for two-year terms were Avanti Bergquist, MD, Bellevue psychiatrist; Stephanie Hansen, DO, Toppenish internist; Trace Julsen, MD, Spokane family physician; Vivienne Meljen, MD, Vancouver OB-GYN; and Alan Melnick, MD, Vancouver preventive medicine physician. Dr. Meljen was also elected to serve as an American Medical Association alternate delegate for a two-year term. Anukrati Shukla, MD, Monroe internist, was elected to serve as young physician trustee and Jacob Leary, MD, Seattle internist, was elected to serve as resident trustee, both for one-year terms.
</p>
<p>
Visit the WSMA website for a <a href="[@]wsma/about_us/leadership/board_of_trustees/wsma/about/leadership/board_of_trustees/board_of_trustees.aspx?hkey=0abc484b-c165-4fb1-90b5-1f72370b18d2">full roster of WSMA board of trustees members</a>.
</p>
<p>
Download a high-resolution portrait of <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Press Room/bramhall-john-md-1731-12x8.jpg]">WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD</a>.
</p>
<p>
For more information contact:
</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a> / 206.329.6851 cell/text
</p>
<h3>About the Washington State Medical Association </h3>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 10/3/2024 11:07:26 AM | 10/1/2024 2:22:51 PM | 9/30/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-names-senator-annette-cleveland-2024-legislator-of-the-year- | WSMA Names Senator Annette Cleveland 2024 Legislator of the Year | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2024/wsma-names-senator-annette-cleveland-2024-legislator-of-the-year- | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>Sept. 30, 2024 </h5>
<h2>Washington State Medical Association Names Senator Annette Cleveland 2024 Legislator of the Year </h2>
<p>
<em>State senator representing Washington's 48th Legislative District honored for her partnership with the physician community.</em>
</p>
<p>
Sen. Annette Cleveland, D-Vancouver, was named 2024 Legislator of the Year by the Washington State Medical Association during the 2024 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates at the Historic Davenport in Spokane on Saturday, Sept. 28.
</p>
<p>
Each year, the WSMA, representing physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students statewide, honors a legislator whose partnership and influence help to make Washington one of the best states in the nation to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
<p>
The centenarian association honored Sen. Cleveland for her leadership as chair of the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee and her dedication to ensuring meaningful health care policy for our state's patients and physicians.
</p>
<ul>
<li>She is the prime champion in the Senate of WSMA priority legislation to establish confidentiality protections for physician wellness programs, which aim to increase participation in these programs to help mitigate career fatigue and improve overall well-being and job satisfaction among physicians. The WSMA looks forward to continuing its partnership with Sen. Cleveland on the bill during the 2025 legislative session.</li>
<li>Sen. Cleveland is a staunch advocate of promoting access to vaccines, sponsoring Senate Bill 5982 this past legislative session to update the definition of vaccine in state statute to allow for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine and other immunizations to be included in the Washington Childhood Vaccine Program. In 2019, she worked to remove the personal or philosophical exemption for the MMR vaccine for school-aged children (Senate Bill 5841).</li>
<li>Sen. Cleveland knows the importance of ensuring access to care, including abortion services. In 2023, she sponsored legislation to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for patients receiving abortion care (Senate Bill 5242).</li>
<li>The WSMA helped establish the state's Maternal Mortality Review Panel to review maternal deaths in the state and make recommendations to prevent future maternal deaths. In 2019, Sen. Cleveland sponsored legislation to make the panel permanent (Senate Bill 5425).</li>
</ul>
<p>
"Sen. Cleveland has been a consistent partner to the physician community whose door has remained open to us throughout the year," said John Bramhall, MD, PhD, WSMA president. "With more than seven sessions as chair of the top Senate health committee, she is a leader in health policy in our state and is more than deserving of WSMA's top honor for our legislative partners. We are grateful for her being a champion of medicine and are proud to name her our 2024 Legislator of the Year."
</p>
<p>
"It's an honor to receive this recognition of the hard work, trust, and partnership that contributes to protecting the health care of Washingtonians, and the work of physicians across the state," said Cleveland. "By focusing on shared goals and values, we are making progress in attracting and keeping a strong health care workforce, protecting reproductive rights and privacy, and expanding access to quality care statewide. I look forward to our work together in the coming years."
</p>
<p>
A high-resolution portrait of Sen. Cleveland is available from her <a href="https://senatedemocrats.wa.gov/cleveland/">website</a>.
</p>
<p>
For more information contact:
</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a> / 206.329.6851 cell/text
</p>
<h4>About the Washington State Medical Association </h4>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 10/3/2024 11:07:26 AM | 10/1/2024 2:22:16 PM | 9/30/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-adds-member-benefit-from-resolve | WSMA Adds Member Benefit from Resolve | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2024/wsma-adds-member-benefit-from-resolve | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>Sept. 16, 2024</h5>
<h2>WSMA Adds Member Benefit from Resolve</h2>
<p>
<em>Contract review and data access for WSMA members</em>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association announces a new member benefit from Resolve, a physician employment <a href="https://www.resolve.com/contract-review?utm_campaign=Washington%20State%20Medical%20Association&amp;utm_source=press-release">contract review</a> and data provider. Resolve will assist WSMA physician and physician assistant members in signing competitive contracts, whether they are starting their first post-training job or renegotiating an existing agreement.
</p>
<p>
"In a recent survey of our members, a majority asked for help in reviewing physician employment contracts," said WSMA CEO Jennifer Hanscom. "To meet that need, we turned to Resolve as the physician contract review experts who can deliver this critical service - at a discount - to our members. Their specialized expertise will definitely be a benefit to Washington's physician workforce!"
</p>
<p>
Resolve helps physicians review and negotiate employment contracts to maximize compensation, improve work/life balance, and guard against unexpected workplace changes. With contracts that compensate physicians properly and accompany their unique individual needs, job dissatisfaction and feelings of burnout can be prevented. Resolve is offering contract review services and compensation data access to WSMA members at a discounted rate.
</p>
<p>
For more information contact:
</p>
<p>
Melissa Knipp<br />
Resolve<br />
<a href="mailto:melissa@resolve.com">melissa@resolve.com</a>
</p>
<p>
<strong>About Resolve</strong>
</p>
<p>
A physician-founded and physician-driven company, Resolve is bringing change to employment contracts by providing transparency into the physician market. Utilizing the most accurate data on compensation and other contract terms, paired with a specialized legal team, Resolve provides the insights and expertise physicians need to negotiate for fair contracts and take control of their careers. To learn more, visit <a href="https://www.resolve.com/?utm_campaign=Washington%20State%20Medical%20Association&amp;utm_source=press-release">resolve.com</a>.
</p>
<p>
<strong>About the Washington State Medical Association</strong>
</p>
<p>
The WSMA represents nearly 13,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 11/27/2024 4:11:28 PM | 11/27/2024 4:00:13 PM | 9/16/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| statement-from-washington-state-medical-association-opposing-initiative-2117 | Statement from Washington State Medical Association Opposing Initiative 2117 | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2024/statement-from-washington-state-medical-association-opposing-initiative-2117 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>Aug.&nbsp;12, 2024</h5>
<h2>Statement from Washington State Medical Association Opposing Initiative 2117</h2>
<p>
At its May meeting this year, the board of trustees of the Washington State Medical Association voted to support the "No on 2117" campaign, pursuant to <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/about/policies/whats_our_policy/environmental-health/clean-air.aspx">WSMA 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 establishing 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>
As noted in WSMA policy, climate change is a critical public health issue:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Potential effects of climate change on human health include higher rates of respiratory and heat-related illness, increased prevalence of vector-borne and waterborne diseases, food and water insecurity, and malnutrition. Persons who are elderly, sick, or poor are especially vulnerable to these potential consequences.</li>
<li>The WSMA supports educating the medical community on the potential adverse public health effects of global climate change and incorporating the health implications of climate change into the spectrum of medical education, including topics such as population displacement, heat waves and drought, flooding, infectious and vector-borne diseases, and potable water supplies.</li>
<li>We recognize the importance of physician involvement in policymaking at the state, national, and global levels, and support efforts to search for novel, comprehensive, and economically sensitive approaches to mitigating climate change to protect the health of the public; and recognize that whatever the etiology of global climate change, policymakers should work to reduce human contributions to such changes.</li>
<li>We encourage physicians to adopt programs for environmental sustainability in their practices, share these concepts with their patients and their communities, and to serve as role models for promoting environmental sustainability.</li>
<li>We encourage physicians to work with local and state health departments to strengthen the public health infrastructure to ensure that the global health effects of climate change can be anticipated and responded to more efficiently.</li>
<li>We support epidemiological, translational, clinical, and basic science research necessary for evidence-based global climate change policy decisions related to health care and treatment.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The potential health impacts of I-2117</h3>
<p>A new white paper from Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Press Room/i-2117-a-risk-to-our-health-wpsr-white-paper-07-17-24-.pdf]">Initiative 2117: A Risk to Our Health – An Analysis of the Threats to Health Posed by I-2117</a>, evaluates the significant health impacts of Initiative 2117 and the repeal of Washington’s Climate Commitment Act.</p>
<p>
<em>Note: WSMA policy is set at the association's annual House of Delegates meeting. Delegates to the meeting include WSMA board members, representatives from county medical societies, state specialty societies, and special sections. More about WSMA's House of Delegates and the association's policies can be found at <a href="https://wsma.org">www.wsma.org</a></em>.
</p>
<p><em>For more information contact WSMA Director of Communications Graham Short, 206.329.6851 (cell/text), <a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>.</em></p>
<p><strong>About the Washington State Medical Association</strong></p>
<p>The WSMA represents nearly 12,500 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 8/13/2024 9:39:46 AM | 6/4/2024 12:57:05 PM | 8/12/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-president-reacts-to-todays-supreme-court-decision-in-case-challenging-emtala | WSMA President Reacts to Today's Supreme Court Decision in Case Challenging EMTALA | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2024/wsma-president-reacts-to-todays-supreme-court-decision-in-case-challenging-emtala | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>June 27, 2024 </h5>
<h2>WSMA President Reacts to Today's Supreme Court Decision in Case Challenging EMTALA </h2>
<p>
"While a welcome development for patients' access to care, today's Supreme Court decision regarding EMTALA doesn't mean an end to this issue, as there will likely be further challenges to the law. States like Washington that have a long history of protecting access to abortion care must remain vigilant in defending the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship. The Washington State Medical Association has extensive policy in support of promoting access to abortion and all essential health care services.
</p>
<p>
"We urge our state leaders to keep doing everything in their power to ensure Washington can fully meet the needs of our patients and those patients who travel here from states with abortion restrictions to seek care."
</p>
<p>
Nariman Heshmati, MD, MBA, an OB-GYN in Everett, is the president of the Washington State Medical Association, representing nearly 13,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians, and medical students statewide.
</p>
<p>
For more information contact:
</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
Director of Communications<br />
NEW ADDRESS as of 6/26/24: 1215 Fourth Ave, Suite 1901, Seattle, WA 98161<br />
Cell: 206.329.6851; Email: <a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a> <br />
<a href="https://wsma.org">www.wsma.org</a>&nbsp;</p>
</div> | 7/3/2024 4:39:18 PM | 7/3/2024 4:38:53 PM | 6/27/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| statement-from-wsma-and-washington-medical-schools-in-support-of-dei-efforts-in-medicine | Statement from WSMA and Washington Medical Schools in Support of DEI Efforts in Medicine | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2024/statement-from-wsma-and-washington-medical-schools-in-support-of-dei-efforts-in-medicine | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>May 1, 2024 &nbsp;<em>(Updated May 30, 2024)</em></h5>
<h2>Statement from WSMA and Washington Medical Schools in Support of DEI Efforts in Medicine</h2>
<p>Today, the Washington State Medical Association joins Washington state's three medical schools - the University of Washington School of Medicine, the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine - to add our voices to the national health care organizations and associations from across the country <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/press-releases/statement-improving-health-through-dei">in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts</a> in health care and society. These efforts are foundational to increasing health care access, quality of life, and the experience of belonging in our communities, along with striving for the highest attainable standard of health for all.</p>
<p>Together with Washington’s medical schools, the WSMA is committed to building health equity and eliminating well-documented disparities to improve patient care here in Washington. That work is worthwhile and necessary to achieve the standard of health that is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation, political belief, or economic or social condition.</p>
<p>As leaders in medical education, medical professionalism, and patient care, we are proud to stand with those in health care who have identified the need to mitigate the harm of&nbsp;long-standing inequities in our health care system,&nbsp;and we are proud to support efforts taking place in our state and throughout the country to help <a href="https://foundation.wsma.org/">diversify the health care workforce</a>, enhance inclusive excellence, and train health care professionals to provide <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/foundation/health-equity/inclusive-language-and-health-equity-resources.aspx?WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">culturally sensitive care</a>.</p>
<p>This is the work we must do to accomplish equitable health outcomes for every Washingtonian. Only through these efforts will we realize our vision to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
<p><em>In addition to the WSMA, UWSOM, PNWU, and Elson S. Floyd, the following organizations have signed on in support of this statement:</em></p>
<p>Allegro Pediatrics <br />
Chelan Douglas County Medical Society <br />
Clark County Medical Society<br />
Grays Harbor County Medical Society <br />
Northwest Academy of Otolaryngology <br />
Pacific Northwest Society of Pathologists<br />
Pierce County Medical Society<br />
Snohomish County Medical Society<br />
Thurston-Mason County Medical Society <br />
Washington Academy of Family Physicians<br />
Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics <br />
Washington Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians <br />
Washington Chapter of the American College of Physicians <br />
Washington Osteopathic Medical Association<br />
Washington Permanente Medical Group <br />
Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility<br />
Washington Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine <br />
Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials <br />
Washington State Medical Oncology Society <br />
Washington State Neurological Society<br />
Washington State Dermatology Association <br />
Washington Society of Plastic Surgeons <br />
Seattle Menopause Medicine</p>
<p>* * *</p>
<p>For more information contact:</p>
<p>Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a> / 206.329.6851 cell/text</p>
<p>Kim Blakeley<br />
UW Medicine/UW School of Medicine/WWAMI Director of Strategic Marketing &amp; Communications<br />
<a href="mailto:krb13@uw.edu">krb13@uw.edu</a> / 206.550.6564 cell</p>
<p>Paul Bubluski<br />
PNWU Director of Public Relations<br />
<a href="mailto:PBubluski@PNWU.edu">PBubluski@PNWU.edu</a></p>
<p>Stephanie Engle<br />
Director of Communications and Marketing<br />
Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine<br />
<a href="mailto:stephanie.engle@wsu.edu">stephanie.engle@wsu.edu</a></p>
<p><strong>About the Washington State Medical Association<br />
</strong>The WSMA represents nearly 12,500 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
<p><strong>About the</strong><strong> University of Washington School of Medicine<br />
</strong>The University of Washington School of Medicine is dedicated to improving the general health and well-being of the public. In pursuit of its goals, the school is committed to excellence in biomedical education, research, and health care.</p>
<p><strong>About the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine<br />
</strong>Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences is a grassroots, non-profit health sciences university established in 2005 by a group of visionary community leaders in Washington’s Yakima Valley. PNWU’s 70-acre campus boasts a collaboration-inspiring array of health sciences disciplines, all united under the university’s mission of educating and training health care professionals emphasizing service in rural and medically underserved areas throughout the Pacific Northwest states of Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Montana.</p>
<p>PNWU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine matriculated its first cohort of students in 2008. The PNWU-COM&nbsp;mission&nbsp;is to educate and train students to become osteopathic physicians that provide research-driven quality care to communities of the Northwest, particularly in rural and medically underserved populations.</p>
<p><strong>About the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine<br />
</strong>The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine is Washington’s community-based medical school. Named after WSU’s late president, Dr. Elson S. Floyd, the college was created to expand medical education and health care access in communities across the state. The college offers degree and certificate programs in medicine, nutrition and exercise physiology, speech and hearing sciences, health administration and leadership, and medical ethics, as well as graduate medical education programs. In addition, the college is home to groundbreaking research that impacts communities locally and across the world.</p>
</div> | 5/30/2024 4:32:46 PM | 5/1/2024 9:14:40 AM | 5/1/2024 12:00:00 AM |
| hb-2476-will-improve-reimbursements-strengthen-medicaid-improve-access-to-care-in-washington-state | HB 2476 Will Improve Reimbursements, Strengthen Medicaid, Improve Access to Care in Washington State | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2024/hb-2476-will-improve-reimbursements-strengthen-medicaid-improve-access-to-care-in-washington-state | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>Feb. 16, 2024</h5>
<h2>HB 2476 Will Improve Reimbursements, Strengthen Medicaid, Improve Access to Care in Washington State</h2>
<p><em>Washington state's low reimbursement rates mean 1 out of 4 Washington residents are vulnerable to being unable to get needed care. A Covered Lives Assessment (HB 2476/SB 6309) would annually generate more than $500 million in support of Medicaid patients </em></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association's (WSMA) top legislative priority this year is the creation of a covered lives assessment which would draw down federal dollars, and most importantly, expand access to primary and specialty care for Medicaid patients.</p>
<p>Washington state has some of the lowest Medicaid reimbursement rates in the nation, making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for many physician clinics and medical groups to see Medicaid patients. HB 2476/SB 6309 will allow the state to use federal funding to improve patients’ access to physicians, ARNPs, physician assistants. This access is essential in Washington, where Medicaid enrollment in Washington state is now at more than 2 million, about 25% of our state’s population.</p>
<p>“Medicaid is a lifeline to care for 2 million residents and it’s unacceptable that it is not properly funded. It is the patients who suffer.†Dr. Katina Rue, a family physician from Yakima.</p>
<p>“We know that improving reimbursement rates improves access to care, because we’ve seen it work in recent years with improved primary care payments,†said Sean Graham, WSMA Government Affairs Director. “Now it’s time for an across-the-board adjustment for all areas of care, so more Medicaid patients can see the clinicians they need.â€</p>
<p><strong>The problem from the physicians’ point of view</strong></p>
<p>The intent of this proposal is to make sure patients can get the care they need in their communities when they need it. “People shouldn’t have to wait for months for a radiology appointment, be forced to go to an ED for care that can be taken care of in a physician’s office, or have to travel across the state to see a specialist like a dermatologist. Washington can do better.†said Jennifer Hanscom, WSMA CEO.</p>
<p>For many physician specialties, reimbursement for Medicaid services hasn’t increased in over 20 years and the reimbursement is far less than Medicare and commercial rates.</p>
<p>“The technical component of an OB ultrasound exam does not include the physician, but does include technologist salary and benefits, ultrasound equipment, office space, utilities and similar expenses,†explained Douglas Seiler, MD, President of TRA Medical Imaging in Tacoma. “The cost for just that part is more than $90 per exam. Medicaid reimburses only about $45. This is a serious underpayment, and one that independent practices especially cannot sustain.â€</p>
<p>“For some specialty services, patients from across the state have to travel to the Seattle area to be seen by a doctor because many practices have to limit the number of Medicaid patients they in order to keep their practice doors open†said Andrea Kalus, MD, UW Associate Professor of Dermatology. “People travel a long way to get here, and the distance alone means some people never come back. A snowy winter makes it even more difficult to get ongoing care of chronic conditions.â€</p>
<p><strong>The problem from the patients’ point of view</strong></p>
<p>In fall of 2023, the WSMA surveyed a sample of Medicaid enrollees in Washington state. According to the survey, more than half reported denial of care or difficulty scheduling an appointment since being on Medicaid. About 4 in 10 (39%) had trouble getting an appointment for follow-up treatment, despite having a doctor’s referral.</p>
<p>When people cannot access physicians or advance care practitioners because of their insurance, their suffering is likely to increase&nbsp;and their conditions can worsen. 8 in 10 (78%) of people denied care named at least one consequence, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Increased illness or discomfort (52%)</li>
<li>Increased pain (46%)</li>
<li>Decreased quality of life (45%)</li>
<li>Delayed diagnosis (32%)</li>
<li>Decreased ability to work (31%)</li>
</ul>
<p>Without access to care, 2 in 10 people said they’d go without care, and 8 out of 10 said they’d take another action such as going to urgent care or an emergency department.</p>
<p><strong>The good news: There is a solution</strong></p>
<p>The best way to equalize access to care is to increase reimbursement rates. A covered lives assessment draws down federal dollars and will allow physicians to care for more Medicaid patients. This approach works and widely supported by medical practices and physician clinics across the state: Over 600 individuals and groups have signed on in support of HB 2476/SB 6309.</p>
<p>Similar to assessments already in place for hospitals, nursing homes, and ambulances, the covered lives assessment is designed to leverage federal funding to support investments in Washington’s Medicaid program in order to increase payment for professional services provided by physicians, physician assistants, and ARNPs. The result is a proposal that is net neutral to the state’s general fund and yields over $500 million in annual investments for Medicaid rate increases.</p>
<p>“It feels like every day we hear from our members about their desire to see more Medicaid patients, but with inflation, rising salaries, and other economic uncertainties, it’s often financially impossible, especially for the smaller, independent practices,†said Graham. “Increasing and stabilizing reimbursement rates will help physicians see more Medicaid patients than they do currently, and our patients deserve that. This is an issue we would like the current Legislature to resolve.â€</p>
<p><em>The Washington State Medical Association held a media briefing Friday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m. on House Bill 2476. <a href="https://vimeo.com/913800890?share=copy">View the briefing here</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Interview opportunities are available. </em><em>For more information contact WSMA Director of Communications Graham Short, 206.329.6851 (cell/text), <a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>.</em></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 4/18/2024 1:45:07 AM | 2/16/2024 12:22:41 PM | 10/3/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-delegates-adopt-patient-focused-policies-on-ai-unionization-end-of-life-care-more | WSMA Delegates Adopt Patient-Focused Policies on AI, Unionization, End-of-Life Care, More | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2023/wsma-delegates-adopt-patient-focused-policies-on-ai-unionization-end-of-life-care-more | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>Oct. 3, 2023</h5>
<h2>WSMA Delegates Adopt Patient-Focused Policies on AI, Unionization, End-of-Life Care, More </h2>
<p>
SEATTLE (Oct. 3, 2023) - With the emergent phase of the pandemic in the rearview mirror, the voting delegates of the Washington State Medical Association turned toward reclaiming the primacy of the patient-physician relationship at their annual conference last month, adopting policies that ensure physicians stay in the driver's seat of patient care and patients remain their focus.
</p>
<p>
The approximately 175 voting delegates who make up WSMA's House of Delegates include representatives from most county medical societies and physician specialties in Washington state and serve as a cross section of the association's physician and physician assistant membership. The WSMA represents nearly 13,000 Washington state physicians, resident physicians, medical students, and physician assistants.
</p>
<p>
"At the WSMA, our motto is 'physician driven, patient focused.' The policies adopted by our delegates this year truly reflect and seek to strengthen both halves of that motto," said Nariman Heshmati, MD, who was named WSMA president for 2023-2024 during the meeting, which took place Sept. 23-24 at The Westin Bellevue hotel.
</p>
<p>
Physicians, their ability to provide quality care to their patients, and the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship are under increasing strain in Washington state and across the U.S., as reflected in abnormally high rates of physician suicide, an epidemic of clinician burnout, and worsening health disparities impacting our communities. The policies passed during the House of Delegates meeting reflect an urgency on behalf of Washington's physician community to address some of the most pressing issues exacerbating this strain, which stand to further erode patient and physician autonomy in directing the health care they receive and provide, as well as the trust that is at the heart of the patient-physician relationship.
</p>
<h3>Patient-focused policies: Putting patients first </h3>
<p>
Reflecting the WSMA's "patient focused" motto, delegates took forward-thinking stands on artificial intelligence and patient autonomy at the end of life, and sought to curb two of the most pressing public health epidemics, opioid addiction and overdose and gun violence, with the following policies:
</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>
<strong>Artificial intelligence:</strong> Delegates passed a multipronged policy on the use of AI in health care, directing the WSMA to: support efforts to prevent discrimination by AI applications; ensure the use of AI in patient care is transparent to patients; require patient-facing AI systems to be interpretable by human coders and users; and to encourage physicians to engage in a continuous feedback loop with AI systems.
</li>
<br />
<li>
<strong>End-of-life care:</strong> In a historic vote, delegates at the WSMA amended the association's longstanding policy on the withdrawal of life support to read: "For humane reasons, with informed consent, a physician may cease treatment, including artificial nutrition or hydration, when such treatment is no longer desired by a patient, even if doing so would likely result in a patient's death," and coupled that amended policy with a second amended policy that the WSMA "remain committed to professional standards that will always allow our patients to feel safe under our care without fear regarding any conflicting motives physicians may have." These changes in policy reflect the will of a majority of delegates who, in their testimony supporting these amendments, sought to both honor the autonomy of patients in decision-making at the end of life and to empower the WSMA to engage with policymakers on future improvements to the state's Death with Dignity law.
</li>
<br />
<li>
<strong>Opioid use disorder: </strong>As they have in recent years, delegates adopted policy that continues to position the WSMA ahead of national opioid policy and at the forefront of states addressing the opioid epidemic. Policies adopted include: support for the elimination of non-evidence-based buprenorphine limits currently preventing physicians from providing appropriate treatment for opioid use disorder; support for all qualified physicians to prescribe methadone and other opioid use disorder treatment to be dispensed at pharmacies; support for ensuring patients can continue medical treatment of substance use disorder in post-acute and long-term care settings; and support for allocating funds from opioid settlements to be used for health care professional loan repayments that require addressing opioid use disorder.
</li>
<br />
<li>
<strong>Gun violence:</strong> Preventing gun violence has been a WSMA priority for decades, with many strong policies adopted by previous years' delegates. This year, to further raise awareness of the ravages of gun violence that physicians bear witness to when treating its victims, delegates adopted policy asking the WSMA to support legislation requiring firearm owners to obtain and maintain gun liability insurance covering losses or damages resulting from negligent or accidental use of the firearm, and for proof of insurance to be kept where the guns are stored or transported.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Physician-driven: Policies keeping health care physician-led </h3>
<p>
Underscoring WSMA's "physician driven" motto, delegates sought to ensure not only that patient care remain physician-led in the face of a rapidly evolving health care industry, but also that physicians and clinicians are supported appropriately to ensure they are healthy enough to provide that care, by adopting the following policies:
</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: none;">
<li>
<strong>Medical titles and patient safety</strong> - Delegates continue to be concerned about the proliferation of other professions using the term "doctor" and the potential for patient confusion and patient safety issues in health care settings when the credentials of the attending health professional are not easily understood. Delegates adopted policies advocating for: enforcement of regulations in health care settings to prevent the misappropriation of medical titles; initiatives to raise public awareness about the different health care disciplines and the responsibilities of each; establishment of a standardized system for verifying medical credentials; discouraging the misappropriation of titles such as doctor, physician, and specialty titles in health care settings; and condemning false advertising and misrepresentation of medical credentials by non-physicians. </li>
<br />
<li>
<strong>Physician wellness</strong> - Confronting the epidemics of physician burnout and suicide, delegates passed policies advocating for state legislation recognizing entities that function as physician wellness programs and protecting the confidentiality of participants of such programs.
</li>
<br />
<li>
<strong>Protecting the profession</strong> - Reflecting the continued move away from independent medical practice and toward physician employment within hospitals and health systems, delegates sought to empower the employed physician voice by adopting policy supporting physicians in their decision-making when determining whether to unionize and for improvements in noncompete agreements and laws. Delegates directed the WSMA to provide more information on both topics, demonstrating growing concerns in the physician community that their clinical voice may diminish in today's health care environment.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
"The health care delivery system has rapidly evolved in Washington state over the past 10 years," said Dr. Heshmati. "It is critical that physicians continue to be the leading voice for what is paramount: our patients' health. The WSMA is committed to helping physicians in our state be engaged leaders and patient advocates to ensure a healthy Washington."
</p>
<p>
The WSMA is the largest physician professional association in the state and is at the table for health care policymaking discussions in the state Legislature, with state agencies and insurers, in the courts, and at the federal level - any arena where health care decisions are made. Policies adopted by the WSMA House of Delegates each year provide the underpinning for the association's advocacy during these discussions and when responding to issues that arise in health care and in the media.
</p>
<p><em>Interview opportunities with WSMA President Nariman Heshmati, MD, are available.</em></p>
<p>
For more information, contact:
</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
206.329.6851 (cell/text)<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>
</p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong><br />
The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 11/3/2023 11:15:22 AM | 11/3/2023 11:11:20 AM | 10/3/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| mukilteo-ob-gyn-named-president-of-wsma | Mukilteo OB-GYN Named President of WSMA | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2023/mukilteo-ob-gyn-named-president-of-wsma | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>Sept. 25, 2023</h5>
<h2>Mukilteo OB-GYN Named President of WSMA</h2>
<p>
SEATTLE - Mukilteo obstetrician-gynecologist Nariman Heshmati, MD, MBA, FACOG, was named president of the Washington State Medical Association at its annual House of Delegates meeting on Sunday, Sept. 24. The WSMA represents nearly 13,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians, and medical students throughout Washington state.
</p>
<p>
Dr. Heshmati is the executive medical director of affordability, advocacy, and pharmacy for Optum Washington, which includes The Everett Clinic, The Polyclinic, and The Optum Care Network Pacific Northwest. In his role at Optum Washington, Dr. Heshmati has accountability for total cost of care, external relationships, and pharmacy services.
</p>
<p>
Born in Iran to a family of clinicians-his father an orthopedic surgeon and his mother a psychologist-a young Dr. Heshmati and his family fled their home country during the Iranian Revolution, eventually emigrating to the United States and settling in Satellite Beach, Florida. Reestablishing medical careers in their new country, Dr. Heshmati's father and mother became role models for their children, inspiring them to pursue careers in medicine, with Dr. Heshmati's brother also becoming a physician and his sister a psychologist.
</p>
<p>
Dr. Heshmati received his undergraduate degree in 2001 at the University of Florida in Gainesville, followed by a medical doctorate in 2005 from Florida State University in Tallahassee where he served as class president and founded the medical school college council. He completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology in 2009 at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, during which time he was a contributor to the 5th edition textbook of Blueprints in Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology. Dr. Heshmati recently received an MBA from Seattle University.
</p>
<p>
Dr. Heshmati moved to Mukilteo, Washington, in 2009 with his wife Kathryne to join The Everett Clinic, where they continue to live with their two children, Robert and Sirena. Dr. Heshmati has served Everett and the surrounding Snohomish County communities as a practicing OB-GYN for more than 14 years and has pursued executive and leadership roles in local clinics and health systems. At Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, he served as chief of women's and children's services and medical director of obstetrics. At The Everett Clinic, he has served on the clinical leadership board, as a senior regional medical director, as medical director of advocacy, and as associate medical director of surgical services, among other roles.
</p>
<p>
Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to his community and to organized medicine, Dr. Heshmati has served on the Washington Health Alliance Low Back Pain Implementation Collaborative, was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to the Washington Pandemic After Action Review Task Force, and is on the March of Dimes Washington State board of directors. He is the Washington section legislative chair for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Along with his membership in the WSMA and the national and state chapters of his specialty society, he is a member of the American Medical Association. In addition to his executive leadership at the WSMA, Dr. Heshmati serves as a WSMA delegate to the AMA and is past board chair of WSMA's political action committee, WAMPAC.
</p>
<p>
Dr. Heshmati is widely published, has presented at numerous national conferences including AMGA (formerly American Medical Group Association), Becker's Hospital Review, America's Physician Groups, and State of Reform, and has received a number of awards, including Seattle Met Magazine "Top Doc." He is the host of a popular YouTube channel, "DrNari," featuring women's health informational videos and is active on X, formerly known as Twitter, under the handle "@nariheshmati."
</p>
<p>
The following physicians were also elected as officers at the meeting: John Bramhall, MD, PhD, Seattle anesthesiologist, president-elect; Bridget Bush, MD, FASA, Anacortes anesthesiologist, vice president; and Matt Hollon, MD, MPH, FACP, Spokane internist, secretary-treasurer. The fifth officer of WSMA's executive committee is Past President Katina Rue, DO, FAAFP, FACOFP, Yakima family physician, who will serve as committee chair.
</p>
<p>
WSMA members newly elected to the association’s board of trustees include Rajneet Lamba, MD, Kirkland internist; Amy Ellingson, MD, Brewster family physician; Lisa Ivanjack, MD, Bothell internist; John Scott, MD, Seattle gastroenterologist; Peter Barkett, MD, Silverdale internist; and Andy Shang, medical student, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. For more information, see this&nbsp;<a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/about_us/leadership/board_of_trustees/wsma/about/leadership/board_of_trustees/board_of_trustees.aspx?hkey=0abc484b-c165-4fb1-90b5-1f72370b18d2">full roster of WSMA board of trustees members</a>.
</p>
<p>
<a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Press Room/nariman-heshmati-md-wsma.jpg]">Download a high-resolution portrait of WSMA President Nariman Heshmati, MD, FACOG</a>.
</p>
<p>
For more information, contact:
</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
206.329.6851 (cell/text)<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>
</p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong><br />
The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 9/25/2023 12:54:42 PM | 9/25/2023 11:08:26 AM | 9/25/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-names-senator-andy-billig-2023-legislator-of-the-year | WSMA Names Senator Andy Billig 2023 Legislator of the Year | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2023/wsma-names-senator-andy-billig-2023-legislator-of-the-year | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>Sept. 25, 2023</h5>
<h2>WSMA Names Senator Andy Billig 2023 Legislator of the Year</h2>
<p>
SEATTLE - Senator Andy Billig, D-Spokane, has been named 2023 Legislator of the Year by the Washington State Medical Association for his continued partnership with the physician community and his thoughtful and steadfast leadership as Senate majority leader.
</p>
<p>
Each year the WSMA, the largest physician professional organization in the state, honors a legislator whose knowledge and influence help to make Washington one of the best states in the nation to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
<p>
Highlights of Billig's accomplishments during recent legislative sessions include:
</p>
<p>
</p>
<ul>
<li>During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Billig prioritized the health and safety of Washingtonians and shepherded crucial legislation to support our state's health care system, including ensuring that telemedicine services are reimbursed appropriately as patients shifted to receiving remote care.</li>
<li>After the fall of Roe v. Wade, Sen. Billig made ensuring access to abortion and reproductive health care in Washington a top legislative priority, prioritizing the passage of bills establishing protections for patients and physicians and other health care professionals during the 2023 session.</li>
<li>As the state's Medicaid population has expanded, now comprising around 2.2 million state residents, Sen. Billig and the Senate Democratic Caucus have prioritized investments in Medicaid reimbursement to help ensure that enrollees have ready access to care. Investments in 2021 and 2023 supported primary care, pediatrics, and mental and behavioral health, as well as making a down payment on needed across-the-board rate increases for all professional services.</li>
</ul>
<p>
During his 12 years in the state Legislature, five of those as Senate majority leader, Sen. Billig has been a steadfast advocate for patients and physicians, proving to be a willing partner with the physician community and ensuring health care priorities are never far from the minds of legislators.
</p>
<p>
"Sen. Billig has demonstrated fearlessness in tackling roadblocks standing in the way of patient access to care, whether challenging Medicaid reimbursements that fall far below the cost of care or responding to the erosion of abortion and reproductive care rights nationally by expanding protections here in Washington," said Nariman Heshmati, MD, WSMA president. "The WSMA is grateful for Sen. Billig's partnership on these and many other issues, and we are honored to name him our 2023 Legislator of the Year!"
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://leg.wa.gov/Senate/Senators/PublishingImages/billig.jpg">Click here for Sen. Billig's print-quality official portrait</a>.
</p>
<p>
For more information, contact:
</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
206.329.6851 (cell/text)<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>
</p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong><br />
The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 9/24/2024 3:01:10 PM | 9/24/2024 2:56:57 PM | 9/25/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-praises-lawmakers-for-protecting-health-and-safety-of-patients-access-to-care | WSMA Praises Lawmakers for Protecting Health and Safety of Patients, Access to Care | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2023/wsma-praises-lawmakers-for-protecting-health-and-safety-of-patients-access-to-care | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>April 20, 2023</h5>
<h2>Washington State Medical Association Praises Lawmakers for Protecting Health and Safety of Patients, Access to Care</h2>
<p>
SEATTLE, WA - The Washington State Medical Association, which represents more than 12,000 physicians and physician assistants, today commended the Washington State Legislature for enacting legislation that prioritizes the health and safety of all Washingtonians and the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship, including provisions ensuring abortion access, addressing gun violence, and reforming those prior authorizations that unnecessarily delay patient care.
</p>
<p>
The following bills were passed by the Legislature during the 2023 state legislative session and are expected to be signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Abortion access </strong>
</p>
<ul>
<li>House Bill 1340 clarifies that providing reproductive health and gender-affirming care services consistent with Washington state standards of care, even in a state where such services are prohibited, does not constitute unprofessional conduct under Washington's Uniform Disciplinary Act.</li>
<li>House Bill 1469 establishes criminal and civil liability protections for patients and health care professionals receiving or delivering abortion services and gender-affirming care.</li>
<li>Senate Bill 5242 prohibits cost sharing (e.g., copays, deductibles) for abortion services.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<strong>Gun violence </strong>
</p>
<ul>
<li>House Bill 1240 prohibits the manufacture and sale of semiautomatic "assault weapons," including firearms such as the AR-15 and AK-47.</li>
<li>House Bill 1143 requires individuals to have recently completed a firearm safety training program and undergo a background check and 10-day waiting period to be eligible to purchase firearms.</li>
<li>Senate Bill 5078 establishes a right of action against the firearm industry in circumstances where violence results from their conduct such as advertising targeted at minors and promoting the illegal conversion of firearms.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<strong>Prior authorization</strong>
</p>
<ul>
<li>House Bill 1357 helps ensure timely access to care by streamlining insurance carrier prior authorization practices. The legislation will help shorten turnaround times for decisions and mandate insurance carriers implement electronic prior authorization processes that integrate into physicians' electronic health record systems.</li>
</ul>
<p>
"Washingtonians' ability to access care and addressing social determinants of health have been central to many of the biggest conversations in Olympia this year," said WSMA President Katina Rue, DO. "We are pleased to see lawmakers keep patients' health and safety top of mind by passing strong policies to protect abortion services and address gun violence, while supporting their ability to access timely care with sensible prior authorization reforms."
</p>
<p>
As the state's largest professional association representing physicians and PAs, the WSMA works to advance health care policy that prioritizes the health and wellness of Washingtonians and their communities, supports patients' ability to access their physician and health care services, and helps create and maintain a robust practice environment for physicians so they can thrive professionally.
</p>
<p>
"Everything we do at the WSMA is done with our patients in mind," said Dr. Rue. "With the continued rise in senseless gun violence, unconscionable efforts to limit reproductive health care services, and seemingly endless barriers to practicing medicine, sometimes it feels like the cards are stacked against both the individual patient and their physician. Each patient-centered policy that passes is a beacon of hope - and a step toward making our state the best place to practice medicine and to receive care."
</p>
<p>
As the 2023 session moves towards adjournment on Sunday, April 23, and legislators negotiate the final state operating budget for the 2023-25 fiscal biennium, one item that is being considered is Medicaid reimbursement rate increases for health care services delivered by physicians, PAs, and advanced registered nurse practitioners. The budget proposed by the House of Representatives would appropriate $67.8 million to raise rates while the Senate did not include this funding. The WSMA is advocating that the rate increases be included in the final operating budget.
</p>
<p>
Dr. Rue adds, "We are hopeful there will be at least modest increases in Medicaid physician payments in this budget cycle, in addition to the increases slated for hospital payments. In all likelihood, Medicaid payments for physician services will still fall short of the cost of delivering care, requiring continued work this year and in the 2024 legislative session to fully fund the state's Medicaid system and ensure access to care for all Medicaid enrollees."
</p>
<p>
For more information, contact:
</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
206.329.6851 (cell/text)<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>
</p>
<p>
<strong>About the Washington State Medical Association </strong><br />
The WSMA represents more than 12,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 4/20/2023 4:03:28 PM | 4/20/2023 9:05:58 AM | 4/20/2023 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-and-wc-acog-joint-statement-on-federal-rulings-concerning-mifeprestone | WSMA and WC-ACOG Joint Statement on Federal Rulings Concerning Mifeprestone | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2023/wsma-and-wc-acog-joint-statement-on-federal-rulings-concerning-mifeprestone | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>April 10, 2023</h5>
<h2>WSMA and WC-ACOG Joint Statement on Federal Rulings Concerning Mifepristone </h2>
<p>
SEATTLE, WA - (This release was updated on Friday, April 13.) Mifepristone is one of two drugs used for medication abortion, a protocol that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for two decades. Washington state law continues to ensure access to abortion services; however, Friday's ruling in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA seeks to constrain the options physicians are able to provide to their patients even in protected states and represents a gross interference in the practice of medicine and of the patient-physician relationship.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA supports the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists clinical guidance on medication abortion, which includes the following: The medication abortion regimen supported by major medical organizations nationally and internationally includes two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol. If mifepristone is unavailable, then a misoprostol-only regimen is an acceptable alternative.
</p>
<p>
On the other hand, both the Washington chapter of ACOG and the WSMA joined an amicus brief in support of Washington v. FDA and are encouraged by this ruling in this case, which impacts the 18 plaintiff states. This is a separate lawsuit that asserts the FDA's approval of mifepristone is legal and orders the FDA from taking action to remove or reduce the availability of mifepristone, as well as eliminate the unnecessary restrictions applied on mifepristone. (Update, April 13, 2023: The court denied the motion for leave to file an amicus brief without explanation, which can happen from time to time, especially on these expedited matters.)</p>
<p>
In light of these two contradictory rulings, our organizations will work to ensure there's understanding among physicians and their patients of their care options. Despite increasingly hostile and restrictive efforts to constrain access to essential reproductive health care services, Washington state physicians are dedicated to continuing to provide medication and procedural abortion services.
</p>
<p>
For more information contact: </p>
<p>
Cindy Sharpe<br />
Washington State Medical Association Communications<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a> / 813.244.2883 cell/text</p>
<p>
<strong>About the Washington State Medical Association </strong><br />
The WSMA represents nearly 12,500 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
<p>
<strong>About the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists </strong><br />
Founded in 1951, ACOG is the premier professional membership organization for obstetrician-gynecologists. Today, ACOG is the nation's leading group of physicians providing obstetric and gynecologic care, with 60,000 members. ACOG's vision is an equitable world in which exceptional and respectful obstetric and gynecologic care is accessible to all.
</p>
</div> | 4/20/2023 9:07:11 AM | 4/11/2023 9:48:11 AM | 4/10/2023 12:00:00 AM |