| Physicians_Urge_Governor_to_Allow_Telemedicine_Payment_Parity_Bill_to_Go_into_Effect_Immediately_ | Physicians Urge Governor to Allow Telemedicine Payment Parity Bill to Go into Effect Immediately | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2020/Physicians_Urge_Governor_to_Allow_Telemedicine_Payment_Parity_Bill_to_Go_into_Effect_Immediately_ | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>March 21, 2020</h5>
<h2>Physicians Urge Governor to Allow Telemedicine Payment Parity Bill to Go Into Effect Immediately</h2>
<p>
SEATTLE - The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) and Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP) are urging Gov. Jay Inslee and Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler to direct insurance companies and state payers to honor parity billing under Senate Bill 5385 for telemedicine services, effective immediately. SB 5385, which passed in the state legislature on March 9, requires that physicians be paid for telemedicine services at the same rate as if those services had been provided in person, but those provisions do not go into effect until Jan. 1, 2021.
</p>
<p>
“It is essential that families have uninterrupted access to preventive and acute health care during the COVID-19 outbreak,†says Elizabeth Meade, MD, FAAP, president of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “This is especially important for families with very young children. We want patients who truly need to be seen in clinic, like children under age two who need vaccines, to come in, and clinics have implemented strict protocols to maintain a safe and healthy environment during this outbreak. But there are patients who can and should be cared for at home. With telemedicine parity, patients for whom telemedicine is appropriate can receive care from their homes to slow community spread of illness while helping alleviate the financial peril practices are facing.â€
</p>
<p>
“With the governor’s recent action to stop elective surgeries and non-emergent procedures, it is critical that we stay in contact with our patients should an emergent situation develop; especially for our chronic care, vulnerable, and high-risk patients†said William K. Hirota, MD, president of the Washington State Medical Association.
</p>
<p>
Dr. Hirota added, “Physicians and practices need to be able to employ telehealth for their COVID-19 response as well to allow for safe screening and to direct patients to the right site of care for their medical needs. Without the flexibilities provided by telehealth, patients will end up in our emergency rooms and urgent care clinics, adding to the demands on these facilities and risking exposure to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases."</p>
<p>
Washington state’s health care system is already feeling the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is imperative that we take immediate steps to reduce the burden of the outbreak and protect our health care system. Many health care practices are facing financial jeopardy as our communities practice social distancing and avoid visiting health care providers for care, and as surgeries and elective procedures are postponed to preserve personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline health care workers fighting COVID-19. At the same time, it is crucial that practices be able to provide a safe environment and continuity of care for their patients.
</p>
<p>
“We need payment parity now, not tomorrow,†says Dr. Hirota. “Just as we’re worried for our patients’ and our colleagues’ health, we’re worried about the health of our smaller practices. Opening up access to care delivery pathways can help relieve some of the financial strain these practices are under.â€
</p>
<p>
“If physician practices downsize or close, more care will shift to hospitals that are already beyond capacity,†says Dr. Meade. “Patients will go without care for minor ailments and illnesses, resulting in worse health outcomes down the road. And critical routine care such as immunizations may be skipped, with potentially disastrous consequences.â€
</p>
<p><strong>For media inquiries, contact:</strong></p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Communications<br />
206.956.3633 or <a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a></p>
<p>
<strong>About the Washington State Medical Association </strong><br />
The Washington State Medical Association represents more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students 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 Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics</strong><br />
The Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has advocated for the health and well-being of Washington's children and their families since 1934. The WCAAP represents over 1100 pediatric health care providers from across Washington State. Our mission is to optimize the health and well-being of children and their families while advancing pediatric care. WCAAP frames and leads the public discussion on child health issues, advances public policy to benefit children, and empowers pediatricians to provide quality medical care.
</p>
</div> | 3/27/2020 3:29:58 PM | 3/21/2020 10:11:58 AM | 3/21/2020 12:00:00 AM |
| WSMA_Presents_Patient_Safety_Award_to_Community_Health_Center_of_Snohomish_County | WSMA Presents Patient Safety Award to Community Health Center of Snohomish County | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/October/WSMA_Presents_Patient_Safety_Award_to_Community_Health_Center_of_Snohomish_County | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>October 15, 2019</h5>
<h2>
WSMA Presents Patient Safety Award to Community Health Center of Snohomish County</h2>
<p>
Seattle, Wash.&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Community Health Center of Snohomish County has been recognized by the Washington State Medical Association for its program to expand access to treatment for patients with opioid use disorder. The health center was presented the William O. Robertson, MD Patient Safety Award of Excellence on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the medical association's annual meeting at the Hilton Seattle Airport &amp; Conference Center in SeaTac.
</p>
<p>
Recognizing that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has repeatedly been shown to be safe and effective for patients with opioid use disorder, and that there was a dearth of medical providers who had the necessary training to provide the treatment, the health center set out to establish a comprehensive MAT program. As part of the program, the health center:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
Required primary care providers who see adult patients to complete MAT waiver training.
</li>
<li>
Developed a MAT reporting and tracking system.
</li>
<li>
Redesigned its MAT intake process to use a team-based approach so that the patient meets with an RN, a chemical dependency specialist, and then the physician.
</li>
<li>
Reduced stigma often attached to opioid use disorder by encouraging its providers to think about their patients with OUD in the same way they think about patients with diabetes.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
The health center currently has 482 active patients on MAT, and that number grows by approximately 20 each month. “These community members are no longer using opioids and are at lower risk for HIV, Hep B and C, syphilis, and TB,†said WSMA Past President Donna Smith, MD, when presenting the award during a dinner celebration at the meeting. “They are starting to put their lives back together.â€
</p>
<p>
Accepting the award on behalf of the health center was Thomas Tocher, MD, a WSMA-member and an internist with the health center.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA established its William O. Robertson, MD Patient Safety Awards in 2005 to recognize and share innovative patient safety initiatives in the ambulatory care setting. The award was named after another WSMA past president, the late Dr. William O. Robertson, who was a champion for patient safety, risk management, and quality improvement throughout his long and distinguished career.
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Associate Director of Communications<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 10/15/2019 11:26:14 AM | 10/15/2019 10:10:11 AM | 10/15/2019 11:26:13 AM |
| Washington_State_Medical_Association_Recognizes_Member_Physicians_for_Exemplary_Service | Washington State Medical Association Recognizes Member Physicians for Exemplary Service | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/October/Washington_State_Medical_Association_Recognizes_Member_Physicians_for_Exemplary_Service | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>October 15, 2019</h5>
<h2>
Washington State Medical Association Recognizes Member Physicians for Exemplary Service</h2>
<p>
Seattle, Wash.&nbsp;-&nbsp;Seven physician members and one community program have been recognized by the Washington State Medical Association for going above and beyond the call of duty in leadership, contributions, and service to the health of the profession and our citizens. The recognitions were part of the medical association's new "Apple Awards," program, and the awards were presented at the 2019 WSMA Annual Meeting in SeaTac on Saturday, Oct. 12.
</p>
<p>
Recipients of the 2019 Apple Awards included:
</p>
<p>
<strong>Darryl Potyk, MD</strong>, Spokane internist, received the President’s Unsung Hero Award, which recognizes the WSMA member who offers extraordinary service to the profession to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care. Dr. Potyk is the chief of medical education for UW School of Medicine-Gonzaga University Regional Health Partnership and associate dean for Eastern Washington for the UW School of Medicine.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Matthew Grierson, MD</strong>, Seattle physiatrist, received the Early Career Member of the Year Award, which recognizes a WSMA member for their service to the association’s early career members (physicians in their first 10 years of practice, resident physicians, and medical students). Dr. Grierson practices at the Seattle Spine &amp; Sports Medicine clinic.
</p>
<p>
Five WSMA members received the Grassroots Advocate Award, which recognizes their advocacy efforts and activities supporting WSMA legislative priorities. They include:
</p>
<p>
<strong>Avanti Bergquist, MD</strong>, Bellevue psychiatrist, for her support of mental health priorities; <strong>James Burkman, MD</strong>, Seattle anesthesiologist, for his work helping the association find a solution protecting patients from unnecessary balance bills; <strong>Lucinda Grande, MD</strong>, Olympia family physician, for her advocacy around opioid use disorder treatment; <strong>Alan Melnick, MD</strong>, Vancouver preventative medicine physician and Clark County public health officer, for his support of childhood immunizations; and <strong>Chelsea Unruh, MD</strong>, Olympia family physician, for their support of issues impacting independent physician practices.
</p>
<p>
The seventh Apple Award, the Community Unsung Hero Award, recognizes community contributions to the health and wellness of our state’s citizens and was presented to Pierce County Project Access. PCPA received the award in recognition of its mission to provide donated care for patients in need in Pierce County.
</p>
<p>
“Our members are heroes every day in our book,†said WSMA’s outgoing 2019 president, Tom Schaaf, MD, who presented the awards during the opening session of the association’s annual House of Delegates at the Hilton Seattle Airport &amp; Conference Center. “That’s why we created these Apple Awards—to really call out the ‘extra’ in the extraordinary work Washington’s physicians are doing, each and every day.â€<br />
<br />
Photos of the award presentations from the meeting are available upon request (email <a href="mailto:katiehoward@wsma.org">katiehoward@wsma.org</a>) and will be available from the<a href="[@]WSMA/Membership/Awards_Program/Awards_Program.aspx"> WSMA's Awards Program page</a>.</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Associate Director of Communications<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 10/15/2019 10:54:42 AM | 10/15/2019 9:30:36 AM | 10/15/2019 10:54:42 AM |
| physicians_unite_to_oppose_trump_administration_immigration_policy | Physicians Unite to Oppose Trump Administration Immigration Policy | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/September/physicians_unite_to_oppose_trump_administration_immigration_policy | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/Misc/Press-Release-Graphic_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>September 24, 2019</h5>
<h2>Physicians Unite to Oppose Trump Administration Immigration Policy</h2>
<p>
<em>Thousands of children and families in Washington state and the U.S. will lose access to health care under new "public charge" rule</em>
</p>
<p>
SEATTLE - Two of Washington state's leading physician associations have joined with their national counterparts to push back against Trump administration efforts to restrict immigration by punishing legal immigrants - including more than 140,000 Washingtonians and their children - who access health care and other basic public services.
</p>
<p>
The Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP) and the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA), together representing more than 11,000 physicians in the state, have joined with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians, and the American Medical Association to file a brief supporting a multi-state lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security over changes to the "public charge" rule that target low-income immigrants and their families.
</p>
<p>
The updated rule, set to go into effect Oct. 15, gives immigration officials far greater latitude to deny green cards and visas to immigrants lawfully in the U.S., particularly those who access legally available public benefits for themselves and their families, including essential health care services.
</p>
<p>
Currently, under long-standing immigration policy, the only benefits considered by the federal government when reviewing immigration status are cash assistance and government-funded long-term care. Under the new rule, a legal immigrant who lawfully uses basic health care services, housing and food assistance programs can have their application for permanent residency denied.
</p>
<p>
Even people who have not used these programs, which include Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Section 8 housing vouchers, and Medicare Part D, can be denied a green card or visa if there is a suspected risk they are "likely" to use them in the future.
</p>
<p>
"This cruelly misguided attempt to stem legal immigration unfairly targets some of our most vulnerable patients by singling out low-income immigrants who are lawfully in the state trying to attain citizenship and who are trying to take care of themselves and their families. This rule change effectively says to these individuals, 'Want to see a doctor? Well guess what—the federal government will probably kick you out if you do.'" said WSMA President Tom Schaaf, MD, MHA. "This will undeniably add another barrier between those who need health care and their physicians. And perhaps most unconscionable is that this rule change will directly impact the children of immigrants, who were born in Washington and are U.S. citizens."
</p>
<p>
Washington estimates that more than 140,000 legal immigrants will likely lose their health insurance under the new rule. The rule's impact goes further: Nearly a half million children in Washington have at least one immigrant parent. Under the new rule, while those under age 21, pregnant women, and new moms are exempt, families will likely refrain from applying for services they need out of fear it would be used against the immigrant parent. Many of these people will go to the emergency room for routine medical care, requiring Washington to cover the vastly more expensive medical costs. Moreover, families who fear seeking timely preventive care for their children may be less likely to receive vaccinations on time or identify emerging medical issues, leading to poorer health and development for these children.
</p>
<p>
Nationwide, the rule will affect more than 19 million children of immigrants in the U.S.; nearly all U.S. citizens.
</p>
<p>
"Each day, WCAAP members care for immigrant families across our state who are doing all they can to build better lives for their children" said WCAAP President Elizabeth Meade, MD, FAAP. "We are certain that this regulation change will result in families foregoing medical care or other services they are entitled to for fear of impacting their immigration status. Children need stable housing, adequate nutrition, and access to health care to grow and thrive, and losing access to any of these threatens their well-being and development."
</p>
<p>
Washington state, led by Attorney General Bob Ferguson, has joined a coalition of 13 states in the lawsuit to block the new public charge rule. The WCAAP, WSMA, AAP, ACP, and the AMA filed the amicus brief supporting the lawsuit last week.
</p>
<p>
<strong>For more information, contact:</strong>
</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
Washington State Medical Association<br />
Associate Director of Communications<br />
Cell: 206.329.6851<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>
</p>
<p>
Jennifer Donahue<br />
Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics<br />
Communications Manager<br />
Cell: 206.713.1087<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:jdonahue@wcaap.org">jdonahue@wcaap.org</a>
</p>
<h3>About the Washington State Medical Association </h3>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students 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> | 9/24/2019 9:05:56 AM | 9/23/2019 2:08:52 PM | 9/24/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| vulnerable_patient_health_care_jeopardized_by_proposed_b_and_o_tax_increase | Vulnerable Patient Health Care Jeopardized by Proposed B&O Tax Increase | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/April/vulnerable_patient_health_care_jeopardized_by_proposed_b_and_o_tax_increase | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/Misc/Press-Release-Graphic_645x425.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>April 25, 2019</h5>
<h2>Vulnerable Patient Health Care Jeopardized by Proposed B&amp;O Tax Increase</h2>
<p>
Seattle, Wash. - A proposed increase to Washington state's business and occupation tax now under consideration in the House of Representatives would have a devastating impact on health care access for the most vulnerable of populations, especially children, a coalition of physicians and other health care providers vehemently opposed to the measure warned Thursday.
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2158&amp;Year=2019&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 2158</a> would increase the B&amp;O professional services tax on independent physicians and medical practices from its current rate of 1.5 percent to 1.8 percent—a total increase of 20 percent. Physicians practicing within large hospitals or organized medical centers will not incur the tax.
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA), Washington Chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP) and the King County Medical Society (KCMS) are among those adamantly opposed to this proposed B&amp;O tax increase because of its impact on the most vulnerable patients they serve – especially the lowest of income and rural populations.
</p>
<p>
The proposed B&amp;O tax would have the following effects:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Limit access to care: Adding additional taxes onto physician practices could force many physicians to stop seeing Medicaid patients to stay financially viable. This will have a particularly significant impact on pediatricians and independent pediatric clinics.</li>
<li>Medicaid payment for some medical care in Washington State decreased more than 30% in 2015, when a two-year federal provision to maintain Medicaid-Medicare equity ended. Currently Medicaid payment to physicians for pediatric care in our state is two-thirds of Medicare payment. And Medicare is considered a "floor" – the bare minimum to possibly cover costs. This makes it difficult for providers to continue to see children insured by Medicaid today. </li>
<li>In Washington one in every two children relies on Apple Health for health coverage, but payment often doesn't cover the cost of care. As a result, multiple rural and suburban clinics have closed or no longer accept children on Apple Health. </li>
<li>Lack of timely preventive care leads parents to rely on expensive, episodic care in urgent care and emergency rooms. Washington state's current Medicaid payment rate creates a tiered system of care in this state, where children with private insurance have timely access to cost-effective medical care and children enrolled in Medicaid do not. If Washington state fails to invest in adequate Medicaid payment and increases the B&amp;O taxes, health care for our most vulnerable populations will be significantly hindered. </li>
</ul>
<p>
The B&amp;O tax increase would also:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Disproportionately harm those in private practice and independent medical clinics—about a third or more of our state's physicians.</li>
<li>Put an enormous strain on many practices' ability to remain economically viable and competitive in today's marketplace. The tax only applies to physicians' services delivered in a private practice or independent clinic, which puts these doctors at a competitive disadvantage to their peers practicing in hospital-based medical groups, which are protected from the increase.</li>
<li>Result in a loss of jobs, impact the ability of practices to invest in innovations that improve patient safety and population health and stifle their ability to be competitive in today's marketplace, as independent physician practices run on very tight margins. </li>
<li>Limit independent practices' ability to make investments in EHRs, comply with increasing regulatory burdens or hire more people, effecting the economy in many communities.</li>
</ul>
<p>
The WSMA, WCAAP and KCMS represent thousands of physicians in Washington state and are collectively asking the legislature to exempt all physicians from the B&amp;O tax increase to protect the vital health interests of our communities.
</p>
<p>
"Medicaid-dependent patients are already having a hard time getting seen, especially in more rural areas," said Dr. Frances Chalmers, MD, a recently retired pediatrician with Skagit Pediatrics in Mount Vernon, WA. "Patients aren't able to get the basic medical care they need, so many put off preventative care, which leads to more chronic illnesses, treatment in expensive urgent care or emergency room settings, and long term health problems that cost us all far more in the long run," said Chalmers, a longtime member and trustee of the Washington Chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics.
</p>
<p>
"On behalf of the Washington State Medical Association, I urge our elected officials not to raise this B&amp;O tax on health care services, which would unfairly impact our state's independent practice physicians, and stands to increase the cost of health care at a time when patients can least afford it" said Tom Schaaf, MD, Washington State Medical Association president. "And make no mistake, even though the tax unfairly targets independent physicians--roughly 40% of our state's active practice physicians--it will impact our patients, as the tax increase threatens these practices' economic viability in an increasingly competitive marketplace. This is tax is unwise and unfair for both patients and physicians, and we urge lawmakers to exempt our state's independent physicians from this tax increase."
</p>
<p>
"We need to focus on the children. Especially special needs, at-risk, Medicaid Insured, rural children," said Nancy L. Belcher, PhD, CEO of the King County Medical Society. "Nearly 50% of children are on Medicaid statewide. A high percentage of those children live in more rural areas. A greater number of children with special health care needs are on Medicaid. Make no mistake. Pediatricians in physician-owned practices that serve these populations will be hit hard. More clinics will close, more patients will go without care," Belcher said.
</p>
<p>
<strong>For more information, contact:</strong>
</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
Washington State Medical Association<br />
206.956.3633<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>
</p>
<p>
Jennifer Donahue<br />
Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics<br />
206.713.1087<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">jdonahue@wcaap.org</a>
</p>
<p>Josh Kerns<br />
King County Medical Society<br />
206.920.1482<br />
<a href="mailto:jkerns@kcmsociety.org">jkerns@kcmsociety.org</a>
</p>
<p>
<strong>About the WSMA</strong>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Medical Association represents more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students 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> | 9/16/2019 3:47:30 PM | 4/25/2019 12:33:43 PM | 4/25/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| Washington_State_Physicians_Praise_Lawmakers_for_Raising_Purchase_Age_of_Tobacco_and_Vaping_Products | Washington State Physicians Praise Lawmakers for Raising Purchase Age of Tobacco and Vaping Products | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2019/March/Washington_State_Physicians_Praise_Lawmakers_for_Raising_Purchase_Age_of_Tobacco_and_Vaping_Products | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-md-5 pull-right"><img alt="" src="/images/Advocacy/Bill-Progress-Graphics-HB-1074-T21-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" /></div>
<h5>March 28, 2019</h5>
<h2>
Washington State Physicians Praise Lawmakers for Raising Purchase Age of Tobacco and Vaping Products
</h2>
<p>Seattle, Wash. - The Washington State Medical Association, representing more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, and medical students, commends state lawmakers for passing House Bill 1074, which will raise the age of sale for tobacco and vapor products in Washington state from 18 to 21 and help protect our state’s youth from a lifetime of nicotine addiction. The bill is now headed to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature.</p>
<p>“We are pleased to see state lawmakers in the Senate and House do the right thing for our patients by passing this bill,†said WSMA President Tom Schaaf, MD, MHA, chief medical officer of Providence Home and Community Care and Providence Sound Hospice. “We urge the governor to sign it into law and secure this hard-won public health victory. Washington’s children deserve a chance to grow up addiction-free.</p>
<p>
“This is the fifth legislative session where Washington’s physicians have fought for policy to raise the tobacco and vaping purchasing age. In this instance, the fifth time’s the charm,†said Dr. Schaaf. “It’s a reminder to all of us that the health and well-being of our patients, families, and loved ones is worth fighting for, no matter how long and hard the fight.â€</p>
<p>
The WSMA has highlighted “Tobacco 21†policy as a key priority for its yearly physician lobby day, the WSMA Legislative Summit, since 2015. Tobacco remains the main cause of preventable disease and death in Washington state, with one in five deaths caused by cigarettes and secondhand smoke.</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong></p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students 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> | 9/16/2019 3:46:54 PM | 3/28/2019 12:12:03 PM | 3/28/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| Washington_physicians_in_Olympia_on_Feb._7_to_talk_to_lawmakers_on_behalf_of_patients_and_profession | Washington physicians in Olympia on Feb. 7 to talk to lawmakers on behalf of patients and profession | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2019/Washington_physicians_in_Olympia_on_Feb._7_to_talk_to_lawmakers_on_behalf_of_patients_and_profession | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>February 7, 2019</h5>
<h2>
Washington Physicians, Wearing their White Coats, in Olympia Today Talking to Legislators on Behalf of Patients and Profession
</h2>
<p>Olympia, Wash. - Physicians and physician assistants from throughout the state are putting on their white coats and meeting with their elected officials in Olympia today for the 2019 WSMA Legislative Summit. More than 100 WSMA members will talk with legislators about issues important to their patients and their profession, including the vaccination issue, access to care for behavioral and mental health, and raising the age of the sale of tobacco and vapor products from age 18 to age 21.</p>
<p>"The mission of the Washington State Medical Association is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care," said Tom Schaaf, MD, MHA, WSMA president. "Because we work at the frontlines of care, we are visiting the capitol today because it's important for us to share what we experience in our practices everyday with our elected officials."</p>
<p>There are several key issues important to physicians and patients being addressed in the 2019 Washington state legislative session:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Increase the age of sale of tobacco and vapor products to 21:</strong> Smoking continues to be the number one cause of preventable death in the U.S. Most smokers start using tobacco before age of 21. Cities and towns across the country that increased legal smoking to age 21 have seen significant reductions in their youth smoking rates, in some cases as high as 50 percent. WSMA physicians are talking to legislators today in support of bills (House Bill 1074/Senate Bill 5057) that raise the age of sale for tobacco and vapor products from age 18 to 21.</li>
<li><strong>Vaccinations</strong>: To strengthen our state’s immunization policy and protect our communities, the WSMA supports the elimination of personal and philosophical vaccine exemptions for school, child care and preschool immunization requirements (House Bill 1638/Senate Bill 5841).</li>
<li><strong>Mental and Behavioral Health:</strong> Washington’s physicians support increases in funding for targeted behavioral/mental health and substance abuse disorder in primary care; support behavioral and mental health workforce initiatives; support integration of BH/MH treatment into primary care; and support tele-psych consult and training programs, all of which will help improve access to mental and behavioral health care for all Washington patients.</li>
</ul>
<p>Also at the WSMA Legislative Summit, the association will honor Rep. Steve Burquist with the Legislator of the Year Award for his support during the 2018 legislative session, at noon in the Columbia Room of the Legislative Building.</p>
<p>
B-roll footage and photos will be provided the afternoon of Feb. 7 on Vimeo (<a href="https://vimeo.com/wsma">www.Vimeo.com/WSMA</a>), on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/WSMA_update">@WSMA_update</a> and Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wsma.org/">@wsma.org</a>. </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong></p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a></p>
<p>
Cindy Sharpe<br />
813.244.2883 cell/text<br />
<a href="mailto:cindy@wsma.org">cindy@wsma.org</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents more than 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students 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> | 12/9/2019 10:23:40 AM | 2/6/2019 12:07:04 PM | 2/7/2019 12:00:00 AM |
| WSMA_patient_safety_awards_go_to_TeamHealth_Northwest_and_PeaceHealth_Medical_Group | WSMA patient safety awards go to TeamHealth Northwest and PeaceHealth Medical Group | Press_Release | Shared_Content/News/Press_Releases/2018/WSMA_patient_safety_awards_go_to_TeamHealth_Northwest_and_PeaceHealth_Medical_Group | <div class="col-md-12">
<h5>October 17, 2018</h5>
<h2>
WSMA patient safety awards go to TeamHealth Northwest and PeaceHealth Medical Group
</h2>
<p>Seattle, Wash. - Two health care organizations in Washington state have been recognized by the Washington State Medical Association for their contributions to improving patient safety and quality care in the state. TeamHealth Northwest at CHI Franciscan and PeaceHealth Medical Group were each presented a William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award on Saturday, Oct. 13 at the medical association’s annual meeting at the Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane.</p>
<p>Each year, the WSMA, which represents physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students throughout the state, honors innovative patient safety initiatives in the ambulatory care setting. This year, the medical association gave two awards: an award of excellence and an award of achievement.</p>
<p>The William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award of Excellence was given to TeamHealth Northwest at CHI Franciscan for its work on addressing opioid prescribing practices in the emergency department.</p>
<p>To reduce the overall rate of opioid prescriptions and prescribing variation between providers, TeamHealth Northwest leveraged the Hawthorne effect (in which individuals modify an aspect of their behavior in response to their awareness of being observed), informing providers of their prescribing behavior as compared to their colleagues. Over time, participating departments significantly reduced the variation and standardized the experience for patients.</p>
<p>The William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award of Achievement was presented to PeaceHealth Medical Group for its work elevating and integrating the importance of advance care planning (ACP) within their system. PeaceHealth Medical Group provided ACP education for all caregivers and physicians, increased the number of facilitated ACP conversations, and streamlined electronic medical record processes to more swiftly integrate ACP documentation. PeaceHealth has a long history of working on advance care planning, and the WSMA has appreciated PeaceHealth’s leadership in helping ensure its patients receive care at the end of life that reflects their values and preferences.</p>
<p>The WSMA established the William O. Robertson Patient Safety Award in 2005 to recognize and share innovative patient safety initiatives in the ambulatory care setting. The award was named after WSMA past-president, the late William O. Robertson, MD, who was a champion for patient safety, risk management and quality improvement throughout his long and distinguished career.</p>
<p>For more information on TeamHealth Northwest's&nbsp; efforts to encourage safe opioid prescribing, contact Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD at <a href="mailto:schlicnr@yahoo.com">schlicnr@yahoo.com</a>. For more information on PeaceHealth Medical Group's advance care planning efforts, contact Hilary Walker at <a href="mailto:hwalker@peacehealth.org">hwalker@peacehealth.org</a>.</p>
<p><strong>For more information, contact:</strong><br />
<br />
Graham Short<br />
206.956.3633&nbsp;
<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About the WSMA</strong></p>
<p>The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 11,000 physicians, physician assistants, resident physicians and medical students in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.</p>
</div> | 9/16/2019 3:48:00 PM | 10/16/2018 1:58:22 PM | 10/17/2018 12:00:00 AM |