We're looking for members to step into the 'Spotlight' April 19, 2018

You may have noticed the new Member Spotlight feature right below the Latest News section of pafp.com. This project includes a Q-and-A with a PAFP member about practicing family medicine, the joys of the specialty, and how they decided it was the perfect career. We'd love to see your face and get to know you on this feature! Visit the latest issue of Progress Notes for details.

Taxpayers have until tonight to file their returns after the IRS extended the deadline by a day because of a website glitch. When tax refunds arrive in the mail or Americans' bank accounts, what do they plan to spend it on? Health care bills, reports CNBC. A recent analysis has found more than half of those who filed earliest put their refunds toward paying for deferred care.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine has approved a recommendation by the state's medical marijuana advisory board to permit the sale of dry leaf or plant marijuana. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports she will also allow medical marijuana as a treatment for opioid abuse. The plant wouldn't be smoked, but legally consumed in the form of a vapor.

For more than five years, legislation that would eliminate collaborative agreements for certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs) has been under consideration in Pennsylvania. The PAFP Board of Directors opposes this effort and asks for your help in advocating against House Bill 100 and Senate Bill 25. Click here to be directed to the AAFP's Speak Out tool to take action.

Pa. House Bill 1739 and Senate Bill 926 would improve access to direct primary care (DPC) by recognizing, protecting, and defining these arrangements as outside the scope of state insurance regulations, allowing patients and physicians to contract for care. Click here to use the AAFP's Speak Out tool and take action!