Legislation that would establish that a benevolent gesture or admission of fault made by a health care provider to a patient will not be admissible as evidence in the event of a medical professional liability action was voted favorably on the floor of the state House of Representatives by a vote of Y: 171/N: 27. House Bill 495, sponsored by Representative Keith Gillespie (R-York), would allow physicians to speak candidly with their patients regarding unanticipated outcomes of care without fear that making expressions of sympathy and other benevolent statements will be used against them in court.
“We have moved a step closer to becoming the 36th state to enact a form of what is often referred to as an ‘I’m sorry’ law,” said Gillespie. “My legislation would allow our health care providers to display natural expressions of empathy and compassion to patients and families without fear of reprisal in court.”
The legislation, of which the PAFP is supportive, covers health care providers and employees of assisted living residences and personal care homes in the Commonwealth. Click here to read a copy of the legislation.
On February 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an informational bulletin announcing the postponement of the implementation of state-based Medicaid Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) programs. The program, originally scheduled to begin on April 1, 2011, requires state Medicaid programs to contract with RACs to identify and recover overpayments and underpayments to physicians and other service providers. The RAC program is a requirement for states, as outlined in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
According to the CMS bulletin, "Out of consideration for state operational issues and to ensure states comply with the provisions of the final rule, we have determined that states will not be required to implement their RAC programs by the proposed implementation date of April 1, 2011."
The final rule on the Medicaid RAC program will be issued later in 2011, along with a new implementation deadline for the states. Click here for a copy of the CMS bulletin.
The American Academy of Family Physicians has teamed up with a coalition representing consumers, patients, physicians, nurses, hospitals and pharmacists to create HealthCareandYou.org—an online resource to help physicians and patients better understand what’s in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
The interactive web site includes facts about the healthcare reform law and provides state-by-state listings of health care coverage options. The site also includes a timeline of when parts of the law go into effect and will be updated to reflect any changes made by Congress. A chat feature will be added at a later date to allow users to ask specific questions about the law. Visit the website at www.healthcareandyou.org.
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PAFP AFFINITY PARTNER OFFERING LOWEST FLUZONE PRICES TO ITS MEMBERS
Members of Atlantic Health Partners through PAFP who pre-book Sanofi Fluzone by March 31 receive the lowest Fluzone prices! As you know, PAFP has strong support in helping our members lower their vaccine costs. AHP helps save money and advocates on your behalf with payers and manufacturers.
In addition to offering our members the lowest prices for Sanofi Pasteur and Merck vaccines, AHP also provides the best terms for Sanofi’s Fluzone and High Dose Fluzone. PAFP members that join AHP (it’s free to join) and pre-book their Fluzone order by March 31receive AHP’s contract price discount, the maximum Sanofi 5% Gold Level discount and Sanofi’s online order and prompt pay discounts.
Furthermore, AHP can save you money on pediatric, adolescent and adult vaccines when purchased directly from Sanofi and Merck. PAFP members joining AHP report strong satisfaction with the program, most notably for the savings, ability to make smaller purchases and customer support.
Additional benefits offered by AHP: Medical supply discount program; Office and business supply discounts with Staples Advantage; MedImmune, Flumist discounts; and Discounted patient recall program.
For more information, contact Jeff Winokur or Cindy Berenson at 800-741-2044 or info@atlantichealthpartners.com and details about how your practice can benefit from participation.
PAFP 2011 HOUSE OF DELEGATES MEETS MAY 13 IN YORK
The House of Delegates convenes 8:30 am-noon, Friday, May 13, at Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York. All PAFP members are invited and encouraged to attend this annual business meeting. Participants will discuss member-submitted resolutions (note: these will be made available to members as soon as possible), as well as proposed bylaws changes(PDF of bylaws with additions highlighted in yellow and deletions crossed out).
In addition, the annual meeting schedule on May 13 includes: (lunch included for participants)
1 - 2:30 pm Commission meetings
2:30 - 4:30 Board of Directors meeting
5:15 - 6:15 Awards and Inauguration of PAFP’s 2011-12 President and officers (hors d'oeuvres)
6:30 - 9:30 Celebration Dinner Dance (note: there is a fee for this event).
On Saturday, May 14 the schedule includes:
8 - 9:30 am Regional Breakfasts followed by the annual Lila Stein Kroser, MD, Lecture
9:45 - 10:30 Reorganizational Board meeting
11:30 - 6 pm Fore! Family Medicine Golf Benefit to support the Foundation’s medical student
xxxxxxxxxxxxxinitiatives at Heritage Hills. (note: there is a fee for this event).
Click here for more information and to register online for the weekend’s events.
GET IN THE SWING AND SIGN UP NOW TO SUPPORT STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
PAFP’s Foundation is hosting its fourth annual Fore! Family Medicine Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 14, at Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York. Starting with lunch and registration at 11:30 am, the tournament fees also include cart and greens fees, an awards reception, prizes and contests, including several hole-in-one opportunities, and more. The tournament is open to the public and members are encouraged to bring a foursome. Proceeds benefit the Foundation’s medical student initiatives, including scholarship funds. Two-time defending champion Kevin Shaffer, MD (Erie) and his team are coming back to try for a three-peat. Any challengers? Contact PAFP’s Frances Myers at fmyers@pafp.com.
AFFINITY PARTNER’S INSURANCE DISCOUNTS CAN OFFSET AAFP/PAFP DUES
You can now easily access the PAFP new insurance benefits through Asset MarketPlace’s call center. Insurance professionals are available to help you assess your protection needs and provide best options for Disability Income, Business Operating Expense, Long Term Care, Critical Illness and Life Insurance. Many PAFP endorsed policies include enhanced benefits and discounts available only to associationmembers. For more info contact the Asset MarketPlace call center at 866-482-2175 or email at info@assetmarketplace.net and indicate you are a PAFP member.
THE NEW ISSUE OF KP IS ONLINE NOW!
The newest issue of Keystone Physician is now available and has been distributed via email to all members at the end of February. This digital magazine is full of information PAFP members need on legal updates, compliance issues, advocacy, practice management and more... So look for our KP Winter 2011 in your inbox! Remember, if you have trouble accessing KP, please contact our Creative Manager, Michael Zigmund, at mzigmund@pafp.com.
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