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Oct. 3, 2019 | Issue 223
The Latest News
Government Affairs and Practice Advocacy
PAFP gears up for remainder of fall legislative session
The Pa. House and Senate return to session on Monday, Oct. 21 and PAFP staff is anticipating activity on a number of important bills that would impact family physicians across the Commonwealth. Last month, legislation that would bring commonsense reforms to the physician credentialing process was voted unanimously from the House Health Committee. House Bill 533, sponsored by Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga) would require insurers to use a standardized credentialing application, as well as impose a 45-day window for credentialing decisions. The PAFP is also working in coalition with other physician groups to introduce much-needed prior authorization reform legislation and continues to push back against bills that would increase the scope of practice for nurse practitioners and limit physicians’ ability to prescribe addiction treatment medication.
Education
Oct. 6 deadline to enter to win 2020 dues
The PAFP is offering “active” membership status physicians the chance to win paid 2020 dues with the completion of an educational needs assessment, a brief questionnaire about what you want and need out of the PAFP's CME offerings. As a thank you for completing the survey, you will be entered into a drawing for free 2020 PAFP membership dues - a $375 value! Click here to complete the needs assessment: the deadline is Oct. 6, 2019. (Note: This request applies to current "active" status members only.)
Public Health
Ambulatory care clinics invited to join free antibiotic stewardship program
Get the resources and training that your clinical site needs to practice robust antibiotic stewardship by joining a free, 12-month national program starting in December 2019 The AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Antibiotic Use provides participating ambulatory clinics with expert coaching, online education and improvement tools, patient education materials, antibiotic use guidelines, and more to help you prevent harms associated with antibiotics, such as Clostridioides difficile infections. Participants also have the opportunity to earn continuing education credits. Please join the AHRQ for a one-hour webinar to learn how participation can benefit your patients and clinic.
Residents and Students
Details on AAFP Family Medicine Student Organization Grant Program; upcoming events
The AAFP has announced details for the new Family Medicine Student Organization Grant Program (FMSOG). This new program replaces the FMIG Funding Initiative and encourages student groups to work collaboratively to create change in their communities and think creatively about building opportunities for exposure to family medicine through innovative events and experiences.
FMSOG makes it possible for even more types of student groups to receive funding support and additional funding for new projects. We know that students have the answers when it comes to the best way to advance family medicine at their schools and beyond. We’re excited to do more to help students organize and innovate to achieve their vision for primary care in America. Questions? Contact Molly Talley, PAFP Director of Resident and Student Initiatives.
November events:
Nov. 1-3: FMEC Annual Conference, Lancaster
Nov. 7-10: PAFP Bedford CME Conference, Bedford
Nov. 14: Primary Care Networking Event, Downtown Pittsburgh
Other News
Last Line announced as community outreach program
The PAFP is pleased to announce Last Line as its community outreach program for the Bedford CME Conference. Last Line is a veteran-owned organization that provides resources to other veterans suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. During the Bedford CME event, attendees can interact with the founder and owner, Ryan Decker, as he explains his nature retreats and other resources he offers to veterans. Decker will be selling apparel and accepting donations to aid in the construction of “tiny home”-like structures to expand his services to veterans. Online donations can be made on Last Line’s GoFundMe page.
Pa. Dept. of Health seeks physician input on Title V block grant
Family physicians are critical front-line providers of maternal and child health services in the Commonwealth. To that end, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is seeking feedback from family physicians and other stakeholders on setting priorities for the state’s Maternal and Child Health Services and the federal Title V Block Grant administered by the Commonwealth. PAFP members are invited to participate in two upcoming stakeholder meetings scheduled for Oct. 8 and Oct. 18 to provide feedback. Click for details about these meetings in Norristown and Harrisburg and how you can participate.
Time to vaccinate? Atlantic Health Partners can help!
Whether it’s a toddler getting scheduled vaccines, children and teens going back to school or off to college, adults needing boosters, or flu season - Atlantic Health Partners is a strong resource for PAFP members to strengthen their immunization efforts by offering most favorable vaccine prices, purchasing support and program management assistance.
Key benefits include:
- Most favorable pricing for Sanofi, Merck, Pfizer (Trumenba®), Dynavax and Seqirus vaccines
- No minimum quantity requirements to always receive most favorable pricing and terms
- Excellent and timely customer service including reimbursement support and advocacy
- One stop shopping for most vaccines
- No cost to join!
For information about the program please contact Jeff or Cindy at 800-741-2044 or info@atlantichealthpartners.com.
www.atlantichealthpartners.com
Welcome New PAFP Members!
- Gregory Andrews, MD
- Stephanie Araujo, MD
- Georgia Perry, MD
- Sana Usman, MD
- Mara Gordon, MD
- Komal Arsh, MBBS
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