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July 26, 2022
Celebrating 230 Years
1792 - 2022
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Public Health Emergency Extended To October 13, 2022
The U.S. Public Health Emergency (PHE) has been extended through October 13, 2022. CDC data shows that more than half of the country's population lives in a county with a high COVID–19 Community Level, where the health care system is at risk of becoming overburdened and universal indoor masking is recommended. (The CDC categorizes Community Levels as low, medium, and high based on the number of COVID–19 cases in each community, and the impact of severe disease on community–based healthcare systems.) Continuing the PHE supports wide access to free COVID–19 testing, therapeutic treatment, and vaccines. Without extension of the PHE, physicians would have had limited access to the “test to treat” initiative, which relies, in part, on telehealth. CNN Health reports here: Covid-19 public health emergency extended in the US - CNN).
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EMTALA Preempts State Laws, including Bans on Abortion Procedures
Secretary Becerra sent a letter to all hospitals and health care providers reminding them of their obligation to comply with EMTALA. The Secretary’s letter clarifies that EMTALA requirements preempt any state laws that restrict access to stabilizing medical treatment, including abortion procedures and other treatments that may result in the termination of a pregnancy.
CMS also released an updated guidance to hospitals reinforcing that EMTALA requirements apply to all hospitals in all states regardless of the state law to the contrary.
CMS held a conference call on these communications. There were a number of questions about preemption. CMS officials repeatedly stated that EMTALA would preempt state law and would be a defense for criminal prosecutions. It is anticipated that this issue will end up in the courts.
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Connecticut Minimum Wage Increased
On July 1, Connecticut's minimum wage increased from $13.00 per hour to $14.00 per hour. The change is the result of legislation passed three years age that schedules several increases in the minimum wage over a five-year-period.
- $11.00 on October 1, 2019;
- $12.00 on September 1, 2020;
- $13.00 on August 1, 2021;
- $14.00 on July 1, 2022; and
- $15.00 on June 1, 2023.
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Medical Professionals Included in CT's "Red Flag" Law Concerning Firearms
In 1999, Connecticut passed the groundbreaking Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) or “Red Flag Law” that enables concerned family members to have firearms removed from the homes of loved ones who pose a risk to themselves or others. This law served as a framework for other states in the nation.
In 2021, Connecticut’s Red Flag Law was strengthened by expanding the number of people who have the right to trigger an ERPO investigation and growing the list of professionals who are empowered to intervene. This list includes medical professionals. These changes will go into effect on July 1. For more information about the updated Red Flag Law, visit this link.
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CT Paid Family Leave Notification Requirement
- Requires medical practices to notify their employees - at the time of hiring and every year thereafter - about their entitlement to family and medical leave and family violence leave. The law also prohibits employer retaliation against an employee for requesting, applying for, or using family medical leave
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For more information, or to submit a claim, click here
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RESERVE THE EVENING
Physician Social, Award Ceremony and Entertainment
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
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1555 Asylum Avenue
West Hartford, CT
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Details to Follow
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Invitation to Participate in a Quinnipiac University Research Study on Diaper Need Screening
We are conducting a brief online research study examining if/how local healthcare providers in CT screen for diaper need (i.e., when families do not have enough diapers to keep their baby/toddler clean and healthy).
We are looking for primary care healthcare providers who have regular patient contact with families of infants and/or toddlers (e.g., pediatrics, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, etc.) to complete this survey.
You may access the brief online survey by clicking on this link:
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In Need of a Donated EKG Machine
A start-up medical assistant and phlebotomy training program in Connecticut is in need of an EKG machine. Any model or age is acceptable.
or call 475.300.3558
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If you already sent your payment - THANK YOU!
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TIME TO RENEW YOUR 2022 MEMBERSHIP |
HCMA is the only county organization that provides:
- Educational Opportunities
- Political Advocacy
- Medical Practice Support
- Professional Support
- Legal Assistance
- Organizational Security
- Group Discounts
Ninety percent (90%) of the medical association dues for 2022 can be deducted as a business expense.
A VOICE FOR PHYSICIANS SINCE 1792
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