Question of the Week: Medical Assistant Hourly Rates*

View insights from fellow Kids Health First practices regarding hourly rates for Medical Assistants.

In the News: Antimicrobial Resistance*

According to the WHO (World Health Organization) as published in Medscape News, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) could replace cancer as the leading cause of death by 2050. Marc Van Ranst, PhD, virologist at Rega Institute KU Leuven in Leuven, Belgium stated "While antibiotics were once miracle drugs, they have now stopped — or almost stopped — working against certain bacteria. Although we are discovering more effective therapies, bacterial infections are increasingly likely to worsen due to AMR". Ranst also stated that while "AMR primarily involves bacteria, viral infections and vaccination against them also play a role in addressing the issue." To learn more about viruses, vaccines, and resistance view a recent Medscape article.

Pertussis Cases Increasing Across the U.S.*

According to the CDC, pertussis cases continue to rise across the United States. "Preliminary data show that more than six times as many cases have been reported as of week 47 reported on November 23, 2024, compared to the same time in 2023. The number of reported cases this year is higher than what was seen at the same time in 2019, prior to the pandemic." To learn more click here. 

New HIPAA Rule Announced: Enhanced Privacy Protections for Reproductive Health Care Information*

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced a final rule to strengthen the privacy protections for reproductive health care information.

• HIPAA Privacy Rule for Reproductive Health Care: The final rule, announced on April 22, 2024, aims to enhance privacy protections for medical records and health information related to reproductive health care.
• Compliance Deadline: Health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, providers, and business associates must comply with most provisions of the rule by December 23, 2024.
• Resources and Enforcement: OCR has provided several resources on its website and YouTube channel to help the public and regulated entities understand their rights and responsibilities, and is committed to enforcing HIPAA rules.

View this document from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for more information.

Telemedicine Prescribing Flexibilities Extended*

The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) announced that the DEA and HHS have extended telemedicine prescribing abilities (first put into place January 2020), through the end of 2025. This exception allows providers to prescribe schedule II-V controlled medications. This includes “stimulants used to treat ADD/ADHD and narcotics for treatment of opioid use disorder” through telehealth visits. To learn more click here.

Kids Health First Contact Management Webinar- December 11th*

We are excited to announce a new system that allows Practice Administrators and Lead Physicians to update practice contact information in real-time. This system is now ready for use!

The application, available on the Kids Health First intranet (member page), ensures the right people receive relevant communications without requiring you to forward newsletters manually. You can assign multiple individuals to receive the content, streamlining information-sharing within your practice.

Getting Started:

• View instructions for using the application.
• Register now for an informational webinar on this application. The webinar will occur on Wednesday, December 11th, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM.

Corporate Transparency Act

Davis Butler, Esq., provided a webinar regarding the Corporate Transparency Act. This law requires that practices, no later than January 1, 2025: 

• Go to the FinCEN website and complete the registration of all owners, shareholders, officers and people who exercise control in an office should be reported as a beneficial owner, even if their ownership is not 25% or more (for example, the Practice Administrator should be reported).  
• It is better to over report versus under report as the fines are significant. 
• Completing the report online is easy and requires a few documents as noted in the attached procedure. 
• Any changes to the beneficial ownership must be updated online within 90 days of the change (like a new partner or a physician retiring). This is critical to avoid fines. 

For more information, view a reference document created by Davis Butler, Esq., regarding the Corporate Transparency Act.  

No Stress CPR Training

Are you looking for CPR training for you or your team? Would you like to offer CPR training to your practice parents hosted in a local KHF medical office or your own?

No Stress Training offers a variety of CPR training programs to suit your needs. Book your staff CPR training at our special KHF rate! View the flyer for more information.

View the latest newsletter here.

KHF Practice Administrator Meeting Recaps

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AAP Updated Refusal to Immunize Form

• Refusal to Immunize Form
• Microsoft Word template
• AAP letter for additional background on documenting refusal of recommended childhood immunizations.
• Additional provider and parent resources

Curi Webinar Recording: ADA/FMLA and Worker's Compensation

• Webinar Recording, Presentation Slides, Cheat Sheet Tool

Update on Mental Health Parity Act

Click here to access the DCH's mental health parity portal for updates and resources

DEA Regulation on Pharmacy to Pharmacy Rx Transfer

Click here for the DEA site as well as an article by Holland & Knight on this new rule.

Change HealthCare Cyberattack Updates

FDA Approves First Nasal Spray Treatment for Anaphylaxis

2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline: Outpatient Pediatric Offices

Georgia Medicaid Changes Policy on Reporting Sick Visits with Well-Visits

ADHD Medication Shortages- Letter to HHS

Drug Use in Teens: A Guide for Pediatricians

Updated Resources on Screen Time and Social Media for Children

The "AAP's Bold Stance on the Value of Pediatrics" 

Practice Administrator Contact List

Kids Health First Who to Call List

Kids Health First Intranet Page