More than 30 people testified for over 5 hours at the State Board of Medical Licensure public hearing Nov. 15, in response to its proposed regulations that would change opioid prescribing.

MSBML members listened to public comments from individuals, medical associations and organizations to gather information from licensees and the public before adopting final regulations. MAFP President Dr. Katherine Patterson of Indianola testified on the Academy's behalf.

	MAFP members Dr. Bill Grantham, left, and MSBML member Dr. Randy Easterling.

The proposed rules would limit the length of time opioids could be prescribed, require drug testing for chronic pain prescriptions, and require physicians to use the state's Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP). The proposal exempts in-patient care and those patients with cancer or terminal illnesses.

Dr. Patterson's testimony included a story about Mary, a real patient from her practice, and how she would be affected by the regulations. "The new regulations as proposed in Rule 1.7(k) would require Mary to undergo drug testing at each encounter. The drug testing requirement isn't specific and doesn't qualify the type of test, and could cost her from $20 - $1,500, depending on the practice," Patterson said. "An extra office visit or drug screen that isn't covered by insurance could leave [Mary] choosing between another vital medication or a meal." The jam-packed room at the MSBML meeting applauded her comments.

While addressing the board, Dr. Bill Grantham of Clinton, MAFP Board Member and MSMA President, asked for three provisions to be adopted having to do with the PMP and limiting prescriptions to 7 days. Other speakers asked the board, 'Who is the problem, and how are these proposed regulations going to fix that problem?'

	Dr. Patterson and Rep. Bomgar.

Dr. Sam Crosby of Hattiesburg, MAFP Past President, said his Hattiesburg Clinic was considering protocol changes for opioids, but paused their efforts when the MSBML proposed regulations were issued. He asked for clarifications on several items and requested that the board require a PMP only when prescribing Schedule II opioids.

Dr. Mary Currier, State Health Officer, asked the MSBML to consider collaborating with physicians to develop a  plan and find resources before they implement these major changes. She emphasized that stopping opioid prescriptions will drive patients to street drugs like heroin and fentanyl. Dr. Currier predicted a rise in HIV and Hepatitis C infections, and an increase in deaths if changes go into effect.

State Rep. Joel Bomgar of Madison agreed with Dr. Currier. He testified about opioid deaths using Centers for Disease Control data he had personally analyzed. He stressed that whenever the number of prescriptions written decreases, deaths unfortunately increase.

Following Wednesday's hearing, the MSBML met Thursday morning and delayed action on the proposed regulations. MAFP will continue to update members on the proposed changes.

Mississippi Family Physician 

Dr. Robert Smith Awarded AMA Medal

Paying your 2018 dues is easy through the American Academy of Family Physicians online dues payment service, Quick Pay.

Quick pay allows any individual (member, office staff, spouse of a member, etc.) to pay a member's dues invoice without logging in to the member's AAFP account. The only information that is required to make a payment is the member's AAFP ID number and dues invoice number. It's as simple as that.

Continue to enjoy your Academy membership benefits by remitting your payment today by visiting the AAFP website, through Quick Pay, or by calling the AAFP at 800.274.2237.  Your MAFP membership is appreciated!

The initial performance period for the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) began on January 1, but it is not too late to avoid a negative payment adjustment in 2019.  If your practice chose not to submit full or partial data before the October 2 cutoff date, you can still submit data for one quality measure, OR one improvement activity, OR the four required ACI measures and avoid the 4% negative payment penalty in 2019.

Reporting as little as one measure for one patient in the quality category of the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) by Sunday, December 31, will position you better for future value-based payments. Failure to report any data in 2017 will result in a negative 4% payment adjustment to Medicare Part B claims in 2019.

Although time is running out, you can still Pick Your Pace by testing your data system. Read a practice scenario to better understand the test option.

The Ochsner Health Network (OHN) announces the OHN Value Summit, presented by The Kinetix Group, in partnership with American Medical Group Association (AMGA) and McCann Managed Markets on December 1-2, 2017 at The Sheraton New Orleans.

 

This unique event is the first opportunity of its kind for healthcare industry decision makers to come together to explore new ideas and share best practices for delivering high-quality care in a value-based environment. The Summit will feature engaging discussions on important topics ranging from challenges and opportunities in the shift to value-based care delivery, the payer-provider relationship dynamic, and managing risk-based populations.

 

The conference is eligible for 7.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits ™ .  Some of the topics of interest include: Managing Risk-Based Populations: The Building Blocks to Success; Using Collaboration and Leadership as Tools for Success; and The Role of the Pharmaceutical & Device Industry in Value-Based Care Success.

 

The conference is scheduled on Friday, December 1, from 9 am to 5:45 pm. On Saturday, December 2, it lasts from 7 am to 1:30 pm. The Exhibit Hall will be open from 9 am to 6:45 pm Friday and 7 am to 2:30 pm on Saturday.

 

The Summit will attract administrative and clinical healthcare leaders from health systems, accountable care organizations (ACOs), hospitals, group practices, payer organizations, and life science companies throughout the US.

 

Attendees will hear from some of the country's leading voices in healthcare innovation, including:

Registration is $250.00 for non-OHN health system attendees. Get more details here , or examine the printed agenda . Online registration is available .