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February 22, 2024

Registration is Open for MSD's Interim Council Meeting!

Indulge in Fine Food Prepared by Renowned Local Chef

Registration is now open for the MSD 2024 Interim Council Meeting to be held on Thursday, April 18th at the Smyrna Opera House, located at 7 W. South St., Smyrna, DE. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with sign-in and a half-hour cocktail social, followed by the Interim Council business meeting beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. As a member of MSD, this event affords you the opportunity to connect with your peers and meet new colleagues, all the while enjoying fine food and beverage at a historic Delaware location!


We have secured a wonderful catering group, led by Robbie Jester, to complement the evening’s experience. Robbie took home top honors as the winner of Netflix’s “Pressure Cooker,” squared off with and beat celebrity chef Bobby Flay, and was featured on the Food Network show “Guy’s Grocery Games.” He has also catered events for then Vice President Biden and the King and Queen of Sweden. Come enjoy great food and network with your peers!


Consider submitting a resolution. Resolutions are a vehicle to submit to Council your issues for change. Learn more about writing a resolution from the MSD Resolution Writing Guide or the brief training video developed. Resolution submission deadline is Friday, April 5th. Please email resolutions to Mary.LaJudice@medsocdel.org. Plan to attend this year!


To register go to: https://reg.planetreg.com/INTERIM2024. Absolute registration deadline is Thursday, April 11 by end of business day.

Poison Control Center Tianeptine Alert

Alert for Delaware and Pennsylvania

The Overdose Response Center is distributing Tianeptine Alerts, recently published by the Poison Control Center and the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), for your information/awareness. Substance abuse treatment professionals, clinicians, and partners should be aware of the dangers associated with the consumption of tianeptine. Incidents of poisoning and overdose have been increasing in our area, as reported to the Poison Control Center. Tianeptine, at higher doses, has opioid-like effects and can lead to similar overdoses and withdrawl. Treatment professionals and clinicians are encouraged to report suspected tianeptine cases to the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. In addition, information and insights can always be confidentially shared with the Overdose Response Center (ORC@delaware.gov or 302-255-2773).

CDC Tracks New SARS-CoV-2 Variant

BA.2.87.1 Detected in South Africa

BA.2.87.1, a new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19, was detected in South Africa by the country’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases. CDC is closely tracking this variant because of the large number of mutations when compared to previous variants. At this time, BA.2.87.1 has not been identified in clinical specimens outside South Africa. Because this is a newly emerging variant, there is not as much additional data about its potential impact. So far, the public health risk for this new variant appears low. CDC continues to track the appearance and spread of new variants around the world through national genomic surveillance. CDC is monitoring this new variant closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available. 

Vaccine Effectiveness and COVID-19

PAXCESS Patient Support Program for Those Prescribed Paxlovid

New data from CDC show that the updated (2023-2024) COVID-19 vaccines were effective against COVID-19 during September 2023 – January 2024, including against variants from the XBB lineage, which is included in the updated vaccine, and JN.1, a new variant that has become dominant in recent weeks. To estimate vaccine effectiveness of the updated COVID-19 vaccine, CDC analyzed data from the Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) COVID-19 pharmacy testing program. The protection provided by the updated vaccine was compared to not receiving an updated vaccine, regardless of a person’s infection history or the number of previous COVID-19 vaccines received. 


V-safe is one of several systems CDC uses to closely monitor the safety of vaccines in the United States. V-safe registration is now open to anyone who gets a 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine or an RSV vaccine. Participants who enroll in V-safe within 6 weeks of vaccination will receive confidential health check-ins via text message or email to share how they feel after vaccination. People can sign up for V-safe using their smartphone, tablet, or computer at vsafe.cdc.gov.


COVID-19 antiviral treatment can reduce the risks of hospitalization and death if a patient is at increased risk of getting very sick, regardless of their vaccination status. For patients prescribed Paxlovid, the PAXCESS Patient Support Program provides insurance verification, live PAXCESS support representatives who can help with program eligibility, and help with identifying financial assistance. Enrollment takes about 5 minutes. Patients can enroll online by visiting the PAXCESS website, or by phone by calling 1-877-C19-PACK (1-877-219-7225).

CDC U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report

Percent Positivity for Influenza B Increased Slightly

Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated nationally, with increases in some parts of the country. Eight flu-related deaths in children were reported for week ending February 10th, bringing the total this season to 82. CDC continues to recommend flu vaccination at this time. Learn more.

Multistate Coalition Supports PA Gun Safety Law

DE AG Jennings Co-Led Coalition

Attorney General Kathy Jennings co-led a coalition of 19 attorneys general filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit. The coalition urged the court to revisit an opinion striking down a Pennsylvania law prohibiting individuals under the age of 21 from carrying concealed weapons in public and imposing additional restrictions during declared states of emergency. Delaware, New Jersey, and Illinois were the lead states on the brief. In the brief, AG Jennings asks the full court to review a recent opinion in Lara v. Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, a lawsuit challenging a Pennsylvania law that restricts the issuance of concealed carry weapons permits to people ages 21 and up. The court’s opinion, if not corrected, will raise questions about the constitutionality of similar statutes in more than 30 other states with age restrictions on firearms access. The coalition explained in the brief that those statutes are constitutional because they are consistent with our country’s historical tradition because similar laws have existed for over 150 years. Jennings and the attorneys general argued that the opinion should be revisited because the court’s reasoning, if adopted elsewhere, could threaten the states’ ability to defend and enforce all manner of firearms regulations. 

Recommendations for State Retiree Health Care

Lt. Governor Outlines Recommendations as Chair of Subcommittee

On Monday this week, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long outlined an actionable roadmap to protect state retirees’ health care and promote fiscal sustainability during a joint House and Senate Health Committee hearing. Meeting before the House Health and Human Development Committee and Senate Health and Social Services Committee, Lt. Governor Hall-Long, chair of the Retiree Healthcare Benefits Advisory Subcommittee (RHBAS), shared findings and recommendations from the subcommittee’s inaugural report analyzing retiree health care benefits and long-term funding sustainability. The General Assembly established the subcommittee in 2023 in response to concerns about retiree health care benefits for current and retired state workers and how to address a growing unfunded liability for those benefits. Sen. Bryan Townsend and Rep. Paul Baumbach serve as vice-chairs. The Subcommittee recommendations include that the state should neither request nor consider a Medicare Advantage plan going forward. The RHBAS will continue to meet this year to further discuss the issue of retiree health care benefits and explore solutions.

Delaware Home Visiting Program

Supports Delaware Families, Children from Birth to Age 5

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and Delaware Healthy Mother & Infant Consortium (DHMIC) want families to know about the Home Visiting Program. This free voluntary service connects parents of children ages 0 to 5 with Family Support Specialists, in the comfort of their own home — or a location of their choice. Family Support Specialists discuss important topics with parents, including child development milestones, safe-sleep practices, and learning activities. They can even help families locate important resources like cribs, diapers, and car seats.

 

In 2021, there were 14,454 home visits provided statewide, including 6,008 virtual visits, supporting approximately 1,363 households in Delaware. Families who participated in the program reported experiencing the following:

  • Improved maternal and child health
  • Early detection of possible developmental delays or disabilities
  • Improvement in school readiness and achievement
  • Regular visits with health care providers
  • Lower stress levels

 

To learn more about the Home Visiting Program or share the information with a new parent you know, please visit DEThrives.com/programs/home-visiting to explore all that the program has to offer. There is also digital materials to download that can be used when communicating with your patients about the program. The digital materials also contain the Home Visiting Referral Form for health care professionals to refer patients to the home visiting program, however, potential clients can self-refer.

The Joint Commission Announces Revisions

Patient Rights, Complaint Resolution, Medical Waste Disposal

Effective July 1, 2024, The Joint Commission has approved revisions to several elements of performance for critical access hospitals (CAHs) and hospitals related to patient rights and complaint resolution. In addition, Environment of Care (EC) Standard EC.02.02.01, EP 19, has been revised for both CAHs and hospitals to clarify that organizations need to account for the disposal of regulated medical waste in their procedures. Read more.

Opportunity to Serve on the Delaware P&T Committee

Contact MSD If You Are Interested In Serving

On April 1, 2005, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) began implementing a preferred drug list (PDL). The PDL is composed of drugs that are medically appropriate and less expensive than other drugs in the same class. The drugs are chosen for inclusion on the list by a Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee (P&T Committee). The P&T membership includes clinicians from various specialty areas and includes public advocates. The P&T Committee meets to make recommendations to the Division regarding drugs to be considered for inclusion on (or deletion from) the PDL.


MSD has been asked to nominate a physician for consideration in serving on the Delaware P&T Committee. Currently, the state is looking for nominations of an oncologist, gastroenterologist, or pulmonologist to serve. However, if you are interested but do not practice in these subspecialty areas, they welcome all! The P&T Committee meets four times a year on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are three scheduled virtual meetings and one meeting in person that the committee member can either attend or otherwise participate virtually. Physician appointments are made by the Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. Terms are for three years. If you are interested, please email Mary.LaJudice@medsocdel.org and provide an updated CV. It is appreciated to receive a response by Friday, February 23th.

Premier Educational Program Partner Spotlight

MSD is pleased to highlight one of our 2024 Premier Educational Program Partners. CURI has been a part of the effort to keep our professional medical and public education programs growing through its partnership with MSD as a Premier Educational Program (PEP) Partner.


Curi (curi.com) is the premier provider of products, services, and experiences for physicians and those who support them. From professional liability and other lines of insurance, to wealth management and advisory services, the company—built by doctors for doctors—has been passionately curious about identifying new ways to meet the ever-evolving needs of physicians since it was founded as Medical Mutual Insurance Company of North Carolina in 1975. Contact—Gabe Roco, Curi’s VP of Business Development, 484 220 1644, gabe.roco@curi.com or https://curi.com/.


If you would like to become a PEP Partner, please contact Lynn Robinson, Director of Professional Education. 

AMA Pearl of the Week

Integrated Pharmacy Services

Integrating pharmacy services into your practice can help offer extra support to the clinical team and improve care. In an ambulatory care clinic environment, clinical pharmacists can help manage patients with chronic conditions and improve medication use and adherence. Pharmacists can also promote patient education, such as teaching patients with hypertension how to monitor their blood pressure at home. 


Toolkits:

Success Stories:

AMA STEPS Forward® offers a collection of engaging and interactive educational content designed to help put the joy back into medicine.

Research May Be Toughest Challenge as Medical Student

MSD Academic Channel Can Help With Publishing

David Savage, MD, PhD, says the research conducted during his MD-PhD track is the hardest thing he’s ever done. He suggests picking a mentor who has a good track record of helping students graduate and get published. Think hard about your passions and try to align your research with those passions. There are many other kinds of research besides basic science work. In other words, you can publish more easily if you’re working on questions that you care about and not just doing lab work because you think that’s what’s expected of you! Read more.


MSD can help you get published! MSD has worked with the team of the Cureus Journal of Medical Science and established a designated online "Academic Channel" for MSD on the Cureus site. We invite you to review the Medical Society of Delaware Academic Channel and consider submitting your original research, review article, case report, or technical report for publication. Guidelines to submitting articles through the MSD Academic Channel have been created to help you better understand the process and how authors are more engaged in the submission and review procedure. And it's free!

In Memoriam

Newell R. Washburn, MD

It is with sadness we share that MSD member Newell R. Washburn, MD passed away on February 4, 2024, at the age of 85. Specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, he practiced for over 25 years in Milford and then Lewes before retiring in 2007. Dr. Washburn obtained both law and medical degrees from the University of Michigan. He started medical residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Health in Florida and then relocated to Delaware to finish his residency at ChristianaCare in Newark. In his free time, Dr. Washburn could be seen running on the beach, bird-watching, horseback riding, and doing yard work. He also spent time volunteering for Delaware State Parks. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 24th at Greenwood Mennonite Church in Greenwood, with a memorial service beginning at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Delaware Hospice. Read obituary.

Safety Information and Adverse Reporting Notices

Information on Recent Product Recalls

Recall of Nordic Naturals Baby's Vitamin D3 Liquid

Nordic Naturals is voluntarily recalling one lot of Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3 Liquid, 0.76 fl. oz. (22.5 mL), 400 IU (10mcg) D3. This recall is being conducted due to a manufacturing error that resulted in an elevated level of Vitamin D3 dosage or super potent dose. The affected lot number is 234909, with an expiration date of December 2025. Prolonged use of the recalled Baby’s Vitamin D3 Liquid could potentially lead to elevated vitamin D levels, resulting in vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, frequent urination, and inability to thrive in infants.


Update for Medtronic Electromyogram Endotracheal Tubes

On Wednesday this week, the FDA provided an update to help ensure health care professionals in the operating room setting are aware of Medtronic’s follow-up customer letter for the NIM CONTACT Reinforced EMG Endotracheal Tube and NIM Standard Reinforced EMG Endotracheal Tube. The new information includes updated instructions for use and new training material on what to do when airway obstruction has occurred.


Measuring Blood Glucose Via Smartwatches, Smart Rings

On Wednesday this week, the FDA issued a safety communication warning consumers, patients, caregivers, and health care professionals of risks related to using smartwatches or smart rings that claim to measure blood glucose levels (blood sugar) without piercing the skin. These devices are different than smartwatch applications that display data from FDA-authorized blood glucose measuring devices that pierce the skin, like continuous glucose monitoring devices (CGMs). The FDA has not authorized, cleared, or approved any smartwatch or smart ring that is intended to measure or estimate blood glucose values on its own.

Hospital News

Beebe Healthcare

The Beebe Medical Foundation announced that it has received its second largest philanthropic gift in Beebe Healthcare’s 108-year history from Rocco and Mary Abessinio and their family. In recognition of this transformational gift, Beebe Healthcare will name its Rehoboth Health Campus the “Abessinio Health Campus” located on John J. Williams Highway and Warrington Road. The Abessinio Health Campus features the Specialty Surgical Hospital, Tunnell Cancer Center, Medical Arts Building, Center for Breast Health, and Beebe Outpatient Surgery Center.

ChristianaCare

ChristianaCare’s Center for Heart & Vascular Health has dramatically improved the clinical outcomes of Black patients living with heart failure and hypertension by using a digital hybrid platform that provides patients with a dedicated health coach to ensure their care plan is followed and treatment goals are achieved. Through this innovative approach, ChristianaCare achieved a significant improvement in the number of Black patients adhering to prescribed doses of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for heart failure. Approximately 32% of ChristianaCare’s heart failure patient population identify as Black, which is a higher percentage compared to the Black population nationally (12.4%). Historically, Black Americans have experienced racial disparities in heart failure treatment and experience worse patterns of adherence to guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) . Additionally, Black Americans have a 30% greater risk of death from heart disease than white Americans.

Highlight on Events

Movie Night Discussion - "They're Trying to Kill Us" stars John Lewis as he crosses the country seeking answers to why Americans of color suffer from disproportionately higher rates of chronic disease than their European American counterparts, while examining the intersections of food, disease, race, poverty, institutional racism, and government corruption. Viewing and discussion will take place at the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington, 730 Halstead Rd on Sunday, February 25th at 6:30 p.m. Download the flyer to scan the QR code to register to attend. The movie can be watched for free for the entire month of February at https://www.theyretryingtokillus.com/.

Primary care is the foundation of our health care system. Yet more and more people report not having a regular place for care. In the forthcoming second annual Primary Care Scorecard, Robert Graham Center researchers give five reasons why access to primary care is worsening. Join the Milbank Memorial Fund and The Physicians Foundation on February 28, at 12 p.m. ET, for a webinar on how the nation and the states are performing on primary care workforce, financing, training and research funding measures — and how challenges within each of these areas contribute to poor access to primary care. The Physicians Foundation's President, Gary Price, MD, will give opening remarks ahead of a panel discussion moderated by Frances Stead Sellers of The Washington Post. The panel will include:

• Rachel Block, Program Officer, Milbank Memorial Fund 

• Margaret Flinter, APRN, PhD, Vice President and Clinical Director, Community Health Centers, Inc. 

• Yalda Jabbarpour, MD, Director, The Robert Graham Center 

• Kyu Rhee, MD, President and CEO, National Association of Community Health Centers 

Register now.

The non-opioid drug xylazine has been found in the U.S. illegal drug supply and is associated with overdose deaths from fentanyl. Xylazine is not approved for use in people and can cause sedation and other adverse health effects. Plan to join the call "Overdoses Involving Xylazine Mixed with Fentanyl: Clinical and Public Health Implications" on Thursday, February 29 from 2-3 p.m. Join be clicking on this webinar link https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1606034857 and keying in the webinar ID (160 603 4857) and Passcode (432103). During this COCA Call, presenters will discuss the epidemiology of overdoses involving xylazine mixed with fentanyl, the current understanding of health risks related to these overdoses, and acute treatment strategies. Presenters will also review the state of laboratory testing, outline potential harm reduction activities, and provide an example of an ongoing public health and clinical partnership to mitigate harms from xylazine mixed with fentanyl. If you are unable to attend the live COCA Call, the recording will be available for viewing on the COCA Call webpage a few hours after the live event ends. The slide set will be available on the day of the call on the COCA Call webpage under Call Materials. Free Continuing Education (CE) will be offered for this COCA Call. Registration is not required.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will host a webinar on Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 2-3:30 p.m. ET to provide an overview of the Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) Model. The IBH Team will discuss the model’s goals, eligibility, participant types, care delivery framework, and payment structure. The team will also provide additional details on the application process, timeline, and resources. The IBH Model’s goal is to improve the quality of care and health outcomes for people with moderate to severe behavioral health conditions, including mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders. The model will test a value-based payment approach that enables community-based behavioral health practices to integrate behavioral health care with physical health needs and health-related social needs. Please feel free to submit questions in advance via the registration form linked below. Registration is now open. Following the event, presentation materials will be available on the IBH Model webpage. Please contact the IBH Help Desk at IBHModel@cms.hhs.gov with questions. To stay up to date on upcoming model announcements, events, and resources, join the IBH listserv by visiting the IBH Model webpage.

In celebration of Black History Month, Advocates of the Roundtable is hosting a virtual event that promises to be insightful and engaging on Thursday, February 29 from 6-8 p.m. Chief Diversity Officer of the State of Delaware, Richard Potter, will lead an engaging conversation focused on the vital topics of cultural competence and inclusion. Fostering understanding and inclusivity is essential in efforts to support individuals with disabilities from all backgrounds. The event is free to attend, but registration is required.

Most clinicians agree that serious illness conversations are a critical part of their practice, yet few have formal training. ChristianaCare presents, "VitalTalk: Navigating Serious Conversions" presented in-person and virtually. Clinicians (physicians, ACPs) who care for seriously ill patients in any setting are welcome to attend. The small group facilitated trainings are evidence-based and improve your likelihood and ability to have serious illness conversations while making these conversations less emotionally taxing through skill building and practice. Free CME is offered for all in-person and virtual courses. Courses are held in the VEST Center at the Newark campus or virtually. Dates for the in-person and virtual events are listed below. Click here to learn more and to register.

VEST Center, Newark


February 29: 12:00-4:00 p.m.

March 1: 8 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Virtually (Zoom)


May 8: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

May 8: 1:00-5:00 p.m.

MSD's Campaign for Kids Promotes the Health and Well-Being of Delaware Youth... "It's OBVIOUS!" Join MSD for a free March lecture series to address issues that impact young Delawareans on March 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the ChristianaCare John H. Ammon Medical Education Center, Newark Campus. Presentations on Obesity, Bullying, Violence, Intelligent Decisions, and Suicide Prevention. Download the flyer. For more information and to register, please visit https://reg.planetreg.com/OBVIOUS%20Lecture%20Series.

MSD's Pubs & Politics continues to be a successful way for members to spend one-on-one time with state legislators discussing important issues that affect health care across the state. Plan to attend the next Pubs & Politics session hosted by MSD, the Delaware Chapter of the American College of Physicians, and the Delaware Academy of Family Physicians at 9 E Taphouse in Dover on Tuesday, March 12 from 5:30-8 p.m. There is no charge for this event, but registration is requested. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided. This event is sponsored by MSDIS/USI and DELPAC. Please register prior to March 7th.

"What About Our Kids?" film screening and panel discussion will take place on Tuesday, March 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Cheer Center, 20520 Sand Hill Rd, Georgetown. Emmy Award winning filmmaker, Sharon Baker will present highlight reels from her new film "What About Our Kids?". Attendees will get a special preview of this must-see film featuring mental health practitioners, educators, and teens themselves directly addressing teen mental health, social media, and how the caring adults in their lives can help them. Panelists will respond and react to the film, increasing awareness and understanding by sharing their unique expertise in brain science, equity and inclusion, trauma-informed care, education, and public health and leading attendees in highly interactive discussions that encourage critical thinking, and collaborative problem solving to empower positive change. Free admission, open to all, but limited seating. Includes a light dinner. See the flyer for more information and to register.

The Division of Public Health’s Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (OIDE) now has office hours for Delaware health care providers. OIDE is hosting an accessible and informative platform for health care professionals to engage with epidemiologists and other experts to stay informed about key public health topics. The monthly “Epichat” forum is for Delaware health care professionals to learn about Delaware’s reportable diseases, ask questions, and share insights. Resources will be shared. During these meetings, OIDE will provide information and guidance on various public health topics. The Epichat series will feature online discussions with epidemiologists and subject matter experts via DPH’s One Health partnership.

 

  • Thursday, March 21 at Noon - Lyme disease's epidemiology, geographic distribution, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and tick prevention and control. Register for the Lyme Disease EpiChat


  • Thursday, April 18 at Noon - Rabies Education: How to report potential rabies exposures, when rabies post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed, and how PEP should be administered.


To receive Epichat notifications, contact Reportdisease@delaware.gov. Click to register for the March EpiChat Lyme Disease session: https://tinyurl.com/MarchLyme. For more information, contact OIDE at 302-622-4149.

Navigating AI in Health Care - Thursday, March 28 at 11 a.m. ET. Delve into the practical uses of augmented intelligence (AI) in health care with this webinar, including addressing the risks of AI, exploring its transformational potential and understanding how physicians are navigating this new technology. Learn more.

Moving Delaware Forward: From Equity Awareness to Action. Equity Action Summit will take place April 18 & 19 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. Join the ongoing movement to advance equity for all as shared stewards. The goal is to work and learn together to ensure that all people and places in Delaware are thriving - no exceptions. Over two days, gain knowledge of the vital conditions for well-being and explore multisolving to advance equity. Learn about local initiatives, find ways to build momentum, and be ready to inspire action in your communities. This is a safe space to see, support, and align equity efforts in Delaware. Closing celebration at Wilmington Blue Rocks game with fireworks. Free to everyone. Learn more and register.

Physician Employment Contract Negotiation Self-Paced, Online Program. Equip yourself with the vital business skills needed to negotiate fair and sustainable physician contracts. Enroll now to level the playing field and secure favorable outcomes for your professional partnership. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 3.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit. Discounted registration fee for MSD members and residents/fellows. For more information and to register, visit https://reg.planetreg.com/PhysicianContractNegotiation. Download the flyer.

On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 enacted a new one-time requirement which went into effect on June 27, 2023, for any Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-registered practitioner to complete eight hours of training “on the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders.” You can satisfy this training requirement to meet the conditions of the MATE Act through courses offered online by the American Medical Association. If you have not met this specific eight-hour training requirement yet, the deadline to do so is the date of a practitioner’s next scheduled DEA registration submission.

Other Upcoming Events

March 5 - 2024 State of the State Address by Governor Carney, 2:00 p.m., House of Representatives Chamber in Legislative Hall. The event will be livestreamed on de.gov/sots and on the Governor's YouTube channel.

March 9 - 28th Annual Diabetes Update, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., John H. Ammon Education Center, ChristianaCare Newark Campus. Registration deadline March 1st. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 4.75 AMA PRA Category 1 credit/4.75 ABIM MOC.

March 15 - 6th Biennial Perinatal Palliative Care Symposium: Aspects of Trauma in Perinatal Palliative Care, 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., John H. Ammon Education Center, ChristianaCare Newark Campus. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 5.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit.

March 26 - Strategies for Improving Maternal and Infant Health Due to Opioid Use, 12-1 p.m., virtual webinar. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 credit.

April 9 - SAVE THE DATE! Delaware Cancer Consortium Retreat, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Bally's Dover Casino Resort.

April 13 - SAVE THE DATE! Delaware Academy of Family Physicians Annual Meeting, Bayhealth SIM Center, Dover.

April 17 - 18th Annual Delaware Healthy Mother & Infant Consortium Summit, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Chase Center on the Riverfront.

October 29 - SAVE THE DATE! 28th Annual Delaware Healthcare Forum, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Bally's Dover Casino Resort, Rollins Center, Dover.

"Rerum Cognoscere" 

The Latin phrase Rerum Cognoscere translates to learn, examine, or become aware of facts or things. In this section, we highlight measurable items of interest in health care from MSD, Delaware, the US, and the world.

47%

Percent of US health care workers surveyed who said they witnessed discrimination against patients.

Commonwealth Fund & African American Research Collaborative Report

  52%

Percent of US health care workers surveyed who stated that racism against patients was a major problem.

Commonwealth Fund & African American Research Collaborative Report

70%

Percent of US health care workers at hospitals with a majority of Black patients said they witnessed discrimination against patients based on their race or ethnicity.

Commonwealth Fund & African American Research Collaborative Report

Sign Up for DPH Health Alerts

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) encourages you to sign up for Delaware Health Alert Notifications through the Delaware Health Alert Network (DHAN). The DHAN is an electronic notification system to health care professionals through emailing and faxing. The system is activated when a CDC HAN email message is received. The message is sent out to the distribution lists selected by DPH subject-matter experts. Learn more about Delaware's Health Alert Notification system. If you are not currently receiving health alert messages directly and would like to sign up to receive, please self-register in the Health Alert Delaware system.

Recommended Immunization Schedules, 2024



Influenza Dashboard (2023-2024 Flu Season)

Mpox Dashboard

COVID-19 Information Finder

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The information contained herein is solely informational, planned in accordance for a diverse membership audience. This communication reflects news and announcements that have been made available to MSD and is not intended to exclude other pertinent material. The content published is proposed to represent facts of interest and provide awareness to the members. MSD reserves the right to determine what information is relevant to its membership.

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