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April 29, 2021
Governor Carney Honors DPH Director
Dr. Rattay Longest-Serving State Public Health Official
Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) Director and MSD member, Karyl T. Rattay, MD, was recently honored as the longest-serving state public health official in the United States. Governor John Carney presented Dr. Rattay with an award on April 13 during the Delaware Healthy Mother and Infant Consortium’s Summit.

Dr. Rattay has served as DPH director since May 2009, leading nearly 700 employees who uphold the vision, “healthy people in healthy communities.” Under Dr. Rattay’s 12 years of leadership, DPH achieved national accreditation in 2016, completed Delaware’s first State Health Improvement Plan, and distributed guidance to improve health equity in Delaware. Dr. Rattay directs DPH’s response to public health emergencies, including the current COVID-19 pandemic as well as past events including the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic, Superstorm Sandy, Ebola virus, Zika virus, and Tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks. Since 2012, she also has helped to guide Delaware’s response to the opioid epidemic.

MSD has also recognized Dr. Rattay's dedicated work for the citizens of Delaware by honoring her with two special recognition awards (2012 and 2018) and the President's Award in 2020. Read more.
SB 120 Primary Care Bill
Thank You To All Who Made Calls And Testified
Senate Bill 120 (SB 120) reforms the Primary Care system in Delaware. As MSD noted in our recent Call to Action communication, SB 120 went before the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday, April 28th. Thanks to all who contacted members of the Senate Executive Committee and those who gave their time to testify, the bill has been released from the Senate Executive Committee and will now go to the Senate Finance Committee. Read the bill and bill progress.
2% Medicare Sequester Pay Cut Delayed Until 2022
Moratorium Was Set to Expire April 1
President Biden has signed into law a measure extending the 2% Medicare sequester moratorium that was set to expire April 1. The new moratorium extension expires on January 1, 2022. This is an important move as noted by AMA President Susan R. Bailey, MD in an op-ed published in The Hill, "In-person patient visits to physician offices plummeted last year, and physicians saw revenue drop by an average of 32%, according to an AMA survey conducted last summer. About one in every five physicians saw revenue collapse of 50% or more, and more than eight in 10 physicians said revenue still has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels." Read more.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program
Application Deadline Extended
Licensed primary care clinicians in eligible disciplines can receive loan repayment assistance through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program. In exchange for loan repayment, you serve at least two years of service at an NHSC-approved site in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). A record number of clinicians were awarded this year due to additional funding through the Biden Administration's American Rescue Plan.

The application deadline for the NHSC Loan Repayment Program has been extended through May 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Get specific details on eligibility and how to apply on the NHSC website.

Delaware operates a State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) with the Delaware Health Care Commission serving as the lead administrative entity for the program, collaborating with the U.S. Department of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the National Health Services Corps to establish program parameters and guidelines. SLRP strives to create healthier communities by recruiting and retaining quality health care professionals to practice in rural and urban settings designated as HPSAs. The program offers financial assistance for verifiable educational loans to qualified dental, behavior/mental health, and primary care professionals for a minimum of two consecutive years of full-time (40 hours per week) or half-time (20-39 hours per week) service in shortage areas across the State. Learn more about Delaware's SLRP!
Overhaul For Health Resources Board
Transitions to Advisory Board
The Delaware Health Resources Board, which operates the Certificate of Public Review that oversees applications for new health care services or facilities, has been criticized for its operations and effectiveness. The Board has an impact on which services are offered where, and what is paid for health care and health insurance. A March 2021 report recommended major structural changes to the Board.

On Tuesday, the Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee (JLOSC) approved all staff recommendations to include: continue the Health Resources Board; restructure the Board to an advisory capacity; make revisions to the statute (Board composition, quorum requirements, activities subject to review, procedures for review, review considerations, and charity care); create a utilization survey to track expenses and costs; conduct a state-wide Health Care Facility Utilization and Cost Study every five years; and submit progress reports September 1 and December 1.
Introducing the Healthy Heart Ambassador Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program
Empower Your Patients to Manage Their High Blood Pressure
The Healthy Heart Ambassador Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program (HHA-BPSM) empowers patients to manage their high blood pressure while learning ways to eat healthier and be more physically active. Through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-recommended program from the Delaware Division of Public Health, in partnership with the University of Delaware and Quality Insights, specially trained health coaches teach simple yet proven ways for patients to better manage and understand their blood pressure, increase physical activity, adopt healthier eating habits, and more.

Quality Insights has made available a Provider Flyer to learn about the HHA BPSM program, participant requirements, and program referral details, as well as providing Patient and Delaware State Employees flyers explaining program features, requirements, and contact information for participation. If you would like additional information about this program or are interested in enrolling, call (302) 208-9097 or email DHSS_DPH_HHA@delaware.gov.
Pause Lifted on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
No Known Issues of Blood Clots Reported in Delaware
After reviewing vaccine safety data, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended last week to lift the pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen single-shot vaccine. The FDA determined that the available data show that the vaccine's known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks in individuals 18 years of age and older. At this time, the available data suggest that the chance of blood clots and low platelets, also known as thrombosis-thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), occurring is very low, but the FDA and CDC will remain vigilant in continuing to investigate this risk.
Governor Carney Loosens Restrictions
High School Athletes and Restaurants To See Changes
On Tuesday the Governor announced that he amended the State of Emergency Order suspending the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) masking regulations, which will now allow high school athletes who play outside sports to take off their masks during active engaged practice or gameplay on the field, and that restaurants can serve outdoor tables of ten, previously limited to six. There was no change to the restaurant indoor dining rules. Also included in the amendment are changes to cleaning protocols reflecting the scientific community's understanding about how the virus is spread. Read the press release.
CDC Releases Guiding Principles for Fully Vaccinated People
Precautions Still Remain in Place
CDC guidance released on Tuesday indicates that fully vaccinated people can go without masks outdoors except in crowded settings and venues. The recommendations reflect the low risk of documented transmission from studies occurring outdoors. Those fully vaccinated should still maintain precautions in indoor public settings and visiting indoors with unvaccinated people at increased risk of COVID-19 by wearing a well-fitted mask.

For the purposes of this guidance, the CDC considers people fully vaccinated for COVID-19 greater than two weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or greater than two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson/Janssen). The guidance applies to COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read the updated CDC guidance.
Where Can I Get My Vaccine?
DPH Announces Walk-In Hours for Vaccines At Five Public Health Clinics
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) website helps to navigate opportunities available to receive COVID-19 vaccine. The page includes information on locations for walk-in clinics, hospital self-scheduling links, and state-coordinated events for this week.

A flyer is available from DPH that displays walk-in COVID-19 vaccination hours for DPH clinics (Spanish version of flyer). Pfizer, which is approved for use by 16 & 17 year olds, is being offered, and second dose appointments may be scheduled on-site or can be a walk-in for those as well. Read the press release on walk-in clinics.
COVID-19 Vaccine Top Questions of the Week
Important Answers to Share With Patients
The Medical Society of Delaware is actively involved in several COVID-19 task forces with the Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Office of the Governor. In order to keep our members current with the latest information, we are sharing the frequently asked questions DPH and Governor Carney's office fielded this week along with important answers to those questions. Please share this information broadly with your patients and contacts. Read this week's vaccine questions.
Delaware's Latest COVID-19 Statistics
Increase in Positive Cases
For the latest Delaware COVID-19 statistics, visit the Division of Public Health My Healthy Community data portal. Information includes Delaware's key public health metrics on confirmed cases, total deaths, number of current hospitalizations, and new admissions, as well as testing and vaccination statistics. Updates to the site are usually completed early afternoon each day.
MSD Virtual Meet and Greet Held
Virtual Events Launched for 2021
In light of the cancellation of in-person events, MSD kicked off a successful virtual member engagement opportunity on Wednesday, April 28th. MSD members were invited to participate in a Zoom meet and greet and spent the hour discussing the activities of our three most active committees. Committee Chairs, Richard W. Henderson, MD (Government Affairs Committee), John J. Goodill, MD (Committee on Ethics), Cedric T. Barnes, DO (heading up a new subcommittee on diversity under the Committee on Ethics), and Jayshree P. Tailor, MD (School Health Subcommittee) provided an overview of their respective committees, explained past accomplishments, future goals, and how each committee was supporting MSD's strategic plan. New and established physician and resident members participated in lively discussion and learned how they can become involved through committee membership.

Another similar event is being planned for September. We hope you consider this next opportunity to network with fellow colleagues and learn of the important work being done through MSD committees! Look for more information in the coming months on how to register for our next event.
MSD Health Hub Presents: Virtual Health Best Practices
CME on Telemedicine
Join MSD for a virtual telemedicine 101 presentation on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. The session is presented by Joanne C. Brice, MD, FACP, Medical Director of Telemedicine, ChristianaCare Health Services. For more information and to register. See flyer.
2021 Primary Care Provider Recruitment Conference
Recruit Medical, Dental, & Behavioral Health Providers to Your Organization
The 2021 Primary Care Provider Recruitment Conference will be held on Tuesday, May 18 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Learn new information about state and federal incentive programs such as State Loan Repayment, J-1, and National Health Service Corps; primary care, dental, and mental health workforce capacity research; feedback from medical students and resident physicians in training in Delaware; the new Graduate Medical Education programs in Southern Delaware; and provider recruitment and retention strategies to navigate in the new virtual world. Read more. Register.
In the Spotlight
Diamond State Financial Group
MSD is pleased to highlight another of its 2021 Premier Educational Partners, Diamond State Financial Group. Diamond State Financial Group helps manage MSD’s 401k Multiple Employer Plan (MEP). It was designed to help members join together for pricing, but keep practices separate for their own plan design. 
 
3 Key reasons to consider using: Reduce administrative costs, reduce administrative duties, and reduce fiduciary responsibilities. For more information.
Welcome New MSD Members
Madison R. Houff, DO, Brandywine Pediatrics, PA
MSD's Membership Department is pleased to announce the newest members of the Medical Society of Delaware. Welcome to the third oldest medical society in the country!
If you know someone interested in joining the Medical Society of Delaware, please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org.
Pending Members
Jeffery A. Beck, MD
Sirin Pandey, MD
Jacob I. Valvis, Medical Student
MSD members are afforded a seven-day review period from the date of this publication to comment regarding an applicant applying for membership. Please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any questions or concerns.
"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.
65%
Percentage of the national population age 65 and older who are fully vaccinated.


4/23/2021 White House Briefing
10,000
Approximate number of people short in census count for Delaware reaching 1 million residents.
2020 U.S. Census
20%
One in five U.S. pharmacies refuses to dispense buprenorphine.


Upcoming Events
May 3 - 58th Annual William J. Holloway Infectious Disease Symposium, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., virtual event.
May 4 - MSD Health Hub presentation, "Virtual Health Best Practices," 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., virtual event.
May 18 - Delaware Office of Primary Care, "2021 Primary Care Provider Recruitment Conference," 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
May 27 - SAVE THE DATE! MSD Practice Management & Education Session presented by SecureNetMD and MSDIS/USI, "Cyber Security," 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., virtual event.
June 15-19 - 43rd Annual Eastern Shore Medical Symposium, virtual event.
June 17, 18, 24 & 25 - Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) Course and Exam, virtual event.
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