MISSISSIPPI ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS
Newsletter - June 5, 2020
Hospice Bill Moves to Senate Floor After Passing Out of Committee

On Tuesday, June 2, the Senate Public Health Committee passed the MAFP-supported bill HB 1520 out of committee. HB 1520 would allow hospice medical directors to operate as they always have, providing pain management and compassionate care to patients during their final stages of life.

This bill aims to modify a regulation recently put in place by the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure (MSBML) regarding requirements for a hospice medical director issuing a controlled substance to a hospice patient. MAFP's Advocacy Committee has been working to resolve this issue through regulatory and legislative means since early 2019.

MAFP has heard from numerous members about the challenges associated with these new regulations . One of those members, Dr. Dustin Gentry of Louisville, testified Tuesday before committee members in favor of the bill, alongside MAFP President Dr. Bill Grantham. Many thanks to members who contacted Senators to let them know how the legislation would affect family physicians.

The bill now moves to the full Senate for a vote. We will update members if there is a need for phone calls on the issue.
MAFP Message to AAFP: No Dues Increase
MAFP is an advocate for you! In a letter sent to AAFP President Dr. Gary Leroy on May 27, MAFP and 32 other state chapters sent AAFP a message: Don't Raise Member Dues.
The MAFP is working with other state chapters to host a FREE webinar series to recognize that in the midst of chaos, family physicians have a unique opportunity to harness and forge their own financially-successful practice management path.

The next session is Driving Short- and Long-Term Practice Financial Success - Thursday, June 11 at 7 pm Central . Identifying missed revenue opportunities and diversifying practice revenue streams are more important than ever for practice financial stability. Two family physicians, one from Arkansas and one from New York, will discuss their experiences. There is no charge. Register Here

There will be another webinar later in the month: The Future of Family Medicine in the Post-COVID-19 World - Thursday, June 25 at 7 pm Central - Register Here

Application for CME credit has been approved by AAFP. Our thanks to Aledade ACO for working to create the webinars. Look for more information soon.

Behavioral Health Care Techniques Useful in Smoking Cessation for Patients
As family physicians know, cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the U.S. Individuals with a mental health disorder smoke at higher rates than the general population. Due to their underlying mental health disorder, these patients may have a more difficult time quitting smoking and are likely to relapse. AAFP has published information about integrating behavioral health care interventions into your practice to help this population and any patient trying to quit smoking.
William Carey Univ. College of Osteopathic Medicine Ranked #3 in Nation for Primary Care
On May 24, U.S. News and World Report published its list of medical schools that graduate the highest number of students into primary care specialties, ranking William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM) third in the nation . MAFP has 210 student members from the Hattiesburg-based WCUCOM, the state's only osteopathic medical school. Recently, 107 students graduated from WCUCOM and 78 percent of them will join primary care residency programs.
Mississippi Launches Business Grant Website
Monday, June 1, the State of Mississippi launched the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program website. Small businesses will be able to apply on the site to receive stimulus money related to the federal CARES Act. Each business applying must have less than 50 employees and must have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, plus meet other requirements. You can visit the site today and add yourself to the e-mail list to be updated when applications begin to be accepted.
Relief Fund Distributions: Money to Phyicians, Nursing Facilities
On May 22, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced relief funds totaling $4.9 billion would be distributed to skilled nursing facilities to help them combat the devastating effects of the pandemic. Each skilled nursing facility will receive $50,000, plus a distribution of $2,500 per bed. To be eligible, each SNF must have six or more certified beds. Recipients must attest they will only use payments for permissible purposes.

The CDC has published an online searchable database of providers who have received funds from the CARES Act. It lists 1,834 organizations in Mississippi along with the amount received.
Annual Scientific Assembly Moving Forward
MAFP's Board has announced to members that it is proceeding with plans to hold the 71st Annual Scientific Assembly as scheduled July 18-22 at Baytowne Conference Center in Sandestin, FL. More information can be found on the MAFP website , including CME topics, schedule, hotel reservations and registration.