December 18, 2023

Bipartisan Bills signed by Gov. Whitmer doubles penalties for those who assault health care workers

On December 6, 2023, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan bills, House Bills 4520 and 4521, that will better protect health care workers on the job and incentivize more people to enter the health care workforce. The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA), along with a multitude of organizations and partners were united in supporting these bills.

"We are ecstatic that the state of Michigan has passed this legislation to protect all of us who do our jobs with heart and compassion. This shows the support our medical providers deserve, and I hope this provides piece of mind to current health care workers and those hoping to join this profession," said MOA President Andrew Adair, DO.

Now referred to as Public Acts 271 and 272 of 2023, the laws amend the Michigan penal code to increase the financial penalty for individuals — with the exception of patients receiving care — who assault health professionals or medical volunteers doing their jobs. Those who assault or assault and battery an individual face a charge of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 93 days, a fine up to $500 or both. But for victims who are health professionals or medical volunteers, the financial penalty increases to up to $1,000 under the new law.

Public Act 272 will increase the penalties for those who assault health professionals and medical volunteers with a weapon, keeping the felony punishment to a maximum prison term of four years but doubling the maximum financial penalty from $2,000 to $4,000.

The MOA would like to thank our members and followers who voiced their support for these two bills by contacting their legislators and colleagues. "I think these are commonsense bills that can help reduce violence and demonstrate to those thinking about joining a health care profession that their safety is of the utmost importance," said MOA CEO, Kris Nicholoff.

Links:

House Bill 4520

House Bill 4521

Governor's office press release

AOA and affiliates collaborates to provide information physicians can share to reduce the impact of a 2023-24 "Tridemic"

The Michigan Osteopathic Association is collaborating with the American Osteopathic Association, and several state associations, to provide information and messaging to health care providers to address vaccination hesitancy. Potential has risen to reality as hospitals are facing a "tridemic," of a triple-threat of the flu, RSV and COVID, spreading as cold weather and seasonal gatherings put more people at risk. Currently, more than 75% of pediatric hospital beds nationwide are occupied. Seniors are being hospitalized at a higher rate for respiratory illness, while flu hospitalizations are at a ten-year high.

The AOA collaboration offers information providers can share with patients and parents to better protect their families.

Toolkit links:

RSV

COVID

Social Media

Below—a familiar face to MOA members—Peter Gullick, DO, offers a quick update on the 2023-24 Flu season, the "tridemic," with his message of "health begins with you!" as part of the initiative to to reduce vaccination hesitancy.

Dr. Peter Gulick with an update on RSV, COVID and influenza for 2024

CMS Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances (EPCS) Program in CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Final Rule - Webinar on January 11, 2024

Webinar- Register Now:

CMS EPCS (Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances) Program will host a webinar on January 11, 2024, to provide an overview of the program updates starting the 2024 Measurement Year. The webinar will have a Q&A session to answer questions from attendees, as time permits.

Title: CMS EPCS Program Updates in the CY 2024 Medicare PFS Final Rule
Date: Thursday, January 11, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1840350901878869082

Questions: Please submit questions in advance, with the subject heading “EPCS Webinar Question” to EPCS@hsag.com

MOA is now accepting submissions for Spring

Scientific Research Exhibit Competition

The Michigan Osteopathic Association hosts an annual Spring Scientific Research Exhibit (SRE) during the state's largest osteopathic conference in May. The competition provides osteopathic medical students, residents, fellows and attending level physicians an opportunity to present their medical and scientific research to our profession.

The SRE event demonstrates the very best of what osteopathic medicine is and reaffirms the profession’s commitment to the advancement of science in osteopathic medicine.

MOA is now accepting submissions for the MOA Annual Spring Scientific Research Competition!

Saturday, May 18, 2024

7:30 am - 12:30 pm

Somerset Inn 2601 West Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48084

Information and link for SRE submissions

Quick Links

Long COVID

Infectious Disease Expert, Dr. Anthony Ognjan featured in Healio article on long COVID:

'Mysterious and sometimes debilitating': The complexity of managing long COVID

Do physicians receive payment from pharmaceutical companies?

Our partners at IVaccinate address that question and share reports that doctors sometimes lose money on providing vaccines.

"Are doctors paid by pharmaceutical companies to give vaccinations?"

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) releases a report that addresses the challenges faced by Foreign Trained Medical Professionals (FTMPs) in seeking licensure. FTMP Licensing Report and Recommendations

The Michigan Osteopathic Association House of Delegates (HOD) will take place Saturday, April 27, 2024. The HOD will be virtual and has been moved from the traditional Spring Convention in order to adhere to the American Osteopathic Association's HOD timeline of submitting resolutions to their HOD.

Resolutions must be submitted by February 16, 2024

The MOA relies on the support and participation of its members in shaping the health policy of tomorrow. Submitting resolutions for action directly influences the MOA advocacy agenda.

Delegates to the MOA HOD must be submitted by February 16, 2024

Even if you have never served as a delegate before, the MOA welcomes you to join at this most important event. Contact your component society to learn more about how you can be a delegate or submit resolutions.

Who Can Author and Introduce Resolutions?

Any MOA member in good standing may author a resolution; however, introduction of resolutions to the House of Delegates is limited to delegates, alternate-seated delegates, component associations, MOA Departments, Councils, or Board of Trustees. Non-delegate status members in good standing should contact their component association for assistance in identifying an appropriate channel for resolution introduction.

House of Delegates webpage

All MOA on-demand CME programs are available 24/7/365 at www.cmelearningcenter.com

MOA Learning Center delivers over 200 hours of on demand CME courses, all qualifying for AOA Category 1-A and AMA PRA Category 1-A Credit(s)^TMto help you meet state licensing requirements.

The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) values the involvement of interns and residents. The MOA Board of Trustees includes positions on the board for a student and a resident. The MOA Council of Interns and Residents (CIR) offers opportunities to learn from those before you and pass that knowledge on to those who follow. The CIR provides a network of support on issues such as physician wellness, preparing for employment, starting your practice, contract negotiation, healthcare policy and legislative advocacy.

Meetings for the CIR work around busy schedules and focus on educational and social events as well as advocacy and mentorship. Joining the CIR provides great benefits from medical school through residency.

Join the CIR

December 2023

This newsletter includes short summaries, reminders and updates for Blue Cross and BCN providers. Please visit The Record or BCN Provider News for complete newsletter editions.