Weekly Roundup: In Case You Missed It
March 11, 2022
COVID-19 Updates

  • Congress cuts COVID-19 response funding request by half, White House warns of consequences--supply of monoclonal antibody treatments may run out by May 

  • Solano County reports that 72% of the total population is fully vaccinated, and 49.7% have received a booster as of March 9.  

  • Napa County reports that 76.7% of the total population is fully vaccinated as of March 10. 
DHCS Removes Prior Authorization Requirement for Psychostimulants, Antidepressants

On February 6, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) revised the Medi-Cal Rx prior authorization requirement for nearly all drugs. Although the initial policy change did not include psychostimulants/antidepressants, DHCS announced on March 8 that it would temporarily waive the prior authorization requirement for that category of drugs.
CMS Extends Deadline for Physician Groups Seeking MIPS Waivers

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that physician groups, virtual groups, and alternative payment model entities—participating in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System--now have until March 31 to apply for an extreme and uncontrollable circumstances waiver due to COVID-19.
Are You Passionate About Physician Wellness?

Join us for this free online conference, offered over two half-days on April 21 and 28, where you will learn actionable strategies that can be implemented at the practice level to improve the work lives of physicians and reduce the prevalence of physician burnout. This conference will offer insights to all physicians who are passionate about restoring joy to the practice of medicine, whether you practice in a medical group, community clinic, independent practice, are part of a hospital medical staff, or residency program. Register today.
WEBINARS & EVENTS
Tuesday, March 15 | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm 
Free | Online | Sponsored by California Health & Human Services Agency 
 
The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) was created to enhance, expand and redesign California behavioral health systems for ALL children, youth and families by delivering equitable, appropriate, timely and accessible behavioral health services and supports. This event will provide an overview of the CYBHI, including goals, descriptions of initiative workstreams within departments, and stakeholder engagement plans. This program is put on by The California Health & Human Services Agency (CalHHS), in partnership with the Departments of Health Care Services, Managed Health Care, Public Health, Health Care Access and Information and Office of the California Surgeon General. 
 
Register here.
Wednesday, March 16 | 6:30 to 7:30 pm 
FREE | Hosted by the California Academy of Family Physicians 
 
All of our patients are better served by understanding that past traumatic experiences may be at the root of current health issues. Join your peers and three leading experts, to learn more about trauma-informed care principles that can enhance the physician-patient alliance, make your practice of medicine more effective, and support the well-being of your staff. 
 
Register here.
Wednesday, March 23 | SAFE Credit Union Convention Center 
Registration fee $349 | 20% Discount for CMA Members 
 
The 2022 Northern California State of Reform Health Policy Conference convenes 350 senior health care executives and health policy leaders to address the most pressing health care policy issues. The full detailed agenda is now available. This is an in-person event held in Sacramento. Secure your spot by registering here or call (425) 361-2118 if you are having trouble registering. Save 20% with promo code CMA20. 
Thursday, March 24 | 10:00 to 11:00 am 
FREE | Presented by the American Medical Association 
 
Attendees will hear from the co-authors of the AMA STEPS Forward toolkit, Denard Cummings, AMA Director of Equitable Health Systems Integration, and Rishi Manchanda, M.D., MPH, President and CEO of HealthBegins, as they provide actionable steps for advancing racial and health equity in your health care system. The toolkit offers five steps to advancing health equity for clinicians, patients, and the communities served. 
 
Register here.
Leadership Reading and Discussion Group 
Wednesday, April 6 | 6:00 to 7:30 pm  
Free | CME Available | Online  
  
Physicians are free to join any meeting of the Leadership Reading and Discussion Group; reading the book is not required. Doctor Hilary Worthen, course director of the Physician Leadership Program, facilitates the discussion group that is held on Zoom. Our next group meets on April 6 to talk about “The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life,” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander.

Email Mae Lum, Deputy Director, at mlum@accma.org to get the Zoom/videoconference link. 
Friday, May 20 | 6:00 to 9:00 pm 
Eagle Vines Golf Club, American Canyon 
 
Please join us for an evening of entertainment as we celebrate the below physicians for their achievements in medicine and enjoy dinner and a show led by the Murder Mystery Co. Free for members, plus on additional guest. Non-members may register for $125. Find the event flyer here
 
Andrea Clarke, MD | Physician of the Year | Napa 
David Danzeisen, MD | Physician of the Year | Solano 
Paul Sweigert, MD | Professor Emeritus | Napa 
 
Register here
NSMS's On-Demand Library

To access all on-demand programs, go to https://www.pathlms.com/medical-society/courses 
 
QUESTIONS/CONCERNS?
Please contact NSMS at grogers@napasolanodocs.org or (707) 255-3622with any questions or concerns you have.