May 13, 2022

HRSA Extends Period 2 Provider Relief Fund Reporting Through May 18 

The deadline for providers to request to submit a late Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Reporting Period 2 report has been extended to Wednesday, May 18, at 8:59 pm PST. Providers who received one or more payments exceeding $10,000, in the aggregate, during a “payment received period” are required to report in each applicable “reporting time period.” The second reporting period spanned from July 1, 2020, thru December 31, 2020.

Submit a Nomination for CMA’s 2022-23 Councils and Committees

CMA is seeking recommendations for physicians who are interested in serving on its standing Councils and Subcommittees for 2022-2023. New appointments will begin their terms in October. Councils and committees meet as needed, with up to four meetings per year via teleconference and potentially one in-person meeting. Please note that current members who are eligible for reappointment must submit an application for the 2022-2023 term. Submit an application or nomination by Monday, June 6. 

Proposed Changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

The California Medical Association, the California Hospital Association, the Texas Medical Association, and the Texas Hospital Association are urging the U.S. Department of Education to address a significant problem that prevents certain physicians in California and Texas from participating in the PSLF program. These organizations have proposed a solution that provides a rigorous California and Texas equivalent to direct hospital employment. 

AMA Pushes for Permanent Expansion of Health Insurance Premium Tax Credits

The American Rescue Plan Act’s expanded tax credits expire on December 31, 2022. If Congress allows this deadline to pass, the lowest income enrollees could see their premiums increase from less than $1 per month to $26 per month (2,500%) while the highest income enrollees could see their premiums increase from $425 to $577 (36%). Enrollees with income above 400% FPL will no longer qualify for tax credits at all. These dramatic increases could cause once affordable coverage to become unaffordable, forcing people to drop marketplace coverage and possibly become uninsured. The AMA and other stakeholders call on Congress to make these expanded tax credits permanent, ensuring millions of low- and middle-income families continue to have access to affordable coverage in 2023 and beyond. 

AMA Files Amicus Brief on Roe v. Wade Leaked Decision

The American Medical Association and more than two dozen leading medical organizations filed an amicus brief with the high court, explaining to the justices that “abortion is safe medical care” and rightfully “a decision to be made between the patient and the physician, subject to the physician's clinical judgment and the patient's informed consent,” said AMA President, Dr. Harmon. He continues, “With deliberations underway, we strongly urge the Court to reject the premise of the draft opinion and affirm precedent that allows patients to receive the critical reproductive health care that they need.”

CMA President Issues Statement on MICRA Modernization Legislation

CMA President issued the following statement on the California Assembly's unanimous passage of AB 35: "The Assembly’s passage of AB 35 today is an immense achievement that will usher in a new era of stability around malpractice liability in California for decades to come... AB 35 is a prudent and patient focused agreement that provides long-term predictability and affordability of medical liability insurance, protects existing safeguards against skyrocketing health care costs, and will make it possible for physicians and patients to have a full and open conversation after an unforeseen outcome, leading to greater accountability, patient safety and trust.” Click here to read the full statement.

Discussing the Health Risks of Climate Change with Patients

How can we talk with our patients about the health risks of climate change without disrupting the medical visit? This important topic can be time-consuming and even controversial. This month, the ACCMA’s My Green Doctor explains an easy solution that may work well in your practice. Click here find the ACCMA discount code for free access to My Green Doctor’s resources.

Restoring Joy to the Practice of Medicine Together  

On-Demand | CME Available 

Physicians passionate about wellness from medical groups, health clinics, medical staffs, residency programs, and other physician organizations throughout the Bay Area are invited to this free online conference over two half-days on April 21 and 28. Keynote speakers are Marie Brown, MD, AMA Director of Practice Redesign; Paul DeChant, MD, Healthcare Consultant; and John Chuck, MD, Former TPMG Regional Chair for Physician Health and Wellness Leaders. Three panel discussions will cover practice improvements in action; developing evidence-based interventions; and transforming leadership for a culture of wellness.  

Register here. 

Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder Course 

Saturday, May 21 | 9:00 am to 1:30 pm 

Live Webinar Training | Hosted by the American Society of Addiction Medicine 

This 8-hour, blended course (4-hour on-demand, 4-hour live virtual) provides required education to qualify for the waiver to prescribe buprenorphine in an office-based setting and covers essential information for providers to identify, assess, diagnose, and manage patients with opioid use disorder (OUD).  The target audience for this introductory activity includes physicians who wish to obtain a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine in office-based treatment of opioid use disorders, and clinicians and healthcare team members working with providers who prescribe buprenorphine in office-based treatment of opioid use disorders. 

Register here.

Thrive, Not Survive: Why Committing to an ACO Helps Your Primary Care Organization Thrive 

Wednesday, May 25 | 12:15 to 1:15 pm 

FREE | Hosted by CMA and Aledade 

The national shift from a fee-for-service system to one based on value is speeding up, leading independent primary care practices, clinics and community health centers to explore joining an Accountable Care Organization (ACO). Too often, however, practices and primary care organizations are allowing concerns about risk, practice readiness and limited resources to get in the way of the multitude of benefits that would come from joining a physician-led ACO. This webinar will explore the three most common concerns about ACO participation - risk, readiness and resources - and examine the benefits of joining an ACO for independent primary care organizations of all sizes and types. 

Register here. 

34th Annual Virtual Conference on Physicians’ Wellbeing

Friday, July 15 | 8:00 am to 12:15 pm 

CME Available 

Presented by Riverside County Medical Association, this program is designed to assist hospitals and health care organizations comply with Title 22 Regulations on matters related to health and wellness, addiction, mental illness and behavioral issues of physicians and other health care providers. This event is endorsed by CMA. Registration is $169, with a discounted price of $50 for residents and medical students. 

Register here.