*Please note there will be no newsletter next week. We look forward to connecting with you soon.*

The Alameda County Public Health Department released an updated Health Advisory to inform clinicians about the availability of outpatient therapeutics for high-risk patients. COVID-19 therapeutics are gradually becoming more available and can be found through medical network plans and via the following two locators from HHS ASPR and HealthData.gov. 

The Biden-Harris Administration launched a nationwide Test to Treat Initiative this week so Americans can rapidly access COVID-19 treatments. The following East Bay pharmacy-based clinics are part of the initiative and currently carry both oral antivirals: 

Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act that was passed last week, telehealth flexibilities will continue for at least five months after the Biden administration declares an end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency. 

You can now place a second order of free at-home COVID test kits through USPS. Each order contains four test kits. There is a limit of two orders per household and each order must be placed separately.

As Patient Safety Awareness Week comes to a close, it is important to remember that cybersecurity is a key patient safety issue. The American Medical Association (AMA) has curated resources and tips for physicians to protect patient health records and other data from cyberattacks.

Congratulations to All New Resident Physicians 

As Match Week wraps up, we offer a warm congratulations to all the newest physician residents. CMA wants to hear from California’s medical students to hear where you will be completing your training. Whatever your specialty and wherever you end up, we’d love to see a social media post with a photo or video, using the hashtags #MatchDay2022 or #MatchedinCA. Make sure to tag @cmadocs so we can share and celebrate your accomplishments! 

State of Reform Health Policy Conference 

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. 

Racial and Health Equity: Concrete STEPS for Health Systems 

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.

Avoiding Critical Flaws in the Consent Process 

Register here. 

Leadership Reading and Discussion Group 

Email Mae Lum, Deputy Director, at [email protected] to get the Zoom/videoconference link. 

Register here. 

Restoring Joy to the Practice of Medicine Together 

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. 

2022 Family Medicine Clinical Forum 

Register here.