Weekly Roundup: In Case You Missed It

February 17, 2023

Add an Audiobook to Your Day, Join the Conversation


Join Dr. Hilary Worthen, Program Director of the Physician Leadership Program, and fellow physicians on April 5th at 6 pm for a rich discussion on creating psychological safety in the workplace. Reading the book of the month is not required to join the discussion, however you can access the book to read on your downtime or download the free audiobook (with the 3-month Audible trial) to enjoy on your commute or add to your daily routine by clicking here. RSVP by clicking here

Guide to New NP Classifications



AB 890 took effect January 1, creating two new classifications of Nurse Practitioners, 103 and 104 NPs. CMA published a guide to help physicians understand the new law and the minimum “transition to practice” standard for NPs seeking to apply for licensure under these classifications. 

COVID Public Health Emergency Ends on May 11


After 3 years, the Public Health Emergency due to COVID-19 is coming to an end. Read this article from Kaiser Family Foundation to understand what implications this change has on vaccines, at-home tests, PCR and rapid tests ordered/administered by a HCP, treatment, and telemedicine. 

Improving Access to COVID-19 Therapeutics



The NYT stated “Doctors are now a major barrier to Paxlovid”. There are other contributing factors such as lack of public awareness, political polarization, and misinformed patients, however, some physicians are still hesitant to prescribe. CDPH has created a Myths and Facts’ sheet for providers which may answer your questions or help answer your patients questions about treatment. If you would like to receive more information subscribe to the CDPH Weekly Therapeutics Updates for Providers.

Emergence of Candida Auris in Northern CA


Several cases of Candida auris have been popping up around California. In an effort to prevent the further spread, the CDPH Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Program recommends healthcare facilities implement the following updated infection prevention and control (IPC) and containment strategies: screen all patients from vSNF ventilator units regardless of geographic location and proactive screening in high-risk facilities is also encouraged. Read the full advisory from Napa Public Health and find the actions requested of HCPs.

Quality Payment Program Exceptions: MIPS EUC Deadline Extended



CMS has extended the deadline to file a 2022 MIPS Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances (EUC) hardship extension until March 3, 2023. The original deadline was Jan 3, 2023. If physicians feel they have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022 they may file a MIPS hardship exemption with CMS to avoid a 2024 MIPS penalty. Also part of the QPP, the Advanced Payment Model (APM) incentive payment has been extended for one additional year.

WEBINARS & EVENTS

Racial Equity Institute: Groundwater Training 

Tuesday, February 21 | 3:00 to 6:00 pm 

Hosted by the AMA | Free 

 

The Groundwater metaphor is designed to help practitioners at all levels internalize the reality that we live in a racially structured society, and that that is what causes racial inequity. The metaphor is based on three observations: 1) racial inequity looks the same across systems; 2) socio-economic difference does not explain racial inequity; and 3) inequities are caused by systems, regardless of people’s culture or behavior. Embracing these truths helps leaders confront the reality that all our systems, institutions, and outcomes emanate from the racial hierarchy, on which the United States was built. In other words, we have a “groundwater” problem, and we need “groundwater” solutions. Starting from there, we begin to unlock transformative change. 

 

Register here

Talking with Patients About COVID-19 Therapeutics 

Thursday, February 23 | 12:00 to 1:00 pm 

Free | CME Available 

 

Dr. Alex McDonald, MD, FAAFP, CAQSM, and a co-founder of #ThisIsOurShot, will discuss strategies for talking about COVID-19 treatments in clinical practice. He will cover recent data on therapeutics, myths & facts, and conversation methodology. 

 

Register here.

New NP Classifications – What Physicians Need to Know 

Thursday, February 23 | 12:15 to 1:15 pm 

Hosted by CMA 

 

Assembly Bill 890 (Wood), signed into law in September 2020, created two new classifications of nurse practitioners (NPs) - 103 and 104 NPs - who can perform certain functions without standardized procedures and protocols in California. The regulations implementing the bill became effective as of January 1, 2023. These regulations set the minimum standards for the law’s "transition to practice" requirements for NPs seeking to apply for licensure under these classifications. NPs can elect, but are not required, to transition to these new classifications. This webinar will provide an overview of the law and regulations, explain under what circumstances 103 and 104 NPs can practice and where, and show how this may impact physicians and patients. 

 

Register here

Guided Nature Hike

Saturday March 25, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.


Join us for a hike on Saturday, March 25, at 10 a.m. and see sweeping views of Solano County and beyond. Open to all physicians and their families at no cost, the hike will be easy to moderate in difficulty, 4-6 miles total and led by Solano Land Trust docents. The hike will take place near Rockville Rd. and Suisun Valley Rd. Free for NSMS members + 3 Guests.


Register here.

NSMS Movie Night featuring The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Friday, April 7

Century Napa Valley & XD


Bring the family along for a private screening of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Arrive before showtime to play a Super Mario Bros. quiz and win prizes! This event is free for members +3 guests. Tickets will be reserved on a first-come first-served basis. A waiting list will be generated once all tickets are claimed.


Reserve your spot.

The 2023 NSMS Awards Gala & Casino Night

Friday, May 19 | 6:00 to 9:30 pm

Eagle Vines Golf Club, American Canyon


Join over a hundred physicians, health care leaders and special guests for an evening of entertainment as we celebrate the following individuals:

  • Haroon Mojaddidi, M.D. - Physician of the Year (Solano)
  • Colleen Townsend, M.D. - Physician of the Year (Napa)
  • Karen Relucio, M.D. - Professor Emeritus
  • Eugene Eisenberg, M.D. - Lifetime Achievement



Stay after the awards ceremony to try your hand at blackjack, poker, craps and more. Gamble with complimentary chips, then turn them into raffle tickets for a shot at great prizes. Past raffle prizes have included hot air balloon rides, SF Giants and Golden State Warriors memorabilia, wine train dinners, golf rounds, and more. This event is free for NSMS members +1 guest.


Register here.

Health IT: Powering Value-Based Care 

Monday, May 22 | 9:00 am to 4:00 pm 

Sacramento, CA | Free for CMA members 

 

Save the date for CMA’s first annual healt IT conference. The conference will bring together thought leaders from across California and the nation to explore the intersection of technology and payment reform. CMA expects a diverse set of attendees that will include physicians, medical groups and IPAs, health plans, health information organizations (HIOs) and others who will take the learnings from this conference to change how care is delivered in this state. 

 

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.