How new legislation will affect you
The state’s 2022 regular Legislative Session resulted in significant policy victories for Florida physicians, which you can read about in the FMA’s legislative summary. Interested in becoming more involved with the HCMA's legislative activities? Consider serving on HCMA's political action committee, HILLPAC, the HCMA's Government Affairs Committee, traveling to Tallahassee during the legislative session to meet with legislators and their staff concerning medically-related bills, or serve as a delegate to the FMA to assist in creating resolutions relating to legislative and policy issues that are presented each year to the FMA House of Delegates during the Annual Meeting. For more information about these opportunities, please contact Elke Lubin, HCMA Executive Assistant.
Physicians get relief from potential legal risks in giving minors emergency care
Last year’s Parents' Bill of Rights law specifically made it a misdemeanor of the first degree in Florida for physicians and other healthcare providers to provide emergency medical services to minors in most settings without first obtaining written parental consent. Thanks the passage of HB 817 which will be effective July 1, 2022, physicians will be able to provide this care in any setting without parental consent. Read more.
Physician-led, team-based care is best for patients
The Florida Academy of Family Physicians and the FMA recently joined forces to launch The Physician Decision, a patient-focused campaign emphasizing the importance of physician-led, team-based care. The Physician Decision aims to educate Floridians about the qualifications physicians bring to their role as leader of the healthcare team so that they can advocate for themselves to receive the best care.
DEA Warning: scammers are impersonating DEA agents
Victims are losing money and personally identifiable information. DEA personnel will never contact members of the public or medical practitioners by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment, will never request personal or sensitive information over the phone, and will only notify people of a legitimate investigation or legal action in person or by official letter. Read the press release.
AMA No Surprises Act tool kit
Linked here is a second AMA toolkit to assist physicians with the payment process for certain out-of-network care under the No Surprises Act (NSA). The NSA prohibits surprise billing for emergency care and some nonemergency care at in-network facilities. The law and implementing regulations have established a process to determine payment for physicians and other providers that includes an Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process. As we are still awaiting additional federal guidance on the IDR process, this toolkit will be updated when new information is available. Additionally, updated information can be found here on the AMA-AHA lawsuit over a narrow, but critical, component of the interim final rule implementing the IDR process under the NSA.
AMA STEPS Forward™: Taming the EHR playbook
The electronic health record (EHR) has profoundly changed the practice of medicine in both positive and negative ways. While most EHRs have customizable tools that can save time if used optimally, approximately 50% of a physician’s day is currently being spent on EHR and desk work. This EHR burden is a major contributor to physician burnout, and it is imperative for organizations to learn how to “tame” the EHR by implementing effective team-based care principles and system-level improvement. The AMA STEPS Forward™ Taming the EHR Playbook walks physicians and care team members through a series of practical, actionable steps to help improve efficiency, alleviate stress, and maximize the benefits of the EHR.
A year in review: Physician perspectives on Information Blocking regulations
The AMA is reaching out to better understand physicians’ experiences with Information Blocking compliance, issues physicians have encountered when requesting information from other Actors (e.g., their EHR vendors, state health information exchanges, or other providers or hospitals), and specific examples of EHR vendors preventing access to patient health information. The AMA welcomes any examples or anecdotes you wish to share. The AMA will compile, deidentify, and share your example stories with HHS officials and advocate for increased focus on information blocking practices that prevent or inhibit physician access to patient information. Please submit your example stories to Ela Cameron ela.cameron@ama-assn.org by May 16th. Please answer the following questions:
- What are your top three concerns or challenges complying with HHS’ Information Blocking regulations?
- What are the top three issues you have experienced when requesting patients’ electronic health information from another Actor, e.g., your EHR vendor, local hospital, laboratory/pharmacy, or another medical practice?
- What are the top three features/functions you wish your EHR had to help you comply with HHS’ Information Blocking regulations?
- What other information blocking issues or experiences would you like us to share with HHS?
HCMA database & website - new and improved!
In order to make use of our innovative new database and all of its features, all HCMA members need to create a password for their profile.
By setting up your profile, it will ensure that you have full access to our website in which you can update your office information, your home mailing address, RSVP to our events, pay dues, and receive all future correspondence from the HCMA.
Please follow these few simple steps to set up your profile:
- Log in to your HCMA account at www.hcma.net
- Click the orange sign-in icon located in the upper right-hand corner
- Enter your email address - IF YOU HAVE NOT CREATED A PASSWORD YET, click the "forgot password" link and follow the instructions.
- If you have any questions please contact Anni Blackwell.
Market your practice
Preparations are being made for the Summer 2022 edition of the HCMA’s Annual Membership Directory. HCMA members can enhance their listing and/or place an ad at a discounted rate. Visit HCMA.net, click on “members” and then “membership directory” to see the current edition. For advertising information in the 2022 issue, visit HCMA Membership Directory - Members' rates
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