CMA Capitol Insight: Nov. 24, 2015 CMA Capitol Insight is a biweekly column by veteran journalist Anthony York, reporting on the inner workings of the state Legislature. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ripples across the pond The terrorist attacks in Paris have reverberated through the political world, changing the tenor and tone of the American presidential contest and setting off a debate in statehouses around the country about housing Syrian refugees. Gov. Jerry Brown has said he would like to see California maintain its “traditional role as a place of asylum,” breaking with other governors who have warned that admitting Syrian refugees ... December 7, 2015 General CMA Capitol Insight, Anthony York 0 0 Comment Read More »
DWC reinstates requirement to pay lien activation fees for Workers' Compensation claims The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) recently announced that beginning November 9, 2015, the lien activation fees mandated under the Senate Bill 863 workers' compensation reforms will be reinstituted. This announcement comes in the wake of the Ninth Circuit United States Court of Appeals decision to uphold the constitutionality of the lien activation fees and subsequent dismissal of the preliminary injunction imposed as part of the Angelotti Chiropractic, Inc., et al. v. Baker, et al. case. Under this order, any affected lien claimant who files a Declaration of Readiness or appears ... December 7, 2015 General Workers' Compensation 0 0 Comment Read More »
San Bernardino County Medical Society expresses concern and condolences for shooting victims __________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Alison Elsner 909-273-6000-work, 760-413-5053-cell, aelsner@sbcms.org December 3, 2015 (San Bernardino County, CA.) – The San Bernardino County Medical Society and SBCMS President, Marti Baum, M.D., have issued the following statement in response to the shooting incident on December 2, 2015 in San Bernardino, California: “San Bernardino County Medical Society offers its heartfelt support and deepest concern for the victims and families involved in the tragic shooting incident in San Bernardino, California. We truly commend the heroic response from our local, county, state and federal law enforcement professionals as well as ... December 3, 2015 General Press Release 0 0 Comment Read More »
CMA now accepting testimony for the first batch of year-round resolutions At the close of the California Medical Association (CMA) 2015 House of Delegates last month, new governance reforms took effect. One of the most significant changes to the bylaws allow for the submission of resolutions for debate and discussion throughout the year, rather than just once a year as was previously the case. This will allow CMA to be more nimble and effective in making decisions on critical issues that are important to physicians. CMA members are wasting no time availing themselves of the new year-round resolutions process. CMA has ... November 20, 2015 CMA House of Delegates, CMA Policy 0 0 Comment Read More »
Two flu deaths confirmed by CDPH The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) last week confirmed the season's first two flu-related deaths in California—one an infant less than six months old. The deaths serve as another somber reminder that influenza can cause serious illness or death. Influenza viruses circulate at their peak levels from December to April, according to CDPH, which is urging people to get vaccinated before the flu spreads widely. “As California’s public health officer, I am saddened when the flu turns into loss of life,” said State Public Health Officer Karen Smith, M.D. “It ... November 20, 2015 General Flu, Influenza, Public Health, Department of Public Health 0 0 Comment Read More »
CMA supports ballot measure on hospital fee program to stabilize health care access for low-income residents The California Medical Association (CMA) has joined a broad coalition of health care providers and community groups in support of an initiative, the “Medi-Cal Funding and Accountability Act,” which will appear on the November 2016 ballot. The initiative would extend a critical hospital fee program in order to provide a stable source of health care funding to serve California’s most vulnerable citizens: children, seniors and low-income residents. The initiative builds on SB 239, an important and unanimous bipartisan agreement passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Jerry Brown in ... November 20, 2015 Medi-Cal Medi-Cal, Election, Political Advocacy 0 0 Comment Read More »
CMA publishes summary of new health care laws for 2016 The California Legislature had an active year, passing many new laws affecting health care. In particular, there was a strong focus on Medi-Cal, scope of practice for allied health professionals, public health and residential care facilities for the elderly. This document contains a list of the most significant new health laws of interest to physicians. The California Medical Association has published a summary of the most significant new health laws. For more details, see "Significant New California Laws of Interest to Physicians for 2016." November 20, 2015 General Legislation, Health Law Library, State Legislation 0 0 Comment Read More »
CMS changes enrollment requirements for Part D prescribers Beginning on June 1, 2016, all physicians and other providers who prescribe Medicare Part D drugs must be enrolled in Medicare or have a valid record of opting out. Failure to do so will result in a denial of the pharmacy claim or the beneficiary’s request for reimbursement. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) had originally intended to begin enforcing this regulation last June, but the agency delayed implementation to allow sufficient time for beneficiaries and Medicare Part D plans to prepare. All physicians and other prescribers who are ... November 19, 2015 Medicare Medicare, Medicare Part D, Prescription Drugs, Drug Prescribing 0 0 Comment Read More »
Have you checked your medical board profile recently? Physician profiles have been available to the public on the Medical Board of California's website since 1997, as required by Business and Professions Code sections 2027 and 803.1. The California Medical Association encourages physicians to periodically check their profiles for accuracy and to advise the board of any corrections, especially changes to their addresses of record. Making sure your information is accurate is important. Patients use the website to confirm their physician’s information. The medical board has launched a new public information campaign further encouraging patients visit the board's website ... November 19, 2015 General Medical Board of California 0 0 Comment Read More »
American Lung Association launches campaign to raise cancer awareness for women November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to bring more awareness to the disease. The American Lung Association (ALA) is launching a $10 million campaign to raise lung cancer awareness among women. Every five minutes, a woman in the U.S. is told she has lung cancer. And this year, lung cancer will kill more Americans than any other cancer. Increased attention on this disease is desperately needed, as only 1 percent of women cite lung cancer as a health risk. Lung cancer is, however, a leading cause of cancer deaths, ... November 19, 2015 General Cancer, Lung Cancer, Public Health, American Lung Association 0 0 Comment Read More »
