The Medical Society of DC has joined with the American Medical Association and American Osteopathic Association as a named plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Federal Trade Commission to enjoin the "Red Flag Rules" currently required for physicians' medical practices.  The was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on Friday, May 21st, and prepared by the AMA's Litigation Center.
     In 2003, Congress amended the Consumer Credit Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681m(e), to require the FTC and five other federal agencies to issue joint regulations to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft with regard to the extension of "credit" by a "creditor."  The regulations require businesses to adopt written policies to detect and prevent identity theft  and then review those policies annually to make sure they are being followed. 
     According to the FTC, physicians, who do not receive full payment for their services at or before the time they perform those services, are creditors and must comply with the statutory and regulatory requirements.  This requirement is an example of one more pointless distraction from medical practice.  The FTC has continually delayed the deadline for compliance with its regulations, resulting in a June 1, 2010 deadline.  However, this habitual delay is not an acceptable outcome.
     On November 30, 2009, the American Bar Association secured a declaratory judgment and an injunction in the DC District Court to prevent enforcement of the FTC red flags regulations against attorneys.  The FTC has appealed the ABA suit, but an encouraging precedent is set for a favorable outcome for physicians.

     The DC Department of Health (DOH) announced $2 million dollars in recommended funding for three different non-profit organizations that will establish and operate school-based health center facilities in Ballou Senior High School, Coolidge Senior High School and Anacostia Senior High School. The grants are part of the DOH initiative Live Well DC, an interagency effort to create a holistic approach to health and wellness for the District, by proactively targeting individual behaviors to prevent poor health outcomes. DOH is working with DC Public Schools (DCPS) and the Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization (OPEFM) on the construction of each health-center space, as well as the purchasing of furniture and office equipment. 
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     Registrations are being accepted.  Just contact Barbara Allen at (202) 355-9403 or allen@msdc.org to join the crew.  Registration is $60 for members, $105 for members and spouses, $50 for students/residents, and $80 for non-members.
     Hurry and register soon - if you don't make the Captain's Log before Sail Date, registration at the door will increase to $80 for members and $100 for non-members, with no member/spouse or student/resident ticket available.

      The Leadership Development/ Nominating Committee will meet soon to develop a slate of candidates for Society officers.  The election by mail ballot will occur in the fall.  Offices on the ballot will be as follows:
     All you need to do to be considered by the Leadership Development/Nominating Committee or to recommend a colleague is to complete this form and return it to us with a C.V. and that's it!
     If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Peter Lavine, MD, President at (202) 223-8600, Barbara Allen, Staff Liaison at (202) 355-9403 or allen@msdc.org, or Ed Shanbacker, Executive Vice President, at (202) 355-9401 or shanbacker@msdc.org.

Animals, Research and Alternatives Conference
A Continuing Medical Education event (Category 1, maximum 16.5 credits)
August 26-27, 2010 · Washington, D.C.
Join experts from around the world fifty years after the development of the key model for the refinement, reduction, and replacement of animals in research.
Register today at: www.researchalternatives.org.