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Fix PA Bill Passes Second Senate Committee

The Fix PA Now bill passed through a second Senate committee on March 18 with very little opposition. Read more here.

Interstate Licensure Bill Passes Two More Committees  

A bill that supports the creation of a new system to expedite the process for physicians who want to be licensed in multiple states passed through two more House committees this week. Read more here.  

Health Care Workforce Bill Progresses at Capitol

The House version of the health care workforce bill passed through two more House committees this week. Read more here.

Several Medication Bills Move in St. Paul

Bills dealing with Naloxone, the Prescription Monitoring Program and drug disposal progressed through Senate and House committees this week. Read more here.

Health Care Legislation Progress Report 

As the first committee deadline approaches on March 20, the Capitol has been abuzz with activity. Here's a quick review of health-care related legislation on a variety of topics including telemedicine, international medical graduates and vaccinations. Read more here  

Help Fix PA Now By Talking with Your Legislators   

MMA members are encouraged to talk to their legislators about medication prior authorization and why it's bad for patients during the upcoming Easter/Passover break. Read more here.

MMA Adds Its Name to SGR Push to Congress

The MMA signed on to a letter to House Speaker John Boehner urging the repeal of the failed Medicare's sustainable growth formula (SGR) before the expiration of the current payment patch on March 31. More than 750 medical societies have signed on to the letter. Visit FixMedicareNow.org for more information.   

DLI Seeks Comments on Workers' Comp Rules for Opioids

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry is seeking input regarding its proposal for permanent rules governing long-term treatment with opioid analgesic medication for workers' compensation injuries. The comment period ends at 4:30 p.m. on April 15. For more information, visit the department's rulemaking docket page

Coalition to Fix PA Continues to Grow 

Thirty-seven health care organizations have now joined the MMA-led coalition to fix medication prior authorization. The groups have lent their support and logos to fixPAnow.com, a site providing information and stories on medication prior authorization. The latest entities to join include Walgreen's and the American Medical Association, which included a letter of support from James Madara, MD, the AMA's CEO and executive vice president.

MMA Begins Leadership Nomination Process 

The nomination process for MMA's second member-wide electronic election, for 2015-16 leadership positions, is now open. Nominations from members and component medical societies for available offices will be accepted through May 16. Read more here.

Physicians Encouraged to Participate in Low-Dose Aspirin Campaign  

Primary care physicians are encouraged to prescribe low-dose aspirin to appropriate patients as part of a five-year campaign designed to prevent a first heart attack or stroke. Read more here.

Take the Choosing Wisely Pledge, Part 11   

During the first quarter of 2015, MMA News Now will highlight one test or procedure that physicians in a particular specialty should consider cutting back on. This week's focus is on Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology:

 

False or clinically irrelevant positive allergy tests for foods are common among patients. Talking with patients and parents about testing without a history consistent with potential IgE-mediated food allergy is a Choosing Wisely recommendation for allergy, asthma, and immunologic physicians. See the other nine recommendations and join your colleagues in taking the pledge to Choose Wisely.

 

All physicians are asked to take the Choosing Wisely pledge. Click here to see the pledge and who has taken it, then add your name.
Digital Rounds - The MMA Blog

Digital Rounds MMA's Blog Immediate Past President Cindy Firkins Smith, MD, is fed up with medication prior authorization. If you need to ask why just read her recent account of dealing with the frustrating, inefficient process and how her patient suffers because of it.

Minnesota Medicine

Minnesota Medicine  

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