March 13, 2015

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
View our profile on LinkedIn
View our videos on YouTube
Quick Links
  Links
Quick Li 
 

Senate Health Policy Committee Takes Testimony on APRN Scope of Practice Bill

The Senate Health Policy Committee heard testimony this week on Senate Bill 68, the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) scope of practice bill. The bill, which was introduced by the committee's Chairman, Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake), would define and expand the scope of practice of APRNs in Michigan. This would effectively deviate from the current healthcare model, as well as the current educational model which adheres to a health care team approach.

Sen. Shirkey chaired the committee hearings where testimony was presented by a number of concerned organizations. Testimony presented in opposition was greeted with a predictable line of questioning from the committee chair as Sen. Shirkey was eager to address the arguments against his bill while highlighting the perceived benefits of SB 68. Another hearing is scheduled for next week, but the prospect of the bill advancing for a vote in the House is still unclear.

The MOA has joined other stakeholders in maintaining that SB 68 will not solve the projected physician shortage and will jeopardize the quality of healthcare in Michigan. The MOA has been part of a social media campaign, using the hashtag: #teambasedcare on Facebook and Twitter.
The MOA is firmly against SB 68 as presented and will continue to work with other stakeholders who stand with us to. We urge our members to contact their legislators, and Gov. Rick Snyder, to voice their opposition to SB 68 as it is currently written. Visit the MOA Action Alert page to make your voice heard.

 

To register online, click here:  116th Annual Spring Convention
Medicare Updated Coverage Policy of Pneumococcal Vaccinations for Adults 65+

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated the Medicare coverage benefits to align with the 2014 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) pneumococcal vaccines guidelines recommending two different pneumococcal vaccinations [13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13) and 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)]. Effective for dates of service on or after September 19, 2014, Medicare will cover:
  • An initial pneumococcal vaccine to all Medicare beneficiaries who have never received the vaccine under Medicare Part B; 
  • A different, second pneumococcal vaccine administered one year after the first vaccine (i.e., 11 full months following the month in which the last pneumococcal vaccine was administered).

WPS (Medicare Part B payer) reimburses for dates of service on and after September 19, 2014.
For previously denied claims for service dates after September 19, 2014 file a claim adjustment.
Surviving Litigation Seminar - March 19th
The Doctors Company invites you to attend its Surviving Litigation Seminar, a complimentary workshop that will help you become a strong, active participant in your own defense-now or in the future. This seminar delivers essential tips from litigation experts to help you understand the legal process, explains how doctors can be effective in court, and teaches valuable ways of dealing with the stress of malpractice litigation. The Doctors Company designates this education activity for a maximum of 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

Exclusively endorsed by the Michigan Osteopathic Association, The Doctors Company is the nation's largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer.

Register Today
Visit www.thedoctors.com/survivinglitigation

Surviving Litigation Seminar
Thursday, March 19
Noon-4:00 PM (Lunch included)
Kellogg Center, East Lansing

Contact Julie Stratton
800.748.0465, extension 5590, or email at:  [email protected]    
Dr. Willyerd Honored at M.S.U. 
Gary Willyerd, D.O., was honored on Feb. 16 with an award for Sustained Effort toward Excellence in Diversity by the MSU Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives during its 25th annual All-University Excellence in Diversity Recognition and Awards Program. Dr. Willyerd is the MSUCOM associate dean at the Detroit Medical Center site and was one of three faculty members recognized for efforts to promote diversity across the university, Willyerd was acknowledged for his work with Detroit's Benjamin Carson High School of Science and Medicine, his support in establishing the Future DOcs program at the school and his leadership in global medicine electives through MSUCOM.

MHA Human Resources Conference

The Michigan Hospital Association (MHA) is hosting the 2015 Michigan Healthcare Human Resources Conference April 15 at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing. 
Click HERE for a PDF file with information and a registration form

Click HERE for online registration 
   


March - April - May

For more calendar events, click here 

Thank you for your continued subscription to the MOA Pulse for member news and events. If you have any news items you would like to share, or if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact:
Todd Ross
Manager of Communications
Michigan Osteopathic Association
517/827-0615