LANSING, Mich. -  The Michigan House of Representatives Health Policy Committee heard testimony on two Maintenance of Certification (MOC) bills, House Bills 5090 and 5091. The issue of MOC has raised concerns among physicians on several levels. Requiring highly-trained doctors to take, and re-take these exams costs time and money. While studying and taking the exams, physicians are out of their offices, limiting time with patients who depend on them. 

	Bruce Wolf, DO, FAOCR, speaking before the Health Policy Committee

Many physicians and healthcare analysts maintain MOC requirements are hindering efforts towards addressing the primary care shortage. MOC requirements are considered factors in experienced physicians choosing early retirement and physicians choosing to start their careers in different states.

The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) was represented in the hearings with MOA Past President, Rep. Edward "Ned" Canfield, DO, testifying to the committee his support of HB 5090 and HB 5091. Dr. Canfield summarized the bills as providing three major benefits: 1) It will prevent requirements of Board Certification as a criterion to obtain or maintain a Michigan Medical License.

2) Insurers will be prevented from discriminating against physicians who have been Nationally Board Certified, but choose not to be re-certified in a specialty they have been trained in.

3) Requirements will be put in place so hospitals may not use the decision of a once certified physician, who chooses not to re-certify, as the sole reason to refuse hospital privileges or re-privileging. 

MOA President, Bruce Wolf, DO, FAOCR, Rep. Edward Canfield, DO, and MOA Executive Director, Kris Nicholoff

MOA President, Bruce Wolf, DO, FAOCR, spoke on behalf of the two bills. Dr. Wolf addressed a concern regarding MOC requirements being unwarranted as physicians

Rep. Edward Canfield,DO, sponsor of HB 5090 and 5091 speaking before the Health Policy Committee

have a number of areas where they are continually gaining education.

"There are a large amount of medical education opportunities in our state keep us practicing physicians on our toes," said Dr. Wolf. "When you're interacting with students and residents they keep you fresh and if you're not up to date you're going to get left way behind."

To view the details of the two bills visit the Michigan Legislature website:
HB 5090
HB 5091

> Download the testimony from Rep. Edward Canfield, DO

A panoramic shot of the captures the overflow Town Hall crowd.

DEARBORN, Mich - The MOA Luncheon & Town Hall was held as part of the 117th Annual Spring Scientific Convention. "Combating the Opioid Mortality Crisis: The Perspective from the Governor's Task Force" offered a distinguished panel of experts from the medical, legislative and law enforcement sectors for a town hall-style discussion. The event was moderated by Tim Skubick, Senior Capitol Correspondent and host of WKAR's "Off the Record," and Dr. David Neff, MOA Safe Opioid Task Force Member and Medical Consultant of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). 

The event began with a message from Michigan Lt. Governor Brian Calley, Chair of the Governor's Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force. The Town Hall format allowed interaction from the overflow crowd as Skubick managed comments and questions. The discussion offered many perspectives to cover the complex issue. But, the consensus was clear: Opioid mortality rates are now eclipsing traffic deaths as the number one cause of accidental death. 

The MOA will continue to monitor the legislative progress and offer leadership to legislators as the recommendations from the Task Force are made into policy.  

For more information and a list of resources, visit the Opioid page on the MOA website: www.domoa.org/opioids

View the YouTube video of the Lt. Gov. Brian Calley's message to the MOA Town Hall: Click HERE

Parent Information Network

The hashtags employed by the group include: #mileg, #VaccinesWork, #MIKidsHealthy, #MIVaccineVictories and #EducateThenVaccinate.

The iVaccinate campaign includes a series of letters-to-the-editor. If you would like to represent the MOA in an Op-Ed piece, contact:
Todd Ross
517/827-0615
tross@domoa.org