eProgress Notes / March 2019
MSMA Annual Convention Next Week! Begins Thursday!
Schedule of Events
MO HealthNet Opioid Prescription Update
MSMA physicians have continued their participation in the Opioid Policy Advisory Council with the most recent meeting March 20 in Jefferson City. Assisting MO HealthNet at this meeting were MSMA members: Drs. David Barbe, Bridget Early, Fola Fasuyi, Alex Hover, Daniel Millspaugh, and Matt Stinson.
Prior authorization for opioids may be obtained by calling 800-392-8030 option 3 or through CyberAccess. Medicaid beneficiaries need a pain related diagnosis documented every six months – down from two years. No additional refills will be allowed if a one-time authorization is granted for a prescription if MO HealthNet requested information is not subsequently submitted.
Please contact Patrick Mills if you have a specific MHD beneficiary opioid story to share.
MSMA In Favor of Senate Bill 65 - Awarding of Punitive Damages
The Missouri Senate will likely begin debate on Senate Bill 65 - Awarding of Punitive Damages/Sponsor Sen. Bill White, Joplin - this week. MSMA is in favor of this bill. This bill makes various changes to the awarding of punitive damages in all civil cases. MSMA is particularly in favor of how this bill will impact medical malpractice cases.
As a matter of public policy, professional liability policies do not cover punitive damages because society does not want to insure against egregious behaviors. Physicians are personally liable for such claims. With the adoption of the 2015 caps on non-economic damages, it has become a routine practice for some trial attorneys to include a claim for punitive damages, even in cases where such a claim is not warranted. Because the physician isn’t covered on these claims, this puts increasing pressure on defendants to settle cases.
SB 65 raises the burden for proving punitive damages claims so that an attorney must present evidence that is clear and convincing. We anticipate this will discourage future filing of unwarranted claims. In addition, the bill requires the jury to weigh such evidence, not the judge, as is presently the case.
Presently, evidence of indifference, or conscious disregard for the safety of others, can be used as a basis for punitive damages. This is a very low standard. SB 65 raises this standard and requires an intentional act, or malicious misconduct, to prove punitive damages. MSMA feels raising the bar to an intentional act more adequately reflects the purpose of punitive damages - to punish a wrongdoer.
CONTACT YOUR SENATORS ASAP AND URGE THEM TO SUPPORT THIS BILL!
>>>LOOK UP YOUR SENATOR HERE<<<
Medical Marijuana Resources
The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services is the state agency tasked with developing the administrative rules and regulations regarding implementation of the medical marijuana amendment passed by voters last November. MSMA anticipates publication of the proposed regulations late in the spring. MSMA will review and comment on the proposed regulations, which are likely to not become official until this summer. Until this occurs, no patient certifications will be issued by the state, and hence, no patient recommendations may be made by physicians. MSMA will continue to follow this issue closely and separate fact from fiction as we move closer to implementation. You can find a number of medical marijuana resources on the MSMA website.
MSMA Advocates for All Medical Specialties
While there are plenty of interesting bills to keep an eye on throughout the legislative session, MSMA’s lobbying team has identified a handful that are of particular interest to our members who specialize in dermatology: HB 383, HB 518, and SB 419. HB 383 would allow children to bring sunscreen to school and apply it without requiring a note from a physician. Sunscreen use is especially important for full day outdoor school field trips, field days, and other similar events where reapplication is necessary.
Dermatologists testified during this bill’s hearing that the majority of severe sunburns occur during childhood, so this is a crucial time to ensure that children have adequate protection to prevent their risk of skin cancer later in life.
HB 518 and SB 419 would both prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from using a tanning bed or other tanning device, regardless of parental permission. The bills would also require that a trained operator be present to assist customers at all times, that customers use protective eyewear, and that each tanning bed or device can be turned off by the customer while in use. The provisions do include an allowance for phototherapy devices prescribed by a doctor to diagnose or treat a disease or injury.
MSMA has already joined the American Cancer Society and the Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to support HB 383 (sunscreen in schools), and we plan to support HB 518/SB 419 (tanning bed ban for minors) when those bills are heard in committee as well.
MSMA & MSMA Insurance Agency Create New Insurance Partnership
We are excited to announce that MSMA is partnering with Mylo (My Lockton) to provide MSMA members with a digital one-stop shop for home and auto insurance that may be able to save you time and money. Mylo is part of Kansas City based Lockton Companies, launched in 1966 and now the world’s largest independent insurance broker.
Mylo offers:
MSMA Reaching Out and Representing You!
Watch Your MSMA Colleagues on YouTube
MSMA’s YouTube channel has more than two dozen videos featuring MSMA members from around Missouri. Watching these video testimonials, you discover how your colleagues chose careers in medicine, hear about the challenges they face every day, and learn why they find MSMA membership so valuable. Click here to get started watching and email stephen@msma.org if you’d be interested in being the subject of our next MSMA Member Spotlight video!
Schedule of Events
- View General Sessions and Speakers
- View Schedule of Events and Preliminary Program
- House of Delegates and Proposed Resolutions
- Product Theater by SHINE of Missouri - MIPS 2019: Are You Ready?
- Alliance Foundation Fundraiser Registration
- Alliance Annual Meeting Registration and Schedule
MO HealthNet Opioid Prescription Update
MSMA physicians have continued their participation in the Opioid Policy Advisory Council with the most recent meeting March 20 in Jefferson City. Assisting MO HealthNet at this meeting were MSMA members: Drs. David Barbe, Bridget Early, Fola Fasuyi, Alex Hover, Daniel Millspaugh, and Matt Stinson.
Prior authorization for opioids may be obtained by calling 800-392-8030 option 3 or through CyberAccess. Medicaid beneficiaries need a pain related diagnosis documented every six months – down from two years. No additional refills will be allowed if a one-time authorization is granted for a prescription if MO HealthNet requested information is not subsequently submitted.
Please contact Patrick Mills if you have a specific MHD beneficiary opioid story to share.
MSMA In Favor of Senate Bill 65 - Awarding of Punitive Damages
The Missouri Senate will likely begin debate on Senate Bill 65 - Awarding of Punitive Damages/Sponsor Sen. Bill White, Joplin - this week. MSMA is in favor of this bill. This bill makes various changes to the awarding of punitive damages in all civil cases. MSMA is particularly in favor of how this bill will impact medical malpractice cases.
As a matter of public policy, professional liability policies do not cover punitive damages because society does not want to insure against egregious behaviors. Physicians are personally liable for such claims. With the adoption of the 2015 caps on non-economic damages, it has become a routine practice for some trial attorneys to include a claim for punitive damages, even in cases where such a claim is not warranted. Because the physician isn’t covered on these claims, this puts increasing pressure on defendants to settle cases.
SB 65 raises the burden for proving punitive damages claims so that an attorney must present evidence that is clear and convincing. We anticipate this will discourage future filing of unwarranted claims. In addition, the bill requires the jury to weigh such evidence, not the judge, as is presently the case.
Presently, evidence of indifference, or conscious disregard for the safety of others, can be used as a basis for punitive damages. This is a very low standard. SB 65 raises this standard and requires an intentional act, or malicious misconduct, to prove punitive damages. MSMA feels raising the bar to an intentional act more adequately reflects the purpose of punitive damages - to punish a wrongdoer.
CONTACT YOUR SENATORS ASAP AND URGE THEM TO SUPPORT THIS BILL!
>>>LOOK UP YOUR SENATOR HERE<<<
Medical Marijuana Resources
The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services is the state agency tasked with developing the administrative rules and regulations regarding implementation of the medical marijuana amendment passed by voters last November. MSMA anticipates publication of the proposed regulations late in the spring. MSMA will review and comment on the proposed regulations, which are likely to not become official until this summer. Until this occurs, no patient certifications will be issued by the state, and hence, no patient recommendations may be made by physicians. MSMA will continue to follow this issue closely and separate fact from fiction as we move closer to implementation. You can find a number of medical marijuana resources on the MSMA website.
MSMA Advocates for All Medical Specialties
While there are plenty of interesting bills to keep an eye on throughout the legislative session, MSMA’s lobbying team has identified a handful that are of particular interest to our members who specialize in dermatology: HB 383, HB 518, and SB 419. HB 383 would allow children to bring sunscreen to school and apply it without requiring a note from a physician. Sunscreen use is especially important for full day outdoor school field trips, field days, and other similar events where reapplication is necessary.
Dermatologists testified during this bill’s hearing that the majority of severe sunburns occur during childhood, so this is a crucial time to ensure that children have adequate protection to prevent their risk of skin cancer later in life.
HB 518 and SB 419 would both prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from using a tanning bed or other tanning device, regardless of parental permission. The bills would also require that a trained operator be present to assist customers at all times, that customers use protective eyewear, and that each tanning bed or device can be turned off by the customer while in use. The provisions do include an allowance for phototherapy devices prescribed by a doctor to diagnose or treat a disease or injury.
MSMA has already joined the American Cancer Society and the Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to support HB 383 (sunscreen in schools), and we plan to support HB 518/SB 419 (tanning bed ban for minors) when those bills are heard in committee as well.
MSMA & MSMA Insurance Agency Create New Insurance Partnership
We are excited to announce that MSMA is partnering with Mylo (My Lockton) to provide MSMA members with a digital one-stop shop for home and auto insurance that may be able to save you time and money. Mylo is part of Kansas City based Lockton Companies, launched in 1966 and now the world’s largest independent insurance broker.
Mylo offers:
- An exclusive MSMA group discount
- Convenient shopping from multiple top-rated carriers
- A customized recommendation for your home or vehicle
- Visit choosemylo.com/MSMA or call 844-208-4544 to learn more!
MSMA Reaching Out and Representing You!
- Boone County Medical Society is hosting a multi-week seminar series designed to give physicians in training and early-career physicians practical advice that will help them manage finances in their personal lives and professional careers. The three-part series, which began on March 19, features expert speakers on the subjects of physician contracts, loan management, homebuying, asset protection, personal/professional insurance, investing for the future, saving for retirement, and IRS implications for new physicians.Kyle Claussen, Vice President of Resolve Physician Agency, discussed physician contracts during the March 19 BCMS Resident Seminar. Stephanie Rothermich, Financial Adviser with HighPointe Financial Group, shared insights on loan management techniques. Jason Corrado, Owner of Housemart Realty, focused on homebuying and when to rent vs. when to buy. The free seminars are designed for residents, fellows, and those physicians who qualify for Young Physician Section membership. Upcoming seminars are Tuesday, April 2, and Tuesday, April 16. More information is available at the Boone County Medical Society website.
- MSMA President Joe Corrado, MD, installed the Boone County Medical Society officers for 2019 at its gala on Feb. 2 in Columbia: Josh Hamann, MD, President; Alan Hillard, MD, President-elect; and board members John Pardalos, MD; Trey James, MD; Lisa Thomas, MD; and Albert Hsu, MD. Physicians who were unable to attend the ceremony but serve on the 2019 BCMS board include Laine Young-Walker, MD, BCMS Secretary/Treasurer; Amy Zguta, MD, and Kate Grossman, MD. Dr. Pardalos was honored with the BCMS Distinguished Physician Award for his work in reducing infant mortality in the Republic of Georgia. Robert Frazier, MD, was recognized with a certificate of achievement for his 50-year career as a physician. Frederick Fraunfelder, MD, was recognized for his service to the Society as the 2018 President. Former Executive Director Beverly Wilcox was honored for her nearly two decades of service to BCMS.
- The Saint Charles-Lincoln County Medical Society presented its thirteenth Doctor William Jones McElhiney Medical School Scholarship to Calli Morris, a third-year medical student at the University of Missouri - Columbia, at its December meeting. Due to collections and investment through the MSMF, SCLCMS was able to increase this year’s presentation to $7,500, and grateful that Dr. Corrado and his wife, Donna, were present for the dinner meeting.
- The Greene County Medical Society hosted its annual officer installation with a reception and dinner in February, with Dr. Corrado presenting an update on MSMA activities and swearing in the officers of the 2019 GCMS Executive Council. Matthew Stinson, MD, was presented with a plaque for his service this past year by Shannon Woods, MD, GCMS President.
- James B. Reynolds, MD, FAPA, Certified Forensic Examiner, Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Director at Northwest Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center, addressed members of Buchanan County Medical Society on March 6 regarding, “The New Medical Marijuana Law.”
- Members of West Central Medical Society had an informative meeting in February with Missouri District 126 Representative Patricia Pike and a discussion on Missouri legislature.
Watch Your MSMA Colleagues on YouTube
MSMA’s YouTube channel has more than two dozen videos featuring MSMA members from around Missouri. Watching these video testimonials, you discover how your colleagues chose careers in medicine, hear about the challenges they face every day, and learn why they find MSMA membership so valuable. Click here to get started watching and email stephen@msma.org if you’d be interested in being the subject of our next MSMA Member Spotlight video!
