eProgress Notes / September 2019
For more information, contact Liz Fleenor
PUNITIVES
Each year we anticipate the return of a few pieces of legislation that didn’t quite make it across the finish line during the previous session. This year we’re eager to get started bulldozing the punitive damage reform bill through the process. Last year’s effort became a victim of statistics. The Senate was only able to pass a couple of tort bills, and unfortunately, punitive damages was left on the outside looking in. In theory, it was next on the list.
That gives us hope we’ll be talking about it quite often in 2020. Last year’s bill raised the burden of proof for punitive damages so that statutory law would match case law. In addition, a few changes would have made it definite that more than just simple negligence would be required to give rise to a punitive damage claim. Adding iffy punitive damage claims on negligence cases tends to lead to quicker settlements since liability insurance doesn’t cover them. And that’s the type of behavior we need to change. We look forward to working with Sen. Bill White on this topic next year.
SPECIALTIES
Did you know that MSMA works in conjunction with numerous state and national specialty societies at the Capitol?
We do. As a matter of fact, during the interim, MSMA lobbyists and the folks that represent the state specialty societies meet on more than one occasion to talk shop and share our legislative agendas for the upcoming year. We have found that it’s very important for all of us to stick together on issues that help physicians. And at the same time, it’s nice to get input and advice on some topics that might’ve needed a second set of eyes.
Next year we’ll be working closely with the Missouri Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, the Missouri Dermatological Society, and the Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, just to name three. If you are a member of a state specialty society and are having problems with a particular issue, please reach out to us and your state specialty. We’ll team up and find a solution.
ANTI-VACCINATION
Throughout the legislative interim, we’ve been keeping an eye on anti-vaxxer activities around the country. Small but extremely vocal groups of anti-vaccine advocates have been active in California, New York, and almost every state in between. Missouri, unfortunately, is not immune to anti-vaxx propaganda and has its share of grassroots anti-vaccination advocates. Two anti-vaccination bills were proposed and defeated in the state legislature in 2019, but we expect to see more in 2020.
MSMA joined a coalition of health care organizations, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and concerned citizens to fight those bills in the legislature this year, and we’re already gearing up for a battle again next year. In addition, the MSMA lobbying team is involved with the newly-formed Missouri Immunization Coalition, a diverse group of stakeholders who know the value and public health benefits of vaccines and oppose anti-vaxxer legislation.
TANNING BEDS
As summer winds down and tans start to fade, it may be tempting for your patients to hop into a tanning bed to keep that summer glow. However, many patients don’t realize the damage they’re doing to their skin when they use those tanning devices, especially if they’re young. That’s why MSMA testified in favor of legislation that would ban tanning bed use by anyone under 18 years old. The legislation would also require trained staff members to be present at tanning facilities at all times. We expect to see and support the bill again in 2020.
PHYSICIAN OF THE DAY
Come spend a day advocating for your profession and your patients in Jefferson City! Every year from January to mid-May, MSMA members from all over the state volunteer their time and services for a day at the state capitol during the legislative session. During your visit, you’ll get to visit with your local elected officials, see the Senate and House chambers, assist legislators and their staff with minor medical ailments, and check in with MSMA’s lobbying team. It’s a great way to become more familiar with the Capitol and get more involved in physician advocacy. Sign up today at https://www.msma.org/physician-of-the-day.html or contact Heidi Geisbuhler at heidi@msma.org for more information. All specialties are welcome and encouraged to volunteer!
Each year we anticipate the return of a few pieces of legislation that didn’t quite make it across the finish line during the previous session. This year we’re eager to get started bulldozing the punitive damage reform bill through the process. Last year’s effort became a victim of statistics. The Senate was only able to pass a couple of tort bills, and unfortunately, punitive damages was left on the outside looking in. In theory, it was next on the list.
That gives us hope we’ll be talking about it quite often in 2020. Last year’s bill raised the burden of proof for punitive damages so that statutory law would match case law. In addition, a few changes would have made it definite that more than just simple negligence would be required to give rise to a punitive damage claim. Adding iffy punitive damage claims on negligence cases tends to lead to quicker settlements since liability insurance doesn’t cover them. And that’s the type of behavior we need to change. We look forward to working with Sen. Bill White on this topic next year.
SPECIALTIES
Did you know that MSMA works in conjunction with numerous state and national specialty societies at the Capitol?
We do. As a matter of fact, during the interim, MSMA lobbyists and the folks that represent the state specialty societies meet on more than one occasion to talk shop and share our legislative agendas for the upcoming year. We have found that it’s very important for all of us to stick together on issues that help physicians. And at the same time, it’s nice to get input and advice on some topics that might’ve needed a second set of eyes.
Next year we’ll be working closely with the Missouri Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, the Missouri Dermatological Society, and the Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, just to name three. If you are a member of a state specialty society and are having problems with a particular issue, please reach out to us and your state specialty. We’ll team up and find a solution.
ANTI-VACCINATION
Throughout the legislative interim, we’ve been keeping an eye on anti-vaxxer activities around the country. Small but extremely vocal groups of anti-vaccine advocates have been active in California, New York, and almost every state in between. Missouri, unfortunately, is not immune to anti-vaxx propaganda and has its share of grassroots anti-vaccination advocates. Two anti-vaccination bills were proposed and defeated in the state legislature in 2019, but we expect to see more in 2020.
MSMA joined a coalition of health care organizations, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and concerned citizens to fight those bills in the legislature this year, and we’re already gearing up for a battle again next year. In addition, the MSMA lobbying team is involved with the newly-formed Missouri Immunization Coalition, a diverse group of stakeholders who know the value and public health benefits of vaccines and oppose anti-vaxxer legislation.
TANNING BEDS
As summer winds down and tans start to fade, it may be tempting for your patients to hop into a tanning bed to keep that summer glow. However, many patients don’t realize the damage they’re doing to their skin when they use those tanning devices, especially if they’re young. That’s why MSMA testified in favor of legislation that would ban tanning bed use by anyone under 18 years old. The legislation would also require trained staff members to be present at tanning facilities at all times. We expect to see and support the bill again in 2020.
PHYSICIAN OF THE DAY
Come spend a day advocating for your profession and your patients in Jefferson City! Every year from January to mid-May, MSMA members from all over the state volunteer their time and services for a day at the state capitol during the legislative session. During your visit, you’ll get to visit with your local elected officials, see the Senate and House chambers, assist legislators and their staff with minor medical ailments, and check in with MSMA’s lobbying team. It’s a great way to become more familiar with the Capitol and get more involved in physician advocacy. Sign up today at https://www.msma.org/physician-of-the-day.html or contact Heidi Geisbuhler at heidi@msma.org for more information. All specialties are welcome and encouraged to volunteer!
