Oversight Board Must 

Approve Opioid Regulations 

On Dec. 29, The Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure (MSBML) filed 50 pages of proposed new opioid regulations with the Secretary of State's office. These regulations reflect changes made at the board's Dec. 15 meeting, which was reported on in our Dec. 23 Newsletter.

The rules cannot go into effect, however, without the approval of the new Occupational Licensing Review Commission (OLRC).  State law essentially designates this a higher-level board to approve the actions of any board or commission overseeing an industry or profession. The three members of the board are Governor Phil Bryant. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, and Attorney General Jim Hood. The board is meets quarterly.

The MAFP Board has voted to send a letter to the OLRC on behalf of our members. MAFP will continue to update our Opioid Prescribing Page with new information.

Capitol Day 2017

We Need You! Be There March 7 

for Capitol Day in Jackson

It's hard to overstate how much family physicians are needed at the MAFP Capitol Day on Wednesday, March 7.

This week, the Mississippi Legislature convened for its 3-month session.  Although family physicians aren't introducing any specific bill this year, the visual show of strength that comes from having a Capitol full of 'white coats' cannot be underestimated.

The day kicks off with a buffet breakfast for legislators from 7 am - 12 noon in the Capitol Rotunda. MEA Medical Clinics will conduct screenings while the MAFP Foundation, Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program, and the Office of Mississippi Workforce will discuss their programs.

At the members-only luncheon, attendees will hear legislative updates from AAFP and MAFP leaders in addition to meeting in small groups with key legislators. That afternoon, MAFP will host dessert and coffee on the first floor, with caricatures and special keepsake giveaways for legislators. There is no charge for members to attend - registration is available online.

Dr. Shannon Pittman Named UMMC's Family Medicine Department Chair

Dr. Shannon Pittman has been named chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). A faculty member since 2005, Pittman is professor and former vice chair of the department. Since 2007, she has served as Residency Program Director and Medical Director. Dr. Pittman is a graduate of Tougaloo College and earned her medical degree at UMMC. She completed her family medicine residency at UMMC, served as chief resident, and received the department's highest award, the George Lally Bevill Memorial Fellowship. Dr. Pittman is an ex-officio member of the MAFP Board, the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program Commission, and the School of Medicine Promotions Committee.

This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a new data submission system for clinicians participating in the Quality Payment Program. (video above) Clinics can now submit all of their 2017 Merit-based Incentive Payment System data through one platform on the qpp.cms.gov website. Data can be submitted and updated any time before March 31, 2018. 

Dr. Alfio Rausa, Public Health Advocate, Dies at 81

Dr. Alfio Rausa died January 3, 2018. He will be remembered for his public health advocacy and his love for the Mississippi Delta. He worked tirelessly to improve the health of Mississippians during his more than 50 years of public health service.

Dr. Mary Gayle Armstrong, MAFP former president, expressed grief at his passing: " Dr. Al Rausa was a passionate public health advocate who never knew a stranger," Armstrong said. "He never stopped working on projects to improve people's lives, even through a lengthy illness.  He touched countless people who are greatly saddened to lose him, as that advocate and as a friend."

Members: Please Refer Other Specialists to be Listed in Directory

As MAFP continues to gather data for its Membership Directory , members are invited to share the Referral Contract with other physicians who may wish to be listed in the directory as preferred specialists. Feel free to forward the contract to physicians to whom you frequently refer. Listings start at only $75.