As a direct result of the NPAA Signature Authority Legislation, the Alabama Medicaid Agency’s Provider Manual is being updated to inform providers that, effective August 01, 2018, the initial written prescription/order for home health services and certain medical supplies, equipment, and appliances must be signed and placed by the physician who develops the recipient’s written plan of care (“the ordering physician”) after the required face-to-face visit is conducted and documented by an authorized practitioner.

For more details, visit http://www.medicaid.alabama.gov/alert_detail.aspx?ID=12872

Your conference committee members are committed to providing a greater variety of sessions in pursuit of meeting the broad educational needs of our growing membership.

Here we would like to turn the “Spotlight on Saturday’s morning sessions.” Participants can earn 0.5 to 4 CEs characterized as pharmacology depending on which sessions attended.

Annual Opioids Guideline Update

The annual update on prescribing opioids will offer several presentations. Dr. Boyde Harrison will present: “2018 Opioid Prescribing: Statistics in Alabama: New Rule Proposals; and Drug Testing; Treatment of Dependency.” Dr. George C. Smith will provide an overview on: “Best Practices in Pain Management: Treatment of Acute Pain; Current Political Environment and the CDC.” Amy Wybenga will wrap the session with an overview of the process for applying for a controlled substance prescribing along with logistics of renewal. She will devote time to answer NPs questions and provide “Controlled Prescribing Pearls in Alabama.” This session meets Qualified Alabama Controlled Substances Certificate (QACSC) renewal required every two years for continuation of DEA license. Participants will be awarded 4 CMEs which translates into CEs which may be used to meet Alabama State Board of Nursing pharmacology requirements. For more details on requirements: https://www.albme.org/csapp.html

IUD Hands-on Insertion

A certificate of completion will be awarded to participants who complete 2-hour IUD insertion lab sponsored by Bayer Pharmaceuticals’ Dr. Kim Hart. Registration recommended in advance. Register Here

Formulating a Nurse Led Business

Nurse Entrepreneur: Dr. Lynn Rapsilber will provide insight on how NPs establish their own practice. According to Lynn, there is “No better time to start a nurse-led business.”

She is the co-owner of NP Business Consultants, LLC providing dissemination of information regarding reimbursement for nurse practitioner and other health care provider services. Dr. Rapsilber serves as the Chair of the Connecticut Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses. Under her leadership, full practice authority for APRNs in the state of Connecticut was attained with the passage of PA 14-12. She is the Connecticut State Representative for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Learn more about Lynn: https://www.northeastern.edu/nurseinnovation/profile/lynn-rapsilber/

Urology Update

Dr. V. Michael Bivins of the Urology Centers of Alabama whose particular clinical interest is robotics. Among the procedures he performs are robotic prostatectomy, cystectomy, both partial and radical nephrectomies, subtotal prostatectomy, female pelvic prolapse, and Urinary Reconstruction including ileal conduit and neobladders. Furthermore, Dr. Bivins also cares for patients with stone disease, erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and incontinence. He received his board certification from the American Board of Urology in 2004. He is a prolific author and has been involved in multiple clinical trials. To learn more about Dr. Bivins and services provided by the Urology Centers of Alabama: www.urologycentersalabama.com/provider/dr-michael-bivins/

Branded Presentations

A branded presentation is sponsored by Radius Pharmacology Ms. Amy Mitchell FNP, will focuses on the specialized and comprehensive management of osteoporosis with an emphasis on fragility fractures and the prevention of secondary fractures. She conducts patient evaluations, including DXA interpretations, and works with patients on healthy bone behaviors, fall risk management, and treatment oversight.

The Nurse Practitioner Alliance of Alabama (NPAA) is the professional organization that represents the State’s nurse practitioners (NPs) and students enrolled in NP programs. The mission of NPAA is to promote high quality healthcare for Alabama’s citizens. All NPs and NP students in Alabama are urged to join NPAA. For more information, visit  http://www.npalliancealabama.org.