LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: MAFP and other primary care physician organizations rallied members this past week against House Bill 1303, a bill which would allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to practice independently of physicians after reaching a threshold of 3,600 hours. Unfortunately, we were stunned when the MS House passed the measure 78-38 on Feb. 3 without any debate. See how your House member voted.

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE: The MAFP Advocacy Committee met by phone Friday morning to discuss the progress of the bill and next steps with partner groups and individual members. As the focus moves to the Senate, physicians who have a relationship with their local senators are asked to contact them about opposition to the bill. We will continue to update members with Call to Action alerts using e-mail and texts.

KEEP THE TEAM WEB PAGE: See MAFP's Keep the Team web page dedicated to information about HB 1303 and other scope of practice bills in this year's legislative session. The page includes talking points, graphics you can download and post on social media, and more.

MISSISSIPPI TODAY INTERVIEW: On social media, MAFP has been publicizing this week's Mississippi Today Zoom video interview between Editor at Large Marshall Ramey and Dr. Luke Lampton of Magnolia. Drawing on his years of experience instructing nurse practitioners and physician assistants, Dr. Lampton discusses the physician-led team and how it ensures quality patient care. He also explains his opposition to HB 1303.

BLAST TO MEDICAL STUDENTS: MAFP has more than 500 medical student members at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine. These members received a blast e-mail this week asking them to contact their legislators. The message they were asked to convey was, "Please protect my commitment to train to give quality medical care to Mississippians."

PROFILE PHOTO FOR SOCIAL MEDIA: We urge you to use the 'Vote No' graphic on social media (pictured here). Utilize it as a profile picture or just post it to show your support. It reads "Vote No on HB 1303: Collaboration Works! Every Mississippian deserves a physician overseeing their care."

SCOPE OF PRACTICE QUOTES: MAFP is also utilizing quotes from members about scope of practice (see graphic above featuring Dr. Lampton). We welcome quotes sent to us by members. Send to Kristen Kern.

At present, we have 171 members who still need to pay their dues. Here's how to do it: Call 1-800-274-2237 or visit www.aafp.org/quickpay.

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On January 11, the Small Business Administration reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for First Draw PPP loans. The PPP is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll. First Draw PPP loans can help fund payroll costs, including benefits, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, and certain operations costs. SBA will forgive loans is all employee retention criteria are met, and the funds are used to eligible expenses. Eligible businesses must apply by March 31, 2021.

In addition, on January 13, SBA began accepting applications for Second Draw PPP loans for certain businesses who have previously received a PPP loan. Second Draw PPP loans can be used to fund the same things as First Draw loans. For most borrowers, the maximum loan amount of a Second Draw PPP Loan is 2.5x average monthly 2019 or 2020 payroll costs, up to $2 million. Borrowers must be able to demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. The application deadline is March 31, 2021.