As MSD provides its members with ongoing support and advocacy—in the midst of challenging times—the Mission Appeal is your opportunity to give back. Your tax-deductible donation to the 2021 Mission Appeal will support the health and wellness of our state by enabling us to:

Join MSD for a Hot Topic, virtual lecture offered to physician members and residents on Physician-Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying, Pros & Cons on Wednesday, April 7th, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm, presented by Ethicist Marvin Lee, PhD, ChristianaCare/La Salle University and Ethicist Stephen Taylor, PhD, Delaware State University/Bayhealth. The program will start with a case example presented by moderator John Goodill, MD, Chair of the MSD Committee on Ethics, followed by a Q & A session. To register.

MSD President Matthew J. Burday, DO testified in front of the House Health & Human Development Committee this week regarding HB 150, the Delaware Marijuana Control Act. Dr. Burday shared information about the significant health concerns that must be taken into account, as well as the need for substantial research into the medical effects of the drug. Dr. Burday stated the need to remove marijuana as a Schedule 1 classified drug in order to allow for much needed study and research. Read testimony. Read news coverage.

Delawareans aged 50+ can now register on the State of Delaware’s COVID-19 recently updated vaccine waiting list at vaccinerequest.delaware.gov. Invitations to vaccination events are being extended based on risk factors, including pre-existing medical conditions. In the weeks ahead, Delawareans registered on the waiting list will receive invitations for Speedway events, Curative vaccination sites and other community vaccination clinics. The number of available appointments will be contingent on vaccine supply. Read more.

The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has updated its guidance regarding Delaware’s long-term care facilities and plans for reopening for visitation. The extensive guidance was updated last week and was sent to the state’s 86 long-term care (LTC) facilities. Among other things, the guidance states LTC facilities should allow and support indoor visitation for all residents regardless of vaccination status, with certain exceptions when visitation should be limited because of a high risk of COVID-19 transmission. Read more. Read full guidance.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) in partnership with the Medical Society of Delaware recently held an operated-assisted question and answer conference call for physicians and practice managers. The call offered participants an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from DPH regarding the vaccine rollout and distribution process. If you missed the call, click here to listen.

The Medical Society of Delaware is actively involved in several COVID-19 task forces with the Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Office of the Governor. In order to keep our members current with the latest information, we are sharing the frequently asked questions DPH and Governor Carney's office fielded this week along with important answers to those questions. Please share this information broadly with your patients and contacts. Read this week's vaccine questions.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is extending access to the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for until August 15 – giving consumers additional time to take advantage of new savings through the American Rescue Plan. This action provides new and current enrollees an additional three months to enroll or re-evaluate their coverage needs with increased tax credits available to reduce premiums.

Additional savings will be available for consumers through HealthCare.gov starting April 1. These savings will decrease premiums for many, on average, by $50 per person per month and $85 per policy per month. On average, one out of four enrollees on HeathCare.gov will be able to upgrade to a higher plan category that offers better out of pocket costs at the same or lower premium compared to what they’re paying today.  Read more.

To date, the Division of Public Health has identified 17 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.7 (UK variant), in Delaware. One case of the B.1.351 (S. Africa variant) has also been identified in Delaware, along with several cases of two separate variants from California that the CDC has recently identified as Variants of Concern. Delaware also has confirmed cases of two New York Variants of Interest. Read more.

Additional demographic data on COVID-19 cases and deaths, including race/ethnicity, more age-specific data and COVID rate information by ZIP code, and information on Delaware's contact tracing efforts can be found on the Division of Public Health's My Healthy Community data portal.

Governor John Carney, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) have released the list of community testing sites throughout Delaware scheduled for next week, including pop-up and Curative trailer sites, as well as community sites hosted by New Castle County and Henrietta Johnson Medical Center. View list.

MSD's Premier Educational Partner Coverys is holding a panel discussion on Tuesday, March 30th from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. on the latest value-based care (VBC) program news and the emerging market dynamics that are driving increased provider participation. Learn what it takes to be successful in VBC models that are changing the way care is delivered and paid for and discover strategies physicians can utilize to manage and protect their downside risk and optimize the upside benefits in VBC programs. The presentation will include:

To register.

The Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) is in grave need of blood donations. According to the BBD, blood supply in the region is dangerously low with just a 3-4 day supply on hand. Blood types O+ and O- reserves are at a 1-day supply. Donors are urgently needed to help save lives. Please consider donating by making an appointment at https://www.delmarvablood.org/give-blood/.

MSD, in partnership with the Practice Management Institute, is offering a Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) course and exam June 17, 18, 24 & 25. The CMOM curriculum is a complete resource chosen by medical office professionals seeking to expand their skills and excel in a practice leadership role. Whether you are currently running a practice or want to acquire the skills to become a practice leader, the program will explain this role in detailed, easy-to-follow modules. Participants will gain a thorough foundation for managing a successful medical practice. Read more.

The Medical Society of Delaware has learned of several Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) Unemployment Insurance issues, including identity theft. MSD has been notified that scammers may target physicians and their staff. The DOL is aware of these issues and working diligently to resolve. Physicians may receive Separation Notices from the DOL for employees who have NOT filed an unemployment claim, and may actually still work for your practice. The notice lists the employee’s correct Social Security number and Reason for Separation. The employer is required to verify the employee’s dates of employment and reason for separation. It’s very important to promptly respond to the Notice by the deadline. Scammers may also use tax I.D. numbers and specific practice information.

Employees may receive a notice from the DOL stating that they qualify for a certain amount of money per week in unemployment benefits, or they may receive a Form 1099-G for 2020 for Delaware unemployment benefits they did not receive. A police report should be filed immediately for identity theft. Contact the Fraud Hotline at 302-8397 or visit https://tinyurl.com/dolfraud.

In case you needed another reason to get your COVID-19 vaccination, Krispy Kreme is sweetening the deal by giving free doughnuts to anyone with proof of vaccination. Any customer with a valid COVID-19 vaccination card will receive a free Original Glazed doughnut at participating locations nationwide. This "sweet" deal is not just a one-time offer. Vaccinated individuals can go back every single day and continue receiving free doughnuts through 2021. What a perk! Read more.

If you know someone interested in joining the Medical Society of Delaware, please contact Michelle Seymour at 302-224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org.

MSD members are afforded a seven day review period from the date of this publication to comment regarding an applicant applying for membership. Please contact Mary LaJudice at (302) 224-5183 or Mary.LaJudice@medsocdel.org with any questions or concerns.