Mississippi's delegation to AAFP Congress of Delegates this year was Drs. Brent Smith, Katie Patterson, Susan Chiarito and John Mitchell.

Four Mississippi family physicians represented our state this week in Philadelphia, PA, at the AAFP Congress of Delegates, held each year prior to the Family Medicine Experience (FMX). At the meeting, they evaluated resolutions, attended hearings, debated policy and took part in AAFP elections. FMX continues through this weekend.

The Mississippi delegation introduced a proposed resolution regarding payment by health insurers for medically-necessary covered benefits. Testimony was given to the Congress and it was referred to the AAFP Board of Directors for action.

Full delegates include Drs. Katie Patterson of Indianola and John Mitchell of Pontotoc, and alternate delegates are Drs. Susan Chiarito of Vicksburg and Brent Smith of Cleveland. MAFP President Dr. Bill Grantham and Executive Director Beth Embry also attended.

Delegate elections are held each summer at MAFP's Annual Meeting, staggered so that two positions are elected each year. Delegates are full voting members of the Board and serve on the Executive Committee.

Don't Miss Early Bird Registration for Fall Intensive on Opioid Prescribing

	Datz

Early bird registration runs through October 14 for the MAFP Fall Intensive: Informed Opioid Prescribing, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2, 8:30 am to 3 pm, at the Westin Jackson.

Geralyn Datz, PhD, president and clinical director of Southern Behavioral Medicine Associates in Hattiesburg, will speak  on 'Pain Psychology: What You and Your Patients Need to Know' at the day-long event. Datz's objectives include:

The 1-day seminar will feature 6 hours of controlled substance education to give physicians the education they need every 2 years to keep their DEA certificate.

Other topics include: Management of Osteoarthritis and Back Pain; Pills, Needles and Designer Drugs; Documentation for Opioid Prescribing, and Pain Management; and Opioids: Balancing Risks and Benefits. 

List of Fall Intensive Attendees as of 9/27

Note: The Registration Early Bird Deadline is October 14. Fee will be increased $50 per person as of October 15. Register now.

New CHIP Contracts Take Effect November 1

On Nov. 1, the Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) will implement new 3-year contracts for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Although DOM's coordinated care program, Mississippi CAN, includes three organizations, CHIP will continue to be administered by two vendors because it has a smaller number of members. More than 46,000 Mississippi children are currently enrolled in CHIP; however, physicians should be aware that there is o ne important change: Molina Healthcare will replace Magnolia Health as one of the two coordinated care organizations. United Healthcare Community Plan will continue to serve as the other CHIP vendor. This only applies to CHIP; all three plans will continue to participate in MississippiCAN. All CHIP beneficiaries can select which plan they want during open enrollment October through December. As always, DOM encourages physicians to enroll in all Mississippi Medicaid programs.

Recognize Your Colleagues for Their Achievements

Do you know a MAFP member who needs to be recognized for an achievement? Submit the information to Kristen Kern at MAFP so we can promote their accomplishment in the upcoming issue of The Mississippi Family Physician. 

Students at the UMMC FMIG Residency Fair included Charlie Dean, Ethan Collier, Jordan Jackson, Lane Williamson, Daulton Newman, Kaylie Bradshaw and Louise Stewart. Jewell Buckley is at right.

Building Relationships with Students at Residency Fair for UMMC

Jewell Buckley of MAFP Foundation exhibited Sept. 18 at the UMMC School of Medicine during their Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) Residency Fair along with other hospitals, residency programs and groups. Buckley will visit a similar event at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine on Oct. 11.

Amazon Smile Now Available on Your Mobile Device

If you are an AmazonSmile customer, you can now support The Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians Foundation in the Amazon shopping app on your Android device! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.

If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping App, update your App. Click here for instructions

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