Pertinent News and
COVID-19 Updates
August 12, 2020

Pertinent News:

Hillsborough County has more than $100 million in financial assistance to assist reopened local small businesses economically damaged by the coronavirus pandemic.
Business owners across the county (including Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City) may apply for one of three programs:
 
  • For businesses with up to $3 million in annual revenueKickstart Small Business for up to $10,000 in working capital
 
  • For businesses with up to $20 million in annual revenue and

  1. hired or rehired workers since May 1, 2020Back to Work for up to $2,000 per employee in payroll incentives
  2. made coronavirus safety improvements since March 1, 2020Safe at Work Matching for up to $10,000 matching reimbursement for the cost of qualifying workplace improvements directly related to mitigating the spread of COVID-19

Quick points:
  • This is a financial assistance program, not a loan. Therefore, the funds do not need to be paid back.
  • The programs are open to sole proprietors who meet other eligibility requirements.
  • Receiving previous PPP/EIDL Relief Loan Funds for your business does not impact eligibility for County assistance.
  • Applications will be accepted through Dec. 1, 2020, or until funding is exhausted.
 
Full details on the programs, FAQs, and how to apply are available at HCFLGov.net/R3Biz. Additionally, the Hillsborough County has an Economic Recovery Grants Support Line at (888) 393-7509 to answer questions about the grants and application process.

Florida Board of Medicine defers on physician licensing fees
Citing budgetary concerns, members of the Florida Board of Medicine delayed until October a decision on a request to waive physician licensure and renewal fees for the next two years. Board of Medicine executive director Claudia Kemp said she had a conversation with a state budget official who flagged the request, which was made by Florida Medical Association. Read more.
News Service Florida, August 7, 2020

Medicaid managed-care plans to get rate increase
Plans that participate in Florida’s Medicaid managed-care market will have an average 1.5% rate increase effective Oct. 1, according to AHCA's Tom Wallace. He told state economists Thursday that the increase is less than a previously projected 2% increase.  Read more.
News Service Florida, August 7, 2020

CMS releases 2021 proposed rule for the quality payment program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) (@CMSGov) released its proposed policies for the 2021 performance year of the Quality Payment Program via the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Read more.
Health IT Answers, August 7, 2020 

FMA’s petition for declaratory statement on agenda for Board of Medicine meeting
Shortly after SB 698 (requiring written consent prior to the performance of a pelvic examination) went into effect on July 1st, the Florida Medical Association filed a Petition with the Board of Medicine seeking clarification regarding the specific requirements of the new law. The petition seeks clarification from the Board on the following issues:
  1. Does the written consent requirement for a pelvic examination apply to male patients?
  2. Does the written consent requirement apply to procedures performed on the pelvic area or when the pelvic area is touched for non-examination purposes?
  3. Is a separate written consent required each and every time a pelvic examination is performed or can the consent cover multiple examinations during the course of treatment (for example labor and delivery)?
  4. Must each and every individual health care provider be listed by name on the consent form, or can the type of provider be identified?
  5. Does the consent requirement apply to visual examinations only?
  6. What are the consent requirements in an emergency situation?
COVID-19 Updates:

Live Town Hall featuring Dr. Anthony Fauci
Tuesday, August 18, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
National anxiety about COVID-19 continues to grow and the ramifications are profound. Will our lives be changed forever? What will the next six months bring? When will children be able to go back to school? Are vaccine promises real? When will I feel safe again? Join a free Town Hall featuring the nation’s leading epidemiologist, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and a panel of frontline medical experts from the emergency room to mental health advocacy. More details here.

Florida coronavirus deaths reach new daily high
The Florida Department of Health reported the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths recorded in a 24-hour period Tuesday. Statewide, the deaths of 276 people were recorded since the Monday report. The previous daily high was 257 on July 31. The deaths were recorded since Monday's report, but may have happened days or weeks earlier. Read more.
Health News Florida, August 12, 2020

Florida to be part of CDC COVID-19 vaccine pilot
Florida, which has endured a surge of coronavirus infections this summer, will participate in a COVID-19 vaccine pilot program with the federal government. State Surgeon General Scott Rivkees said Tuesday, during a conference call with hospital officials, that Florida has been invited to be part of a federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine pilot group. Read more.
Health News Florida, August 12, 2020

Number of child coronavirus cases rise as schools begin reopening
A new report says the number of children who tested positive for the coronavirus in the United States increased by 40% in July. The review of state-level data by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Association shows the increase was largely fueled by states in the South and West, including Florida. Read more.
Health News Florida, August 12, 2020

DeSantis repeats stance on school reopenings during Riverview education roundtable
Gov. Ron DeSantis held an education roundtable at a public charter high school in Riverview Monday. There was some tension when members of the public asked questions, particularly about how Hillsborough County public schools will reopen. DeSantis said "some of this stuff is just not debatable anymore," continuing to say that kids are at lower risk for contracting the coronavirus. "Beyond that is really a policy decision about how important is it to get students back in the classroom and how you balance that with, not zero risk, but I would say low risk," he said. Read more.
Health News Florida, August 10, 2020

Governor issues emergency rules mandating that the facilities allow Department of Health officials into the buildings
Saying that there have been “multiple instances" where nursing homes and assisted living facilities have barred health officials from entering facilities, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration issued a pair of emergency rules making it clear access isn’t optional. In addition, the rules require staff members to comply with any COVID-19 testing offered by the state. Read more.
Health News Florida, August 10, 2020

What to expect with telemedicine after COVID-19
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has transformed the way healthcare practitioners and patients connect. To evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients, healthcare practitioners are increasingly using telemedicine during the pandemic. After the pandemic ends, healthcare practitioners should expect the use of telemedicine to continue. Read more.
Health IT Answers, August 10, 2020 

What is an 'essential' worker? Gov. DeSantis may broaden his definition
Gov. Ron DeSantis suggested Friday a further broadening of what constitutes an “essential” worker as he continues efforts to revive the coronavirus-staggered economy. However, bars will have to wait for bigger declines in coronavirus case numbers before they can start pouring drinks for customers again. Read more.
Health News Florida, August 9, 2020

New CPT® code for reporting COVID-19 Antigen Testing
In June, the AMA announced an update to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) that includes a new code for reporting antigen testing of patients suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The new code is intended for use as the industry standard for accurate reporting and tracking of antigen tests using an immunofluorescent or immunochromatographic technique for the detection of biomolecules produced by the SAR-CoV-2 virus. For more information you can see the press release here or visit the website
The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program provides a safe harbor for members to address life difficulties, especially during this time of uncertainty and challenges due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19.

Click below for additional
HCMA COVID-19 Resources: