ASC Tax
PAOrtho also successfully killed Governor Tom Wolf’s proposed ambulatory surgical center (ASC) tax for the third straight year.
This tax would be imposed on ASC around the state and would disproportionately effect outpatient surgeries, and in particular Orthopaedic surgeries.
Opioid Legislation
PAOrtho has helped achieve a surgical exception in SB 112, which is legislation designed to impose a seven-day opioid prescribing limit.
This exception would allow Orthopaedic surgeons to maintain greater flexibility in patient care and facilitate greater convenience for our patients.
Also related to opioid abuse,
PAOrtho applied for and received a $250,000 opioid education state grant.
These funds will be used in various educational endeavors, including an Opioid Symposium at the November CME meeting in Philadelphia.
What’s next?
All in all, 2019’s first half was a tremendously successful legislative session for PAOrtho members. But we are not done.
In the fall legislative session, we will pursue prior authorization reform, a favorable Mcare coverage limits determination from Governor Wolf, and other initiatives to protect your patients and to improve your practice.
Please get engaged and be active in our advocacy and scientific events. Thank you for your continued support of PAOrtho.
Sincerely,
Asif Ilyas, MD