Collier County mental health resource center reopens: “A mental health resource center (The Sarah Ann Drop-In Center) reopened its doors Tuesday (9/1) after closing in March because of the pandemic." - Naples Daily News

Bold hopes for virus antibody tests still unfulfilled: “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Medical Association warn that antibody tests should not be used to make decisions about returning workers to the office or students to school.”- Modern Healthcare

Florida is privatizing state-run COVID testing sites: “Less than two months after state-run COVID testing sites were overwhelmed with demand amid a surge in new infections, Florida officials are turning to a single private vendor to reduce operating costs for the sites, beginning with a Broward County site at the busiest intersection in Pembroke Pines." - Tampa Bay Times

CDC tells states: Be ready to distribute vaccines on Nov. 1: "The federal government has told states to prepare for a coronavirus vaccine to be ready to distribute by Nov. 1. The timeline raised concern among public health experts about an "October surprise" — a vaccine approval driven by political considerations ahead of a presidential election, rather than science." - Modern Healthcare

AMA releases 2021 CPT code set: “The 2021 CPT code release features the first major overhaul to the codes and guidelines for E/M services in more than 25 years. The AMA has developed an extensive online resource library that includes a checklist, videos, modules, guidebooks, as well as other tools and resources to help transition to the revised E/M office visit codes and guidelines." - AMA

Community Outbreak Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Among Bus Riders in Eastern China: "In this cohort study of 128 individuals who rode 1 of 2 buses and attended a worship event in Eastern China, those who rode a bus with air recirculation and with a patient with COVID-19 had an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with those who rode a different bus." - JAMA Network

Urgent Need for Medical Professionals as Forensic Evaluators in Collier County: Due to a critical staffing shortage, the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida is seeking forensic evaluators willing to serve on a three-member guardianship examining committee (required by Florida law for each guardianship case). Free training provided. Medical professionals needed include psychiatrists, physicians, psychologists, gerontologists, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed social workers, and or people with advanced degrees in gerontology. MORE INFO. Click HERE to apply.

The CCMS Political Action Committee endorsed Lauren Melo for FL House District 80 in the recent Primary.

PPE and COVID Supply Discounts Available through CCMS Online Store: This CCMS online store with SLH Medical Supply, offers special promotions for members & friends of CCMS. Use discount code: colliercms.

Current Promotion: New customers receive 10% off, and SLH will donate 10% back to CCMS and the Foundation of CCMS from each order through the CCMS online store. To begin ordering, visit the CCMS online store, register your company and use discount code: colliercms.

-Florida COVID-19 Case Update 9/9

-Collier Comprehensive Report 9/9

-Florida Comprehensive Report 9/9

-Florida Dashboard (Collier County Total Cases as of 9/9: 12,071 )

-Collier Mask Mandate FAQs

-COVID-19 Workers' Comp Benefits

-Restrictions Lifted for Long Term Care Facilities

-Updated DOH Testing Sites

-Outpatient Practice Recommendations

More COVID updates and resources are available at ccmsonline.org/resources.

The results of the 2020 Census will inform how to allocate billions of dollars in federal funding to more than 100 programs including Medicaid, Head Start, block grants for community mental health services, and SNAP. The data will also determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and political representation at all levels of government. Participate in the 2020 Census

CCMS Private Facebook Groups: We invite members and their office staff to join a CCMS private Facebook group for discussion and collaboration during this outbreak.

We also encourage you to follow our company pages: CCMS on Facebook | Foundation of CCMS on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

The Foundation of CCMS is working to relocate and/or reschedule the tournament due to the COVID-19 precautions that will be in effect at Bonita Bay Club on Sep. 26th. Please stay tuned for new details.

TOMORROW, Sep 11, 12:00PM-1:00PM

This live webinar will feature an in-depth discussion of the rulemaking moves Florida physicians need to watch next. It will cover issues pending before the Florida Boards of Medicine, Pharmacy and Nursing, as well as the new Council on APRN Autonomous Practice. They will also discuss Florida’s new law requiring written consent for pelvic exams. Registrants can email questions ahead of time or submit questions during the webinar. REGISTER.

*Sept. 25, 9:30AM-6:30PM

These live, participatory CME sessions will help you maintain your Florida license & address key issues that affect FL-licensed physicians including domestic violence, human trafficking, controlled substance prescribing, etc. Free for FMA members, $450 for nonmembers.

Florida Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Society Free Online CME: Physicians can earn 15 CME/CE credit hours. Session One | Session Two | Complete Evaluation for Credit

Wednesdays, 5:30PM, Naples restaurant locations

Discussion and information-sharing in a small group for dinner on Wednesdays at 5:30PM, located at Naples restaurants with outdoor seating. To reserve a seat, call Dr. Marilyn Varcoe each Monday prior, (239) 398-5074.

The board of directors of the Foundation of Collier County Medical Society (FCCMS) is pleased to announce the winners of its 2020 Foundation Healthcare Scholarship awards: MaryJo Bekhash, Sydney Record, and Yesenia Stephens. Each student will receive a $4,000 scholarship.

The final tally of 2020 scholarship awards given by the Foundation is now $22,000, which also includes the $10,000 award given to Lisvet Luceno, recipient of the Foundation’s 2020 Dr. William Lascheid Memorial Scholarship for Medical Students.

The Foundation of CCMS healthcare scholarships are for students who are Florida residents enrolled or accepted into a healthcare degree program, with awards based on need, academic performance, and community involvement.

“We received scholarship applications this year from many outstanding healthcare students,” said Dr. Rolando Rivera, Chair, FCCMS board of directors. “As a Foundation we are concerned for the students whose studies have been interrupted and futures have become uncertain because of COVID-19. To that end, the main goal of this scholarship is to provide critical financial aid to future medical professionals, and to recognize their efforts.”

Seeking CARGivers for senior clients in their homes: We are a licensed agency providing companionship and personal care for our clients. Training provided, the applicant provides a caring heart and a true desire to help others! Must be 21 years of age or older. Text the word CARE to (239) 596-2050 to apply. Or visit homeinstead.com/naplesfl.

Seeking Registered Nurse Supervisor of Inpatient Services: Highly motivated RN with flexibility to meet needs of department in the Naples area for Avow Hospice Inc. Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university preferred; at least 1-3 years hospice experience preferred. Visit https://avowcares.org/careers/.

Shared Medical office space available: 2335 Tamiami Trail N # 501, Naples, FL 34103; for more information please call Dr. Warner at (239) 572-0402.

Seeking an experienced Physician Office Manager or Front Office worker: Positions are for Internal Medicine practice located mid-town Naples. If interested, please contact Kim at (239) 298-2714.

Seeking Certified Surgical First Assistant Position: Highly motivated CSFA with excellent credentials and adroit skills seeking employment in the Naples area in the medical specialty of Plastic/Facial or Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery. License / Certification #178193 – current. Contact Dennis Griffin, CSFA,

(603) 547-5652.

Seeking Primary Care Provider: Currently seeking primary care provider in Naples. Employed position. Minimum five years’ experience and focus in women’s health. Menopause certified or fellowship trained women’s health clinician preferred. Ms.Medicine is a national organization improving the level of care for women through our innovative concierge primary care model. Visit msmedicine.com/careers.

Physician Office Share in Bonita Springs: Newly built, fully furnished & equipped medical office space currently available for rent one day/ week. Near Bonita Beach Rd. and US 41. Call (239) 784-2214 for more information or click here.