COVID: Florida Gov. DeSantis expands who can vaccinate medically vulnerable under 65: “Doctors, pharmacies and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) can now vaccinate people under 65 whose medical conditions make them extremely vulnerable to the coronavirus.” - Naples Daily News

What we know and don’t know 1 year after Florida’s first coronavirus case: “While understanding of the virus has grown considerably in the 365 days since it was first detected in Florida, there are still significant gaps in knowledge of COVID-19, even among the medical community.” - WKMG ClickOrlando

SW FL medical groups need vaccine for people 65 and younger who are high risk for COVID-19: “SW Florida’s medical community is gearing up to vaccinate people 65 and younger who are high risk (...). The catch is that local hospitals and their physician practices are waiting to learn how many doses will be allocated (...).” - Naples Daily News

Biden to Revise Small Business PPP Loans to Reach Smaller, Minority Firms: “For two weeks starting on [2/24/21], the Small Business Administration will only accept applications for forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from firms with fewer than 20 employees. … [President Biden’s] PPP changes here also aim to allow more single-person businesses -- sole proprietors, independent contractors, beauticians and others -- to get loans.” - Reuters

White House: Merck to help produce rival J&J's vaccine: “Drugmaker Merck & Co. will help produce rival Johnson & Johnson's newly approved coronavirus vaccine in an effort to expand supply more quickly, the White House said Tuesday [3/2].” - Modern Healthcare

DeSantis signs executive order allowing teachers, first responders over 50 to be vaccinated: “Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order Monday [3/1] that will allow teachers, police officers and firefighters over the age of 50 to be vaccinated. The state is expected to get 175,000 doses of the newly approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine soon.” - ABC7

Current Promotion: New customers receive 65% off with discount code colliercms, until March 5th at 11:59 PM EST (cap of $1,965.00 per customer per coupon use). All existing customers can use the code History for a 20% discount for the entire month of March ($1,920.00 cap per customer per use). In addition, 10% goes back to CCMS and our Foundation. Visit the CCMS online store, register your account if you haven't already, and use applicable discount code during checkout. Some complimentary samples are available at the CCMS office, email for details.

-Florida Daily Vaccine Report

-Collier Daily Comprehensive Report (pg 23-24)

-Florida Daily Comprehensive Report

-Partial List of Vaccine Appointment Resources

-Vaccine FAQs from DOH-Collier

-Florida DOH COVID-19 vaccine provider page

-FMA's vaccine provider guide

CCMS is compiling a list of healthcare workers who have direct patient contact and need a 1st dose COVID vaccine. Email us to be on the list. If CCMS can assist with obtaining a vaccine appointment, we will contact you.

COVID-19 Determination of Extreme Vulnerability: Form for physicians to certify they have determined an individual to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 and eligible to receive the vaccine. Note: vaccines for this group are not provided by DOH-Collier but can be obtained at pharmacy vaccine sites.

More updates and resources available online

Have you renewed your CCMS Membership? The 2021 CCMS dues deadline was Dec. 31, 2020. Invoices were mailed to members who pay individually, or to administrators for group payment. You can also pay online at ccmsonline.org/membership. Thank you for renewing, and ask us if you would like a 2021 membership certificate.

Physician Wellness article of the week: "It’s OK to not be OK: Building well-being in your health care culture"

Confidential, cost-free counseling/coaching sessions with the CCMS Physician Wellness Program (operating via telehealth or in-person during the COVID-19 outbreak) are open to all CCMS physician members. Learn more online.

2021 RCC Cards: CCMS Members receive special $10 pricing on the 2021 RCC Card, which provides discounts at restaurants and merchants. Order a card at ccmsonline.org/membership or call CCMS, 239-435-7727. Cards will be mailed to the office address on file unless otherwise specified.

Note: Click here for information on various CME courses available

March 12, 1:00PM-6:30PM

This CME will help you maintain your Florida license & address key issues that affect FL-licensed physicians. Free for FMA members, $350 non-members. Register online

Designed to deliver actionable, solution-based resources, helpful guidance for alleviating stress on health care systems, and insights and expert perspectives on actions and interventions that drive proactive change. Register online

The Florida health care provider conference call is the 4th Tue. of each month, at 5:30PM. Email questions in advance no later than close of business on the Mon. preceding the call. The State Surgeon General will provide updates from the Dept. of Health on the COVID-19 response efforts and address questions submitted via email from health care providers. This call is not transcribed or recorded. Call-In Number: (888) 585-9008 | Conference Room ID: 208-305-233

Wednesdays, 5:30PM, Naples restaurant locations

Renowned physician experts Robert M. Wachter, MD, and Ashish K. Jha, MD, MPH, took stock of how the U.S. is faring in the COVID-19 pandemic during a virtual meeting hosted by the TDC Group of companies (TDC Group) on February 3. During the Executive Advisory Board gathering of the nation’s top healthcare providers and medical society leaders, Drs. Wachter and Jha compared ideas and answered questions regarding rapid testing, contact tracing, healthcare infrastructure, and other vital topics. At the heart of the discussion was how lessons learned so far will help the nation navigate the remaining months of the pandemic.

Read more for key questions asked and the responses given by these two experts.

Naples pediatric practice seeking NP or PA for 3 to 5 days a week. Please contact CCMS if interested.

Seeking physician offices who can welcome a high school student for career learning opportunities such as shadowing, scribing, lab work, etc. If interested, please contact CCMS.

Busy physician office in North Naples is seeking medical assistant who is highly skilled, motivated and experience is a plus. This is a fast paced, growing practice and candidates must be self-starter, multi-tasked and highly motivated. Please call Jennifer at (239) 591-2803.

Seeking position as RN: Registered Nurse with wound care experience, trained/experienced H.B.O. nurse. Resume gladly provided upon request. Current Naples resident. Please contact (305) 978-4687 or marquesas1@comcast.net.

Seeking CAREGivers 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 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.