MISSISSIPPI ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS
Newsletter - June 19, 2020
Hospice Bill on Governor's Desk

On Monday, June 15, the Senate passed the MAFP-supported bill HB 1520 , sending it to Governor Tate Reeves' desk, where it arrived this morning . Under state law, the governor must sign legislation within 5 days after transmittal (excluding Sunday), so Thursday, June 25, is the governor's deadline.

HB 1520 would allow hospice medical directors to operate as they always have, providing pain management and compassionate care to patients during their final stages of life. MAFP members - including many hospice medical directors - made calls to Senators asking for their support, and the measure overwhelmingly passed on a 48-4 vote. Thank you.

Academy Weighs in on Other Bills

MAFP's Advocacy Committee reviews bills in the Mississippi Legislature and makes decisions for the Academy about what bills to support and oppose. Along with MAFP's lobbyist, this committee has had a lot of work to do during this long-lasting 2020 legislative session.

This week, MAFP, the American Academy of Pediatrics Mississippi Chapter, and Mississippi State Medical Association threw their support behind the House version of SB 2596 , which would deter the use of e-cigarettes and alternative tobacco products. The bill passed the Senate, was amended in the House, and has returned to the Senate for concurrence or non-concurrence with a deadline of July 2. Read SB 2596 .

This week, MAFP sent a letter to the House Drug Policy Chair outlining our opposition to SB 2802 , which would mandate electronic prescribing for controlled substances with certain exceptions. The letter argues that "regulatory or mandated requirements should not jeopardize patient care or place unfunded mandates on the practicing physician, particularly those in private practice." Following our letter, the House removed the mandatory prescription language as we suggested , then passed the amended bill. It has returned to the Senate for concurrence or non-concurrence with a deadline of July 2.
State Health Officer Issues New Directives for Physicians, Hospitals

Friday at 1 pm, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs issued a new Order for Outpatient and Inpatient Medical Services effective until July 15. It provides updates to previously-issued recommendations for in-person clinic visits and elective procedures, and it allows for minimal inpatient visitation including a maximum of one caregiver per patient.
Nominating Committee Releases 2020 Slate
MAFP's Nominating Committee, chaired by Dr. David B. Wheat, has released the slate of officers and board members for the 2020-21 year, including board representatives. The slate will be voted upon at the Annual Business Session on July 21 at 12:15 pm.
Reserve Hotel Rooms for Annual Meeting - Deadline June 29
Sandestin Resort has set June 29 as the deadline to reserve hotel rooms inside the MAFP room block for the Annual Meeting July 18-22. Click here to reserve rooms online now .
The MAFP is working with other state chapters to host a FREE webinar series to recognize that in the midst of chaos, family physicians have a unique opportunity to harness and forge their own financially-successful practice management path.

The third and final webinar is 'The Future of Family Medicine in the Post COVID-19 World" and features AAFP Executive Vice President Shawn Martin and Dr. Farzad Mostashari of Aledade. It will be Thursday, June 25 at 7 pm Central - Register Here

Application for CME credit has been approved by AAFP. Our thanks to Aledade ACO for working to create the webinars.

HPV Roundtable Seeks Increase in Number of Vaccinated Preteens in Mississippi
Professionals from around the state, including MAFP staff, are taking part in a Mississippi HPV Roundtable to bring information to physicians and consumers about human papilloma virus vaccination, and the difference it can make in health outcomes.

The group, managed by Amy Ellis of American Cancer Society in Mississippi, is working to launch a website and to send information to clinics across the state to encourage preteen vaccination.

CDC recently released a study about oral/pharynx cancer and its relationship to HPV. It found that increased HPV vaccination rates, among other things, can reduce this type of cancer.
Annual Scientific Assembly Moving Forward
MAFP's Board has announced to members that it is proceeding with plans to hold the 71st Annual Scientific Assembly as scheduled July 18-22 at Baytowne Conference Center in Sandestin, FL. More information can be found on the MAFP website , including CME topics, schedule, hotel reservations and registration.
Raffle Donations Needed
Members are invited to donate items to the MAFP Foundation Raffle which will be held Tuesday, July 21, at the MAFP Annual Meeting in Sandestin. Last year's raffle items included several donations from physicians. All proceeds benefit MAFP Foundation's scholarships and programs.