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June 30, 2022
Happy Fourth of July!
MSD Offices Closed In Observance of the Holiday
On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, drafted mostly by Thomas Jefferson. Even though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence from Great Britain and King George III. Festivities including concerts, bonfires, parades, and the firing of cannons and muskets usually accompanied the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, beginning immediately after its adoption. The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4th of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. Over the years, the political importance of the holiday would decline, but the day remains an important national holiday and symbol of patriotism. However you plan to celebrate this year, MSD wishes you a safe and happy holiday. In observance of this federal holiday, MSD offices will be closed on Monday, July 4th.
Governor Signs Package of Gun Safety Legislation
Six Gun Safety Bills
Earlier this month Governor Carney and the Senate and House Democratic Leadership announced their commitment to advance multiple gun safety bills before the General Assembly adjourns on June 30. Today, Governor John Carney signed a package of six gun safety bills surrounded by Members of the General Assembly, members of his Cabinet, advocates and community leaders. This package includes legislation that:
 
  • Bans the sale of assault weapons (HB 450)
  • Raises the age to purchase most firearms from 18 to 21 (HB 451)
  • Strengthens background checks by reinstituting the Firearm Transaction Approval Program (HB 423)
  • Limits high-capacity magazines (SS 1 for SB 6)
  • Holds gun manufacturers and dealers liable for reckless or negligent actions that lead to gun violence (SB 302)
  • Bans the use of devices that convert handguns into fully automatic weapons (SB 8)
Governor Signs Fiscal Year 2023 Budget
State of Delaware's Operating Budget for FY 2023
Governor John Carney on Tuesday signed a $5.0 billion Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget for the State of Delaware, a sustainable financial plan that makes investments in Delaware's public schools and education programming. The operating budget, Senate Bill 250, includes increases in education programs including K-12 mid-year unit count and programming at the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical Community College. Also on Tuesday, Governor Carney signed a $378.6 million one-time supplemental appropriation which includes funding for the implementation of paid family leave, funding for the Library Connection program – which will connect school libraries with the Delaware library catalog – and various contingency mechanisms.

Click here to view the Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget.
Click here to view the Fiscal Year 2023 one-time supplemental appropriation.
FDA Recommends Inclusion of Omicron BA.4/5 Component for COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses in Fall
To Target the Omicron Variant
An outside panel of scientists have indicated to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of their endorsement for changing the strain of coronavirus vaccines for the fall, targeting some form of the omicron variant that has dominated for months. Subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 now account for half the cases of COVID-19 in the US. The hope is that a revamped vaccine will broaden the immune response. It was unclear whether a vaccine change would apply to adults only or also include children. Experts want to see more testing if the vaccine is changed for children.

Following this recommendation, the FDA has advised vaccine manufacturers seeking to update their COVID-19 vaccines that they should develop modified vaccines that add an omicron BA.4/5 spike protein component to the current vaccine composition to create a two component (bivalent) booster vaccine, so that the modified vaccines can potentially be used starting in early to mid-fall 2022. The FDA indicated that, as it expects the coming year to be a transitional period when this modified booster vaccine may be introduced, it has not advised manufacturers to change the vaccine for primary vaccination, since a primary series with the FDA-authorized and approved COVID-19 vaccines provides a base of protection against serious outcomes of COVID-19 caused by circulating strains of SARS-CoV-2.
CDC Recommends Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
For Children and Adolescents Ages 6 through 17 Years
Following US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, on Friday last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP) recommendation that Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine be used as an option for children ages 6 through 17 years, in addition to its already recommended use in children 6 months through 5 years and adults 18 years and older. This recommendation reinforces the use of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine as an important tool in the pandemic and provides another vaccine option for children and adolescents. The ACIP recommendation comes after a thorough review of the scientific evidence demonstrating safety and efficacy, and supports the use of the vaccine among those 6 through 17 years of age.
Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade
Delaware Could Become Destination for Those Seeking Abortions
The Supreme Court last Friday overturned the right to abortion established nearly 50 years ago in Roe v. Wade, a reversal that leaves states free to reduce or even make the procedure illegal. The Mississippi case (Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health) was the culmination of a generations-long push on the right to overturn or weaken the 1973 decision on abortion. Thirteen states with “trigger bans,” designed to take effect with the overturning of Roe v. Wade will ban abortion within 30 days, some having done so immediately. The decision to overturn Roe v. Wade could be harmful to women who cannot receive lifesaving care or may force them to seek an abortion outside of a medical environment. Some laws enable criminal prosecution of physicians who provide life-saving medical care and most likely will disproportionately affect the working poor and result in others facing economic hardships. Newly installed AMA President Dr. Jack Resneck Jr. condemned the ruling and said it is a direct attack on the practice of medicine and the patient-physician relationship, and a brazen violation of patients’ rights to evidence-based reproductive health services. 

As Delaware has robust statutory protections in place, the state is expected to see a rise in people obtaining abortions. Current Delaware law permits the termination of a pregnancy before viability, and after viability to protect the health of the mother or in the event of a serious fetal anomaly for which there is not a reasonable expectation the fetus could survive outside the uterus without extraordinary intervention. Lawmakers in Delaware have passed House Bill 455 that puts legal protections in place for both physicians and patients. The bill awaits the Governor's signature.

A fetal tissue ordinance enacted by Seaford City Council late last year has been overturned following a successful legal challenge by Attorney General Kathy Jennings and the Delaware Department of Justice. The ordinance, enacted on December 14 with an original effective date of January 22, would have forced anyone who had a surgical abortion at an “abortion facility” or a miscarriage at a “health care facility” to have the fetal tissue interred or cremated at their own expense, despite the hardship on patients and clear preemption by State law. In a ruling released Wednesday morning, Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster of the Delaware Court of Chancery ruled that the City of Seaford, as a junior sovereign, cannot enact a law that conflicts directly with law established by the State as the senior sovereign. 
Governor Extends Public Health Emergency
Public Health Emergency Declarations Must be Renewed Every 30 Days
On Friday last week, Governor John Carney formally extended the Public Health Emergency order another 30 days to allow the State of Delaware and medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs. Under Delaware law, Public Health Emergency declarations must be renewed every 30 days. 
MSD Mailing Address Change
Effective Immediately
With the plans for the sale of the MSD building progressing, MSD has secured a post office box to receive all incoming mail. Please change your records to our new mailing address effective immediately:
Medical Society of Delaware
PO Box 8155
Newark, DE 19714
Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace Expansion
Consumers Have Most Options in History of Delaware Marketplace
After years of work to increase competition on the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced on Monday that three health carriers intend to offer plans for the 2023 plan year – the most in the state’s history. AmeriHealth Caritas and Aetna CVS Health will join Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware in offering coverage. The announcement comes as carriers submit initial rate filing proposals pursuant to federal deadlines. With the state’s successful creation of a 1332 reinsurance program and federal threats of ending the critical program subsiding, rates have decreased more than 15% and remained stable, while enrollment has grown significantly.
WHO Decides Not to Declare Monkeypox a Global Emergency
Outbreak Will Be Closely Monitored and Re-Assessed
A meeting of the International Health Regulations (IHR) emergency Committee regarding the multi-country monkeypox outbreak was held on June 23, 2022. The IHR Emergency Committee advised the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General that, at this stage, monkeypox does not constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and is describing it as an evolving health threat. However, the Committee advised that the event should be closely monitored and reviewed after a few weeks, once more information about the current unknowns becomes available to determine if significant changes have occurred that may warrant a reconsideration of their advice. The Committee noted many aspects of the current outbreak are unusual and that the vast majority of cases is observed among men who have sex with men, are of young age, and are not previously immunized against smallpox, and that the response to the outbreak requires collaborative international efforts. The Committee outlined the occurrences of which one or more would prompt a re-assessment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided information on what is known about monkeypox, monkeypox infection prevention and control, what the CDC is doing, and what physicians can do to help protect their patients.

The Biden administration will begin sending out tens of thousands of vaccine doses to clinics nationwide in an effort to control a record U.S. monkeypox outbreak that many experts say is far larger than the official count of 306 cases. This vaccination strategy will focus on distributing doses to states with the highest number of confirmed cases of the disease.
Stray Cat in Smyrna Tests Positive for Rabies
Physicians Should Be On Alert for Patients Who May Have Been Exposed
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Kent County residents who live or spend time near the area of Smyrna Landing Road in Smyrna that a positive case of rabies in a stray cat has been reported. Two individuals were potentially exposed to the stray cat in the residential neighborhood. The cat was tested for rabies, which returned positive results on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Read the DHSS announcement.
Temporary Stay Issued on FDA Ban of Juul E-Cigarette Sales
Electronic Cigarettes Made by Juul Labs Can Continue to Be Sold
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has issued a temporary hold on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) recently announced ban for Juul to stop selling its products because it had provided conflicting and insufficient data that prevented the FDA from assessing the potential health risks of the products. Electronic cigarettes made by Juul Labs can continue to be sold for now.
How Industry Promotion Affects Prescribing
Free Online Webinar for Physicians and Other Health Care Professionals
PharmedOut, a Georgetown University Medical Center project that advances evidence-based prescribing, is currently offering an industry-free online continuing education module "How Industry Promotion Affects Prescribing," which covers how pharmaceutical companies affect therapeutic choices through social psychology, key opinion leaders, medical science liaisons, medical meetings, and other tactics. This activity is free and has been approved for continuing education credit for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, and social workers by Medstar Georgetown. View a sneak peek of the webinar and access the registration link.
Upcoming Downstate Presidential Reception
REGISTER NOW!
It's been a while since we got together in person, let's discover what everyone has been doing over the past two years! In light of recent events, we are also taking this time to hear your thoughts on stopping gun violence in Delaware and across our nation, as well as what issues are important to you.
You and your guest have the opportunity to attend the last remaining in-person Presidential Reception scheduled in Sussex County in September. Come join us! Event begins at 6:00 p.m. Dress is business casual.

  • Wednesday, September 21 @ JD Shuckers in Georgetown
MSD Joins DNREC for Beach Cleanup in September
Public Beach Cleanup at Cape Henlopen State Park - September 17th
Register today to participate in MSD’s first ever Beach Cleanup. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) will host a public beach clean up at Herring Point, Cape Henlopen State Park on Saturday September 17th from 10 am to 12 pm. MSD is looking for members to join in the fun while we help keep a Delaware landmark litter free! Join us after the event for lunch and an opportunity to catch up with your fellow MSD members! A small group is invited to join - please register soon - space if very limited!
Hospital News
Bayhealth
Team members of Bayhealth’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) program represented the organization at this year’s Delaware Pride Festival on Legislative Mall in Dover. The growing GME department at Bayhealth, which oversees the training of new doctors and two medical practices where staff and physician residents care for our community, has been intentional in showcasing their welcoming spirit to all, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. While the GME program trains medical school graduates to be the best physicians they can be, an essential part of that is preparing them to be sensitive to the needs of patients of all races, ethnicities, religions, ages, and backgrounds.
Member News
Resident Physician Members Recognized at Bayhealth Awards Ceremony
Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of its residents—and those who have supported them—Bayhealth’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) program held its first annual awards ceremony and appreciation dinner on June 7 at Maple Dale Country Club in Dover.

The following MSD Resident Physician Members were among those who received awards in the various categories of recognition. MSD congratulates the following members:

  • Ussama Ghumman, MD - Medical Education Research Award
  • Samantha M. Ginder, DO - Outstanding Professional / Resident Recognition Awards
  • Matthew R. Moorman, DO - Resident as Teacher Award
  • Amanda A. Nguyen, DO - Resident Recognition Award
  • Michael Sabry Daniel, DO - Outstanding Professional Award
  • Nwando Tony-Onugu, MD - Community Education and Media Outreach Award

Member Spotlight
MSD spotlights members throughout the state, highlighting medical students, residents, and your practicing colleagues, whether they are new to membership or have been a member over the years.

This week's spotlight is on Sumar Hayan, MD, Family Medicine Resident at Bayhealth. Read more.
COVID-19 Information Finder
"Rerum Cognoscere"
The Latin phrase Rerum Cognoscere translates to learn, examine, or become aware of facts or things. In this section, we highlight measurable items of interest in health care from MSD, Delaware, the US, and the world.
100 million
Number of people in US facing health care debt.
KFF Health Care Debt Survey
40%
Percent of respondents to a nationwide poll who are 18 to 29 years of age that said they have health care bill debt.
KFF Health Care Debt Survey
22%
Percent of those surveyed on national poll who are 65 years and older who said they have medical or dental bill debt.  
KFF Health Care Debt Survey
Upcoming Events
August 6 - 33rd Annual Update in Cardiology, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Changed to Hybrid event: virtual and in-person. (Rescheduled from March 5)
August 18-20 - International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine, Grand Hyatt Washington, Washington, DC.
August 25 - Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Climate and Health 2022 Climate and Health Conference, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., virtual.
September 10 - 26th Annual Diabetes Update, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., virtual.
September 17 - DNREC Public Beach Cleanup, Herring Point, Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Registration is limited.
September 21 - MSD Presidential Reception, 6:00 p.m., JD Shuckers, 21710 Roth Ave, Georgetown, DE
September 22 - MSD Retirement Planning Session, 6-7:30 p.m., virtual.
October 5&6 - Delaware Academy of Medicine/Delaware Public Health Association and Delaware Chapter of the American Planning Association Joint virtual 2022 Fall Conference.
October 13-15 - SAVE THE DATE! International Conference on Physician Health (ICPH), Hyatt Regency, Orlando, FL. Sponsored jointly by the AMA, Canadian Medical Association, and British Medical Association.
October 22 - 2022 John Scholz Stroke Education Conference, 8:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Registration will open on August 22nd.
October 25 - 26th Annual Delaware Healthcare Forum, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Delaware Technical Community College, Terry Campus, Dover.
November 1, 2, 3 - SAVE THE DATES! MSD Annual Meeting (Council Meeting, Holding Company Board of Directors Meeting, Educational program), all beginning at 6:00 p.m., virtual.
November 5 - MSD "It's OBVIOUS" Campaign for Kids 5k Run/Walk, Rockford Park, 9:00 a.m., 9th St and Tower Rd, Wilmington.
November 5 - SAVE THE DATE! MSD Inaugural Gala, Smyrna Opera House
Was the information in this newsletter useful? If so, forward to a friend to let them know the value of your Medical Society of Delaware membership.
The information contained herein is solely informational, planned in accordance for a diverse membership audience. This communication reflects news and announcements that have been made available to MSD and is not intended to exclude other pertinent material. The content published is proposed to represent facts of interest and provide awareness to the members. MSD reserves the right to determine what information is relevant to its membership.
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