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February 10, 2022
Governor Announces Expiration of Indoor Mask Mandate
School Mask Requirement To End March 31
Governor John Carney on Monday signed a revision to the State of Emergency order, lifting Delaware’s universal indoor mask mandate effective at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 11. Also in Monday’s modification, Governor Carney temporarily extended the mask requirement in public and private K-12 schools and child care facilities. That requirement, which applies to children kindergarten-age and older, will expire at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, March 31. The temporary extension gives parents time ​to get their school-age children vaccinated before the expiration of the statewide requirement. The March 31 date also allows districts and schools time to consider local mask requirements and gives the Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Department of Education (DOE) time to work with schools on updates to quarantine and contact tracing guidance. ​ 
DPH Warns Against Complacency Amid Reduced COVID-19 Cases
Disinformation Campaigns Continue
Although the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports decreasing data trends in hospitalization and new positive cases, it warns against complacency. Delawareans should continue to exercise caution by wearing a mask in public and getting vaccinated to protect themselves against the deadly virus and its variants. Coronavirus deaths continue to account for double-digit deaths in Delaware each week this year. 
 
Disinformation campaigns continue to cause panic that DPH and other states are forced to clarify. Vaccine misinformation leading to vaccination avoidance could contribute to deaths caused by virus. If patients have concerns about how the vaccines work or how it provides the support the body needs to better fight off this deadly virus, they can review the article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) titled “The Immune System-the Body’s Defense Against Infection.” 
US Surgeon General Expresses Concerns on Mental Health
Pandemic Had a Devastating Impact on the Mental Health of Young People
The US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy told the Senate Finance Committee this week that the pandemic has had a devasting impact on the mental health of America's young people, as reported by abcNews. His main recommendations are to ensure access to high-quality, culturally competent care, focusing on prevention with school and community-based programs and develop a better understanding of the impact technology and social media have on young people.
DE Leaders Support Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide
National Initiative on Coordinated Public Health Approach
Governor Carney and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long on Wednesday announced their support for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s (SAMHSA) Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. The Governor’s Challenge is a national initiative that promotes a coordinated public health approach that focuses on increasing understanding of the issues related to suicide prevention. As advocates, the Delaware team will promote best practices through sharing efforts within and across states while engaging city, county, and state stakeholders to enhance and align local and state-wide suicide prevention efforts.
CDC Announces Updates for Immunocompromised
Shorter Booster Interval After an mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced revised guidance for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. The revised guidance indicates a change in the wait time after the last (third) dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Previously, the guidance indicated people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive a booster dose at least five months after the last (third) dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. The revised guidance changes from five months to at least three months after the last (third) dose. The CDC also encourages people with weakened immune systems who originally got a Johnson & Johnson vaccine to take two additional doses, instead of just one.
CDC to Focus on Wastewater Surveillance for COVID-19 Trends
A Possible Early Warning System for COVID-19 and Other Pathogens
The information generated by wastewater surveillance offers public health officials with a better understanding of COVID-19 trends in communities. To better track surges and declines in cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plans to look more closely for signs of the coronavirus in sewage. The amount of virus genetic material in wastewater tends to increase about four to six days before health officials see upticks in caseloads and hospitalizations. The CDC wants to use this data as an early warning system not only for COVID-19 but eventually other dangerous pathogens. 
Provider Relief Funding Running Out
HHS Funding That Reimburses Those Treating Uninsured COVID-19 Patients
The federal program that reimburses health care providers that care for uninsured COVID-19 patients is expected to run out of money by spring or summer. More than $17 billion has been paid out for treating, testing, and vaccinating the uninsured throughout the pandemic. Based on the current balance of money available, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimates the money will be depleted in the coming months. Congress is currently not considering making additional funds available.
Nursing Home Booster Vaccination Data Available Online
CMS Increasing Transparency for Consumers
As part of its commitment to improve transparency and help families and caregivers find the best nursing home care for their loved ones, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is now posting data on COVID-19 vaccine booster shots administered to nursing home residents and staff on the Medicare.gov Care Compare website. The data will show resident and staff booster rates at the facility level and will include national and state averages.
The current data indicate that the rate of booster shots administered to nursing home residents is comparable to the national average for adults over the age of 65. It also shows the rate of booster shots administered to nursing home staff lags behind the national average of those over the age of 18 (for staff).
DE Dept. of Insurance Data: Over $21M in Consumer Savings
Report Outlines Continued Successes in Serving Delawareans
The Delaware Department of Insurance (DOI) on Monday published performance and productivity data for 2021. A critical focus of the DOI during COVID-19 continues to be ensuring health insurer compliance with state and federal rules, coverage requirements, and initiatives to reduce burdens on hospitals and those seeking care. The Market Conduct team continued investigations into insurer’s Mental Health Parity compliance, resulting in $635,000 in fines. Throughout the ACA Special Enrollment Period, more than 21,000 residents took advantage of increased subsidies and savings from the American Rescue Plan, saving an average of 53% on their monthly premiums – a savings of $1.2 million in total. To protect consumers and create a nationwide network of strong regulation, Commissioner Navarro successfully worked to create the National Improper Marketing of Health Plans Working Group within the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. DOI pursued 14 pieces of legislation and engaged with more than 30 insurance-related bills, including legislation to regulate the multi-billion-dollar Pharmacy Benefit Manager industry, protecting consumers of auto and homeowner’s insurance, and making progress on issues like health care access and pharmaceutical costs. The DOI also continued to work on other legislative mandates, such as the Office of Value-Based Health Care Delivery. Going into 2022, businesses will see the fifth consecutive decrease in Workers’ Compensation premiums, an average reduction of more than 20%. Nationally, Commissioner Navarro was recently named Vice-Chair of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Market Regulation and Consumer Affairs (D) Committee, a prestigious honor, in addition to being elected to the Executive Committee of the Northeast Zone and continuing to serve as Chair of the National Anti-Fraud Task Force. 
PFAS Found in Untreated Well Water Across Delaware
Concentration of Some PFAS May Lead to Adverse Health Outcomes
Contaminants known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, were found to be widely distributed in untreated well water throughout Delaware, according to a new report by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The wells sampled by the USGS all receive groundwater from the Columbia aquifer, which supplies water for more than 90% of the state. The findings are representative of groundwater and not necessarily drinking water, as groundwater can be filtered or treated prior to becoming drinking water. The EPA's PFAS website highlights that scientific research indicates high concentrations of some PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes in people, and that research is still ongoing to better understand the potential health effects of PFAS exposure over long periods of time, especially in children. Sometimes called “forever chemicals,” PFAS are not readily biodegradable and break down very slowly, and because of that can build up in people, animals, and the environment over time.
Delaware Company Develops Apparel to Reduce Heat Stress
Technology-Integrated Apparel with Adaptable Insulation
Delaware Business Times reports that for many physicians, wearing scrubs, sterile gowns, masks, gloves, hats, and other gear that trap warm, humid air against their bodies is all too real. Overheating can affect concentration and cause dehydration. Wilmington-based Desikant Technologies has an innovative solution. The startup creates thermoregulation “smart garments,” including a cooling vest that prevents heat exhaustion. The company's first product is a vest for the surgical market, worn over scrubs and under the gown. Sensors in the vest detect when the body overheats. Sophisticated electronics in the apparel actively replace the warm, humid air around the body with cool, dry air. The U.S. Army bought the initial prototype, and the second will be tested in operating rooms. The team will then tackle applications for outdoor activities, such as hiking and running.
COVID-19 Headlines
Delaware Public Health Resources
DE Division of Public Health Offers Resources on COVID-19 Information
Highlight On Events And Educational Offerings
Resources for Talking with Parents/Caregivers About COVID-19 Vaccination
Parents and caregivers consider health care professionals to be their most trusted source of information when it comes to vaccines. You play a critical role in helping them understand the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and assuring them that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for their children. Everyone ages 5 years and older should get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. Now, more than ever, it’s important to take extra time to have vaccine conversations with parents and caregivers and foster support for vaccination with your practice. As a vaccine provider, making a strong recommendation is critical for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and protecting children’s health. Visit How to Answer Parents’ and Caregivers’ Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines for more information and resources.
Opioid REMS: Moving Forward, Safely & Effectively
Patients suffering with chronic or acute pain present a tremendous challenge to any clinician. How do the experts handle these patients and how does that compare to your practice? Join leading experts in an innovative, engaging curriculum that utilizes augmented reality to help you immediately impact and improve the outcomes of your patients with pain. This educational program is designed for physicians and other health care professionals who are DEA registered prescribers of controlled substances. In addition, non-prescribing health care team members who support the treatment and management of patients with pain but are not authorized to prescribe will benefit from participating in this educational series. Purdue University College of Pharmacy designates this internet enduring activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. There is no fee for the program.
ASAM Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine is an innovative, case-based, interactive workshop designed for physicians, PAs, nurse practitioners, and behavioral health specialists who are new to treating patients with addiction and for individuals who have had little or no addiction training. Participants will be presented with an overview of the basics of addiction medicine, which covers how to screen, diagnose, treat, and/or refer patients with addiction, many of whom have co-occurring medical and psychiatric comorbidities. This in-person workshop is designed to be energetic and interactive. Sessions throughout the day will include approximately equal parts lecture, demonstration of skills, and skill building. The event will be held on Thursday, April 21st, with check-in at 7:30 a.m. and the program running from 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. It will be held at Caron Treatment Centers in Wernersville, PA. Cost is $185, which includes course content, continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, and refreshments. The American Society of Addiction Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 8 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. To register.
AMA Podcast: Training Medical Assistants as "Encounter Specialists"
In the latest AMA STEPS ForwardTM podcast, Elisabeth Stambaugh, MD, MMM outlines how Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist trained medical assistants as encounter specialists to help reduce physician burnout, close the value-based care gap, and increase team efficiency and satisfaction. To access: https://edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward/pages/podcast
AMA Interactive Session: Telehealth for Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
The American Medical Association (AMA) will host an interactive session, “Clinical Case Study: Telehealth for Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology,” on February 18 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time that will provide participants with an overview of techniques for delivering allergy and immunology care via telehealth. To Register: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMtdO6tqDkpG9A5-RHjz-otjrejYVjQ-S5F
Bayhealth Medical Grand Rounds - For Health Care Professionals
Bayhealth Hospital invites health care professionals to attend their Medical Grand Rounds. This regularly scheduled series takes place every fourth Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover. You can also join via zoom. Registration is required. Upcoming dates for meetings are March 8, April 5, and May 3, 2022. To join the Zoom by meeting number use Access Code 2435 528 4699 and Password Bayhealth.
COVID-19: Long Term Neurological Impact and Nuances
Would you like to learn about the chronic effects of COVID-19 on the brain? Attend the upcoming virtual symposium hosted by the Brain Injury Association of America and Montefiore-Einstein on February 16 from 11:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. and hear leading physicians provide background about neurological complications associated with COVID-19. Sessions will explore neurocognitive effects, imaging and current treatments for acute stroke patients, and long-term rehabilitation strategies for the future. Attendees will also have the chance to get their questions answered in a Q&A session to wrap up the day. Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Montefiore Medical Center designates this internet activity for a maximum of 4.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Registration and fee required.
The Physicians Foundation Fellowship Program
The Physicians Foundation opened a Call for Applicants for its Fellowship Program, which advances physicians’ leadership skills to strengthen the physician-patient relationship, support medical practices’ sustainability, and navigate the changing health care system. The Fellowship Program is open to physicians, who are new or mid-career in their practice, and have experience with or interest in addressing social drivers of health (SDOH), improving physician wellbeing, and lifting physician perspectives in health policy discussions. Applications are due Friday, March 25, 2022. The Fellowship Program will last for 12-months beginning July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, and participating fellows will receive a stipend of $24,000 as well as reimbursement for program-related travel and lodging expenses. This fellowship requires approximately 10 to 15 hours monthly for project development and implementation, along with external thought leadership activities. Interested physicians must submit an application with a current resume/CV, two letters of recommendation, one of which is recommended to be from their state or county medical society, and a statement of intent that briefly describes how participation in the Fellowship Program will prepare you to make positive, constructive contributions to the medical profession. 
Hospital News
Beebe Healthcare
Beebe Healthcare has updated its visitor guidelines to allow inpatients to have one well visitor per day. This visitor may not rotate throughout the day. All visitors will be required to wear a surgical mask. 
ChristianaCare
To address the urgent needs of health care workers, ChristianaCare announced that Chief Wellness Officer Heather Farley, M.D., has partnered with prominent U.S. health institutions to develop the “2022 Healthcare Workforce Rescue Package.” This set of action steps provides health care leaders with evidence-based tools to support the wellbeing of physicians, nurses, and other caregivers who are experiencing unprecedented fatigue and emotional distress as the pandemic rages on.

For the second consecutive year, ChristianaCare has earned Healthgrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award™ and is among the top 1% of more than 4,500 hospitals assessed nationwide for consistent, year-over-year superior clinical performance. ChristianaCare’s Christiana Hospital and Wilmington Hospital are the only hospitals in Delaware to receive the America’s 50 Best Hospitals recognition. 
Member Spotlight
MSD is spotlighting 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.

If you would like to be featured in the Member Spotlight section, please contact Michelle Seymour, Manager of Membership.
Adam K. Skrzynski, MD is an Infectious Disease specialist at the William J. Holloway, MD Community Program in Wilmington, DE. Read more.
Christine Burgert-Lon, DO specializes in Surgical and Cytopathology at ChristianaCare Pathology in Newark, DE. Read more.
Welcome New MSD Members
Luiz F. Araujo, MD - Vascular Specialists of Delaware
Olubusola A. Ogunlade, MD-OB/GYN, Medical Director, Planned Parenthood
MSD's Membership Department is pleased to announce the newest members of the Medical Society of Delaware. Welcome to the third oldest medical society in the country! If you know someone interested in joining MSD, please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any questions. You could be eligible for a referral discount!
Pending Members
Haresh Sampathkumar, MD - PM&R/Brain Injury, Delaware Physiatry, Dover
MSD members are afforded a seven-day review period from the date of this publication to comment regarding applicants for membership. Please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any comments.
"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.
86%
Percent of people living in urban areas worldwide being exposed to air pollution levels ~ 7 times greater than WHO guidelines.
The Lancet Planetary Health
1.2 Million
Estimated expected number of fatal opioid-related overdoses during the next decade, without urgent intervention.
Stanford-Lancet Commission on the North American Opioid Crisis
6.6%
Average increase in list prices for diabetes, cancer, and other prescription medicines during the first weeks of 2022.
Rx Savings Solutions
Upcoming Events
February 18 - ChristianaCare 8th Addiction Medicine Symposium, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 Noon, virtual.
February 22 & 24 - Clinical Guidance for Treating Pregnant and Parenting Women with Opioid Use Disorder and Their Infants, 2-day event, virtual. (Feb 22 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Feb 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
March 5-7 - Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health 2022 Annual Meeting, Accelerating Climate Solutions: From Urgency to Impact for Health Equity.
March 7 - Delaware Public Health Institute Annual Conference, Chronic Disease: From Prevention to Management, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., virtual.
March 10-11, 17-18 - MSD Certified Medical Office Manager Course, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., in-person at MSD Building, Newark.
March 12 - Psychiatric Society of Delaware Spring CME Symposium, "Medical Update for Psychiatrists," 8:45 a.m.-2:00 p.m., virtual.
March 25 - Fifth Biennial Perinatal Palliative Care Symposium: Emotional Support and Compassionate Communication, 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., virtual event.
April 8 - ChristianaCare 2nd Annual Parkinson's Symposium, 8:00 a.m.-2:15 p.m., virtual.
April 21 - ASAM Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine, 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., in-person at Caron Treatment Centers, Wernersville, PA.
May 18 - SAVE THE DATE! 2022 Annual Rural Health Conference, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
August 6 - 33rd Annual Update in Cardiology, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., virtual event. (Rescheduled from March 5)
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.
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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