2023 Meeting Will Be Held In-Person at the Smyrna Opera House

The MSD 2023 Interim Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the Smyrna Opera House, located at 7 W. South St., Smyrna, DE. This is the first in-person Council Meeting since the start of the pandemic. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with sign-in and a half-hour cocktail social, followed by the Interim Council Meeting beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. All MSD members are invited to attend. Council members are highly encouraged to register early to ensure receipt of meeting materials to review prior to the meeting. Resolution submission deadline is Monday, April 3rd. Click to register your attendance.

Activity on Marijuana Bills Remains Fluid

As of the time of publication, bill one of a two-bill effort to make recreational marijuana legal in Delaware passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday. It has been assigned to the Health and Social Services Committee in the Senate. House Bill 1 would eliminate all penalties (including a civil penalty; adult use, possession and sharing of personal use quantities; and fines for possessing or using "marijuana accessories") for possessing 1 ounce or less of marijuana by those 21 years of age or older. The legalization of recreational marijuana would be accomplished through enactment of House Bill 2 (the Delaware Marijuana Control Act), which would establish the framework for marijuana sales. HB 2 would also create the Delaware Marijuana Control Act Oversight Committee to coordinate the statute's implementation and review its impact on the public health and safety. HB 2 has been voted out of the House Appropriations Committee and has been placed on the Ready List. An amendment (HA 2 to HB 2) has been introduced and placed with the bill. MSD continues its opposition to legalizing recreational marijuana due to medical and safety concerns and supports removal of marijuana from Schedule 1 for the ability to research the effects and safety of marijuana. On Tuesday, March 7, MSD Past President and prior chair of the Government Affairs Committee, Richard Henderson, MD, testified at Legislative Hall on behalf of the Medical Society of Delaware to oppose the current bills being considered.

Time to "Spring Forward"

Always beginning on the second Sunday in March, daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 2:00 a.m. At this time our clocks are set forward one hour. The first Sunday in November will end daylight saving time and clocks will be turned back one hour.

PHE Declarations Must Be Renewed Every 30 Days

Governor John Carney last Friday formally extended the Public Health Emergency order another 30 days. Under Delaware law, Public Health Emergency declarations must be renewed every 30 days. Visit Governor Carney’s website to view the Public Health Emergency Extension.

All Blood Types Needed, Including O Negative and O Positive

The Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) declared its first blood emergency of 2023. The blood emergency is due to several evolving factors, including school breaks, cold and flu season, and the lingering effects of COVID-19. In January 2023, BBD received 1,000 fewer donations than the previous January. The number of blood donations still are not back to pre-pandemic levels. Compounding the problem is a continued lag in first-time and youth donors, which remain one-third below (33%) pre-pandemic levels. This has caused a long-term ripple effect as the youngest donors are introduced to the importance of donations at high school and college blood drives. And while Delmarvans are returning to in-person work, office and community blood drives and visits to local centers and mobile drives are significantly down, even with the FDA expanding the pool of donors eligible. BBD needs all blood types, including O negative and O positive blood. In addition to whole blood donors, platelet donors are urgently needed. With a shelf life of just five days, BBD relies on dedicated platelet donors to help patients undergoing chemotherapy, those with bleeding disorders, new mothers, and more. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted eligibility restrictions for individuals who lived in Europe during certain periods of time. The need for blood products is constant, but the supply is not. Visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org to schedule an appointment to donate, or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.

Medical Licensure Renewal Deadline is March 31st

Medical licensure renewal takes place every two years on odd years, with 2023 being the biennial medical licensure renewal year. The deadline to renew medical licenses is March 31, 2023. Physicians must have a minimum of 40 continuing medical education credits to renew their license. Prior to your licensure renewal, you must take the Mandatory Reporting for Medical Professionals education. Failure to complete the training will delay the renewal of your medical license. There is a specific course approved for meeting this requirement. To complete the education, go to https://stateofdelaware.csod.com/default.aspx?c=courts-oca to create an account or if you have an account, to login. Once you have completed the course, you can reapply for licensure through the Division of Professional Regulation website at https://delpros.delaware.gov/OH_HomePage. Note that MSD does not have access to DELPROS. If you have questions or need technical assistance on the DELPROS website, please contact the State of Delaware.

Lt. Governor Joins NFL Hall of Famer Randy White in Bench Opioids Initiative

Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long joined NFL Hall of Famer, and native Delawarean, Randy White at the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) women’s high school basketball semi-finals on Wednesday to announce a new statewide initiative to curb prescription drug abuse in Delaware. The “Bench Opioids” initiative is a proactive prevention and drug disposal blitz targeting opioid abuse and overdose deaths, especially among student-athletes. Recent data shows that about 70% of teens who misuse opioids get them from friends or relatives. Delaware currently ranks third in the country for drug overdose deaths. About 67% of those deaths were opioid-related. Lt. Governor Hall-Long and Randy White were also featured speakers during the halftimes of both games on Wednesday. The initiative will feature public service announcements from sports legends, educational materials for students, and free drug disposal kits to promote the proper disposal of medication. DisposeRx was on hand to distribute hundreds of drug disposal kits to students, families, and fans at the conclusion of Wednesday night’s games.  

To Aid Households in SNAP Transition

Governor Carney and Lt. Governor Hall-Long on Wednesday announced a partnership with the Food Bank of Delaware to fill community food pantries statewide and hold food drives in each county for three months to help ease the transition from the ending of the federal Emergency benefits for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households. The Food Bank will help bridge the gap as SNAP families transition away from pandemic-related benefit increases. In partnership with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), the Food Bank of Delaware will be awarded $3.24 million of American Rescue Plan funding to provide these services. The Food Bank of Delaware will announce the mobile food pantry distribution events in the coming weeks. Local and community food pantries can be found by visiting delaware211.org, texting their zip code to 898-211, or calling “2-1-1." As of March 1, 2023, SNAP households will receive their regular monthly food benefit amount on the normal issuance date and will no longer receive additional emergency food benefits on their EBT cards at the end of each month. Due to a change in federal law passed in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, the final emergency benefits SNAP payment was issued on February 28, 2023. More information and resources around this change can be found at de.gov/snapchanges. 

Drugs Added to State Employee and Retiree Health Plans vs. Approving Use

At a meeting of the Delaware State Employee Benefit Committee last month, the state was asked to approve weight loss drugs or at least take them off the banned prescription drug list. State of Delaware employee and retiree health plans will now include new weight loss medications. At a recent meeting the Delaware State Employee Benefit Committee unanimously approved a plan that would include the drugs as part of a program that incorporates utilization management and behavior modification programs. The drugs, under the brand names of Victoza, Saxenda, Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy and Tirzepatide, have become popular for weight loss. Many started as drugs to help diabetics lower their blood sugar, but were so effective that they have been approved for weight loss alone. The utilization management programs will require previous participation in a weight management program, as well as use of a reduced calorie diet and exercise program.

FDA Safety Communication

On March 8th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided an update on reports of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around breast implants. Previously, on September 8, 2022, the FDA released a safety communication informing the public of reports of cancers, including SCC and various lymphomas, in the capsule that forms around breast implants. The various lymphomas are not the same as the lymphomas described previously by the FDA as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This update includes information from the FDA’s review of literature and medical device reports (MDRs). The FDA is aware of 19 cases of SCC in the capsule around the breast implant from published literature. There have been reports in the literature of deaths from progression of the disease. While the FDA continues to believe that occurrences of SCC in the capsule around the breast implant may be rare, the cause, incidence and risk factors remain unknown. Physicians and those who have or are considering breast implants should be aware that cases of SCC and various lymphomas in the capsule around the breast implant have been reported to the FDA and in the literature. The FDA continues to ask physicians and people with breast implants to report cases of SCC, lymphomas, or any other cancers around breast implants to the FDA. In addition, the FDA continues to collaborate with other regulatory authorities, scientific experts, breast implant manufacturers and registries to gather all available information on cancers in the capsule around breast implants. 

CDC Issues Health Advisory

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify physicians and public health officials about a confirmed measles case at a large gathering. On February 24, 2023, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) identified a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated individual with a history of recent international travel. While infectious, the individual attended a large religious gathering on February 17–18, 2023, at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. An estimated 20,000 people attended the gathering from Kentucky, other U.S. states, and other countries during February 17–18, and an undetermined number of these people may have been exposed. Health care professionals should consider measles as a diagnosis in anyone with a febrile illness and clinically compatible symptoms (e.g., rash, cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis) who:

• attended the Kentucky event during the exposure dates of February 17 or 18 or has had contact with an attendee.
• has recently traveled abroad, especially to countries with ongoing outbreaks.

Lidl Initiates Voluntary Recall Due to Possible Health Risk

Lidl US has announced a voluntary recall of ready-to-eat Tapas branded Cocktail Shrimp by Lidl, 7 oz., due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The product was distributed to all Lidl US store locations. Lidl US has store locations in Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Theme for National Minority Health Month 2023

Every April, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) observes National Minority Health Month to highlight the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities by reducing health disparities. OMH announced the theme for National Minority Health Month 2023: Better Health Through Better Understanding. 

It is estimated that only 14 percent of the U.S. population has proficient health literacy and that nearly 20 percent of people in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home. This year’s theme focuses on improving health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN communities by providing them with culturally and linguistically competent health care services, information, and resources. When patients are provided with culturally and linguistically appropriate information, they are empowered to create healthier outcomes for themselves and their communities. To learn more about National Minority Health Month and health literacy, go to https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/health-literacy-healthy-people-2030.

Good Oral Health to Help Ensure Overall Health

Every February the Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign observes National Children’s Dental Health Month. But oral health is important year-round, so the Campaign is taking the opportunity again this month to shine a light on dental health to help ensure a child’s overall health. Dental issues can cause more than just toothaches in kids. Poor oral health can impact their ability to focus in the classroom and even cause them to miss school. Prolonged dental health issues are also linked to several comorbidities, like cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, that can affect overall health well beyond childhood. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide coverage for dental care for kids and teens up to age 19, including regular check-ups, x-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and fillings. Coverage is also available for people during pregnancy, when oral health is particularly important. Visiting the dentist regularly during pregnancy can reduce the odds of low birthweight, preterm birth, and other health complications that may occur during pregnancy. The Campaign is sharing new resources geared toward improving oral health to help reach more families in their communities and encourage them to enroll in Medicaid and CHIP to access important dental services. You can find these new items and more on InsureKidsNow.gov and the Oral Health Initiative page. For additional materials, including social graphics, videos, email signatures, newsletter templates, text messages, and videos that cover a wide range of CKC initiatives, please visit the Outreach Tool Library. And don’t forget that Medicaid & CHIP renewals are coming. At the start of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in March 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) temporarily waived certain renewal requirements and conditions. The easing of these rules helped prevent people with Medicaid and CHIP from losing their coverage during the pandemic. However, states are restarting Medicaid and CHIP eligibility reviews. According to some estimates, up to 15 million people could lose their current Medicaid or CHIP coverage during this process. Now is a critical time to remind families enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP to update their contact information with their state Medicaid office so states can reach them with vital renewal information. The Campaign is committed to informing families about these upcoming changes so kids can continue to have access to health coverage.

Join Your Colleagues for Spring Baseball on Tuesday, April 25

Tickets are available to watch the Wilmington Blue Rocks take on the Aberdeen Iron Birds on Tuesday April 25, 2023. Game time is 6:35 p.m. at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington. By registering for this event, you are reserving (1) entrance ticket for yourself to watch the game from a suite and stadium food will be provided. Space is limited, and this is a MSD member only event. Tickets will be provided via email prior to the event date. The tickets for this event are being offered at no charge to MSD members. All MSD members must be current & membership dues for 2023 paid. Please contact MSD to renew if needed. Register

One-On-One Discussions with State Legislators

MSD members gathered at JD Shuckers in Georgetown for MSD’s first Pubs and Politics event of the year on February 21. Sponsored by USI/MSDIS and DELPAC, this popular MSD event provides physicians with an opportunity to socialize, have one-on-one discussions with state legislators and enjoy complimentary food and drink. Joining us that evening were: Senator Brian Pettyjohn (19^th District); Senator Dave Wilson (18^th District); Senator Russ Huxtable (6^th District) and Senator Kyra Hoffner (14^th District.) Watch our video for a quick inside look and plan to attend our next Pubs and Politics event at a Dover location in May (details will be shared soon.)

Bayhealth

Complete with a totally ’80s vibe, Bayhealth launched a colorectal cancer awareness campaign to kick off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March. The campaign is designed to encourage everyone age 45 and older to schedule an appointment for a colonoscopy—and to make colorectal cancer history! Knowing that many avoid their screenings because they don’t think they’re necessary or they have misconceptions about prep and the screening, Bayhealth will feature several articles, social media posts, and videos from their experts. Bayhealth Cancer Center, Kent Campus is among less than 50 programs in the nation—and the first in Delaware—with recognition from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) for providing the most advanced, specialty care available. Like Bayhealth’s successful “Go Pink” campaign, which raises funds annually for breast cancer screenings through T-shirt sales, this campaign has a T-shirt fundraising component as well. Proceeds will benefit the Bayhealth Cancer Center and help fund colorectal screenings for the underserved population in our communities. The T-shirt features an ’80s theme complete with neon colors and an “Epic Road Trip” cassette mix. 

Quality Insights

MSD is pleased to highlight a 2023 Premier Educational Program Partner. Quality Insights is part of the growing effort to keep our medical professionals educated through its partnership with MSD as a Premier Educational Program (PEP) Partner.

Since their founding in 1973 as a non-profit educational organization, Quality Insights’ focus has remained singular: improving health and care. They strive to be a change agent, connector, and decision partner to those we serve. They develop programs and resources that motivate change, foster communities of stakeholders engaged in building systems that optimize health, and transform data into information and insights that help deliver value and drive better decisions.  Their outcome-focused solutions are built on analytics, information technology, education, and training in continuous quality improvement in Delaware, and across the country. Learn more about how they are working toward their vision of being a leading catalyst for data-driven health and healthcare quality improvement at www.qualityinsights.org.  

If you would like to become a PEP Partner, please contact Lynn Robinson, Director of

Professional Education.

Improve Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates through evidence-based education at NO COST to your practice. The Quality Insights Program provides one-on-one education for health care professionals by trained clinical educators; presents evidence-based, non-commercial aims of academic groups, research centers, and clinicians; provides an effective and convenient way to stay up-to-date on latest research findings; improves clinical care based on best available safety, efficacy, and cost-effective data; and offers customizable modules based on your practices’ interests and needs. If you are interested in participating in this program or would like more information, please contact Danielle Collins at dcollins@qualityinsights.org or call 484-798-1829.

Nicholas D'Orazio, MD - Anodyne Pain and Wellness Solutions, Newark / Psychiatry & Integrative Medicine (private practice in Pennsylvania)

Please join MSD in welcoming the newest members of the Medical Society of Delaware. As the third oldest medical society in the country, MSD has an amazing history. Thank you for taking part in our continued success!

Julio E. Navarro, MD - Family Medicine, MDVIP, Horizon Family Practice

Tetsoma Tonwe, MD - Family Medicine, Divergent Direct Primary Care

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 on the current pending member(s) listed above or if you know someone interested in joining MSD. You could be eligible for a referral discount!

On January 30, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced its intent to end the national emergency and public health emergency (PHE) declarations related to the COVID-19 pandemic on May 11, 2023. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has resources available to help you prepare for the end of the PHE, some of which have been updated based on recent action by Congress. The following materials reflect recent changes and are currently available on the CMS Emergencies Page:

• Provider-specific fact sheets for information about COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) waivers and flexibilities: https://www.cms.gov/coronavirus-waivers
• CMS 1135 Waiver / Flexibility Request and Inquiry Form: https://cmsqualitysupport.servicenowservices.com/cms_1135
• Acute Hospital At Home: https://qualitynet.cms.gov/acute-hospital-care-at-home

Updates will continue to be provided as we approach the end of the PHE. You are encouraged to regularly visit the CMS Emergencies Page for the most up to date information.

• (Delaware) General Questions: call 211 or email DPHCall@delaware.gov or Vaccine@delaware.gov for vaccine-specific questions.
• Latest information on Delaware's response (testing, treatment, vaccination): de.gov/coronavirus (Updated 2/2023)
• CDC COVID-19 Testing Locator Website (no-cost COVID-19 Testing. launched 1/2023)
• Delaware "My Healthy Community" COVID-19 Dashboard (updated weekly on Wednesdays)
• COVID-19 by County Community Level Check (# hospital admissions and beds used and total number of new cases)
• COVID-19 Community Transmission (based on cases per 100,000 people and positivity rate, both measured over the last 7 days)
• DPH Public Health Alerts: de.gov/publichealthalerts
• Federal website for information on navigating COVID: COVID.gov
• CDC COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Calculator
• COVID-19 Therapeutics Locator
• CDC COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review.
• FDA At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests provides a list of all FDA-authorized at-home over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests
• Subscribe to the COVID-19 Update podcast - on Apple Podcasts or Simplecast.  

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.