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. MedStar Health conducted a survey of 1,000 people living in the D.C/Baltimore region to learn about their holiday plans and fireworks safety knowledge. Seventy-five percent of respondents indicated they were planning to celebrate the holiday with fireworks, firecrackers, and/or sparklers. When asked about their favorite food to eat on the July 4th holiday, the top choice was a hamburger or cheeseburger. The most popular way to celebrate the 4th of July is by getting together with family and friends. 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 and Tuesday, July 3rd and July 4th.

HB 227 - Lead Poisoning Prevention

Through the efforts of Delaware physicians, the Medical Society of Delaware, the Delaware Healthcare Association, and others, the provision in HB 227 that required physicians to go through a training program every two years regarding childhood lead poisoning and testing is being removed after hearing from the health care community. House Amendment 2 to HB 227 removes the training language and was passed in the House last week. At the time of this publication, the bill was reported out of the Senate Health & Social Services Committee and is on the Senate agenda for June 30th. MSD expects the bill to pass with the amendments.

Update on Legislation Passed Last Session

Senate Bill 283 (SB 283) was passed during the 151st General Assembly and signed by the Governor on September 8, 2022. This legislation added a requirement that practitioners licensed by the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline and the Board of Nursing who treat adults to complete one hour of continuing education in each reporting period on the topic of diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.

Through the efforts of the Medical Society of Delaware and concerned physicians, a Town Hall was held with the primary sponsor of the bill, Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos. As a result of the Town Hall and subsequent meetings with the Senator, Senate Bill 185 (SB 185) was recently introduced that delays implementation of the requirements created by SB 283. At the time of this publication, SB 185 was reported out of the House Health & Human Development in Committee and has been placed on the Ready List.

HB 10, HB 12, and HB 99 Sent to the Governor for Action

House Bill 99 (HB 99), known as the Delaware Climate change Solutions Act of 2023, follows the issuance of Delaware's Climate Action Plan in 2021 and establishes a statutory target of greenhouse gas emissions reductions over the medium and long term to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions on the state. Delaware's net greenhouse gas emission reduction targets would be set at 50% by 2030 and to zero net emissions by 2050. House Bill 10 (HB 10) establishes targets for the annual purchase of electric school buses through fiscal year 2030. If you're interested in purchasing an electric vehicle, House Bill 12 (HB 12) would offer a rebate of up to $2,500 for the purchase of an electric vehicle in Delaware and up to $1,000 for the purchase of a plug-in hybrid. At the time of publication, HB 10, HB 12, and HB 99 were sent to Governor Carney for signature.

What Happened in the 152nd General Assembly - First Session

June 30th marks the end of the first session of the 152nd General Assembly. Watch your email for a comprehensive report on legislative activity that took place during this first session. As we do every year at this time, MSD will provide a recap of the outcome of health care-related bill activity and the status, as well as MSD's position, following the conclusion of the business of the General Assembly on June 30th.

Elected to the State Senate in 2020

Through a story published in the News Journal, State Senator Sarah McBride on Monday announced her candidacy for Delaware's only Congressional seat, currently held by Lisa Blunt Rochester. A political chain of events started when current Senator Tom Carper announced he would retire at the end of his current term. Current Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester then announced she was seeking to fill Senator Carper's seat. Although there are several transgender legislators around the country, Senator McBride is the first openly transgender state senator in American history. Senator McBride won her first term to the Delaware Senate in November 2020 to a district that stretches from northern Wilmington to the Pennsylvania border. Photo credit to https://senatedems.delaware.gov/members/senate-district-1/

Combating the Opioid Crisis in Delaware

Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Ph.D., R.N., announced a pilot program to distribute the nation’s first combination fentanyl and xylazine test strip in Delaware. Currently, fentanyl and xylazine test strips are only offered as two separate tests. The new test strip, known as HarmGuard FX, was developed by SIVAD Diagnostic Medical Group, LLC, headquartered in Bear, Delaware. Delaware is the first in the nation to pilot a dual fentanyl and xylazine test strip, offering a new tool in the ongoing epidemic. The product also utilizes a QR code and AI-driven portal with geolocation to help people find local resources like counseling, emergency services and free naloxone distribution locations. The new test strips will be distributed at three Brandywine Counseling clinic locations statewide, through Brandywine Counseling's mobile syringe services vans, and in the community in partnership with Dr. Sandra Gibney's Gibney Mobile Healthcare. The pilot comes as Delaware battles the ongoing opioid crisis and officials fear spikes in overdoses around the July Fourth holiday.

DHSS State Service Reimaged Initiative Updates to be Shared

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) will host a series of in-person town hall events to discuss ways to improve Delaware’s State Service Centers. The four events will take place in July across the state and will highlight the steps DHSS is taking to transform how they serve Delawareans and receive community feedback. Share flyers with your patients in English and Spanish. 

CDC Issues Health Advisory

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to share information and notify clinicians, public health authorities, and the public about—

1. Identification of locally acquired malaria cases (P. vivax) in two U.S. states (Florida [4] and Texas [1]) within the last two months,
2. Concern for a potential rise in imported malaria cases associated with increased international travel in summer 2023, and
3. Need to plan for rapid access to IV artesunate, which is the first-line treatment for severe malaria in the United States.

While there are approximately 2,000 malaria cases a year they’re most often diagnosed in people who caught the disease while abroad.

Agency Recommendations Aim to Inform Psychedelic Drug Development

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a new draft guidance to highlight fundamental considerations to researchers investigating the use of psychedelic drugs for potential treatment of medical conditions, including psychiatric or substance use disorders. This is the first FDA draft guidance that presents considerations to industry for designing clinical trials for psychedelic drugs. View the announcement.

HHS Report Supports Physical Activity for Adults 65 Years and Older

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a report detailing evidence-based interventions to support physical activity among adults ages 65 years and older. “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults,” develops the work of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and aims to help older adults achieve the recommended amount of physical activity.

Litfulo For Adolescents

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Pfizer Inc's drug to treat hair loss caused by an autoimmune disease. The drug, branded as Litfulo, has been approved for people aged 12 years and older suffering from severe alopecia areata (AA), a condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair to fall out, often in clumps. The FDA's decision makes Litfulo the first to be allowed for the treatment of the condition in adolescents. The drug, which will be available in the coming weeks, is also the second systemic treatment to gain approval after Eli Lilly's Olumiant, used to treat the condition in adults.

Code Red Air Quality Action Day for Delaware on Thursday from Canadian Wildfires Smoke

Thursday, June 29th is a Code Red Air Quality Action Day in Delaware for PM2.5 (fine particulate matter with particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter), meaning some members of the general public may experience health effects and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are anticipated to be unhealthy for PM2.5 throughout the day. Friday, June 30 is a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day in Delaware for PM2.5. Calm to light winds early in the day will allow smoke to accumulate. By the afternoon and evening, southeasterly winds will develop, recirculating lingering smoke into the region from the Atlantic Ocean. Saturday, light to moderate southerly to southeasterly winds will continue to recirculate smoke into the First State. However, a humid, unstable air mass will aid low-level mixing. Read DNREC's air quality forecast.

Launches July 1st

The Joint Commission is launching a new advanced, voluntary Health Care Equity Certification program that will be available July 1st. The advanced certification program will recognize accredited hospitals and critical access hospitals that strive for excellence in their efforts to provide equitable care, treatment, and services. Following application, it will take approximately four to six months for facilities to receive their final decision.

Insureds, Agents, and Beneficiaries Should Watch for Notification

On June 16, PBI Research Services, a third-party vendor for Genworth Financial, disclosed a data breach that impacted the personal information of an estimated 2.5-2.7 million individuals, including about 8,000 Delaware residents. At this time, the company has indicated that the potentially compromised information may include agents, policyholders, and beneficiaries’ data including names, contact information, dates of birth, social security numbers, and policy numbers. Consumers are urged to be vigilant in protecting their data, as beneficiaries may not be aware of policies that contain their information, particularly in regard to life insurance benefits.

Risk of Catheter Separation and Leakage

Teleflex and Arrow International are recalling the ARROW Endurance Extended Dwell Peripheral Catheter System after reports of catheter separation or leakage. If the catheter separates while in a blood vessel, the catheter fragments could be left in the bloodstream, and may migrate to other places in the body. This issue may cause serious injury including blockage of blood vessels, inadequate blood flow, injury to blood vessel walls, blood clots, blockage of the lung arteries (pulmonary embolism), heart attack, or death. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries, serious health consequences, or death.

MSD Academic Channel Call for Submissions

We are living through a time of unprecedented innovation and advancement in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, and health care is undergoing revolutionary changes, bringing about new methodologies, challenges, and opportunities. In light of this evolution, the MSD Academic Channel is calling for submissions of articles focusing on the impact of AI, robotics, or both of these technological advancements in health care. How are either or both of these technologies reshaping diagnostics, treatments, patient care, or the medical profession at large? What are the ethical implications, challenges, or limitations faced? How might we anticipate the role of these technologies in future health care scenarios? MSD invites physicians, medical practitioners, researchers, engineers, and others working in this fascinating intersection of technology and health to share their insights, experiences, and findings by submitting original research, review articles, technical reports, and case reports.

Example topics could include but are not limited to:

• The Use of AI in Diagnosing Diseases: Present and Future
• Robotics in Bariatric Surgery: Benefits, Limitations, and Challenges
• How AI and Robotics are Improving Patient Care and Experience
• AI in Medical Imaging: Opportunities and Concerns
• Ethical Implications of AI and Robotics in Health Care

To be included in this collection, please add the keyword "AI & Robotics in Healthcare" to your submission. All submissions will be featured on the Cureus.com email campaign and newsroom page. Published articles will be featured on the MSD Academic Channel and the MSD Digital Digest communication to the membership. The deadline for submissions is August 18th, 2023. Please review the Author Guidelines prior to submitting any work. Your submission should be uploaded through the MSD Academic Channel and not directly through Cureus.com.

Educational Opportunity to Present Interest Story

The MSD Physician Emeritus Section is planning its 2024 educational luncheon series and is interested in next year’s presentations being personal stories from our members. Everyone has a story to tell, and we would love to hear from you! Are you interested in being a presenter at one of next year’s luncheons? Please contact Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org or Katie.Hamilton@medsocdel.org so we can place you on the schedule. We are looking for someone to present at our April luncheon in Rehoboth Beach (1776 Steakhouse); and June and October (University and Whist Club, Wilmington) - specific dates will be announced.

September 16 - Herring Point, Cape Henlopen State Park

Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! The 2nd Medical Society of Delaware Beach Clean Up will take place on September 16, 2023, at the gorgeous Herring Point Cape Henlopen State Park. Come join us for a day of coastal conservation and community building. Together, let's have a positive influence and safeguard our cherished beaches. This event, which Surfrider is organizing, promises to be enjoyable for everyone. Don't pass up the chance to change the world while taking in the splendor of our seaside surroundings. Cleaning up the beach, preserving the coast, and community bonds. Register to participate or use the QR code below.

Free Child Psychiatry Consultation, Behavioral Health Training

Funded through a five-year $2.225 million federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Delaware Child Psychiatry Access Program (DCPAP) provides pediatric primary care professionals with free child psychiatry consultation and behavioral health training. Interested health professionals, including pediatricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, caring for patients up to age 21, can register for DCPAP by calling 302-513-0929, emailing DSCYF_DCPAP@delaware.gov or filling out the DCPAP enrollment form. Those enrolled in the program will also have access to a newsletter, articles and information on behavioral health disorders, and live and recorded webinars. FREE Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits accompany most training sessions. Learn more.

Free, Money-Saving Membership Benefit for You!

My Green Doctor is a free money-saving membership benefit from the Medical Society of Delaware. Members use the “Meeting-by-Meeting Guide” to learn how to adopt environmental sustainability, save resources, and help create healthier communities. The program adds just five minutes to each regular office staff meeting or weekly office “huddle”, making small changes at each meeting that over time really add up. Everyone in your practice can register as Partner Society members at www.MyGreenDoctor.org or at www.MyGreenDoctor.es (si, en Espanol). Use the discount code MGDMSD to get full free access to My Green Doctor, save $60 instantly, and save $1,000s in the first year. Ask your practice manager to register today and to put My Green Doctor on your next agenda. You can do this!

Bayhealth

Bayhealth recently invited University of Delaware (UD) student athletes to visit the PCOM Simulation Center at Bayhealth to get a peek at their state-of-the-art training environment. The visit was part of the university’s 302 Tour, which allowed students from the New Castle County campus to see all the opportunities available in Kent and Sussex counties. 

As many local athletes and their families start preparing for next season, Bayhealth is making it easy to check sports physicals off the list. Registration is open for free sports physicals on Saturday, July 22 from 8 a.m. to noon at Bayhealth Family Medicine, Dover, 1074 S. State St. 

The Kent County Levy Court presented a ceremonial check for $500,000 representing half of the $1 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to Bayhealth’s Graduate Medical Education program to allow Bayhealth to further address the shortage of physicians in Kent County. The grant is for programmatic support of Bayhealth’s GME program. Made up of internal medicine, family medicine, general surgery, and emergency medicine residency programs, GME at Bayhealth is home to more than 70 physician residents.

Beebe Healthcare

ChristianaCare

Free 12-Month Program for Cancer Diagnostic Process

Is your practice interested in improving the cancer diagnostic process in the telemedicine and hybrid environments? The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is recruiting practices for a free 12-month program to improve diagnostic verification, timeliness, and communication with patients. Practices will receive training and one-on-one expert coaching to implement sustainable improvements to close the loop at critical points in the cancer diagnostic process, which has the potential to prevent harm associated with missed or delayed diagnoses. Participants will also be eligible for CEUs, CMEs, and ABIM MOC points. Learn more and sign up for an informational webinar on the program website: safetyprogram4telemedicine.org.

Practices can learn more by attending an upcoming informational webinar. A webinar will be hosted on Thursday, July 13th, 2023. This webinar will be presented by Daniel Murphy, M.D., MBA, chief quality officer for Baylor Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine’s outpatient clinical practice, and medical director for the Baylor Medicine General Internal Medicine Clinic. More webinar dates can be found on the website.

Tyasia K. Guadalupe, DO - Internal Medicine Residency, Bayhealth

Dhara P. Popat, MD - Internal Medicine Residency, Bayhealth

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!

Kristine J. Morales, DO - Family Medicine Residency, Bayhealth

Bradlee J. Palmquist, DO - Internal Medicine Residency, Bayhealth

Maria Rose Tejera, MD - Internal Medicine Residency, Bayhealth

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 members listed above or if you know of someone interested in joining MSD. You could be eligible for a membership referral dues discount!

The national emergency and public health emergency (PHE) declarations related to the COVID-19 pandemic ended on May 11, 2023. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has resources available, some of which have been updated based on recent action by Congress.

• Frequently Asked Questions: CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (Updated 5/12/2023).
• Provider-specific fact sheets for information about COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) waivers and flexibilities: https://www.cms.gov/coronavirus-waivers
• Acute Hospital At Home: https://qualitynet.cms.gov/acute-hospital-care-at-home
• Loss of Medicaid or CHIP coverage
• FAQs on CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, end of COVID-19 PHE (May 4, 2023)

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.

• Find COVID-19 Vaccines: https://www.vaccines.gov/
• No Cost COVID-19 Testing Locator can help people find current community and pharmacy partners participating in the Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program.
• 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
• 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.
• CDC will report regional-level test positivity data from the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS)
• COVID-19 by County Community Level Check (# hospital admissions and beds used and total number of new cases)
• 2nd bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine Booster: Who Should Receive It?
• (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)

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.