Change Healthcare Cybersecurity Attack

The Change Healthcare cybersecurity attack continues to rock the healthcare community. PAMED will continue to share resources as they are available. (Updates were made since last week)

Click here to learn more.

PA Senate Amends Medical Practice Act

On March 18, the PA Senate passed Senate Bill 559 and Senate Bill 560 to amend the Medical Practice Act and the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act regarding athletic trainers. The legislation would allow athletic trainers to perform certain specified procedures with the direction of a licensed physician and pursuant to a written protocol.

The bills would also amend the definition of a “physically active person” to include anyone that participates in an individual or team sport, an athletic competition, a performing art, a recreational activity or a military exercise. The bills have now been referred to the House Professional Licensure Committee for consideration in the House.

PA House Insurance Committee Considers Legislation on Insurance Coverage for Telemedicine Services

On March 25, the PA House Insurance Committee is scheduled to consider House Bill 1512, legislation which would require health insurers to cover and pay for health care services provided via telemedicine. Unfortunately, the legislation does not address the issue in a comprehensive manner and only covers the insurance question.

PAMED has been engaged in negotiations over several legislative sessions regarding telemedicine and fully supports Senate Bill 739, a more comprehensive telemedicine bill currently waiting consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

PAMED informed the House Insurance Committee that it supports moving House Bill 1512 forward in the legislative process to continue momentum on this issue, but we continue to press for an amendment encompassing the already-negotiated comprehensive provisions contained in Senate Bill 739. 

PA House Health Committe to Consider Legislation to Prohibit Noncompete Agreements

On March 27, the PA House Health Committee is scheduled to consider House Bills 1633, legislation which would prohibit all non-compete agreements in employment contracts for health care practitioners. PAMED supports significantly restricting the geographic reach and duration of a hospital or health system’s non-compete agreements, but we also believe legislation on this issue needs to recognize the needs and concerns of small independent physician practices that require protection against predatory poaching of established community physicians.

PAMED is working with the prime sponsor and Committee Chairman to develop an acceptable amendment that balances these concerns. We have communicated to the Committee we support moving House Bill 1633 forward in the legislative process as we continue our negotiations on final language.

PAMED Board Talks Trends This Past Weekend

The PAMED board of trustees met this past weekend for a strategic planning retreat focused on trends – past and present – and discussed tactics and strategies regarding how PAMED can continue to get in front of trends and pro-actively address them. While no official business took place, the group engaged in learning and networking as a group.

A Message from PAMPAC Chair, Marion Mass, MD...

I am honored to be serving as PAMPAC chair. I want to thank those of you who already generously support PAMPAC. Optimally, we would like to have all physicians become PAMPAC contributors, understanding that PAMPAC's strength comes solely from physicians like you. 

Many of you may not know that PAMPAC is non-partisan. It's refreshing to join and discover that PAMPAC builds relationships on both sides of the aisle. Our voices and patient stories from the various perspectives of our specialty and our practice settings help all legislators “take a walk in our shoes.” It may also be helpful for you to know that 100% of any contribution you make goes directly to candidate support.

Legislator and County Medical Society Visits

The PAMED Government Relations staff is on the move! They recently were part of a legislative forum held by the Lycoming County Medical with Senator Yaw, Rep. Jamie Flick, and Rep. Joe Hamm. At the forum they discussed legislation on noncompete agreements and POLST.

The team also met with Senator John Kane in Chester County.

As always, PAMED members are encouraged to meet with and develop relationships with their local state representatives and state senators. These relationships will play a key role in helping PAMED to achieve our legislative goals.

Now is the time for Resolution Feedback!

At the 2023 Pennsylvania Medical Society House of Delegates several resolutions were referred back to the PAMED's Board of Trustees for decision or study. PAMED Members can provide feedback, which will be considered official testimony, on each item and will be shared directly with the Board members.

To submit your feedback, search for the resolution with the "Be Heard" logo that interests you and click on the "Provide Feedback" button. 

CDC Warns of Increase in Global and Domestic Measles Cases and Outbreaks

Department of Human Services Qualified Health Center Alternative Payment Methodology

2023 MIPS EUC Application in Response to Change Healthcare Cyberattack

CMS Announces Two Changes to NPPES Effective

April 3, 2024

PA Dept. of Health Issues Alert on New Respiratory Virus Guidance

Make sure you're hearing from us! Update your contact information to ensure you're receiving maximum member benefits here.