Association News Update - August Compilation Organization Name American Medical Association Press Releases No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. “American College of Surgeons and Tennessee Health Care Leaders Host Forum to Discuss New Model for Improving Quality and Reducing Health Care Costs” ACS applauded the Tennessee forum highlighted the success of the Tennessee Surgical Quality Collaborative’s (TSQC) model and suggests that it be adopted by federal agencies. Click here American College of Surgeons -ACS Supports the Conrad State 30 Improvement Act This legislation (S 1979) would make the Conrad State 30 Program permanent allowing some international doctors waivers from the “return home” requirement in exchange for three years of medical service in an underserved area. S1979 was introduced by Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Jerry Moran (R-KS). Click here “NIH unveils neurological 'toolbox'” American Neurological Association NIH will host a free conference September 10 and 11. Registration is now open for the conference which will feature demonstrations and trainings. Click here “Advocacy Key to Changes at Home, Abroad” American Academy of Neurology ANA encourages its members and advocates to use the August 1 recess to meet with members and discuss the importance of Neurology in their communities. American College of Radiology Click here No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. “Expanding Medicaid Relies on Strong Primary Care Workforce, AAFP Leader Tells HHS Secretary” AAFP argues that Medicaid expansion requires a “bolstered” primary and family care system. Click here -- American Academy of Family Physicians CMS Expands Hardship Exemptions for E-Prescribing in Attempt to Fix Program Overlap Among others, providers will be able to apply for an “intent to participate” exemption to the electronic prescribing penalty. AAFP believes this exemption option will be the most applicable for family physicians. Click here American Society of Anesthesiologists “American Society of Anesthesiologists Launches Campaign in Opposition to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Proposal to Pay Nurse Anesthetists for Pain Procedures” Click here American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. American Academy of Pediatrics No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. “AOA Endorses Legislation to Address Physician Shortage and Increase Access to Care” American Osteopathic Association AOA supports "Resident Physician Shortage Reduction and Graduate Medical Education Accountability and Transparency Act" (HR 6352). This legislation was introduced by Rep. Schock (R-IL) and Rep. Schwartz (D-PA). Click here American Academy of Dermatology American Hospital Association No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. Statement on Final Rule on "Meaningful Use Stage 2" 2 AHA is concerned that implementation of electronic health records (EHR) is being made more difficult because of CMS regulations. Click here American Association of Physician Assistants No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. American Association of Respiratory Care No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. American College of Cardiology American College of Rheumatology American Gastroenterological Association No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. Medicare Prescription Drug Premiums to Remain Steady for Third Straight Year American Geriatrics Society American Podiatric Medical Association American Society of Clinical Oncology American Society of Plastic Surgeons American Thoracic Society American Psychiatric Association American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology “The average 2013 monthly premium for basic prescription drug coverage is expected to be $30. Average premiums for 2012 were projected to be $30 and ultimately averaged $29.67. …[Older] adults have saved $3.9 billion on prescription drugs as the law began closing the “donut hole” coverage gap.” Click here No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. Biomedical Research Faces Imminent $2.4 Billion Budget Cut Unless Congress Acts ASCO fears the sequester will result in $400 million cuts to NIH’s National Cancer Institute. This could result in the loss of thousands of grants ASCO is calling on congress to prevent these cuts. Click here No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. Court Dismantles Cross-State Air Pollution Rule The American Thoracic Society fears that the recent court decision, which limits the EPA’s ability to regulate cross state air pollution, will lead to increasing medical complications resulting from more soot and smog. ATS also urges EPA to appeal the decision. Click here No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. “Emergency Medicine Organizations Herald New Office of Emergency Care Research at NIH as an Investment in the Future” American College of Emergency Physicians An emergency care research department has been opened at the NIH that can provide information on how to improve efficiency and 3 properly utilize emergency resources, among other topics. Click here “AHIP Statement on Affordable Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors” Click here -America’s Health Insurance Plans AHIP Statement on Affordable Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors “Medicare beneficiaries continue to have access to… the most effective treatments for patients with chronic illness.” Click here “Uncertainty” Dominates the Top Five Small-Business Concerns National Federation of Independent Business American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists The cost of health insurance is still the biggest problem for owners of small businesses. Click here No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. “PhRMA Statement on Medicare Part D Premiums” PhRMA Biotechnology Industry Organization PhRMA reiterates the success of Part D. Medicare Part D allows for access to affordable pharmaceuticals. Part D is a popular program that, according to PhRMA, has exceeded expectations. Click here No recent legislative or regulatory news releases. 4