by: George D. Vermeire, DO

Physicians practice medicine. Nurses practice nursing. The question is, do CRNP’s want to practice medicine or practice nursing? There are two bills winding their way through the legislative process that would eliminate the collaborative practice arrangement between CRNP’s and physicians, HB100 and SB25.

The idea of independent practice for non-physician clinicians is not new. Scope of practice bills are filed regularly with similar logic applied. Nurses go into rural and underserved areas where physicians are not, ergo, they must be able to practice to the full extent of their education and do the work of primary care physicians. There are two issues with this logic. First, the full extent of nursing education is just that. It is nursing, not medicine, that constitutes the practice. However, CRNP’s believe the extent of their education should allow them to perform functions that are the purview of physicians. The reality is that the education of CRNPs is not equivalent to physicians, period. The second issue with the logic is that independent practice leads to CRNP’s establishing practices where they can flourish. The American Medical Association has maps that overlay by county where physicians practice in states with independent practice for ARNP/CRNP. With few exceptions, there are physicians providing care in every county.

POMA continues to vigorously defend an osteopathic physician’s right to practice medicine collaboratively with CRNP’s who practice nursing. POMA’s position on these bills is that patients deserve access to medical care especially for patients with complex chronic conditions. Advances in telemedicine enhance the ability of physicians and nurses to ensure appropriate patient care. If collaborative practice is burdensome, then we should discuss how physicians can best practice medicine with nurses, who best practice nursing, to improve patient care and outcomes. Perhaps oversight of collaborative practice agreements should be shifted from the nursing board to the medical board or physicians and nurses both should be educated on how collaborative practice can work better based on the unique training and education each receives.

The POMA Committee on Legislation and Public Policy will be meeting next week to develop strategies regarding collaborative practice. We ask that you respond to the committee’s call to action when issued.

by: Diana M. Ewert, MPA, CAE

Advocacy is important. How we approach it, deliver it and measure its success. This came through very clearly in the membership research we recently conducted. Osteopathic physicians, both members and non-members, indicate that advocacy at the state level is highly valued. POMA has been advocating for osteopathic physicians since its inception in 1903. The research also indicates that POMA doesn’t communicate very well what we are doing to support osteopathic physicians at the legislative, regulatory and executive level. Let me share with you what has been happening these past few months.

POMA has engaged the services of a contract lobbyist who is recognized and connected. Our leadership continues to advocate on behalf of the profession in Harrisburg, as well as in the districts. POMA is developing policy stances that are being shared with the three branches of government. We are reaching out to legislators and others to present at our programs and discuss the issues so we are better prepared to respond. Attorney General Shapiro is presenting at the 110th Annual Clinical Assembly to discuss the opioid crisis. Representative Mustio presented at the January District VIII meeting and heard your concerns and comments. POMA has been working on scope of practice legislation for several months. Our approach is less in-your-face and more collaborative in nature.

When you see other groups urging action, it doesn’t mean that POMA is not aware of an issue or that we have not taken a position on an issue or that we haven’t been working on an issue. It does mean that we’ve not been sharing our activities successfully so that you are aware that POMA is working, and working hard, on your behalf.

POMA's 3rd Annual Leadership Forum

 Attention Osteopathic Students, Interns and Residents

POMA has developed a program specifically for you! Designed by your peers, topics will include professional leadership opportunities, financial planning, work/life balance, reviewing contracts, and practice options. The speakers are leaders in their fields who will leave plenty of time to answer your questions!

The Forum will be held in conjunction with the POMA 110th Annual Clinical Assembly on May 5, 2018. For more information and to register, click here.

We are excited to bring you this opportunity and look forward to seeing you in May!! 

*Pictures from the 2017 2nd Annual Leadership Forum

 The District Dish 

A recap of recent District events

District 3

POMA District 3 members gathered at the Blue Grillhouse in Bethlehem on March 28. Frank Romascavage, DO, led the lecture on pure EPA and its effectiveness. His first-hand knowledge and personal stories engaged the group and led to a lively Q&A session where members discussed different scenarios in order to learn how to better care for their patients.

Read More>>

District 10

POMA District 10 gathered on Friday, March 23 at the Blue Bell Inn. The lecture for the evening was presented by Dr. Aggon, a breast surgeon at Fox Chase (and graduate of PCOM) who gave an excellent update on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The National Comprehensive
Cancer Network provides free yearly updates and can be a helpful source.

Read More>>

Professional Guidance Recap

East Region

The Committee on Professional Guidance/Young Physicians East Region met on Wednesday, March 28 at Maggiano’s in King of Prussia. The meeting was attended by 17 residents and 5 physician mentors.  The group engaged in lively discussion about wellness programs that were implemented throughout the past year with financial support provided by the POMA Foundation; How Are You DOing? articles that have been published in the POMA newsletter and on the website that are helpful reminders and tips for mental, physical and emotional well-being; and the annual Resident Leadership Forum that will be held on Saturday, May 5. 

While this was the last meeting of the 2017-2018 academic year, we have enjoyed getting to know our future leaders and look forward to seeing you at the Clinical Assembly.

Central Region

The Central Region of the Committee on Professional Guidance/Young Physicians met on Tuesday, April 3 at the POMA Central Office.  The meeting was well attended by both residents and physician mentors, who enjoyed talking and networking throughout the meeting. There was a swarm of discussion topics that included the Annual Leadership Forum, contract negotiation, finding your first job out of residency, and updates on movements within POMA and the profession.  It has been a pleasure getting to know our young colleagues throughout the year and we're confident the future is bright knowing they are our future leaders. 

Looking ahead to next year’s committee meetings, POMA is looking into visiting residency programs across the state – watch for more information in late summer 2018!

#POMA110 Register Now!! 

*You may register for POMA's 110th Annual Clinical Assembly & Scientific Seminar by clicking on the image above or by filling out the registration form attached to this email. If you have difficulty logging in, please refer to the email that was sent to all members on Thursday, March 8, 2018 that includes your login information. 

26 Days Until #POMA110!

The POMA Clinical Assembly planning committee met on Wednesday, April 4 to finalize plans for the 2018 POMA Clinical Assembly.  The 4-day conference is complete with a superior slate of educational sessions and interactive workshops, a bustling exhibit hall, business meetings and social functions.

This year’s education program features expert speakers who will discuss cutting edge medical updates, licensure requirements and relevant information to help you provide the best possible care for your patients.  Sessions include cardiology, endocrinology, family medicine pearls, pediatrics, sports medicine/orthopedics and regulatory matters.  An OMM workshop, Child Abuse Education course and BLS course will also be held during the conference.  The BLS Course is limited to the first 60 registrants – only 7 spots remain!   In total, 40 Category 1A AOA CME credits are available.

There’s also plenty of time to catch up with your classmates and colleagues throughout the week.  Join us on Wednesday evening at our welcome reception, network and learn about new career opportunities at the Beers ‘n Careers event on Thursday, and celebrate the installation of POMA’s 107^th president, Dr. Joan Grzybowski on Friday evening.

There’s still time to save by pre-registering – click on the image above or complete and return the registration form attached to this email.  If you have difficulty logging in, please refer to previous convention emails for your username.

by: Bruce Hironimus, Legislative Consultant

HB 100, SB 25 - Independent Practice for Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners

Efforts by the CRNPs are continuing in an effort to advance consideration of House Bill 100 currently before the House Professional Licensure Committee. Their ongoing efforts are to persuade rank and file members to push leadership to consider the proposal. House leadership has communicated to POMA and other stakeholders to assess the possibilities of formulating amendatory language to the proposal. The nurse practitioners will hold their annual Main Capitol rally on April 17, 2018 at 11:30 am.

Read More>>

Gov. Wolf to Renew Disaster Declaration
Regarding Opioid Abuse

Governor Wolf is expected to renew his 90-day opioid disaster declaration. On Jan. 10, 2018 the governor first declared a state of disaster emergency with regard to opioids, an uncommon use of Pennsylvania’s disaster emergency statute, but which allows Commonwealth agencies to use all available resources and personnel, as necessary, to cope with the magnitude and severity of the situation. In the past, states of emergency, normal bid and contract procedures, as well as other formalities prescribed by law, have been waived for the duration of the proclamation.

Read More>>

Political News

Now that the Congressional reapportionment storm has quieted in the courts, it is worth mentioning the current list of state legislators’ future election plans. Click below to see the full list.

Read More>>

Missed a legislative update? Find all our updates on the new Legislative Update page.  

APOMA Silent Auction

APOMA will be holding their annual Silent Auction during the Clinical Assembly on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 and Thursday, May 3, 2018, to raise funds for osteopathic medical students. Last year, they were able to donate $13,000 to help defray the cost of stethoscopes given to each first-year student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

• Please support APOMA by bidding at the auction.
• Please donate something to be auctioned: tickets to events, jewelry, artwork, gift certificates, etc.

Everything is tax-deductible, so it not only helps a student, but also benefits you. If you're interested in helping, please contact Liz Swallow, APOMA President at [email protected].

APOMA also invites anyone interested in promoting the osteopathic profession to join them at an open meeting on May 4, 2018, during the POMA Clinical Assembly and Scientific Seminar in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Click here for more information.

by: Lisa A. Witherite-Rieg, DO

How are you DOing? Or, should I say, “How are you EATING?” During our medical training we spend hours learning about cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, blood disorders, diabetes and surgical emergencies, but relatively little about nutrition. Nutrition, unless properly balanced, has a negative impact on all organ systems! 

Read More>> 

Pennsylvania Shines at the ACOFP Convention

Several POMA/POFPS members recently attended the ACOFP Annual Convention & Scientific Seminars in Austin, Texas. The annual conference is attended by osteopathic family physicians from around the country. Several POMA/POFPS members were honored during the Conference.

Katherine (Katie) Lincoln, DO was honored with ACOFP Young Physician of the Year. The award honors physicians who have made significant contributions to family medicine between two and 10 years after entering the specialty. Nominations and final selection is made by the Board of Governors.

Carol Henwood, DO was honored with the Excellence in Advocacy award. The award honors members who significantly contributed their time and talents to national health care policy issues.

Additionally, three members received their fellows: Peter Bidey, DO, Cynthia Lubinsky, DO, and David Kuo, DO. The designation, Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (FACOFP), signifies the recognition of the member’s experience, dedication, and contributions of the highest order to the advancement of family practice by his/her peers.

View the
newsletter online!

 In This Issue...

1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. POMA's 3rd Annual Leadership Forum
4. District Dish
5. Professional Guidance Recap
6. 26 Days Until #POMA110
7. Government Affairs
8. APOMA Silent Auction
9. How Are You DOing?
10. ACOFP
11. Upcoming District Events
12. New Medicare Card
13. Classified Advertisements
14. Beers & Careers
15. Facebook Group
16. Licensure Renewals
17. POMPAC

Upcoming District Events

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

Please address all correspondence for POMA Box Letters to:  Box __, c/o POMA, 1330 Eisenhower Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA  17111-2395.

PHYSICIANS WANTED:

CORRECT CARE SOLUTIONS: HIRING MEDICAL DIRECTORS in these cities: Cambridge Springs, Mercer, Huntingdon, Somerset, Waymart. For details call Robert Cross at 717-216-2055 or 570-954-0479.

OPPORTUNITY — PHYSICIAN POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Media and Lancaster. Flexible hours, private practice, 3-4 hour shifts, no on-call, malpractice insurance needed. For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or call 610-566-8885

Seeking family physician or internist, board certified MD or DO, for independent multi-specialty Johnstown, PA group established in 1984. Currently comprised of twelve physicians and physician assistants practicing family practice, podiatry, gynecology, medical psychology and non-narcotic pain management. Imaging, clinical trials, lab and numerous other on-site ancillary services available. Offering a four ten-hour day work week with no hospital work. Submit CV to [email protected] or call 814-288-1418 extension 7.

PRACTICES WANTED:

Retiring physicians, part-time or full-time practices, call (215) 669-4001.

FOR SALE:

Ritter Power Procedure Chair – Excellent condition, teal. $1,000 plus shipping from Huntingdon Valley. Email inquiries to [email protected].

CLASSIFIED AD
RATES
— Per insertion —

Member Ads*: $10 for the first 20 words, $.25 for each additional word. $2 each for special services: box letter, all caps or all bold type, boxing an ad in.

Non-member Ads: (Payment must be received in advance.) $50 for the first 20 words, .50 each additional word. $5 for each special service (listed above).

*Please Note: Member ad rate to be used only by POMA members and only for their medicine- or practice-related ads. Charges for other types of members’ ads will be calculated using the non-member ad rate.

POMA does not take a position of endorsing any organizations, individuals or services whose classified advertisements appear in this publication. The POMA Newsletter reserves the right to select and edit all advertisements submitted.

Follow POMA on social media for all the latest news!

  

Beers & Careers 
Networking Event

Join us at the 2nd annual “Beers & Careers” Networking Event at our 110h Annual Clinical Assembly. "Beers & Careers" is a relaxed networking event and career night, complete with complimentary beer and snacks! It will be held on Thursday, May 3rd from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. If you have plans for upcoming staff expansion, or are recruiting physicians, don’t miss this opportunity!

PA DOc Talk - Facebook Group

The votes are in and the new name for POMA's Facebook Group is "PA DOc Talk." 

This private group is a place to ask questions and receive answers from other POMA DOs across the state just like you. Additionally, it is a place to network and get to know other POMA DOs.

Join the group here. 

Physician Licensure Renewal Reminder

Osteopathic physicians are reminded that the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine requires 100 CME credits for the 2016-2018 licensure cycle, which ends October 31, 2018. 

As part of the 100 credits, physicians must earn at least 20 Category 1A AOA CME credits, at least 2 hours of child abuse recognition and reporting (Category1 or Category 2), at least 2 hours of opioid education (Category1 or Category 2), and at least 12 patient safety credits (Category 1 or Category 2). The credits for child abuse recognition/reporting and opioid education are counted into the sum of 100 credits and/or sum of 20 Category 1A credits but do not overlap into patient safety.

Additionally, the child abuse recognition/reporting course must be documented and reported to the Pa. Department of State by an approved course provider. Topics that qualify for opioid education include pain management, identification of addiction or the practices of prescribing or dispensing of opioids. The credits for opioid education and patient safety credits must also be documented by an AOA, ACCME, AMA or AAFP accredited sponsor (institution, health system, professional association, etc.)

Please note: If you are a POMA member, we can affirm how many credits you have earned for all POMA-sponsored programs. However, if you have not completed your CME reporting forms and returned them to the Central Office, you will not receive credit. Any credits earned outside of the POMA must be sent to the Central Office in order for us to record them. POMA's new and improved CME module is now available!  Active members can access the system by clicking here.

IS 
The Collective Voice of the Osteopathic Profession

 Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Political Action Committee

Send your personal check today to POMPAC in care of the Central Office, 1330 Eisenhower Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA 17111-2395, or charge your contribution to your VISA or MasterCard! 
PAC contributions are not tax-deductible.

Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association | 1330 Eisenhower Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA 17111  (717) 939-9318 | www.poma.org