The ACR applauds the AMA HOD for passing the Part B resolution, which is an important step toward ensuring this payment proposal is not implemented as written.
In Other News from the HOD Meeting …
The ACR successfully co-sponsored two resolutions with various medical societies addressing changes to USP Compounding Rules and Handling of Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings (USP 797 and 800) that would potentially limit our practices in the ambulatory setting.
Another resolution that was passed called gun violence a public health crisis and asked Congress to overturn legislation that blocks research on gun violence.
Andy Slavitt, acting administrator of CMS, addressed the House and said the right things about valuing physician input into everything they do, including how MACRA evolves. We need to remain vigilant and active to ensure this is a reality.
There were numerous resolutions with new policy to address the physician role in reducing opioid medication misuse, overdose and death.
The HOD also passed a revised resolution regarding Maintenance of Certification that calls for the immediate end of any secured recertifying examination that may be required by any ABMS specialty and to work with ABMS specialties to share knowledge of how alternative pathways to assess medical knowledge and ongoing learning, including CME, can replace high-stakes exams.
Related Action
I attended a meeting sponsored by the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) that specifically continues to address issues with the progress or lack thereof by the ABIM to revise its recertification requirements. The PAMED Board has issued a statement of no confidence in the ABIM’s Board and leadership. As at every meeting, our delegation attended the ACP Caucus, where we heard from ACP leadership how they continue to engage ABIM in order to effect change.
Call to Action
I again encourage all ACR members to either renew their membership or join the AMA to continue to allow the ACR to leverage its advocacy activities utilizing the AMA’s ability to convene groups to address our common needs, as well as its significant advocacy activities.
“It is important to have as many avenues to advocate as possible, says ACR Government Affairs Committee Chair Will Harvey, MD, MSc, “and the AMA is a good one. More importantly, I think many of us have felt that the AMA has been more and more responsive to issues of concern to us. This year, we are in danger of losing an AMA slot because not enough of our members are also AMA members. I strongly urge you to renew with or join the AMA this year. Things are going to get worse before they get better, and we need to keep pushing AMA policy in the right direction. Regardless of how you’ve felt about them in the past, now is the time to get off the fence and join.”
