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MMS News & Announcements
Boston Newspapers Editorialize Against Physician-Assisted Suicide, Medical Marijuana
The Boston Globe and the Boston Herald have editorialized against Nov. 6 state ballot Questions 2 & 3 that would authorize physician-assisted suicide in the state and legalize medical marijuana, respectively. The MMS is also opposed to both ballot questions.
Boston Globe subscribers can read the full editorial opposing physician-assisted suicide here. The Boston Herald editorial can be read here.
Globe editors cited the MMS opposition to the ballot question. But they also challenged physicians to improve end of life care: "It's up to the state's physicians to take the lead in making sure that patients are aware of their options and take full advantage of them."
For more information
Hurricane Sandy Aftermath: Massachusetts Physicians Deployed to NYC for Emergency Response
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Massachusetts General Hospital members of the MA-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) deployed October 30 on a special needs mission under the National Disaster Medical System to the New York City borough of Queens.
The duration of this week's power outage at MMS headquarters was very challenging for all concerned, regardless of work location. Power was finally restored late Wednesday night. Many staffers rose to the occasion and found creative ways to fill voids and ensure that essential work was completed on time. Thank you to all who helped to make this period as smooth as possible - including Human Resources, Public Health & Education, and Communications -- but especially BITS and Corporate Services, where several employees worked around the clock to maintain the continuity of our systems and our back-up power source.
MMS Interim Meeting: Delegates' Handbook Available Online Tuesday, Nov. 6
The Delegates' Handbook for the MMS Interim Meeting (held Nov. 30-Dec. 1) is scheduled to be available online, by the end of the day, Tues., Nov., 6 at www.massmed.org/handbookI12.
You don't have to wait until the meeting to weigh in on a selection of resolutions and reports. Online Testimony is also scheduled to open Nov. 6. This online option supplements traditional onsite reference committee hearings. The Speakers of the House of Delegates remind members to use the online forum with the same decorum that is expected at live hearings. Complete instructions and terms of use are posted, along with a resource library and links to other important Interim Meeting events. For more information and to register, please visit www.massmed.org/interim2012
MMS Annual Awards Nomination Deadline: December 10
Nomination applications for the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award, Special Award for Excellence in Medical Service, Award for Distinguished Service to the Massachusetts Medical Society, Grant V. Rodkey, M.D., Award, Henry Ingersoll Bowditch Award for Excellence in Public Health, and the Committee on History Essay Award must be received by December 10. Click here for more information on these and other MMS awards, or to obtain a nomination application.
Benefit Buzz: VaultLogix Offers Two Months for Free
VaultLogix has announced a special savings offer for MMS members. Beginning this month, VaultLogix Advantage online data backup storage software is available for MMS members for the remainder of 2012 without charge. Sign a 12-month agreement before December 1, 2012 and members receive an extra two months of service. Learn more
Education Programs & Events
Live CME Activities
Directors of Medical Education Conference
Thursday, November 8, 2012, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, call (800) 322-2301 ext. 7306.
MSCO 2012 Annual Meeting: Burkitt's Lymphoma: From Uganda to the U.S.; a Personal Journey
Thursday, November 8, 2012, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Physician Contracting Basics WEBINAR
Friday, November 16, 2012, noon to 1:00 p.m.
The above activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
Online CME Activities
* Also available in print. Call (800) 322-2303, ext. 7306.
For additional risk management online CME activities, visit www.massmed.org/cme.
Contact us at MMSContinuingEducation@mms.org
This Week in Health Care
Brandeis University's Altman to Lead State's New Health Policy Commission
Stuart Altman, professor of national health policy at Brandeis University, will chair the new state board charged with setting health care spending goals and tracking providers' progress toward reducing costs. Related report: Interview with Cost-Control Health Policy Commission Chair
Mass. Pharmacy Board Approves Tougher Rules for Compounding Pharmacies
New rules, approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy, will for the first time allow the state to track the volume and distribution of drugs made by compounding pharmacies. Related coverage: Bacteria found in more meds from Framingham pharmacy and Prodded by FDA, Westborough firm to recall all its drugs,
Network Health Signs Deal with Lahey Clinic
Medford-based Network Health said it has entered into a participating provider contract with Lahey Clinic.
Mass. Lawmakers to Hold Hearings on DPH
Massachusetts lawmakers are planning to announce a series of public hearings looking into the state Department of Public Health's handling of two recent crises.
Pop Warner Eyes Medical Adviser
On the heels of a youth football game that led to five concussions, the season-ending suspensions of two coaches and the permanent ouster of the three game officials, Central Massachusetts Pop Warner has resolved to call a doctor.
Mass. EHR Incentive Payment Program Info Meeting Nov. 14
On Nov. 14, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Massachusetts Medicaid EHR Incentive Payment Program will be holding a regional meeting at UMass Memorial Medical Center. Participants will have an opportunity to obtain information regarding the Massachusetts Medicaid EHR Incentive Payment Program eligibility requirements, Stage 1 Meaningful Use requirements and an overview of the newly released Stage 2 Meaningful Use requirements. The presentation will also provide key updates on the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS), Electronic Lab Reporting (ELR), Regional Extension Center, and the Health Information Exchange's Last Mile Initiative.
If you would like to attend, contact the Massachusetts eHealth Institute at 1-855-MassEHR or via email at massehr@masstech.org or the visit the registration page on our website.
