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MMS NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Mass. Prescription Drug Program Rules Proposed; MMS Seeks Member Input
The Department of Public Health has released draft regulations on the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PMP). The proposed rules require a review of 12 months of prescribing history in the PMP database for new patients and those who have not been seen in the past 12 months. Read more.
Slides of the DPH presentation on proposed PMP rules and the draft regulations are available on the MMS website. A public hearing on the regulations is scheduled for March 22, in advance of a final vote in April. The MMS is interested in member experiences with the PMP, please send comments to wryder@mms.org.
Patients, Physicians Offer Testimony at DPH Medical Marijuana Listening Sessions
Hundreds attended Mass. DPH public listening sessions this month as the agency develops regulations to implement the state's new medical marijuana law. The sessions, which will conclude with a Feb. 27 hearing in Holyoke, Mass., have attracted advocates on all sides of the issue, including patients, law enforcement officers, anti-drug abuse activists, health care workers and marijuana industry insiders. The DPH is scheduled to issue final rules May 1, but has said it may be late.
The Massachusetts Medical Society submitted written comments to the DPH, based on its policy adopted last December, following the passage of the medical marijuana referendum in November. "The society remains opposed to the recreational use of marijuana, but has adopted policies which should help the Department in its efforts to create a regulatory framework that supports responsible implementation of the new law," the MMS said in its comments to the DPH.
More coverage:
Two MDs honored for Excellence by the AMA Foundation
Congratulations to Matthew B. Mandel, M.D. of Stockbridge and Francis Kim, a medical student at Boston University School of Medicine. Both were recipients of awards for excellence from the AMA Foundation at the annual National Advocacy Conference in Washington D.C. this week.
March 8 is Deadline for MMS Committee Appointments
If you would like to become more involved in the MMS, consider participating on a committee or the Member Interest Network (MIN) Executive Council.
Committee appointments are for specific terms, usually three year renewable commitments. We have put in place resources for distance participation including conference calls, online meetings and video conferencing at regional offices. Those with limited time who wish to participate can take advantage of these means.
See a list of MMS committees and MIN Executive Council descriptions here. For more information and an application form to be considered for a committee, contact Sandra Manchester at the MMS Executive Office (800) 322-2303, Ext. 7012 or email smanchester@mms.org. If you would like to join the MIN Executive Council, contact Cathy Salas at the West Central Regional Office 1-800-322-2303 x7715 or email csalas@mms.org.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
How to Prepare for ACOs
Wednesday, February 27, 2013, 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Impact of Effective Communication on Patients, Colleagues, and Metrics (rescheduled from February 8, 2013)
Friday, March 1, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to noon. Call 800-843-6356 to register.
Managing Workplace Conflict
Thursday, March 7, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Friday, March 8, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Future Trends That Will Impact Radiologists and Their Practice
Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Westin Hotel, Waltham, MA.
Public Health Leadership Forum - Mental Health: Achieving Parity in Principle and in Practice
Wednesday, April 3, 2013, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
MMS Annual Education Program - Navigating the Currents of Change: Integrating Innovative Technologies into Your Clinical Practice
Friday, May 10, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at the Seaport Hotel, Boston. Call (800) 322-2302, ext.. 7306 for more information.
MMS Shattuck Lecture - Chronic Infectious Disease and the Future of Health Care Delivery, Sponsored by the MMS and its Committee on Publications
Friday, May 10, 2013, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Seaport Hotel, Boston. Call (800) 322-2302, ext.. 7306 for more information.
Assessing Medication, Mental Health, and Cultural Needs During Sheltering,
Tuesday, June 11, 2013, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Call (800) 322-2302, ext. 7306 for more information.
2nd Annual Addiction Medicine for All Providers Conference
Friday, June 21, and Saturday, June 22, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (800) 322-2302, ext. 7317 for more information.
The above activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
Save the Date
11th Annual Symposium on Men's Health
June 12, 2013
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.
THIS WEEK IN HEALTH CARE
Medical Liability Reform Coalition Launches New Website
The Massachusetts Alliance for Communication and Resolution following Medical Injury (MACRMI) this week announced the launch of its website detailing information on the reform efforts for Massachusetts patients and providers at www.macrmi.info. MACRMI was formed as the result of an initiative begun in 2010 and led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the MMS.
Jury Awards Plymouth Family $63 million for Severe Reaction to Children's Motrin
A jury awarded a Plymouth family $63 million after their 7-year old daughter suffered a severe allergic reaction 10 years ago to Children's Motrin, a version of ibuprofen made by Johnson & Johnson. Related news: After Children's Motrin judgment, consumers say they are skeptical of over-the-counter drugs.
Increased Use of Heroin on Nantucket
The dangerous narcotic has returned to Nantucket in a new wave of increased use, including arrests for heroin distribution, several nonfatal overdoses, and a spike in the number of people seeking help for their addiction.
Rules Now Allow Hospitals to Share Medications to Ease Shortages
Massachusetts public health regulators gave final approval to regulations that allow hospitals to share medications to address drug shortages worsened by the closure of two specialty pharmacies following last fall's national outbreak of fungal meningitis.
Boston Pediatrician Honored by White House
Dr. Berry Brazelton, 95, is being presented with the Presidents Citizens Medal at the White House by President Barack Obama.
