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SCCMA EHC Writes Recommendation to Replace Artificial Turf with Natural Turf for Saratoga High School

The SCCMA Environmental Health Committee has examined issue of artificial turf and recommends the Saratoga High School Board of Trustees to replace the artificial turf with natural living grass, as have other cities, for the health and safety of both the students and the environment. Although in the past artificial turf seemed to be the best alternative due to reduced costs, reduced water usage, and lower maintenance, newer information has come to light regarding the direct and indirect environmental and health impacts of synthetic grass, including full life cycle analysis.  To learn ...

DEADLINE: HIPAA Compliant Video Communications Tools for Telehealth by August 10, 2023

When the COVID-19 public health emergency expired on May 11, 2023, the U.S. Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced the end of flexibilities that allowed physicians to utilize remote communication technologies for telehealth services that did not fully comply with HIPAA rules. OCR provided a 90-calendar day transition period for covered health care providers to come into compliance with the HIPAA rules for telehealth. The transition period will expire at 11:59 p.m. on August 9, 2023, at which time physicians will be expected to utilize only HIPAA-compliant communication ...

2024 Medicare Physician Payment Schedule is Out

The CY 2023 Medicare Physician Payment Schedule Final Rule updates payment policies and rates as well as other provisions for services offered on or after Jan. 1, 2023, under the Medicare Physician Payment Schedule. The AMA provides final rule summary (PDF) of the 2023 Medicare Physician Payment Schedule and Quality Payment Program (QPP). In addition, CMS has released the CY 2024 Medicare Physician Payment Schedule Proposed Rule, including key proposals that impact Medicare physician payment and the Quality Payment Program (QPP). Key proposals include a predicted 3.36% reduction in the ...

Medical Board of CA: Guidelines for Controlled Substances for Pain (July 2023)

Shared Friday, July 21 | Medical Board of California  The Board's Guidelines for Controlled Substances for Pain (July 2023) is now online. The Board recognizes the need to ensure patients have access to safe and effective pain management treatment and, at the same time, also recognizes the need to support physicians providing treatment to this patient population. Consequently, the guidelines were updated to provide a framework for clinician use while also encouraging the development of treatment plans customized for their patients. Link

AMPAC Campaign School Returns In-Person This Fall

AMPAC is excited to announce that the 2023 Campaign School will be returning in-person October 12–15 at the AMA offices in Washington, DC!    Running an effective campaign can be the difference between winning and losing a race. That’s why the Campaign School is designed to give you the skills and strategic approach you will need out on the campaign trail. Our team of political experts will teach you everything you need to know to run a successful campaign. Under the direction of our lead trainers, participants will be broken into ...