7/19/22 AMCNO News Updates

		National Mental Health Line 988 goes live. The nationwide hotline for mental health emergencies is now a simple 988 number, a transition that is expected to bring millions more calls and texts. The 24/7 phone line is free to all Ohioans. Individuals calling the line will receive confidential support for themselves or loves ones suffering a mental health or suicide crisis. COVID cases back on the rise. Ohio recorded almost 25,000 coronavirus cases in the past week, the most the state has reported since March. The White House COVID-19 Team also announced its strategy to manage BA.5. Help prevent and end elder abuse. Physicians are mandatory reporters of elder abuse—we hosted a training with Cuyahoga County's Division of Senior and Adult Services last week. View the recording here. More Than 75 Health Care Organizations Release Joint Statement in opposition to legislative interference with reproductive health.
		From Washington The Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that announces and solicits public comments on proposed policy changes for Medicare payments under the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). The AMCNO will be analyzing the rule and preparing comments. President Biden Issues Executive Order on Protecting Access to Reproductive Health Care Services. In response to the continued confusion surrounding abortion care in the post-Dobbs world, President Biden issued guidance aiming to help doctors and hospitals reconcile state laws restricting abortions with federal law that can require the procedure. Read the fact sheet here. The American Medical Association is seeking additional information and specific examples of how physicians and patients are being impacted by the Dobbs decision and state prohibitions on abortion. If you have examples of access problems related to reproductive health (e.g., miscarriage management) or other areas of care (e.g., prescribing of medications for other conditions), please contact us. Please do not include identifying information for the patient, but otherwise please be as specific as possible.
		From Columbus Ohio State Supreme Court Decides “Heartbeat Bill” Can Go into Effect Post-Dobbs. Shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the Ohio Supreme Court declined to issue an emergency stay to stop the enforcement of the state’s passed legislation known as the “Heartbeat Bill.” As a result, on June 24, it became law. The law bans abortion in Ohio after six weeks of gestation. The law also requires physicians to determine if there is a detectable fetal heartbeat before conducting an abortion. If there is, the procedure cannot move forward. The law includes an exemption for saving the life of or preventing permanent disability of the mother, but not for rape or incest. Ohio House Representative proposes abortion ban from the moment of conception. The proposed legislation, HB 704, would effectively outlaw abortion, except in cases that save the life of the mother. The State Medical Board of Ohio is offering a live information session about the state's participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact on Wednesday, July 20, at 6 pm. Visit the Medical Board's website to learn more and submit questions regarding the Compact. Register for the event here.
		Upcoming Events August 29: AMEF Swing for Students Gold Outing. Learn more and register now! September 30: SAVE THE DATE for AMCNO 1st Annual Physician Appreciation Night.