MSD Legislative Wrap Up of the 152nd Legislative Session

The 152nd Legislative Session ended June 30, 2024. MSD produced a highlight of the health care legislation it was following during this session and shared with members last week. If you didn't get a chance to see it, please click here.

"Prior Authorization, Where Do I Begin?"

MSD is thrilled to announce that Episode #3 of our podcast is now live! Dr. Biasotto discusses prior authorization - a subject of which we are all well aware. Listen to Episode #3 today on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Tuneln + Alexa, iHeart Radio, PlayerFM, Samsung, and Podchaser. Follow "Delaware Health Care Reality" on the Podbean app. Please send your questions, comments or ideas about our podcasts to HealthCare.Reality@medsocdel.org. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking episodes coming your way every other Wednesday. Happy listening!

Once Again Includes Cuts to Reimbursements - AMA Outlines a Few Key Issues

On Wednesday this week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the proposed rule for the 2025 Medicare physician payment schedule. The new proposal indicates the 2025 conversion factor would be down 2.8% from 2024. The American Medical Association (AMA) will analyze and develop a summary of the 2,000+ page proposal. The AMA has provided a few of the key issues. Read more.

DPH Issues Delaware Health Advisory - Encourages Testing, Reporting of Condition

As of July 8, 2024, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has identified the first six confirmed cases of Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) in Delaware residents. Cases of AGS are not nationally notifiable and AGS was not made reportable in Delaware until 2024, so this number is likely an undercount. AGS is not caused by an infection, but an IgE-mediated allergic condition. AGS is associated with the bite of a lone star tick, but may also be caused by other types of tick bites. The lone star tick is the most common species of tick in Delaware. The lone star tick can transmit alpha-gal sugar molecule to people through its saliva, which can cause the immune system to produce IgE antibodies against alpha-gal sugar molecule. Affected persons become allergic to the alpha-gal sugar molecule found in mammalian meat and dairy products.

Final Rule Modifies HIPAA Privacy Rule

The Biden-Harris Administration, through the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), has issued a Final Rule modifying the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule to enhance reproductive health care privacy. This action seeks to safeguard reproductive health care access and privacy along with bolstering patient-physician confidentiality. The Final Rule fortifies privacy by prohibiting the use or disclosure of protected health information (PHI) related to reproductive health by covered entities (e.g., physicians, hospitals, health plans, health care clearinghouses) and their business associates. The Final Rule also permits covered entities to use or disclose PHI for non-prohibited purposes under the Privacy Rule. Physicians must be in compliance with the Final Rule by December 23, 2024. Read more from the American Medical Association for details and helpful resources by the OCR.

Calendar Year 2025

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule to update payment rates and policies and includes requests for information under the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS) for renal dialysis services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries on or after January 1, 2025. This rule also proposes an update to the acute kidney injury (AKI) dialysis payment rate for renal dialysis services furnished by ESRD facilities for calendar year (CY) 2025 and proposes to extend Medicare payment to dialysis in the home setting for beneficiaries with AKI. In addition, the rule provides information on how CMS will operationalize the inclusion of oral-only drugs in the ESRD PPS payment as of January 1, 2025. Furthermore, the rule proposes to update requirements for the ESRD Quality Incentive Program (QIP).

Fall and Winter 2024-2025

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines and the updated 2024-2025 flu vaccines to protect against severe COVID-19 and flu this fall and winter. It is safe to receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same visit.

COVID-19

CDC Director adopted the ACIP’s recommendations for use of 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines in people ages 6 months and older as approved or authorized by FDA, whether or not they have ever previously been vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine. Updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available from Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer later this year. This recommendation will take effect as soon as the new vaccines are available.

Influenza

CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions, receive an updated 2024-2025 flu vaccine to reduce the risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications this fall and winter. CDC encourages providers to begin their influenza vaccination planning efforts now and to vaccinate patients as indicated once 2024-2025 influenza vaccines become available.

RSV

For this upcoming respiratory virus season, CDC recommends:

• Everyone ages 75 and older receive the RSV vaccine.
• People ages 60–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV, meaning they have certain chronic medical conditions, such as lung or heart disease, or they live in nursing homes, receive the RSV vaccine.

This recommendation is for adults who did not get an RSV vaccine last year. The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, meaning people do not need to get a dose every RSV season. Eligible adults can get an RSV vaccine at any time, but the best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall before RSV usually starts to spread in communities.

Objectives for Enabling A Successful HHS Response to H5N1 Bird Flu

The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is announcing the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Strategy.  BARDA has grouped the strategy into four objectives, each with current activities and future priorities: strategic implementation and deployment of the national pre-pandemic influenza vaccine stockpile; enhanced protection through novel vaccines; leverage therapeutics through deployment, early availability and development of novel products; and ensure rapid and effective diagnostics tools to inform rapid antiviral prescription and treatment.

Bolsters Pandemic Preparedness by Leveraging Flexible Platform

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), will provide approximately $176 million to Moderna for development of an mRNA-based pandemic influenza vaccine. This award aids Moderna in ensuring the establishment of additional pandemic influenza vaccine response capability. These efforts will leverage existing U.S. domestic large-scale commercial mRNA-based manufacturing platforms and ongoing seasonal influenza vaccine development. Additionally, ASPR has secured a fair pricing agreement which will continue ensuring enduring equitable access to vaccines. Moderna’s influenza vaccine candidate uses current mRNA technology leveraged successfully during the COVID-19 response, resulting in one of the first two FDA-authorized - and ultimately FDA-licensed - COVID-19 vaccines. In 2023, BARDA issued a request for proposal to Moderna and other companies to develop mRNA vaccines to prepare for potential public health emergencies (PHEs) caused by influenza viruses, such as avian influenza A(H5N1). mRNA vaccines have the potential to complement traditional vaccine technologies during a pandemic influenza emergency response. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said the risk to general human health from H5N1 is still low and this award is a part of ASPR preparedness efforts.

Revokes Regulation that Authorized the Use of BVO in Food Items

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked the regulation authorizing the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food. Brominated vegetable oil (BVO is a vegetable oil that is modified with bromine. The agency concluded that the intended use of BVO in food is no longer considered safe after the results of studies conducted in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found the potential for adverse health effects in humans.

Chronic Diseases Account for Seven of Top Ten Leading Causes of Death in the State

The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention (PANO) Program released The Burden of Chronic Disease in Delaware 2024 report on June 28, 2024. The report summarizes the current state of chronic diseases and related risk factors in Delaware. It is an update to, and expansion of, Chronic Disease in Delaware: Facts and Figures, published in 2019 by DPH’s Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Section.

For the Treatment of Early Symptomatic Alzheimer's Disease

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Kisunla™ (donanemab-azbt, 350 mg/20 mL once-monthly injection for IV infusion), Eli Lilly and Company's Alzheimer's treatment for adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AD), which includes people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as well as people with the mild dementia stage of AD, with confirmed amyloid pathology. Once-monthly Kisunla is the first and only amyloid plaque-targeting therapy with evidence to support stopping therapy when amyloid plaques are removed, which can result in lower treatment costs and fewer infusions.

Would Increase Value-Based Care, Strengthen Primary Care, Expand Access to Behavioral and Oral Health Care

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), proposed new policies in the calendar year (CY) 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule to advance health equity and support whole-person care. The proposed rule would also strengthen primary care, expand access to behavioral health, oral health, and caregiver training services, maintain telehealth flexibilities, and expand access to screening for colorectal cancer and vaccinations for hepatitis B.

Participants Announced - Six from Delaware

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the launch of the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, with almost 400 participating organizations building Dementia Care Programs (DCPs) serving hundreds of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries nationwide. DCPs represent a wide range of health care professionals, including large academic medical centers, small group practices, community-based organizations, health systems, hospice agencies, telehealth organizations, and other practices. The GUIDE Model aims to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia, reduce strain on unpaid caregivers, and help people remain in their homes and communities through a package of care coordination and management, caregiver education and support, and respite services. The GUIDE Model will be tested by the CMS Innovation Center. It is a key deliverable from President Biden’s April 2023 Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers, and it addresses key goals of the National Plan (National Plan) to Address Alzheimer’s Disease. Among those organizations in Delaware chosen to participate are: CaringAtHome, LLC; Delaware Hospice; Internal Medicine & Primary Care; Harmonic Medical Group of Delaware; Jewish Family Services of Delaware; and the Swank Memory Center at ChristianaCare.

Helps Identify Which Preventive Services are Right for Your Patients

Did you know that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) has a free app called Prevention TaskForce? This app can help health care professionals identify which screenings, counseling interventions, and preventive medications are right for your patients. It includes all current Task Force recommendations and can be searched by specific patient characteristics, such as age, sex/gender, and selected behavioral risk factors. Download the free app, on mobile or desktop, to find the preventive services that can help keep your patients healthy.

Changes May Impact an Additional 5 Million People at Higher Risk for Lung Cancer

In its ongoing public health partnership, GO2 for Lung Cancer, the American College of Radiology (ACR) and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) again joined together to advocate for expanded access to lung cancer screening. The societies formally urged the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Coverage and Analysis Group (CMS) to align their recommendations for lung cancer screening with the recently published evidence-based guidelines by the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Care Network. The organizations jointly sent letters to USPSTF and CMS emphasizing the need to eliminate the exclusion criteria based on the number of years since quitting smoking, as well as the upper age limits for lung cancer screening (age 80 for USPTF and age 77 for CMS).

Paving the Way for the Next Generation of Prostheses

According to a study published last week in the journal Nature Medicine, those with leg amputations were able to control their prosthetic limbs with their brains in a significant scientific advance that allows for a smoother gait and enhanced ability to navigate obstacles. The neuroprosthesis uses sensors placed between the reconstructed amputation site and the bionic leg to transmit electrical signals from the brain, allowing the prosthetic to sense position and movement then sending this information back to the patient. Trial participants could walk faster, were more stable on uneven terrain, had an increased spatial awareness, and phantom pain lessened.

Personal Data Privacy Act Enforcement Approaches

On July 1st, the Delaware Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Unit launched a new personal data privacy portal, privacy.delaware.gov, as a navigational tool for parents, consumers and businesses that handle Delawareans’ personal data to help prepare for the upcoming implementation of the Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act (DPDPA), which goes into effect in January 2025.  The DPDPA establishes clear guidelines for businesses that handle personal data and will give Delawareans more control over how business can use their personal data starting in 2025. The new law applies to businesses, including non-profits, with personal data of over 35,000 Delaware residents, although some exceptions apply. 

AI-Driven App Matches Surplus Food to SNAP Demands

Delaware will be the first state to pilot an innovative app to help those hardest hit by economic challenges stretch Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars further and feed their families. Known broadly as the Smart Food Program, this bold public-private partnership was born out of the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities with the leadership of Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, state agriculture and health and social services agencies, federal officials, and r4 Technologies, a new AI company created by the founders of Priceline. A key component to this program is the SNAP Smart Shopper app. SNAP recipients can download this app to have access to digital coupons for specific SNAP-approved foods. The goal is to provide information to help SNAP benefit dollars go forward through shopping recommendations and educational resources. Delaware is the first to launch in the U.S. using $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The goal is to see the First State’s program scale nationwide with Hawaii pursuing an iteration of the initiative next. 

Anthony R. Caruso, DO - Family Medicine Resident, Bayhealth

Simran R. Patel, MD - Internal Medicine Resident, Bayhealth

Paul N. Rosenberger, MD - Pediatric Resident, Nemours Children's Hospital

Nathan Sarkar, MD - Radiology Resident, ChristianaCare

MSD members are afforded a seven-day review period from the date of this publication to comment regarding applicants for membership. Please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any comments on the current pending member(s) listed above or if you know of someone interested in joining MSD. You could be eligible for a membership referral discount on your dues!

Bhavya S. Malkar, MD

MSD spotlights members throughout the state, highlighting medical students, residents, and practicing colleagues, whether they are new to membership or have been a member over the years.

This week’s spotlight is on Bhavya S. Malkar, MD, Family Medicine Resident at Bayhealth. Read more about Dr. Malkar.

If you would like to be featured in a future Member Spotlight, please contact Michelle Seymour, Membership Manager.

William T. Lloyd, Jr. MD

It is with sadness we share that MSD member William Thomas "Tom" Lloyd, Jr., MD passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024. He was 93 years of age. Dr. Lloyd graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1956. Following graduation, he was a Captain in the XXI US Army Corps and then moved to Delaware in 1958 for residency at Wilmington Hospital. In 1960 he opened his private practice in Newark, Delaware where he served children, their families and the community for 30 years. A family man and "Mr. Fixer-Upper," his most rewarding cause was being one of the driving forces of the Omega Campaign to build Christiana Hospital. Read obituary.

Root Out the Stupid Stuff

Ask your clinical team, “Is there anything stupid that we make you do?” A health system in Hawaii used questions like these as it sought to reduce and streamline unnecessary EHR documentation. That effort evolved into a system-wide program that helped free up time for doctors and other health professionals. The program took off quickly and came to be known as GROSS, or Getting Rid of Stupid Stuff. 

LEARN MORE:

• Podcast: GROSS: Get Rid of Stupid Stuff
• Toolkit: Getting Rid of Stupid Stuff
• Playbook: Reducing Regulatory Burden

AMA STEPS Forward^® offers a collection of engaging and interactive educational content designed to help put the joy back into medicine. Access the archive of previous Pearl email topics.

Beebe Healthcare

Beebe Healthcare announced an agreement with leading health care software company Epic to transform the system’s electronic health record (EHR) platform to provide a more seamless, integrated care experience for patients in Sussex County. Epic’s innovative platform will allow Beebe to have one single, comprehensive and consolidated medical records system throughout all Beebe entities, including Beebe Medical Group and Oncology Services, which currently operate on separate applications.  System-wide implementation is planned for 2025. 

Once again this year, the “Cast for a Cure” Surf Fishing Tournament has generated funds that will ultimately benefit patients undergoing cancer treatment at Beebe Healthcare. Tournament organizer Clark Evans recently presented a check in the amount of $9,000 to Beebe Medical Foundation, to support the hospital’s Cancer Patient Special Needs Fund. The fund supports local cancer patients with limited financial means, and aims to offset some of the costs associated with their living expenses. The Cast for a Cure tournament is held annually at Fenwick Island State Park Beach.

ChristianaCare

ChristianaCare-GoHealth Urgent Care is opening new locations in Newark, New Castle, Dover and Wilmington. The four new centers, which open July 14, 2024, bring the total number of ChristianaCare-GoHealth Urgent Care locations to 16, with 14 in Delaware and two in Maryland. In addition, plans are underway to consolidate the current Fairfax location in north Wilmington with a new site nearby on Concord Pike. More information will be available when plans are finalized. All ChristianaCare-GoHealth Urgent Care locations offer treatment for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, with on-site X-ray services and diagnostic testing. They are open 365 days a year, including holidays, with regular hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Sunday. For a full list of ChristianaCare-GoHealth locations, visit gohealthuc.com/christianacare.

Delaware Hospice and Delaware Palliative

Delaware Hospice has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for Home Care Accreditation across all five of its hospice locations in Delaware and Pennsylvania by demonstrating continuous compliance with performance standards. This prestigious Gold Seal symbolizes a commitment to safe, high-quality patient care. Delaware Palliative, a subsidiary of Delaware Hospice, has achieved Joint Commission Certification as a Community-Based Palliative Care provider, marking a significant milestone as the first organization in Delaware to receive this honor.

Delaware Hospice now offers online support groups for caregivers of loved ones living with dementia. For additional information visit: https://delawarehospice.org/patient-caregiver-resources/dementia-support-groups/

Information on Recent Product Recalls

Left Ventricular Assist System Monitor Correction

Abbott Medical is recalling the HeartMate System Monitor, part of HeartMate LVAS systems, due to atypical behavior of the System Monitor screen (screen issues). The System Monitor is only used in the operating room or during clinic visits. The screen issues include screen freezing, overlapping buttons or screens, unresponsive buttons, distorted text or graphics, and wrong or missing information on the display. These issues can cause a clinician user to inadvertently change pump settings or press the pump stop button. This recall involves correcting devices and does not involve removing them from where they are used or sold. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it without correction.

Updated Use Instructions for OmniLab Advanced+ Ventilator

Philips Respironics, Inc. is updating use instructions for OmniLab Advanced+ (OLA+) Ventilator due to a failure in the Ventilator Inoperative alarm, which can cause therapy interruption or loss. Philips will correct the affected OLA+ to address the Ventilation Inoperative Alarm issue with a software patch. Alternately, Philips will offer a replacement device until these affected OLA+ devices are corrected. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices without following the updated instructions may cause serious injuries or death.  

Updated Use Instructions for SENSE XL Torso Coils

Philips North America LLC is updating use instructions for SENSE XL Torso (1.5T and 3.0T) coils due to a Potential Issue Where the Coil Heats Up During MRI Scans, Possibly Leading to Thermal Injury. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices without following the updated instructions may cause serious injuries or death.  

Inspire IV Implantable Pulse Generator

Inspire Medical Systems Inc. is recalling Inspire IV Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) Model 3028 due to a manufacturing defect. This defect can cause system malfunctions after implantation, leading to electrical leakage in the sensing circuit. As a result, patients may need revision surgery to replace the IPG and restore therapy. The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including stimulation below normal therapeutic levels and/or early depletion of the battery (resulting in - loss of therapy), inappropriate or inconsistent stimulation effect, painful stimulation or perceived shocking sensation and death. 

Medtronic NIM Contact and Standard EMG Endotracheal Tubes

On Tuesday this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a letter to alert health care professionals and facilities to stop using NIM Contact EMG Reinforced Endotracheal Tubes and NIM (Standard) EMG Reinforced Endotracheal Tubes by Medtronic and to help ensure awareness of the manufacturer’s recall notice and recommended actions.

Availability of BD BACTEC Blood Culture Media Bottles for Bloodstream Infection Testing

On Wednesday this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a letter to notify health care professionals that they are aware that the United States is experiencing interruptions in the supply of BD BACTEC blood culture media bottles because of recent supplier issues. The FDA also updated the medical device shortage list to include blood culture media bottles (product code MDB). The disruption in availability of this device is expected to have impact on patient diagnosis, follow up patient management, and antimicrobial stewardship efforts. The FDA recommends laboratories and health care professionals consider strategies to conserve the use of blood culture media bottles for patients at highest risk.

Baxter Life2000 Ventilators - Urgent Recall

Baxter International Inc. announced Wednesday it has issued an Urgent Medical Device Recall for Life2000 ventilators with an attached battery charger dongle. The recall is due to reports that the devices are not properly charging when there is damage to the battery charger dongle. Baxter has received one serious injury complaint potentially related to this issue and is working with customers to replace affected Life2000 ventilator devices. Damage to the battery charger dongle prevents the ventilator’s internal battery from charging. If the Life2000 ventilator fails to charge or has intermittent charging behavior, this may leave the patient unable to use the device. For patients requiring ventilator support, inability to use the device may result in oxygen desaturation episodes that range from mild to potentially life-threatening. Patients should always have an alternate means of ventilation or oxygen therapy available.

HAMILTON-C6 Medical Ventilators - Software Correction

Hamilton Medical is correcting software for the HAMILTON-C6 Medical Ventilator because the ventilator may fail to restart ventilation if it enters sensor fail mode after open suction is performed and the patient is reconnected. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. This recall involves correcting certain devices, and does not involve removing them from where they are used or sold. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it without correction.  

Mega Soft, Mega Soft Dual, Mega 2000 Patient Return Electrodes

Megadyne is correcting the MEGA SOFT, MEGA SOFT DUAL, and MEGA 2000 Patient Return Electrodes after receiving reports of patient burn injuries, especially in children under 12 years of age, after procedures where the MEGA 2000 and MEGA SOFT Patient Return Electrodes were used. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. This recall involves updating instructions for using these devices and does not involve removing them from where they are used or sold. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it without following the updated instructions.  

For Clinicians and Health Care Centers - Tuesday, July 16, 2-3 p.m.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) (H5N1) virus is widespread among wild birds and continues to cause outbreaks in poultry and spillover to mammals. In March 2024, HPAI A(H5N1) virus was detected in dairy cattle. To date, there have been four human cases of HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection identified in dairy farm workers in the United States. The risk to the public from HPAI A(H5N1) viruses is low; however, people who have job-related or recreational exposure to infected birds or animals, including dairy cattle, are at greater risk of HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection. During this COCA Call, presenters will give an update on the current outbreak in the United States and current CDC surveillance and monitoring efforts. They will also provide information for clinicians on testing, using antivirals, and infection prevention and control recommendations.

If you are unable to attend the live COCA Call, the recording will be available for viewing on the COCA Call webpage a few hours after the live event ends. The slide set will be available on the day of the call on the COCA Call webpage under Call Materials. Free Continuing Education (CE) will be offered for this COCA Call. Registration is not required.

Birth Equity: Pregnancy, Parenting and Drug Us

On behalf of Delaware's Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA), Mercer and Bowling Business Strategies are excited to present a new 5-webinar series led by Dr. Kima Taylor and Dr. Mishka Terplan of Doing Right by Birth. Download the flyer with the full series description. The audience includes all health care professionals who serve people during the perinatal period, including through one year postpartum. The first webinar description and link to registration is below:

July 22, 12-1:30 PM ET: Pregnancy and Substance Use: Holistic Prenatal Care: Screening, Assessment, Treatment, and Beyond (Part 1)

In this two-part presentation we will review principles and elements of prenatal care for people with SUD. Part one will review: 

• Preconception care
• Screening versus testing
• SUD treatment including MOUD initiation and continuation (split dosing, low dose initiation, etc)
• Other health concerns (syphilis, physical and mental health concerns, for example)
• Harm reduction
• Care coordination

Register Here.

Other webinars scheduled:

• September 11, 12-1:30 p.m. - Pregnancy and Substance Use: Holistic Prenatal Care: Barriers and Facilitators for Dyadic Wellbeing (Part 2)
• September 26, 2-3:30 p.m. - Labor and Delivery: Birth in the Context of Substance Use
• October 7, 12-1:30 p.m. - Postpartum and Infant Year One: Center on the Dyad (Part 1)
• November 8, 12-1:30 p.m. - Postpartum and Infant Year One: Center on the Dyad (Part 2)

July 16 - HRSA National Telehealth Conference, 9:15 a.m. - 5 p.m., virtual.

July 18 - Delaware Division of Public Health One Health EpiChat Webinar "Viral Hepatitis," 12-1 p.m. Registration required. Learn more at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/epi/onehealth.html.

July 18 - MSD Hot Topic CME - Maternal Substance Use Disorder: Challenges in Care and Access, 6:00-7:00 p.m., virtual. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 credit.

August 15 - Delaware Division of Public Health One Health EpiChat Webinar "Vaccine Preventable Diseases" 12-1 p.m. Registration required. Learn more at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/epi/onehealth.html

August 23 - Delaware Day 2024 Healthcare Recruitment, 9 a.m. -1 p.m., Ammon Education Center at ChristianaCare, Newark. Recruiters will be on site from various hospitals across the state, as well as Westside Family Healthcare, to discuss career opportunities with individuals seeking employment as a physician, advanced practice clinician, and nurse.

September 19 - Delaware Division of Public Health One Health EpiChat Webinar "Fungal Diseases," 12-1 p.m. Registration required. Learn more at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/epi/onehealth.html

October 17 - Delaware Division of Public Health One Health EpiChat Webinar "Respiratory Season," 12-1 p.m. Registration required. Learn more at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/epi/onehealth.html

October 19 - DAFP Healthcare Heroes 5k, 9 a.m. start, Cape Henlopen State Park, Fort Miles.

October 29 - SAVE THE DATE! 28th Annual Delaware Healthcare Forum, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Bally's Dover Casino Resort, Rollins Center, Dover.

September 19 - SAVE THE DATE! DAFP Geriatric Medicine Symposium, ChristianaCare, Newark.

September 25 - SAVE THE DATE! 2024 Delaware Healthcare Workforce Summit, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dover.

October 19 - DAFP Research & Education Foundation Healthcare Heroes 5k, Cape Henlopen State Park.

November 21 - Delaware Division of Public Health One Health EpiChat Webinar "What is One Health," 12-1 p.m. Registration required. Learn more at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/epi/onehealth.html

November 23 - SAVE THE DATE! MSD Annual Meeting and Presidential Reception, Christiana Hilton and White Clay Creek Country Club, Newark.

December 19 - Delaware Division of Public Health One Health EpiChat Webinar "Candida Auris," 12-1 p.m. Registration required. Learn more at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/epi/onehealth.html

February 28-March 4, 2025 - SAVE THE DATE! Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health 2025 Annual Meeting, Arlington, VA (In-person congressional visits will be held in Washington, DC).

The Latin phrase Rerum Cognoscere translates to learn, examine, or become aware of facts or things. In this section, we highlight measurable items of interest in health care from MSD, Delaware, the US, and the world.