Berks County Medical Society Medical Record Spring 2021 - 26

M e d i c a l R ec o r d F e a t u r e

PAMED
Legislative
Update
February 26, 2021
2021-2022 Legislative Session:
Legislative Activity

T

he new legislative session is gathering some momentum as
both the Senate and House begin considering legislative
proposals. At present, most lawmakers are focusing on
COVID-19 vaccinations, budget related matters, and possible
election reforms.
As with any new legislative session, the Pennsylvania Medical
Society's (PAMED) focus is on securing the reintroduction of
legislation that failed to get across the finish line in the last session
and working to educate new lawmakers on our legislative priorities.
Chief among those priorities is the reintroduction of prior
authorization reform proposals mentioned below. PAMED has
historically been the driving force on this issue, but has welcomed
the addition of a number of patient advocacy organizations into our
coalition. Organizations seeking prior authorization and step therapy
reforms now number near 40. Patient engagement on this issue is
critical.
We also continue to advocate for liability protections related to
physicians treating COVID-19 patients. PAMED is part of a broad
coalition of statewide organizations seeking protection from lawsuits
stemming from the pandemic.
A resolution on how best to address restrictive covenants in
physician employment contracts is also being pursued. Rep. Toren
Ecker (R-Adams) plans to again reintroduce legislation aimed at
protecting patient access to physicians otherwise barred from treating
them as a result of contractual agreements.

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www.berkscms.org

Although PAMED focuses its legislative efforts on issues that
have been identified as priorities, we continue to advocate for
the passage of other legislative " fixes " important to our members.
Among those issues are IMG licensing parity, disclosing frivolous
medical board complaints, and the enactment of a statewide POLST
program.
PAMED continues to oppose legislation that seeks to expand the
clinical practice of non-physician health care providers, such as the
reintroduction of SB 25, legislation that would give independent
practice authority to CRNPs.
These legislative issues require constant monitoring and
ultimately physician engagement. It is critically important for
physicians to " engage " when called to do so.
Legislators who have received phone calls from physicians on
issues affecting medical practice and patient care consistently report
the positive impact they have on their decision making. Reaching
out to your representatives should not wait until there's a legislative
crisis. Reach out to your local lawmakers now and get to know them.
Developing a relationship when you don't have a specific " ask " is the
key to a lasting relationship. Physicians interested in getting more
involved in legislative and political grassroots should call PAMED's
Governmental Affairs staff at 800-228-7823.
Berks County Medical Society Medical Record Spring 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Berks County Medical Society Medical Record Spring 2021
