AAHPM Monthly Wrap Up – September 2021

AAHPM has released a statement on vaccinations. The vaccines now available and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are safe and effective at reducing COVID-19 infections, complications, and death and represent a critical intervention for bringing the public health crisis under control. AAHPM provides guidance regarding vaccinations in their new statement. 

AAHPM concluded a three-year project to develop two patient reported outcome performance measures (PRO-PMS) for the palliative care field (September 2018 – September 2021). Although the first phase of the project has concluded, work continues around implementationVisit the National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care’s website for up-to-date project information. 

AAHPM’s volunteer leaders and staff advanced the Academy’s advocacy agenda as follows: 

  • AAHPM called on Congress to invest in the healthcare workforce. First, Board president Nathan E. Goldstein, MD FAAHPM, offered the Academy’s support as U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Rep. Yvette D. Clarke  lead sponsors of the AAHPM-crafted Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA)  sent a letter to congressional leaders to request that “needed investments” in the hospice and palliative care workforce be included in the upcoming budget reconciliation package. (Read the press release.) Goldstein and AAHPM CMO Joe Rotella, MD MBA HMDC FAAHPM, also discussed this in an article in Hospice NewsAdditionally, AAHPM joined partners in the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Advocacy Coalition in sending a letter urging Congress to increase Medicare support for GME as part of the budget reconciliation legislation. 
  • AAHPM endorsed the bipartisan Provider Training in Palliative Care Act (S. 2890). This bill would update the National Health Services Corps program to help providers treating patients in rural and underserved communities gain palliative care knowledge and skills. (Read a press release.) 
  • AAHPM contributed to new policy recommendations released by the American Medical Association’s Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force. Academy representatives Chad D. Kollas, MD FACP FCLM FAAHPM, and Ronald J. Crossno, MD HMDC FAAFP FAAHPM, contributed to the development of that body’s roadmap for physician and policymaker action to address the nation’s drug overdose/death epidemic and focus on the unique needs of patients in pain.  
  • AAHPM submitted comments on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CY 2022 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed RuleThe Public Policy and Quality Committees guided the Academy’s feedback on the proposed regulations addressing changes to the PFS and other Medicare Part B payment policies, including the Quality Payment Program. 

  • The Academy was among the 65 healthcare and patient advocacy organizations that sent a joint letter to the leadership of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) encouraging greater transparency, communication, and collaboration with healthcare stakeholders to enable CMMI to achieve “its full potential as an agent of patient-centered system transformation.” 

Whether a novice or expert, leadership skills require reflection and investment. Don’t miss out on AAHPM Ignite: Advancing Your Leadership Skills, October 12, 9 am – 3:30 pm CT. This live, virtual program is designed to equip all leaders in hospice and palliative care with skills to support your day-to-day work. Registration closes October 8.  

Submit an abstract for the State of the Science of Hospice and Palliative Care from October 1-18, 2021. The State of the Science Program Planning Committee invites you to submit your two best abstracts. This is an opportunity to share the latest research in the field.  Research presented at this symposium will be directed towards an investigator audience and will include studies that span T0 (basic biomedical research) to T4 research categories. 

Submit an abstract for case submissions and scholar posters which is open from October 1-18, 2021. This is an opportunity to share and disseminate best practices in the field with a case submission or work-in-progress scholar poster at the 2022 Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care. Submissions will be accepted from early career professionals (up to 5 years post training) or current professionals in training (engaged in a formal education or training program: fellow, scholar, advanced practice nurse, social worker, resident, student, and others). 

  • Interested in reviewing case study or scholarly poster abstracts? Apply to be a volunteer reviewer by October 7! Mark your calendar for October 25 – November 1 as reviews will take place during that timeframe and will require a few hours of your time to complete.  

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