PRA Newsletter | Second Quarter | Issue VI | April 11, 2019
The healthcare industry is ever changing and with new legislation and fluctuations in the medical professional liability (MPL) market, it's important to stay informed. Recent bills have given new freedoms for prescribing medical cannabis, remote patient monitoring continues to enhance patient care options, and new technologies are requiring some specialties to reevaluate their current approach to care. Learn more on each of these subjects below, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed on Professional Risk and the latest in the healthcare community.
Medical Cannabis
Does Your Practice Plan to Certify Patients?
Effective July 1, 2018 the General Assembly passed a law to expand the use of cannabis-based oils. The new law authorizes a physician to “issue a written certification for the use of cannabidiol (CBD) oil or THC-A oil for treatment or to alleviate the symptoms of any diagnosed condition or disease determined by the practitioner to benefit from such use." However, if you intend to issue a written certification pursuant to §18.2-250.1 of the Code of Virginia to a patient to possess CBD oil or THC-A oil or have issued such certification within the past 12 months, you must register with the Board of Pharmacy.
To register, see #6 Cannabidiol oil and THC-A oil Registration and Certifications on the board briefs from September 2018 here.
The role of cannabis in the medical field will continue to change beyond this previous expansion. For instance, this year's Virginia General Assembly's session saw 5 more cannabis-related bills passed and they are currently pending review by the governor. Stay informed on the newest laws and current legislation related to medical cannabis here.
Remote Patient Monitoring
An estimated 3 million patients worldwide currently rely on Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) as part of their healthcare routine, by using remote medical devices to monitor their condition outside of the office and send medical data to their physician for review. RPM prevent unnecessary hospitalization, improve patient care, and allows doctors to adjust a patient's treatment plan accordingly.
This invaluable resource also helps contain healthcare costs and as of this year it can build additional revenue for a practice. The 2019 Medicare Physicians Fee Schedule ("2019 MPFS") gave healthcare providers eligibility for standalone reimbursements for RPM and other telehealth advancements. The integration of RPM in your office could make a positive impact on both patient safety and your practice operations.
If you're interested in learning more about these reimbursement opportunities, or if your practice is looking to implement an RPM program, Professional Risk Associates has partnered with Nixon Law Group to host an educational luncheon. This free luncheon is available to anyone interested in learning more about RPM and you're welcome to invite colleagues or practice managers who may be interested. We'll be hosting the event at the Willow Oaks Country Club in Richmond, secure your spot here.