Are You an Advocate for Your Patients… Your Profession?
AMS has a lot on its plate. We will be asking legislators to file numerous bills that address issues and concerns affecting your practice and your profession. We will be fighting a mountain of legislation that threaten or interfere with your practice and how you take care of…
CDC: This year’s flu season worse than last
The NBC Nightly News (1/6, story 11, 0:20, Holt) briefly reported that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “says this [flu] season is worse than last,” with “more than 10,000 cases reported nationwide.” Physicians are saying, however, that the “flu shot is a good match for this…
In Close Vote, Senate Takes First Step Towards ACA Repeal
The Washington Times (1/4, Dinan) reports the Senate voted 51-48 Wednesday to “begin debate on fast-track procedures that would allow them to kill the 2010 health law without having to face a Democratic filibuster in the Senate.” The only Republican in opposition was Sen. Rand Paul, “who has…
DEA Reverses Announced Change to Registration Renewal Process
Late yesterday afternoon (December 27), the DEA reversed its decision and posted a notice that it is retaining its current policy and procedures, with one minor change, regarding registration renewals. The revised announcement states the following: REVISED ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING RENEWAL APPLICATIONS Starting January 2017, DEA will no longer…
New Issue of AMS NewsBriefs Now Available
The latest issue of AMS NewsBriefs has been distributed via email and printed mail. Members, if you do not receive a copy, please give us a call to update your subscription preferences at 800-542-1058. The issue is available online in the Publications section as well as excerpts in the Latest News section.…
91st Arkansas General Assembly
The Regular Session of the 91st Arkansas General Assembly will convene on Monday, January 9, 2017. If, like previous general sessions, AMS anticipates the session extending into April. Please watch for the AMS legislative alerts and be ready to contact your legislator if identified on the alert. With…
Physician Leadership Opportunities
No entity has more influence over health care in Arkansas than the Arkansas Medical Society. If you are ready to take an active role in channeling that influence, consider running for the AMS Board of Trustees. There are currently 37 District Trustees representing ten geographic areas of the…
Medical Marijuana Amendment
AMS has received numerous calls from physicians asking about the recently passed medical marijuana amendment. While AMS was and remains opposed to the amendment, AMS members should be aware of the implications and responsibilities associated with the law. There are numerous regulatory hurdles that must be completed prior…
MACRA Update Regarding Removal of Social Security Numbers
CMS has announced that the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015, requires the removal of Social Security Numbers (SSNs) from all Medicare beneficiary cards by April 2019. A new randomly generated Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) will replace the SSN-based Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) on…
Save the Date: 2017 AMS Annual Meeting
The AMS annual meeting will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Little Rock on May 5-6, 2017. This meeting offers AMS members continuing medical education programs, networking opportunities, a vendor showcase and a good time with your colleagues. The welcome reception and President's Gala will be held in…
QualChoice Plan Change
QualChoice of Arkansas has contacted AMS with information regarding a change to Individual Metallic Insurance Plans. Beginning January 1, 2017, all members of QualChoice individual metallic plans (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Catastrophic) will be in the QualChoice Select Network. These plans will require the insured to choose a…