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News A Monthly Communiqué for the Vascular Society of New Jersey - March 2004 |
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From the President….Rocco Ciocca, MD
REGISTER TODAY! ** HIGHLIGHTS **
Abstract Presentations & Case Report
Vascular Lab Symposium
“Rule-Out DVT in the ER:
“Screening Programs for Vascular Disease:
“Eliminating Unnecessary Vascular Lab Tests:
Networking…Education…CME and Tech Credits |
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A reminder from the State Board of Medical Examiners… Update on the SBME regulation that is effective March 1, 2004, requiring that practitioners who perform surgery or special procedures involving anesthesia (conscious sedation, regional anesthesia or general anesthesia) in the office setting must have hospital privileges to perform the procedures and anesthesia services or must obtain alternative privileges from the Board. There is one temporary exception involving regional ane general anesthesia for which they must apply by April 1, 2004. Information is available at http://www.nj.gov/lps/ca/bme/privilege/altpriv.htm or by telephone at 973-273-8080. To Be In Compliance by March 1, 2004, a practitioner must have full hospital privileges; OR have already started the alternative privileges application process; OR Contact the Medical Board, by e-mail: alternativeprivileges@lps.state.nj.us OR by telephone: 973-273-8080; OR by fax: 973-648-3538 and provide name, address of record, telephone number, fax number, e-mail address (if available)and area of privileges requested. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR PHYSICIANS WHO ARE SUPERVISING GENERAL OR REGIONAL ANESTHESIA WHILE ALSO PERFORMING SURGERY OR SPECIAL PROCEDURES IN THE OFFICE SETTING Until April 1, 2004, you may apply for a TEMPORARY EXCEPTION to be allowed to continue this practice for 90 additional days (until June 28, 2004). This temporary exception is available only to physicians who submit a detailed application on or before April 1, 2004 and who are performing surgery or special procedures in the office setting while also supervising the administration of general or regional anesthesia. Application forms are available for the temporary exception by telephone request (973-273-8080), or by e-mail at: alternativeprivileges@lps.state.nj.us Education On Front Burner in Trenton… The NJ State Board of Medical Examiners has proposed regulations requiring 100 hours of CME every two years as a condition of licensure for physicians. The regulations implement the provisions of a new law (P.L. 2001, chapter 307). Beginning with the biennial licensing kperiod which commenced on July 1, 2003, all licensese must complete 100 hours of Category I or Category II CME courses; 40 hours of the credits must be taken in Category I courses. If the licensee takes more than 100 hours, up to 25 of the excess credits can be applied to the next biennial period.
Although the requirements of the rule will be effective starting with the biennial renewal period beginning on July 1, 2003, the Board recognizes that the proposed new rules will not be adopted by that date. To roll out this program, the SBME is proposing the following pro-rated schedule:
Speaking of education… The Senate Commerce Committee has supported a bill [S-144, sponsored by Senators Wayne Bryant (D-Camden) and Diane Allen (R-Burlington)], that requires physicians to receive instruction in cultural competency as a condition of relicensure. No specific amount of hours is specified in the bill, and the State Board of Medical Examiners will determine the hours and coursework. The cultural competency course will be required in addition to the 100 CME hours (see above). The bill now moves to the Senate floor for consideration; a similar measure has passed the Assembly. Join your colleagues…. in support of a key colleague/legislator… Physicians for Conaway are hosting a fundraiser for Assemblyman Herb Conaway, MD, vice chairman of the Assembly Health and Human Services Committee and a vocal supporter of physicians. The event is March 18, at the offices of S. Jersey Eye Physicians in Moorestown, 7 pm. Tickets are $100/person. If you can’t join your physician colleagues, consider sending a contribution to Conaway for Assembly, 907 Morgan Avenue, Palmyra, NJ 08065. For more information or to RSVP, call 609-392-0580. Preserving Your Wealth: Malpratice Insurance Is No Longer Enough... Part 1 of 3 With rising cost and lower coverage, malpractice insurance is not enough to preserve your wealth and cover your "tail". Other asset protection measures are needed to keep what is yours. Simple steps such as maximizing your retirement plan design and contributions, putting assets in trust and proper titling can make a difference in how much access your creditors may have to your hard earned funds. Call Paul Donnelly, CLU, CHFC, Partner / Healthcare Business Planning Group Phone - 732-326-5235 - Learn how you can create and implement an asset protection plan. To save important resources (time and money), we are building an email address list of members. The monthly report, and other important communications, can then be easily and efficiently emailed to the organization. Please provide your name and email address. |