Dr. Greenman was the second speaker, and the legislators listened intently. She was asked numerous questions by the legislators, and Dr. Greenman responded appropriately. She submitted lengthy testimony, but condensed her remarks for the hearing. Approximately 15 legislators attended the meeting. She was interviewed by WHYY radio, and the TV cameras were rolling. You can listen to the entire hearing by going to: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/media/archive_audio.asp?SESSION=2010

And scroll all the way down to “Women’s Legislative Caucus.” Dr. Greenman is the second speaker.

Thanks to Dr. Greenman for spending the day in Trenton, representing NJ-ACEP so wonderfully and increasing the visibility of the profession and the College. She spent an enormous amount of time crafting her remarks and talking with her colleagues about the issue.

On May 28, 2004, the Department of Health and Senior Services issued a memorandum to Hospital Chief Executive Officers, in response to emergency department overcrowding. In case you haven’t seen the memo, click on this link to view it.

The Department is expressly permitting placement of stabilized patients awaiting a bed and admitted from the ED on inpatient floors, as long as the hospital maintains compliance with the hospital licensing standards and has developed specific hospital board-approved policies and procedures outlined in the memorandum.

This is a significant decision -- and comes after many NJ-ACEP members discussed the problem and this solution with Commissioner Lacy and DHSS staff. If you attended the January emergency department directors meeting, you recall that the Commissioner agreed to review the problem and issue a recommendation. Thanks to the NJ-ACEP leadership -- and Commissioner Lacy and DHSS -- for moving forward with this important decision.

Beverly Lynch, NJ-ACEP

From the President....Victor Almeida, DO, FACEP

Spring is in the air!!  I cannot appreciate how fast this year has rocketed by.  There continues to be significant activity within our chapter. Our leadership team has been working diligently on our recent chapter grant. As you recall, the purpose of our grant is to develop a mechanism to promote the ACEP 2% Campaign on a local level by delivering the message to key legislators and the public. Within the next few weeks, we anticipate having a formal program established. Once implemented, we are optimistic this will be the new national model!

By now, I trust everyone is now aware of the inspection your ED will undergo in the near future. The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) is conducting the "National Pediatric Readiness Project" which will survey Emergency Departments' compliance with the "Guidelines for Care of Children in the Emergency Department." The New Jersey Department of Health Regulations requires your department to have all the equipment and personnel listed in the ACEP / AAP / ENA publication as referenced above. Absence of a single item on the list will be construed as non compliance and likely not bode well for your institution. Be prepared for this open book test!

A few weeks back, legislation (S-149) was introduced that would require all hospital units, except psychiatric units, to have a specific "MRSA Prevention Program" in place. Our departments would have to screen all patients for MRSA, track the results and treat carriers. Our Chapter in concert with the NJHA and the infectious disease leadership lobbied against the bill and it has been temporarily withdrawn, but I am sure more is to come.

Next month, I was invited to Atlantic City to speak to the ENA. Our leadership wants to rekindle our relationship and hopes to continue a dialogue with our nursing partners.

Remember that Tuesday May 8, 2012 is NJ ACEP's Scientific Assembly which will be held in East Windsor. We have an outstanding line up of speakers from around the region. This year, Steven Stack, MD, the first ED physician on the AMA Board of Directors, has graciously agreed to provide our key note address. Also for the first time, we will be offering Category 1-A Osteopathic CME and have extended an invitation to our Osteopathic colleagues in the region. We hope to forge a relationship with all ED providers in our great state and the region. Remember that Thursday, May 17, 2012 will be the annual reception at Dr. Russ Harris' home in Philadelphia recognizing David Seaberg, MD, President of ACEP. Come meet and greet!

See you in May! Spread the word!!

SAVE THE DATE

MAY 8, 2012
NJ-ACEP Scientific Assembly
being held at
The National Conference Center, Holiday Inn
East Windsor, NJ 

Speakers Include:
Dr. Kenneth Butler of University of Maryland Medical Center
Dr. Angela Mills of Penn Medicine 
Dr. Douglas McGhee of Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia
Dr. Jill Ripper of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center  
Dr. Steven Stack of the American Medical Association

**THIS YEAR WE WILL BE OFFERING OSTEOPATHIC ACCREDITATION IN ADDITION TO ALLOPATHIC ACCREDITATION**
STAYED TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION

From the Statehouse...Beverly Lynch & AJ Sabath, Advocacy & Management Group

On Tuesday, February 21, Governor Chris Christie addressed the Senate and Assembly during his annual Budget Address. During the address, Governor Christie highlighted several new spending proposals while only increasing the annual budget by 1.7% over last year. 

Governor Christie called for various levels of tax relief -- a reduction in income tax rates by 10% over the course of three years as well as a 5% increase in Earned Income Tax Credit over the next two years. He maintained that there will be no cut in property tax relief in his effort to maintain the 2% cap. Overall, the Governor committed to $350 million in "pro-growth small business tax relief," which will attract and create small business job growth within the state.

Health care was minimally addressed within the Governor's address. The 2013 fiscal budget will allow for $986 million in hospital support, although the specifics of this spending were not mentioned during his speech. The Governor also gave mention to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Advisory Committee, which has assisted in providing suggestions for reform within medical education and biomedical research. 

The Governor's proposed budget will now be considered by both the Assembly and Senate Budget Committees. In April/May, both committees will hear from the Commissioners, debate and revise the budget during the legislative budget hearings. By law, the final budget must be approved by midnight on June 30. 

New Legislation Promotes State's Health Care Appeals Program

Beginning in July 2012, hospitals and doctors' offices will be required to display information and speak knowledgably on the state's Independent Health Care Appeals Program as a result a new law signed recently by Gov. Christie (A-3543/S-2145).  This new law will help to broaden awareness of the program among patients within the state.  The Commissioner of Banking and Insurance will make signage available to doctors and hospitals through their website:

http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/index.html

Administered by the Department of Banking and Insurance, the Independent Health Care Appeals Program has been in effect for years but has been minimally used by state residents, most likely resulting from a lack of consumer awareness.  The program allows patients to appeal if their insurance company refuses to cover treatment.  The patient will be charged a $25.00 application submission fee in order to be considered by the program.  

NJ-ACEP is looking for a few good men and women....

Have some good ideas to make NJ-ACEP better and stronger?  Have just a little spare time to support your profession?  If so, consider a run for the Board of Directors.  The Board meets in January, March, July, September and November.  Interested?  Four slots available!  Send NJ-ACEP a short bio for distribution to the members with the ballot, e-mail Lauren at lauren@amg101.com. Deadline:  March 16, 2012 

ACEP Committee interest for FY 2012-13 is now open.  

Various ACEP publications will outline the process for members and information is also on the ACEP web site.  Members interested in serving on a committee, and who are not currently serving on a national committee, must submit a completed committee interest form and CV by May 16, 2012.  The CV and any letters of support from the chapter can be attached to the online form (preferred), emailed to me at mfletcher@acep.org, or mailed to me at ACEP headquarters.  Chapter input is invaluable to this process.  If you have personal knowledge of the level of commitment and talent exhibited by the interested member, please consider submitting a letter of support.

The online application form is available here. You will be asked for your log in and password if you are not currently logged in to ACEP.org.

The committee selection process will occur in mid-June and applicants will be notified by the end of July.  Members chosen to serve on committees will serve a minimum of one year, beginning with the committee's organizational meeting held during the Scientific Assembly in Denver, October 8-11, 2012.  (Funding is not provided to attend the organizational meeting.)

Take time to recognize the best! 

The NJ-ACEP Awards Committee is looking for nominees for its 2012 winners....you know you work with the best....take a minute and complete the nomination form (click here: 2012 Awards Nomination) in any category:  Distinguished Service, EMS, Educator of the Year, "Good Government," Clinical Expertise, Resident and Medical Student.  It's a terrific way to say thanks! Deadline is April 20, 2012.

REGISTER for the 4th Annual Emergency Medicine Symposium being held on April 4 & 5 at the Passaic County Public Safety Academy being presented by St. Joseph's Healthcare System.  For registration and additional information click here.   

SAVE THE DATE

MAY 8, 2012
NJ-ACEP Scientific Assembly
being held at
The National Conference Center, Holiday Inn
East Windsor, NJ 

Speakers Include:
Dr. Kenneth Butler of University of Maryland Medical Center
Dr. Angela Mills of Penn Medicine 
Dr. Douglas McGhee of Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia
Dr. Jill Ripper of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center  
Dr. Steven Stack of the American Medical Association

**THIS YEAR WE WILL BE OFFERING OSTEOPATHIC ACCREDITATION IN ADDITION TO ALLOPATHIC ACCREDITATION**
STAYED TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION

From the Statehouse...Beverly Lynch & AJ Sabath, Advocacy & Management Group

At midnight on January 9, 2012, the 213th Legislative Session ended - with 8,200+ bills introduced; and 4.5% (or 371) were signed into law.

The very next day, January 10, 2012, the new 214th Legislature was sworn in, and thus began a new two year legislative session.   To date, already 3,500+ bills have been filed for consideration, and committee hearings are beginning in earnest.  

EMS Bill Conditionally Vetoed
Governor Chris Christie has refused to sign the EMS overhaul bill, and has sent his "conditional veto" of S-818/A-2095 to the New Jersey Legislature.  Since yesterday marked the end of the current two year legislative session, this CV means the bill is "dead" for this session.  The Legislature has no time to consider and vote on his CV.  

Senate sponsor, Sen. Joseph Vitale (D-Woodbridge) has expressed his desire to "retool" the measure in the new session, which convenes today at noon.

Contained in the CV was the following language:

"While this legislation is well-intentioned and suggests several potential changes that seek to create a more coherent regulatory structure for the State's EMS system, I am advised that implementation of the requirements and commitments provided for in the bill would cost the State and municipalities across the State millions of dollars......While this bill is an important step in highlighting the need for certain improvements in our EMS system, the changes in this bill raise a multitude of new issues that need to be thoughtfully considered before our current system."

Senator Joseph Vitale (D-Woodbridge), the new chairman of the Senate Health Committee has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the Governor's CV issues and moving the measure in the new session.

NJ-ACEP is looking for a few good men and women....

Have some good ideas to make NJ-ACEP better and stronger?  Have just a little spare time to support your profession?  If so, consider a run for the Board of Directors.  The Board meets in January, March, July, September and November.  Interested?  Four slots available!  Send NJ-ACEP a short bio for distribution to the members with the ballot, e-mail Lauren at lauren@amg101.com. Deadline:  March 16, 2012 

ACEP is proud to introduce a new program honoring excellence in communication. This awards program recognizes members who go above and beyond to promote ACEP's key messages and to educate the public. Three members received Communications Lifetime Achievement Awards, along with one who was named an ACEP Spokesperson of the Year. Please congratulate these members on receiving the inaugural Spokesperson Awards: 

Ryan Stanton, MD (Lexington, KY)
ACEP Spokesperson of the Year  

Leigh Vinocur, MD, FACEP (Baltimore, MD)
Lifetime Achievement Award  

Al Sacchetti, MD, FACEP (Camden, NJ)
Lifetime Achievement Award

Richard O'Brien, MD, FACEP (Scranton, PA)
Lifetime Achievement Award

The awards will be presented to these individuals during ACEP's Leadership and Advocacy conference in May.

Congratulations to New Jersey’s own Dr. Sacchetti!

The New Jersey Lawsuit Reform Alliance has identified a handful of bills introduced in the new legislative session that will be important for the medical community to follow.  

Old Bill #A1367/S610
New Bill #A966
Sponsors: Weber, Chiusano, McHose
Summary:  Caps noneconomic damages in medical malpractice actions at $250,000.

Old Bill #A260
New Bill #A1689
Sponsors: Russo
Summary:  Establishes a medical malpractice part in the Superior Court.

Old Bill #A1982/S670
New Bill #A1806
Sponsors: Conaway, O'Scanlon, Weber, Handlin, McHose, Angelini, Riley, Huttle, Chiusano
Summary:  Concerns liability in good faith treatment cases, standards of care, insurance coverage for medical malpractice actions and also sets time limits on medical malpractice claims being filed.

Old Bill #AA1806/S1844
New Bill #A1926
Sponsors: Casagrande
Summary:  Establishes limits for certain damages in medical malpractice actions.

Take time to recognize the best! 

The NJ-ACEP Awards Committee is looking for nominees for its 2011 winners....you know you work with the best....take a minute and complete the nomination form in any category:  Distinguished Service, EMS, Educator of the Year, "Good Government," Clinical Expertise, Resident and Medical Student.  It's a terrific way to say thanks! Deadline is April 20, 2012. 

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© 2003 NJACEP