Welcome to a new week of NCMS Morning Rounds.

April 11, 2021

Key Differences Between PA Team-Based Practice and SAVE Act Proposals

To help clarify the differences between the two proposals currently being considered by the NC General Assembly around PAs and advance practice nurses, the NCMS has developed a side-by-side comparison chart to clearly distinguish the content of SB345 – Physician Assistant Team-based Practice and SB249/HB277—The SAVE Act. We also are in the process of developing a comprehensive FAQ document to address your questions and concerns about these proposals, the current statutes as well as the NCMS’ policies on scope of practice and team-based settings.

Stated broadly, the most important differences between these bills are:
SB345 – Physician Assistant Team-based Practice, which the NCMS supports, has
1) a career entry requirement of 4,000 hours of supervised practice;
2) an additional 1,000 hours of supervised practice if there is a medical specialty change;
3) a focus on the promotion of team-based settings and enhanced supervisory arrangements.

SB249/HB277—The SAVE Act, which the NCMS opposes, completely removes required supervision in all circumstances regardless of practice setting and/or clinical experience.

For a more detailed comparison access the comparison chart here.

PPE AND COVID-19 Tests Available through the NCMS

Just a reminder that the NCMS is still offering personal protective equipment (PPE) for purchase through our ActionPPE supplier. You can shop conveniently online at this link on the NCMS website. PPE available includes gowns, face shields, gloves and a variety of masks.

In addition, the NCMS is partnering with ActionPPE, which has negotiated a special group buy on FDA approved Covid Rapid Antigen Tests. These test, which can be done in a provider’s office in just 10 minutes, are being offered at below market prices.

This is a one-time group purchase of 100k American-made COVID Antigen Test Kits for medical professionals only. Reserve your Covid test kits today as stock will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. Remember to use your NCMS discount code: NCMS-SAVE5. Order now.

Getting Ready for Medicaid Transformation

With the warmer weather the series of webinars on the state’s move to Medicaid managed care are now being called ‘Back Porch’ chats rather than ‘fireside’ chats. The next in the series, which is presented by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) in partnership with NCAHEC, will happen this Thursday, April 15 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and will address a variety of hot topics around the launch of Medicaid managed care, which will happen on July 1.

Learn more and register here.

To generally stay up to date on this massive shift, be sure to read the most recent NC Medicaid Bulletins at the Bulletin webpage here. Some of the latest issues cover:

• New and Amended Clinical Coverage Policies – March 2021
• Last Month to Submit Program Year 2020 Attestations
• Quality Strategy Update Draft Posted for Public Comment
• Quality Report and Quality Measurement Technical Specifications Manual Posted
• Primary Care Provider Practice Reassignment for Some Beneficiaries
• Community Alternatives Program for Children Waiver Renewal Stakeholder Engagement

In the News

Younger Healthcare Workers Especially Stressed By COVID-19, Poll Finds, Becker’s Hospital Review, 4-6-21

Learning Opportunity

Join us for the next free Lunch and Learn Webinar: “Diabetes Prevention Program”, Tuesday, April 20 | noon to 1:00 pm
This presentation will address the growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes in primary care and will discuss actions that physicians and care teams can take immediately to identify and manage their patients with prediabetes, including referral to an evidence-based lifestyle change program.