April 23, 2015  |  view this message in your web browser

In this edition

Good News: Indoor Tanning Legislation Approved by the NC House, Heads to Senate

On Tuesday, April 21, the North Carolina House of Representatives voted 103-12 to approve a bill to prohibit minors from using indoor tanning beds. The legislation now awaits consideration by the N.C. Senate. House Bill 158, The Jim Fulghum Teen Skin Cancer Prevention Act, would protect children and youth from skin cancer caused by indoor tanning beds. “Thanks for your steadfastness in getting Jim's Tanning Bed Bill through the House! I know he is smiling,” Mary Susan Fulghum, MD, offered in an email to supporters of the bill which her husband had introduced in 2013. Dr. Jim Fulghum was a member of the House and an early supporter of the tanning bed legislation. He passed away last year.

“This bill will save lives.” – Rep. Donny Lambeth (R-Forsyth)

HB 158 was introduced on March 4, 2015, and was referred to the House Health Committee. The Health Committee unanimously approved the measure on March 11, leading up to the House's action on April 21. The Senate has not yet scheduled a hearing on the bill, which is also supported by the American Cancer Society, the North Carolina Medical Society, the North Carolina Pediatric Society as well as the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, among other organizations.

Top of page 

Medicaid Reform Update

As you’ve likely gathered from recent coverage and discussion, Medicaid reform continues to be a BIG issue of debate at the N.C. General Assembly. And, the wide divide between the competing proposals does not seem to be narrowing. 

To give you an idea of how expansive the issue has grown, a recent article in the Winston-Salem Journal notes all the various bills impacting Medicaid that have been introduced thus far. Debate on any of these of these measures has yet to be placed on the calendar, so it is still too soon to tell how the discussion will play out. 

The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) continues to provide leadership on this issue. In an op-ed published by The News & Observer on April 15, NCMS CEO Robert Selligson's "Why managed care is not the answer for North Carolina" presents the facts about how the move to managed care has worked in other states, why a provider-led solution is the only real opportunity for true reform, and what the NCMS is doing to present legislators with a homegrown solution.

Top of page 

Physicians Mobilize to Maintain Health Care Quality in NC

The NCDA, in partnership with the North Carolina Coalition to Protect Patients, urges you to TAKE ACTION TODAY in response to recently introduced legislation that would remove the physician supervision requirements for many non-physician practitioners. Multiple bills filed at the North Carolina General Assembly this session would do just that.

Among the most aggressive of these proposals is one introduced by Senator Ralph Hise, SB 695, Modernize Nursing Practice Act, which enhances the already broad authority of the North Carolina Board of Nursing. SB 695 proposes to include adding advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure for nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives and clinical nurse specialists. Here’s a snapshot of the bill text:

The section highlighted above, "Collaborating with other health care providers," equates to independent practice! The value of physician supervision and the contributions to patient safety made by physicians are being questioned. Please contact your legislator and tell them the important role of physician supervision in protecting patients in our healthcare system.

Take Action Now >>

When it comes to protecting North Carolina patients, there’s no sense arguing over who can provide the highest quality of care. The best solution is for healthcare professionals to continue working together under the leadership and supervision of a trained physician. That’s why the NCDA, the NCMS and a dozen physician specialty societies have formed the North Carolina Coalition to Protect Patients.

Top of page 

 
Dr. Russell Kilpatrick pulled the winning names at the NCDA's 4th Annual Skin Screening at the Legislature on March 11. 

Dr. William Ketcham and Ms. Rebecca Dawson Win Membership Raffle

Congratulations to William S. Ketcham, MD (Garner) and Rebecca P. Dawson, PA-C (Greensboro) for winning this year's Renew to Win membership promotion.  They were chosen from among 185 NCDA members included in the random drawing for two amazing prizes. Dr. Ketcham won a Harmon Kardon Esquire Mini bluetooth portable speaker and Ms. Dawson won a Bose SoundTrue in-ear headphones.

Dr. Russell Kilpatrick, NCDA President, drew the names on March 11 during the NCDA Annual Skin Screening at the Legislature. If your membership has expired, please take a moment to renew your NCDA membership today. 

Top of page 

NCDA 2015 Summer Meeting, July 10-12, Asheville

Dermatologists will retreat to the mountains July 10-12 for the NCDA's 2015 Summer Meeting. This year's meeting returns to the historic Omni Grove Park Inn, an idyllic setting for continuing education, networking and collegiality. Registration will open soon. In the meantime, you are encouraged to secure your accommodations by calling 800-438-5800.

You can help ensure a successful meeting by sharing the Exhibitor Prospectus with the product and service representatives that call on your office. For more information, contact Nancy Lowe, nlowe@ncmedsoc.org, or 919-833-3836 ext. 111.

Top of page 

 

Dr. Gloria Graham Honored with 2015 Doctor of the Year Award

The NCDA congratulates renowned dermatologist, Dr. Gloria Graham (Morehead City), for being recognized as the 2015 North Carolina Doctor of the Year. Dr. Graham is very well-known among dermatologists. A pioneer in the field of cryosurgery, Dr. Graham is a nationally-recognized expert. But even closer to home, she is recognized for her significant contributions to NC's dermatology community and unyielding dedication to her patients.

Dr. Graham is a dermatologist at Eastern Dermatology and Pathology in Morehead City, NC. She also served as a Clinical Associate Professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and clinical attending physician in dermatology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and Duke University School of Medicine. She received her M.D. from the Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University. She completed her residency in dermatology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA.

We would be happy to pass along your notes of congratulations and well-wishes. Email your notes to ncderm@ncmedsoc.org

Top of page 

2015 AADA Legislative Conference, Sept. 27-29

Top of page 

This publication is a service of the North Carolina Dermatology Association (NCDA)
www.ncderm.org| ncderm@ncmedsoc.org | Privacy Policy | Opt Out