ACG Advocating on Behalf of Clinical Gl
From ACG Legislative and Public Policy Council Chair, James C. Hobley, MD, MSc, FACG
The ACG Legislative and Public Policy Council and the ACG Board of Governors continue to advocate on behalf of clinical gastroenterology, both at the federal and state level. ACG joined a coalition of like-minded organizations urging Congress to delay a 2% Medicare reimbursement cut looming April 2021. This cut was temporarily delayed before 116th Congress adjourned in December 2020.
ACG continues to educate Congress on the importance of telehealth services, especially in rural areas and among Medicare beneficiaries. Telehealth continues to play an integral role in treating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) has reintroduced the Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act (H.R. 366), a bill that eliminates most geographic and originating site restrictions and requires CMS to continue coverage flexibilities beyond the end of the public health emergency.
Remember to contact your ACG Governor on important state and local issues impacting you and your practice.
The ACG Board of Governors is one of the most unique aspects of the American College of Gastroenterology. Governors are ACG Fellows that are elected from the membership of a particular state or region. There are currently 77 Governors across seven different regions in the U.S. and abroad. The Board of Governors acts as a two-way conduit between College leadership and the membership at-large. This helps the College make certain it is meeting the evolving needs of the membership.
ACG will continue to be a vigilant advocate for clinical GI. We are educating policymakers in D.C., as well as state legislatures and Governors across the country, urging these necessary policy changes for our patients and practices.
ACG Magazine Special Issue: The 2021 Practice Management Toolbox Highlights
From ACG Practice Management Committee Chair Stephen T. Amann, MD, FACG
The ACG Magazine's "2021 Practice Management Toolbox Highlights" is now out! This special issue contains numerous articles crafted by members of the Practice Management Committee and is a fantastic resource for ACG members and GI practices.
In addition to the 2021 Practice Management Toolbox Highlights, ACG members are encouraged to check out the 2020 Public Policy Year in Review.
FDA Provides COVID-19 Updates
From FDA Related Matters Committee Chair Eric D. Shah, MD, MBA, FACG
This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided an update on the agency’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
February 9, 2021: FDA authorizes monoclonal antibodies for treatment of COVID-19.
February 9, 2021: FDA released a “Letter to Health Care Providers” on using ventilator splitters during the COVID-19 pandemic and discusses multiplexing ventilator tubing connectors, also known as ventilator splitters.
February 5, 2021: FDA alert on Remdesivir compounding.
February 4, 2021: FDA announces advisory committee meeting on February 26 to discuss Janssen Biotech Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate.
February 4, 2021: FDA updates Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 convalescent plasma to reflect new data.
February 4, 2021: FDA update on supporting medical product development to address new COVID-19 variants.
ACG will continue to update membership on important FDA new impacting clinical GI.
Did You Miss the "COVID-19 Surge: Updated Task Force Recommendations" Webinar?
From Co-Chairs Endoscopy Resumption Task Force Neil H. Stollman, MD, FACG and Costas H. Kefalas, MD, MMM, FACG
On February 2nd, the ACG Endoscopy Resumption Task Force discussed current guidance and best practices during the COVID-19 surge, including updates in regulatory guidelines, patient safety, lab testing, COVID-19 positive patients and staff, and keeping the practice and endoscopy unit open.
Click Here to Download the Slides (1 slide per page version)
Click Here to Download the Slides (2 slides per page version)
Click Here to Access the Recording
