fair and balanced. There will be discussions relating to the Sunshine Act and the interpretation of the educational materials exemption. This could inadvertently prevent timely distribution of scientifically reviewed relevant medical information to physicians and their patients, potentially undermining efforts to improve the quality of care provided to our patients. This is but a small sampling of the work being done on behalf of the physicians of our state and nation. I highly encourage our Mississippi physicians to maintain membership in AMA or join if not already a member. We must continue to put pressure on our policy makers to address our concerns on these and so many other important issues in an effort to continually improve the access and quality of care that our patients deserve. And the AMA’s is the voice that is heard on Capitol Hill. As access to affordable quality health care and Medicaid expansion loom in the minds of physicians, hospital administrators, and legislators, MSMA sponsored a forum entitled “Solutions for Covering the Uninsured in Mississippi” December 6, 2013, in Ridgeland. This brought a full complement of interested parties to the table and include presentations from the Center for Mississippi Health Policy, the Mississippi Economic Policy Center, and the Heritage Foundation. Legislative leaders are also invited. This event encouraged open and honest discussion in direct response to the HOD resolution calling for the Board of Trustees with assistance from the Council on Medical Service to seek consultation from a diverse array of stakeholders to ascertain the historical and economic truths regarding Medicaid expansion. The Ad Hoc Committee Studying Governance of the Journal has been appointed and meets in January to review the governance structure of JAMA and propose an oversight policy for the Journal MSMA. The Council on Public Information will soon begin its work creating the annual Mississippi Public Health Report Card. The Report Card highlights our state’s health indices which are always an interesting and sobering reminder of our health standing relative to national norms. This will be presented to legislators January 16, 2014, during the Capitol Screening Initiative (CSI) organized by the Alliance, which will give you an opportunity to speak directly to your legislators and support our legislative agenda. And while we’re talking about the The National Auction Group Capitol, I encourage you to join MMPAC – the Mississippi Medical Political Action Committee. It’s one of the most important #680 — Florence, ALcan support. initiatives we physicians
MS State Medical Journal — 7.5 inches x 4.937 inches
As you can readily see, MSMA continues to work for you. Our job is never done. We need you. Get involved and help take our association to the next level. r
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 14 Andrew J Bone #1725
December 2013 JOURNAL MSMA 349