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FREE Confidential Counseling For Frontline Healthcare Workers
Courtesy of MPIE Risk Management
Federal Protection and Injury Compensation Program for Vaccine Injuries More Important Now Than Ever! Situation
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Healthcare providers should understand the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program's (VICP) role and benefits. This program can offer healthcare providers protections against potential vaccine injury liability. Improperly following the program's process though may jeopardize those protections and have professional liability implications.
Background
VICP was created by a federal law that limits the liability of an "administrator or manufacturer" for complications or injuries following the administration of certain "covered" vaccinations. Individuals who believe a covered vaccine has resulted in injury may "file a claim against the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims seeking compensation from the Vaccine Trust Fund. Eligible claimants can recover compensation for vaccine injuryrelated medical and rehabilitative expenses, pain and suffering, and lost earnings. Claimants may also recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs."[i] VICP covers the most common vaccines administered (e.g., measles, seasonal flu and whooping cough (DTaP or Tdap)). However, the COVID-19 vaccines are not currently included. A separate program may cover a COVID-19 vaccine complication/injury under the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Fund. Congress can (and likely will) add the COVID-19 vaccines as covered vaccines as they receive full approval from the FDA. (As of this writing, Pfizer is FDA approved, and Moderna has applied to obtain it). These protections are especially likely as booster vaccinations become recommended for continued immunity against the COVID-19 variants.
Assessment
Healthcare providers who give vaccines should be aware and knowledgeable of VICP. Ensure appropriate steps are followed to make certain the provider accesses the protections, and the patient properly claims benefits and compensation under VICP.
Recommendation
If alerted to a patient injury or complication, providers must follow proper procedures to protect the patient's claim and prevent potential professional liability allegations.
• Discuss the complication or injury with the patient (refrain from making any admissions of liability, pointing fingers, and/or making any assertions or offers of compensation). • Understand the patient's concerns and request information. Contact MPIE to report and discuss the potential claim. • Discuss with the patient the various federal programs for assisting with future medical expenses and/or compensation. • Continue communication with the patient and follow their progress.
MPIE risk management is available to answer your questions and provide additional information. For assistance, please contact MPIE Risk Management at risk@mpie.org.
Disclaimer: This information is provided as a risk management resource and should not be construed as legal, compliance, technical or clinical advice. This information may refer to specific local regulatory or legal issues that may not be relevant to your organization. Consult your professional advisors or legal counsel for guidance on issues specific to your organization. Medical or clinical information presented is offered for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace independent professional judgment. The information is intended to provide guidance to the clinician in the management of patient care and is not intended to establish a standard of care. The clinician shall defer to applicable prevailing medical authority. [i] https://www.justice.gov/civil/vicp
A new service to support and assist frontline healthcare workers with behavioral health services is now available from the Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority.
Free, confidential counseling services are available for healthcare professionals and their immediate family to provide help coping with the stress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Professional counselors provide primary care screening, assessment and monitoring of key health indicators.
These services are available to those that need extra help coping during this extremely stressful time. There is no shame in talking, in person or virtually, with someone.
Call the Saginaw Community Care HUB at 989.498.2266
for an immediate appointment
BREAKING NEWS SUMMARY OF INTERIM FINAL RULE ON NO SURPRISES ACT
On September 30, 2021, the Biden administration issued a second interim final rule (IFR) to implement the No Surprises Act (NSA) that takes effect in January. Among other provisions, the IFR implements the Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process that can be used to settle out-of-network payment disputes between payers and physicians and other health care providers in surprise billing situations.
The IFR significantly undermines the fairness and independence of the IDR process by requiring IDR entities to make their decisions based on the “qualifying payment amount (QPA)” unless the provider can prove otherwise. Although the QPA is meant to represent the median innetwork rate, the method used to calculate it as outlined in the first IFR, will often result in lower amounts. As a result of these two rules combined, physicians will face an uphill battle to receiving fair payment for their out-ofnetwork services in situations where patients have not had an opportunity to consent, such as emergency care. But perhaps even more concerning is the impact these rules will have on the ability of physicians to enter into meaningful contract negotiations with health plans who have little incentive now to offer fair contracted rates.
CLICK HERE to read the AMA’s initial summary of the
rule. We will be submitting comments to the Departments in the coming weeks expressing our serious concerns, and we are exploring all of our options to prevent or minimize the impact of this IFR on physicians and patients.
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Summary of No Surprises Act Interim Final Rule Part 2
CLICK HERE TO VIEW
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Key Provider to the SCMS
September Membership Meeting Minutes
The Saginaw County Medical Society Membership Meeting was held on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Horizons Conference Center. The meeting was the 21st Annual Joint Meeting with the Saginaw Valley Osteopathic Society (SVOS). Mildred J. Willy MD, Immediate Past President, called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Dr. Willy welcomed SVOS members and the evening’s speaker, Molly Gabriel-Champine PhD, LP. The in-person meeting was the first since January of 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. Anthony M. Zacharek MD took over as President at the virtual annual meeting on June 14, 2021, but was not officially installed before the membership. Dr. Willy called Dr. Zacharek to the podium and placed the presidential medallion around his neck and stated, “It is my honor to introduce the 117th President of the Saginaw County Medical Society, Dr. Tony Zacharek.” Dr. Zacharek then thanked Dr. Willy and the entire SCMS Board for extending their terms of office for an additional year due to the pandemic. He presented a plaque to Dr. Willy in recognition of her service as President from 2019-2021. Dr. Zacharek took over the meeting and welcomed Taylor Gaudard MD, a board certified family medicine physician with CMU Health. Dr. Gaudard earned her medical degree from CMU College of Medicine in 2018, and completed her residency at Mercy Health St. Mary’s in Grand Rapids in 2021. In addition to seeing patients, Dr. Gaudard serves as a faculty member for CMU Medical Education Partners Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Zacharek welcomed SVOS president, Jonathan Horbal DO, to the podium. Dr. Horbal conducted business for the SVOS. Dr. Zacharek then conducted business of the SCMS: • Approval of the June 14, 2021, Membership Meeting Minutes which were attached to the Agenda. MOTION: Approve the June 14, 2021, Membership Meeting Minutes as presented. MOTION APPROVED. • Calendar of Meetings and Events for 2021 – 22 Dr. Zacharek asked those attending to mark their calendars for future meetings. • Congratulated Thomas J. Veverka MD on his election as MSMS President Elect at the House of Delegates in May 2021. Dr. Veverka will be installed as MSMS President on April 30, 2022. • Congratulated Mildred J. Willy MD on her election as Region 7 Representative serving on the MSMS Board of Directors representing Arenac, Bay, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella-Clare, Midland and Saginaw Counties. • Noted current legislation and asked those attending to contact their representatives through the SCMS at www.SaginawCountyMS.com under the Advocacy tab, or MSMS at www.MSMS.org under the Advocacy tab: o Senate Bill 247 – Prior Authorization (Health Can’t Wait) o House Bill 4486 and Senate Bill 314 – Auto accident victims’ right to recover o House Bill 4355 – Maintain quality of care and protect Michigan patients o Senate Bill 191 – Protect patients – mental health o Senate Bills 184 and 185 – Ensure safe drinking water in Michigan schools
continued on page 17
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Dr. Zacharek welcomed Dr. Willy to the podium. Dr.Willy and Molly Gabriel-Champine, PhD, Director of Behavioral Science Education, Director of Scholarly Activity McLaren Bay Region, Family Medicine Residency in Bay City, Michigan, presented a CME-accredited program on “Physician Compassion Fatigue.” Dr. Willy started the program by sharing a personal story describing the difficulty of learning about her mother’s diagnosis with pancreatic cancer, assisting her through her treatments ultimately ending with hospice care, all while also assisting her disabled father with his medical conditions. She discussed the difficulty of doing this for a sustained amount of time, while living 300 miles away, and while continuing to work full time as an emergency physician. She spoke of her struggle with compassion fatigue when returning to work while trying to establish some sort of normalcy in her life after her mom’s passing. Molly joined Dr. Willy and talked about the human emotions we experience and specifically, how physicians may attempt to limit or diminish these in times of crisis and loss, assuring the audience these are normal and to be expected given the situations in life that we encounter. In addition, it is important for us to experience these emotions to heal, and to be able to continue to provide compassion to our patients and others as this also allows for healing. Molly talked about how during the pandemic, many of those working in healthcare also experienced compassion fatigue and how she interacted with physicians and staff while working in the hospital. “Many providers may be reluctant to admit they are having difficulties due to fear of repercussion from their peers, employer or others in leadership roles.” Molly found that when she made herself available on a regular basis and stayed connected with those she worked with, people started opening up and asking for resources. During the presentation, she offered suggestions for health care providers to receive confidential assistance dealing with issues they may be experiencing in addition to online self-help resources. She encouraged physicians to take notice of any changes in those they work with, and to have an honest and confidential conversation if they feel someone is struggling. Molly said, “There is a stigma for medical professionals to seek professional counseling, and there shouldn’t be.” She also shared a list of counseling resources for health care workers (see p. 18-19) in Bay County, if needed, in addition to a QR code to access McLaren’s Stay Well Program for ideas to implement at their own facilities and practices. Her contact information is provided here Molly.Gabriel1@mclaren.org for those seeking help or with additional questions.
Dr. Zacharek thanked Dr. Willy for sharing her very personal story, and Molly for talking about the emotions Dr. Willy experienced, how they were normal and to be expected, and how to find help. Dr. Zacharek reminded members to sign in at the registration table and complete the online survey within 30 days to receive CME credit for the program. The next Membership Meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at Horizons Conference Center. Marilyn Skrocki JD, MBA, MISM, FACHE, Professor Health Sciences Graduate Coordinator - Health Administration and Leadership, College of Health & Human Services at SVSU will present a program on “Future of Physician Leadership: Regionally and
Nationally.”
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Joan M. Cramer Executive Director
BAY COUNTY COUNSELING RESOURCES BAY COUNTY COUNSELING RESOURCES Courtesy of Molly E. Gabriel-Champine, PhD, LP Molly.Gabriel1@mclaren.orgCourtesy of Molly E. Gabriel-Champine, PhD, LP Molly.Gabriel1@mclaren.org
BAY ARENAC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH201 Mulholland, Bay City, MI 48708-7693989-895-2300 ARENAC CENTER1000 W. Cedar Street, Standish, MI 48658-9421 989-846-4573
Serves adults, children and families with mental illness, developmental disabilities and serious emotional disturbances. Priority for service includes persons with Medicaid and low income without insurance.
Services include clinical assessment, individual, family and group therapy, home based services, case management/support coordination, psychiatric services, 24-hour emergency services, respite, geriatric outreach, residential services, day programming, vocational services and Hispanic outreach.
To request services, call: 1-800-448-5498 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m.
-5 p.m.) For 24-hour emergency services, call 989-895-2300 or 1-800-327-4693
Great Lakes Bay Health (Therapy & Psychiatry) 690 S. Trumbull Street, Bay City, MI 48708-7692 989-922-5700 MPA (Therapy, Psychiatry & DBT) 1217 S. Euclid Avenue, Bay City, MI 48706-3311 989-667-9661
List Psychological (Therapy & Psychiatry) 126 Washington Ave., Bay City, MI 48708-5846 989-684-7977 Journey Counseling Center (Therapy) 4771 2 Mile Road, Bay City, MI 48706-2775 989-778-2323
Planning for Living (Therapy) 2355 Delta Road, Bay City, MI 48706-9340 989-684-6832 Delta Psychological (Therapy & Psychiatry) 114 N. Tuscola Road, Bay City, MI 48708-6995 989-895-0788 Corner Stone Counseling Services (Therapy) 111 E. Midland Road, Auburn, MI 48611-9780 989-283-9047 Saginaw Psychological (Psychiatry & Therapy) 615 S. Euclid Avenue, Bay City, MI 48706-3271 989-439-1513
Bay Psychological (Therapy & Psychiatry) 1420 Center Avenue, Bay City, MI 48708-6110 989-686-1990 Reflections Counseling (Therapy & DBT) 200 S. Wenona, Ste 280, Bay City, MI 48706-8845 989-391-4212 Hema Talasila, MD (Psychiatry) 200 S. Wenona Street, Bay City, MI 48706-8833 998-893-3212 JLK Counseling (Therapy) 301 W. Midland Rd, Ste. 8, Auburn, MI 48611-9360 989-272-2010
Recovery Pathways (Therapy & Psychiatry) 863 N. Pine Road, Ste A, Essexville, MI 48732-2159 989-928-3566 Primary for outpatient substance abuse
Sandra Murray, MA, LPC, CAADC (Therapy) 721 Washington Avenue, Suite 411 (Phoenix Bldg.) Bay City, MI 48708-5726 989-295-2733 $10-$25 per session
OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT
List Psychological
Bay Psychological
Sacred Heart Rehabilitation
Recovery Pathways
DOT Caring Center
Kairos Healthcare Center
Family & Children Services
PPPS Health Care
Sterling Health Center
Ten 16
1213 E. Isabella Road Midland, MI 48640-8344 P 989-835-3466 F 989-835-7242
Holy Cross (Women)
3400 S. Washington Road Saginaw, MI 48601-4958 P 989-755-1072 F 989-755-1401
Sacred Heart
400 Stoddard Road Memphis, MI 48041 P 810-392-2167 F 810-392-3530
Odyssey House
529 M.L. King Blvd. Flint, MI 48502-2002 P 810-238-5888 F 810-238-4866
Corcoran House
8212 N. Jennings Road Mt. Morris, MI 48458 P 810-687-5100 F 810-687-0520
Our Hope (Women)
324 Lyon NE Grand Rapids, MI 49548 P 616-451-2039 F 616-451-3590
Sunrise Centre
630 Walnut Street Alpena, MI 49707-1832 P 877-205-5217 F 989-356-3559
RESIDENTIAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT RESIDENTIAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT Medicaid Only
DOT Caring Center
6840 Midland Road Freeland, MI 48623-8708 P 989-790-3366 F 989-790-5027
Holy Cross (Men)
1321 S. Fayette Saginaw, MI 48602-1447 P 989-792-8000 F 989-792-8445
Pine Rest
300 68th Street Grand Rapids, MI 49548 P 616-281-0061 F 616-281-4258
Great Lakes Recovery
241 Wright Street Marquette, MI 49855 P 906-228-7611 F 906-228-8156
Phoenix Hall (Women)
445 E. State Street Traverse City, MI 49686 P 800-622-4810 F 231-929-0416
House of Common (Men)
706 Curtis Street Mason, MI 48854-2539 P 517-244-0393 F 517-244-9155
Odyssey House (Women)
128 N. Warren Street Saginaw, MI 48607-1548 P 989-754-4673 F 989-754-5154
Dakoske Hall (Men)
116 E. Eighth Street Traverse City, MI 49684 P 800-622-4810 F 231-929-0416
Harbor Hall (Men)
704 Emmet Street Petoskey, MI 49770-2910 P 231-347-5511 F 231-347-5422
Medicare Only Ridgeview Hospital
17872 Lincoln Highway Middle Point, OH 45863 P 419-968-2950 F 855-356-4046
Turning Point Hospital
3015 S. Veterans Pkwy. Moultrie, GA 31788 P 229-985-4815 F 229-891-4068
Medicare & Commercial Brighton Hospital
Harbor Oaks Hospital
35031 23 Mile Road New Baltimore, MI 48047 P 586-725-5777 F 586-725-8518
Private Insurance Only Maple Grove Center
6773 W. Maple Road W. Bloomfield, MI 48322 P 248-661-6100 F 248-691-4933
ASR Insurance & Commercial
White Sands Fort Myers
1820 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33907 P 877-876-5429 F 239-689-5783
White Sands Tampa
2011 N. Wheeler Street Plant City, FL 33563 P 877-876-5429 F 813-756-6570
Meridian Health
Medicaid & Commercial
BCBS
1st Step Residential
3685 N. Federal Hwy. Pompano Bch, FL 33064 P 866-971-5531
Michael’s House (Men)
2095 N. Indian Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 P 866-494-7787
Private Pay Dawn Farms-Ypsilanti
Dawn Farms-Sepra
501 W. Huron Ann Arbor, MI 48108 P 734-669-8265
McLaren’s Stay Well Program
Questions? Molly.Gabriel1@mclaren.org Questions? Molly.Gabriel1@mclaren.org
