AAN Update

March 3, AAN

AAN provides monthly updates to state society leaders.  In this month’s issue:

State Legislation

·         Oregon lawmakers introduced HB2387, targeting out-of-control prescription prices, read more here.

·         The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America is set to launch a new campaign in NY to fight Governor Cuomo’s plan to curb drug prices, read more here.

·         The number of states that have adopted the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact stands at 18. 6 states currently have active legislation, which the AAN is supporting. The compact offers an expedited licensing process for physicians interested in practicing medicine in multiple states.   Wondering how the compact works? Check out this short video!

·         If you have any questions or would like to discuss how to improve your advocacy efforts, contact Grant Niver.

Federal Legislative Update 

·         The AAN responded to the recent executive order temporarily suspending some foreign entry into the United States by joining with medical organizations on positions from the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Council of Medical Specialty Societies and sending a message to members and Annual Meeting attendees. The AAN is also exploring alternative methods for researchers who may be affected by immigration policy to present their scientific research at the AAN Annual Meeting. Learn more.

·         On February 17, Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) reintroduced the FAST Act.

·         The AAN joined 260 organizations and institutions to send a letter to President Trump and congressional leadership, urging the completion of a FY2017 budget that includes $34.1 billion for NIH.

·         David Shulkin was unanimously confirmed by the Senate to become Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Shulkin served as VA undersecretary of health since 2015, is a physician and former health care executive, and will be the first VA secretary in the department's history never to have served in the military.

·         Stay up-to-date on #AANAdvocacy by reading the Capitol Hill Report and following the AAN’s Senior Legislative Counsel Mike Amery on Twitter at @MikeAmeryDC.

Medical Economics Update

·         The AAN Medical Economics & Management Committee (MEM) approved its regulatory priorities for 2017, which include: 1) Continuing MACRA advocacy with the goal to reduce burdens on neurologists while improving the Quality Payment Program; 2) Encouraging increased flexibilities for small and solo neurology practices; 3) Advocating for more accurate and improved cognitive reimbursement; and 4) Monitoring regulatory announcements from the new administration to outline further regulatory priorities as needed and address developments.

·         Member awareness of the Axon Registry® has consistently increased. According to marketing survey results, 2015 member awareness was 19 percent; by June 2016 member awareness increased to 38 percent; as of November 2016, member awareness increased to 53 percent.

·         The MEM and Government Relations committees met jointly in January to discuss collaborations for legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts on Affordable Care Act (ACA) repeal and replacement, drug pricing and access, and physician burnout and regulatory hassle.

·         For more information on AAN practice resources, visit our webpage.

AAN Membership Update

·         The 2017 Insights Report is now available. The report summarizes research conducted by the AAN in 2016 and also provides demographic data on members as of year-end 2016.

·         A study by the AAN of neurologists in the United States shows that 60 percent of respondents had at least one symptom of burnout, and burnout is common in all neurology practice settings and subspecialties. The study was published in the January 25, 2017, online issue of Neurology®.

·         A new practice management education curriculum has been developed for residents and fellows. The first webinars, a Business Basics series, are now available and will be followed by additional topics throughout 2017. Program directors may use these brief recorded webinars to enhance the practice management knowledge of their residents and fellows.

·         AAN Annual Meeting registration numbers are trending higher than Vancouver. Look for the Science Program soon for information on innovative new methods of delivering scientific information to clinicians.