A 7901 – Scope of Practice
Introduced by Assemblymember Joahn McDonald (D), A 7901 provides for the licensure of naturopathic doctors; defines naturopathic medicine as primary health care, including specimen collection and ingestible sensors; allows them to be called “doctor”; the use of injection therapy (intravenous, intramuscular, intra-articular, subcutaneous, and intradermal), limited to a formulary of substances; prohibited from surgery as a medical procedure; emergency or trauma care. The bill was introduced and referred to the Assembly Higher Education Committee.
S 1679A – Scope of Practice
Introduced by Senator Michelle Hinchey (D), S 1679A provides for the licensure of naturopathic doctors; defines naturopathic medicine as primary health care, including specimen collection and ingestible sensors; allows them to be called “doctor”; the use of injection therapy (intravenous, intramuscular, intra-articular, subcutaneous and intradermal), limited to a formulary of substances; prohibited from surgery as a medical procedure; emergency or trauma care. The bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Higher Education Committee.
IN THE NEWS
New law addressing Alabama’s physician shortage takes effect August 1
Senate Bill 155, The Physician Workforce Act signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey (R) May 23, takes effect August 1. Designed to address the state’s physician shortage, the new law:
- removes the Special Purpose Exam (SPEX) requirement for out-of-state physicians;
- allows international medical graduates (IMGs) to apply for a state medical license a year earlier in training; and
- creates a program where graduate physicians — those who did not match to a residency program — can practice under a supervising physician as they wait to reapply for residency.
Background: The law is to alleviate the physician shortage to recruit new physicians and retain those already working in the state. The bill is the result of discussions with members of the Medical Association of Alabama. The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners will begin drafting regulations to govern the graduate physician program.
Why it matters: The physician workforce is dwindling in the state and legislators believe by removing some of the barriers to licensure, they will be able to attract and retain more physicians.
Office of Inspector General (OIG): High Rates of Prior Authorization Denials by Some Plans and Limited State Oversight Raise Concerns About Access to Care in Medicaid Managed Care
Three factors raise concerns about Medicaid managed care organizations use of prior authorization inappropriately delay or deny care for Medicaid enrollees:
- The high number and rate of denial of prior authorization requests;
- The limited oversight of PA denials in most states; and
- The limited access to external medical reviews.
Background: Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) ensure enrollees have access to covered services. Allegations the MCOs are inappropriately delaying or denying care for thousands, including treatment for cancer and cardiac conditions.
Why it matters: More state oversight is needed to ensure Medicaid enrollees have access to medically necessary and covered services. States should: review the appropriateness of MCO prior authorization; collect data on MCO prior authorization decisions; work to identify and address inappropriate prior authorization denials. Read the OIG report.
