KMA Update
Dale Toney, M.D.
The 2019 Kentucky General Assembly is in session and will be addressing many important issues and bills that will potentially affect Kentucky physicians and their patients. Several bills related to the KMA’s advocacy priorities have already been filed, including tort reform, prior authorization, out of network billing, and tobacco free schools. It is anticipated that there will also be issues and possibly bills regarding medical marijuana, the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, and a provider tax. Cory Meadows, Deputy Executive Vice President/Director of Advocacy, and Pat Padgett, Executive VicePresident and CEO, lead an expert team of KMA lobbyists and keep the KMA extremely informed. The KMA Legislative Quick Action Committee meets weekly during the session to offer guidance to the team. In addition, the LMS has started a Legislative Task Force under the leadership of our new LMS President, Dr. Charles Papp, which I am excited to be a part of.
The KMA has started a new text messaging service that will alert members of the latest updates to KMA’s priority legislation. Those who sign up will receive weekly text messages regarding the status of bills andwhat action can be taken to help further their progress. To enroll, text “KMA”to 50457.
The 2019 KMA Physician’s Day at the Capitol is February 21 in Frankfort. It is a day that brings physicians from across Kentucky together at the capitol to support issues of importance to the medical community. It begins at 8:30 am with a legislative briefing that will offer talking points and suggestions as you meet with your legislators. It will include a buffet style lunch in the Capitol Annex this year that you can invite your legislator to attend. It concludes with a debriefing session in the afternoon. In addition to important legislator connections, there is tremendous medical comradery and fellowship with your fellow physicians from across the commonwealth and it is alot of fun! Remember to wear your white coat to display unity from the medical community.
This year’s KMA public awareness campaign is “Focus on Flu”and it has already been tremendously successful. The campaign has been picked up by numerous media outlets throughout Kentucky including many television stations and newspapers. Multiple LMS and KMA members have been featured in the campaign, including LMS Past President Dr. Tuyen Tran and President Elect Dr.Mamata Majmundar.
It is not too early to begin making plans for the 2019 KMA Annual Meeting that will be held September 20 – 22 at the Louisville Marriott East. This year the theme will be “Moving Medicine: Together for Tomorrow” and will deal with the changes in the practice of medicine and will unify physicians on issues of importance, such as public health. Mark your calendars now.
It is time to apply for the 2019 Kentucky Physicians Leadership Institute that will happen in August and September. The 2019 sessions will address personal, business, and advocacy leadership. The final session will involve leadership in action in conjunction with KMA’s Kentucky Leadership Academy at the annual meeting in September. The institute has been very popular and the spots fill up quickly. Therefore, if you want to participate you should apply now. You can apply online at kyfmc.org/leadership.
As always, if you have any issues for the KMA that I can be of assistance, please email me. d I am extremely appreciative and humbled for the opportunity to serve as your KMA Vice President.
