WisMed joins with state’s pediatricians, others on school safety recommendations

In a letter sent this week to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, the Wisconsin Medical Society joined with the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians and others outline recommendations to maximize student and school staff COVID-19 safety during the 2021-22 school year.

The letter advocates that Gov. Evers “urge your leadership in putting forth evidence-based recommendations” and expresses support for various measures, including:

• All staff and students who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination should be immunized.
• Urging all families to have their children fully up to date on all vaccines.
• As the pandemic has exacerbated existing mental health challenges among children and teens, ensure schools are resourced to offer needed mental health services.
• All children older than 2 and all adult staff should wear face masks in school, regardless of vaccination status.

The letter stresses that the recommendations are the best chance for achieving the most important priority: keeping schools open this fall and into 2022. Others on the letter include the Marshfield Clinic Health System, the Marshfield Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin. Contact Society Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer Mark Grapentine, JD for more information.

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Physician coalition continues fight against nursing independence bill

A large physician coalition continues to sound the alarm over a legislative proposal to allow certain advanced practice nurses to independently diagnose and treat patients with no requirement for physician involvement (the companion bills are AB 396 and SB 394). On Monday, August 30, the Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) and eight state physician specialty societies sent this memo highlighting major problems with the 70-page bill to the entire Wisconsin state legislature, requesting that the flaws be removed before the bills are allowed to further advance. The memo also provides responses to various talking points pushed by nursing organizations who testified at state legislative committee public hearings in late July.

WisMed members should feel free to use or reference the memo as you contact your State Assembly Representative and State Senator. Elected officials need to know how Wisconsin's fantastic health care system is rooted in physician-led, team-based care, and that patients deserve to have access to the most educated, experienced and thoroughly trained health care professionals: physicians. Simply put, only those who graduated from medical school should be allowed to independently practice medicine.

Both bills are currently in their respective health committees and eligible for committee votes. Physicians directly contacting their elected officials is both effective and necessary, as nursing organizations have been actively promoting their scope-expanding proposal.

Contact Society Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer Mark Grapentine, JD for more information.

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Register by September 9 for final 2021 Taste of the Foundation

Join the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation on June 23 for the last of the 2021 Tasting Series. The event will feature Jasmine Zapata, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist for Community Health at Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Foundation’s 2020 Superhero of Medicine Award. She was nominated and chosen for many reasons, but one was her work mentoring and encouraging women from underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in medicine.

As physicians state every year that racism and inequities in health care are some of the biggest issues facing patients in their practices it seemed like a perfect fit to also begin a collaboration with Dr. Zapata and the Superhero of Medicine Fund was started. This year we have awarded scholarships to students for MCAT studies and USMLE studies.

At this virtual event we will learn more about the work Dr. Zapata has done and meet some of this year’s scholarship recipients. Dr. Zapata will also take questions regarding her new work as the Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist for Community Health.

Your registration for this event includes wine from Chemistry Wines in the Willamette Valley, a collaboration between Stoller Family Estate and Chehalem winemakers. The wines will be paired with cheese from Fromagination in Madison. Register by September 9 to ensure delivery!

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WisMed COVID-19 Task Force approves new patient Q&A resource

The Wisconsin Medical Society’s (Society) COVID-19 Task Force approved a new resource that physicians can provide to patients or coworkers who may have questions about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. Titled “Common COVID-19 Concerns & Misconceptions,” the four-page handout is an easily understood resource that can help answer questions or inspire further conversations between patients and their physicians. The handout can also be sent home with patients who can then share it with their families and friends who may have their own vaccination questions.

“Studies show that conversations with physicians are particularly effective in helping patients with their COVID-19 vaccination concerns,” said Society COVID-19 Task Force Chair David Letzer, DO. “The Task Force believes this handout can be helpful for both patients and other workers in hospitals and clinics who might be hesitant about getting protected.”

This resource was inspired by a Missouri State Medical Association-created handout; the MSMA encouraged other state medical societies to adapt the piece for their own use.

For more information about the Society’s COVID-19 Task Force, contact Mark Grapentine, JD.

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September 10 Friday Report to explore new proposals, 2022 elections

The second installment of the Wisconsin Medical Society's (WisMed) members-only advocacy update series runs next week – Friday, September 10. WisMed’s Friday Report will give an up-to-the-minute update on the latest health care policy up for debate in Madison, plus a bit of an insider look into politics and policy.

This month’s topics will include the latest developments on the nursing independence bill, highlights on some new heath profession-related proposals and an early look at the 2022 election season and how it's beginning to form.

Hosted by WisMed’s Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer, Mark Grapentine, JD, these live webinars will occur the second Friday of each month from 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. via Zoom.

Register for one, some or all of the Friday Report sessions here. Registration and membership in the Society are required to attend. Please email [email protected] with any questions.

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New WisMed Financial service – estate documents

Although everyone needs an estate plan, 47% of Americans say they would like one but haven’t gotten around to it yet. This estate plan might include a will, trust or power of attorney documents. We are pleased to announce the integration of an estate document creation service through WisMed Financial.

 

What is it?
WisMed Financial has partnered with a nationwide estate document creation firm to create or update estate documents including wills, trusts, financial and health care power of attorney documents and more. Documents include sophisticated features like special needs planning, retirement plan conduit language and Wisconsin-specific items since we live in a community property state.

Who needs it?

• Everyone, regardless of assets, should have financial and health care power of attorney documents. This is someone to make decisions for you if you are unable to do so.
• If you have minor children, you need a will to name a guardian for your kids.
• Trusts are generally used for three purposes: to avoid probate, to limit estate taxes or to protect your beneficiaries. This third reason can include a beneficiary who is irresponsible with money, an in-law who would split assets with your child in a divorce or creditors of your beneficiaries.

How much does it cost?
This estate plan service costs $950 for the full document package plus $250 per deed (if needed).

What if I already have documents and just want them reviewed?
A comprehensive review and summary of your existing plan is available for $300.

What’s the process?

1. If you’re ready to start, download the Estate Plan Questionnaire and book a 1-hour meeting.
2. Need some guidance before starting? Book a 30-minute initial consultation.

We are excited to bring this value-add service to you as a member of the Wisconsin Medical Society.

For additional personalized help with your finances, please contact Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF® 608.442.3750.

Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®
WisMed Financial, Inc. part of the Wisconsin Medical Society.

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