Maine Medicine Weekly Update - April 23, 2018
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Opioid Prescribing for Pain Continues to Decline in Maine

Prescribing of opioid medication continued to decline substantially in Maine based on nationwide data released last week by the American Medical Association in cooperation with the health data information firm IQVIA. Opioid prescribing for pain declined 32% from 2013 through 2017 while 22.2% fewer opioid prescriptions were filled nationally.

The decline in Maine was 13.3% in 2017 alone. Every state in the nation has shown a significant reduction in opioid analgesic prescriptions since 2013 and every state showed a decline in the last year.  

“A 22-percent decrease in opioid prescriptions nationally between 2013 and 2017 reflects the fact that physicians and other health care professionals are increasingly judicious when prescribing opioids. It is notable that every state has experienced a decrease, but this is tempered by the fact that deaths related to heroin and illicit fentanyl are increasing at a staggering rate, and deaths related to prescription opioids also continue to rise. These statistics again prove that simply decreasing prescription opioid supplies will not end the epidemic. We need well-designed initiatives that bring together public and private insurers, policymakers, public health infrastructure, and communities with the shared goal to improve access and coverage for comprehensive pain management and treatment for substance use disorders.

“Additionally, it is a sign of progress that IQVIA reported an increase in new treatment starts for medication assisted treatment (MAT) for patients with opioid use disorder, nearly doubling from 44,000 in December 2015 to 82,000 in December 2017. This evidence-based treatment can slow and even stop this epidemic. Physicians and other stakeholders accept that bold action is needed. We go where the evidence leads us. We all must take care that policies and practices don't restrict access to one alternative for pain relief without increasing access to comprehensive, multidisciplinary pain care, including non-opioid-based options." 

In 2015, the AMA launched a Task Force to Reduce Opioid Abuse and continues to work with state medical societies to address legislation and regulation ranging from developing effective prescription drug monitoring programs, continuing medical education, restrictions on treatment for opioid use disorder as well as enactment of naloxone access and Good Samaritan overdose protections.

To learn more about AMA efforts to end the opioid epidemic, visit end-opioid-epidemic.org and AMA Wire.

MMA is 165 Years Old on Saturday, April 28, 2018

A small group of physicians from across the State met at the Tontine Hotel in Brunswick on April 28, 1853 and established the Maine Medical Association.  A plaque on a granite post in front of the Tontine Mall in Brunswick was placed there on April 28, 2003 and dedicated to these pioneer physician leaders. Members are encouraged to stop by and see the plaque the next time they are in the area. All the names of the physicians present at the meeting are listed.

MMA has continuously existed since the time of the original meeting 165 years ago. This anniversary provides an opportunity to look back and proudly congratulate the physician leaders who have served the organization through these many years. We express our appreciation to the current officers, board members and committee members who step up time and time again to carry out MMA's mission to support Maine physicians, advance the quality of medicine in Maine and promote the health of all Maine citizens. THANK YOU!

MMA Listening Session in Presque Isle on Tuesday, May 15 6-8pm

All Aroostook County physicians and their guests are invited to join MMA officers and executive staff at a Listening Session.

Join us at Cafe Sorpreso, 415 Maine Street in Presque Isle. Stop by for an appetizer and beverage on us and share with us your thoughts and opinions, including on topics such as:

• 2nd Regular Session of the 128th Maine Legislature
• Physician-Assisted Death
• MMA Statement on Reform of the US Health Care System
• MMA member engagement and leadership development

MMA Board Meets on Wednesday, April 25, 2018

The MMA Board of Directors holds its next regularly scheduled meeting this coming Wednesday at 4:00pm at the offices of the Association in the Frank O. Stred Building in Manchester, Maine. The meeting begins at 4:00pm and any MMA member is welcome to attend.

Agendas for all MMA committee meetings are posted on the MMA website at www.mainemed.com and all meetings are open to MMA members regardless of whether they are on the Board or committee. Minutes of the meetings are posted following their approval by the applicable committee.

Hanley Center Health Leadership Development Class XI Graduates Twenty-nine Healthcare Leaders

The Daniel Hanley Center for Health Leadership on April 13, 2018 recognized twenty-nine leaders who had completed the most recent HLD class. In a program held at Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell, Sheila Hanley, MPH, one of four children of Daniel and Maria Hanley, offered congratulatory remarks.

MMA was proud to support Susan Kring's participation in the class. Susan is the MMA's Grants Manager and Outreach Director. 

MICIS: Next Steps in Addressing Maine's Opioid Crisis

2018 Maine Independent Clinical Information Service opioid education presentations.

MICIS, the Maine Independent Clinical Information Service, has been providing evidence-based prescribing education throughout Maine since 2008.  In 2017, MICIS focused exclusively on providing opioid education required by Maine law, Chapter 488, and this year presents new clinical modules and an updated presentation on opioid-related prescribing laws and rules. Topics include:

• Opioid Use Disorder and Medication Assisted Recovery: Caring For Our Communities
• Alternative Treatments for Chronic Pain
• Co-Prescribing Benzodiazepines and Opioids: The Black Box of Increased Overdose Risk (launching summer 2018)
• Recent Legal Changes Affecting Opioid Prescribing in Maine.

AMA, Specialty Societies Ask CMS to Reduce 2018 MIPS Reporting Period

 See current MIPS information from the AMA here.

 The AMA, along with national physician specialty societies, recently sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) asking that the 2018 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) reporting period be reduced from a full calendar year to a minimum of 90 consecutive days due to the lack of timely and direct notification about whether a physician is considered MIPS eligible.

In addition, there will be a further significant delay by CMS in updating the Quality Payment Program interactive website with 2018 information. The website is not expected to  be updated until the summer of 2018, at the earliest. The two delays combined make it extraordinarily difficult for physicians to meet the full-year quality data reporting requirements for MIPS this year. The letter also requests a reduced reporting period for future MIPS program years in order to reduce administrative burdens and ensure physicians have sufficient time to report after receiving performance feedback from CMS.

To determine whether they are eligible for the MIPS program, physicians must actively consult CMS' website. Previously, CMS had mailed letters to practices to inform them of their eligibility status, which many practices were waiting for this year. Without direct outreach by CMS to physicians and group practices, many will be left in the dark on their status.

Therefore, the AMA encourages practices to look up their MIPS eligibility at the CMS QPP website. The AMA is committed to working collaboratively with CMS to ensure MIPS recognizes the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries rather than quantity of data reported, and will continue to advocate for timely notification by CMS on program changes to ensure successful participation.

Register for MIPS group web interface, CAHPS for MIPS 2018 survey reporting

Registration is required for groups that intend to use the CMS Web Interface and/or administer the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) for Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) survey for 2018.

Only groups of 25 or more eligible clinicians that have registered can report via the CMS Web Interface. Groups that participate in MIPS through the qualified registry, qualified clinical data registry, or electronic health record (EHR) data submission mechanisms do not need to register. For 2018, only groups of two or more eligible clinicians that have registered can participate in the CAHPS for MIPS survey. Visit the Quality Payment Program website to register. You will need a valid Enterprise Identity Management (EIDM) account. If you do not have an EIDM account, please create one as soon as possible. The registration period is from April 1–June 30, 2018.

Please note: If your group was registered to participate in MIPS in 2017 via the CMS Web Interface, CMS automatically registered your group for 2018. You may edit or cancel your registration at any time during the registration period. Automatic registration does not apply to the CAHPS for MIPS survey. For more information, visit the Quality Payment Program Resource Library to review resources on the CAHPS for MIPS Survey and the CMS Web Interface. 

CMS is conducting the 2018 Burdens Associated with Reporting Quality Measures Study, as described in the Quality Payment Program (QPP) Year 2 final rule. Clinicians and groups who are eligible for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) that participate successfully in the study will receive full credit for the 2018 MIPS Improvement Activities (IA) performance category.

The study runs from April 2018 to March 2019. Clinicians do not need any outside knowledge of MIPS to participate in the study; rather the study team is interested in learning more about clinicians' experience participating in MIPS. Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2018. Clinicians will be notified in spring of 2018 if selected.

CMS is conducting this study to:

• Examine clinical workflows and data collection methods using different submission systems.
• Understand the challenges clinicians face when collecting and reporting quality data.
• Make future recommendations for changes that will attempt to eliminate clinician burden, improve quality data collection and reporting, and enhance clinical care.

Participants will have to meet the following requirements in order to complete the study and receive full IA credit. For participants reporting as a group, their entire group will receive credit. For participants reporting as individuals, only the participating clinician will receive credit.

• Complete a 2017 MIPS participation survey in April/May 2018.
• Complete a 2018 MIPS planning survey September/October 2018.
• The Study team will invite selected participants to join a virtual 90-minute focus group between November 2018 and February 2019.
• Meet minimum requirements for the MIPS Quality performance category by submitting data for at least three measures in the MIPS Quality performance category, as required for 2018 MIPS participation.

The data submitted must:

• Include one outcome measure.
• Be submitted to CMS by the final MIPS reporting deadline (March 31, 2019).
• Be submitted through any method accepted under MIPS for year 2 of the Quality Payment Program (2018).

Clinicians can apply to participate in the study here.

Consumers for Affordable Health Care to Honor MMA EVP Gordon Smith at 30th Anniversary Celebration on June 7th

The health care advocacy organization will honor Jack Comart, Trish Riley, and Gordon Smith with its 2018 Distinguished Health Care Hero Awards at the event planned at Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell.  See below if you would like to attend.

Consumers for Affordable Health Care, the Augusta-based, statewide advocacy organization will celebrate its 30th Anniversary with an event scheduled on Thursday, June 7th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell.  In addition to recognizing Jack Comart, Trish Riley, and Gordon Smith with the Distinguished Health Care Hero Awards, CAHC will honor Liz Harmon and Martha Morrison with Individual Health Care Hero Awards and the Mainers for Health Care Leadership Team and Maine Providers Standing Up for Health Care with Organizational Health Care Hero Awards.  

 The MMA congratulates Gordon and all the awardees on receipt of these awards.  The MMA appreciates its long collaborative relationship with Consumers for Affordable Health Care and congratulates it on the 30-year milestone in its advocacy work.  You can find registration information for the event here.

Maine Education Department Announces School Immunization Changes

The Maine Department of Education has announced the recent changes in the immunization requirements for school children in 7th and 12th grades, adding meningococcal meningitis vaccine to the list.

[from the Maine DoE announcement]

This notice is to inform you of the recent changes to the joint rule (Chapter 126/261), Immunization Requirements for School Children, (statutory authority, Title 20-A §6352). The Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Education have revised the Maine School Immunization Requirements rule to now include meningococcal meningitis disease. These changes further align Maine’s immunization rules with current national recommendations to better protect the health of all Maine people. Meningococcal disease is a rare, but dangerous disease that strikes healthy young people without warning. It can affect all ages, but teens and young adults are at highest risk of getting the disease.

The following changes are effective for the 2018-2019 school year for all students attending a public or private school in the State of Maine:

• One dose of meningococcal vaccine MCV4 (serogroups A, C, W, and Y) is required for all students entering 7th grade.
• Two doses of meningococcal vaccine MCV4 are required for students entering 12th grade, with a minimum interval of 8 weeks between dose one and dose two. If the first dose of meningococcal vaccine was administered on or after the 16th birthday, a second dose is not required.

For your convenience, the Department has prepared a sample notification letter that your school may use to inform parents/guardians of the above changes to the immunization rule.

• Sample notification letter for parents

Additionally, the DHHS  has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions attached with more information. As a reminder, no student is permitted to be enrolled in or attend a public or private school in Maine without providing either a certificate of immunization or a written medical, religious or philosophical exemption for each required school entry vaccine.

• NEW 2018-2019 Maine School Entry Requirement for Meningococcal Vaccine

Please ensure all 7th and 12th grade student records are updated by the first day of the 2018-2019 school year for this new meningococcal meningitis requirement. If you have questions regarding this new meningococcal meningitis vaccine requirement, record keeping or immunization history reviews please contact Emily Poland, School Nurse Consultant at (207) 624-6688 or by email at Emily.Poland@maine.gov.

If you have immunization specific questions regarding vaccine schedules or validity of any doses given to a student, please contact the Maine Immunization Program at (207) 287-3746 or (800) 867-4775 or by email at ImmunizeME.DHHS@maine.gov.

24 Maine Hospitals Report Sentinel Events

 The 2017 "Sentinel Events Annual Report" states that 34 of Maine's 38 hospitals reported a total of 256 sentinel events in calendar 2017, according to an article from the Maine Hospital Association.

[from the Maine Hospital Association's Hospital Update]

Hospitals reported the majority of sentinel events, although another nine events were reported by other facilities covered under the sentinel event law.

The number of events reported represents a 13.2 percent increase in reported events from 2016 to 2017, a fact that the Sentinel Event Team (SET) took as due to increased surveillance rather than an increase in events.

The report said that 20 percent of the events occurred on a weekend or a holiday. 

Of the 27 different categories of sentinel events, eight categories made up 83 percent of the total events:

• Stage 3 or 4 and unstageable pressure ulcers at 83 (31 percent);
• Fall with serious injury at 43 (16 percent);
• Unanticipated death within 48 hours of treatment at 32 (12 percent);
• Unanticipated death at 21 (8 percent);
• Wrong-site surgery at 15 (6 percent);
• Unanticipated transfer to another facility at 9 (3 percent);
• Death or serious injury from a medication error at 9 (3 percent); and
• Unintended retention of a foreign object at 8 (3 percent).

Pressure ulcers have been in the top three most frequently reported sentinel events over the past seven years, the report said.  Falls with patient death or serious injury continue to remain the second most reported sentinel event.  Reported events show that falls frequently occur when the patient is getting up to use the toilet.

The SET continues to see issues, such as the failure to use the surgical timeout process, contribute to continued wrong-site surgeries.  The SET questioned if timeouts are being performed accurately and with the required attention. 

The most common action items from the root cause analysis stemming from these sentinel events are policies and procedures, education and training, and evaluation.

The SET plans to focus on the following goals for 2018:

• Continue to provide technical assistance and consultations, as requested, to facilities;
• Continue to assess facilities’ compliance with the sentinel event law by conducting on-site reviews.  On-site reviews at all hospitals that have not yet been reviewed will be completed in 2018;
• Continue to enhance the sentinel event database with relevant information and analyze complaint data to identify trends in events, track individual facility events and use data effectively;
• Continue to publish the quarterly sentinel event newsletter;
• Review and revise the sentinel event rules to clarify reporting criteria and other modifications;
• Continue to develop collaborative workgroups to discuss challenges and best practices related to patient safety;
• Collaborate with facilities to ensure compliance with notifying the SET of an event within one business day of the event being discovered, and submission of a root cause analysis and associated requirements with 45 days of reporting; and
• Look at methods to review outpatient provider-based practices listed on facilities’ licenses for compliance with the program and reportable events.

Doctors Without Borders Coming to Maine May 1st

On Tuesday May 1, 2018 you are invited to join Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) for a recruitment information session in Portland, ME. This is your opportunity to meet their recruitment team and learn about how you can join the pool of dedicated aid workers. They are currently recruiting for a variety of medical and non-medical positions. 

Looking for Help in Paying for Medical School?

 Do you know any Maine resident students seeking funding for medical school? If yes, we hope that you will make the attached Maine Medical Education Foundation Loan Program brochures available to any Maine resident students who have expressed an interest in or are already attending medical school.

For eligible students, the program provides low interest loans in amounts ranging from $2000up to the full cost of their education. Spread the word quickly because the application deadline is May 1.

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) is pleased to administer and service the Maine Medical Education Foundation Loan Program. We appreciate your helping Maine citizens achieve their education goals. If you have any questions or would like pre-printed brochures, please contact us at 800-228-3734 or education@famemaine.com.

Take Control of Debt - April 24 Webinar Presented by Baystate Financial

Webinar tomorrow for MMA members on Tuesday, April 24 2018 from 6:30-7:30 pm.

Many Americans today are in significant debt.  If you are feeling the pressure, you are not alone.  The good news is you can start eliminating it.  This session will help you:

• Understand and classify your debt
• Create a debt payment plan
• Balance debt and your financial goals

Final Legislative Call of the Session This Tuesday, April 24th

The Maine Legislature returned to Augusta, passed some bills, and adjourned...or did they? We will have what we anticipate to be our last Legislative Call of the 2018 session this Tuesday, April 24th, at 8 p.m.

MMA Legislative Committee Chair Stephen Meister, M.D. and Vice Chair Katherine Pope, M.D. welcome you to participate in the weekly conference calls of the MMA Legislative Committee.

The last MMA Legislative Committee weekly conference call for the Second Regular Session of the 128th Maine Legislature will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, April 24th, at 8:00 p.m.

Legislative Committee members and specialty society legislative liaisons are strongly encouraged to participate. Any physician, practice manager, or other staff member who is interested in the MMA's legislative advocacy also is welcome to participate. It is not necessary to RSVP for the calls.

Please use the following conference call number and passcode. These will remain the same for every weekly call during the session.

Conference call number:  207-480-4790

Passcode:  057614#

Legislative Report: Adjournment?

Last Wednesday, or rather Thursday at 01:30 a.m., the Maine House of Representatives adjourned "until the call of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House." There were fireworks just after midnight!

In normal years, if the House and Senate have not finished their work by the statutory adjournment date (3rd Wednesday of April in even-numbered years), they vote (2/3 required) to extend the session for five days. In such cases they are not paid salary for those five days. This year the Senate voted unanimously to extend, but in the House a party line vote with 2 defections from the Republican side of the aisle did not reach a 2/3 majority, thus preventing extension.

Or so people thought at the time.

As midnight approached, a question was being debated and a Republican Representative was speaking. As he continued to speak the second hand swept past 12. When the representative finished speaking, Minority Leader Kenneth Fredette stated to the Speaker that they could no longer conduct any business. House Speaker Sara Gideon, citing Mason's Rules of parliamentary procedure which govern proceedings in the Maine Legislature, announced that the session had been "extended by implication" due to the fact that the party opposing extension had participated in proceedings into the next day.

Chagrin ensued. 

The Speaker, with the support of Rep. John Martin who has been a member of the Maine Legislature for all but 6 years since 1964 and served as Speaker from 1975 to 1994, explained how Mason's Rules allowed such an extension. Minority Leader Fredette argued that the move was unconstitutional.

Finally the House was adjourned, as the Senate had been earlier in the evening, "to the call of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House." In addition, the necessary majority (not 2/3) voted to carry over all pending bills to any special session that may be called.

Regardless of all the above, both the House and the Senate are expected to return for one day to deal with any vetoes the Governor may have issued since April 19th.

The House's actions leave many bills pending "on the Special Appropriations Table," where they will die if the Legislature does not return to session. Look for a discussion of those bills and what they mean for Maine's efforts to deal with the opioid crisis, healthcare funding, and other matters of interest to physicians in an upcoming edition of the MMA's Weekly Update. 

FREE 8-Hr. MAT Waiver Training Being Offered in Dover, NH - Friday, April 27th

Helping connect the dots to more effectively address opioid use disorders.

The New Hampshire Medical Society, NH Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network are pleased to offer FREE 8-hour buprenorphine waiver training in Dover, NH on Friday, April 27th.

The New Hampshire Medical Society, NH Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network are pleased to offer this FREE 8-hour buprenorphine waiver training.

Date:
Friday, April 27, 2018
Location:
Wentworth-Douglas Hospital
789 Central Avenue
Dover, NH 03820

• Training is available for physicians interested in seeking their waiver to prescribe buprenorphine in the treatment of opioid use disorders. To obtain the waiver to prescribe, providers are required to take eight hours of training.
• Following trainings, physicians who have successfully completed the course, may apply to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) to obtain the waiver.
• 8 AMA PRA Category 1 credits and a Buprenorphine Training Completion Certificate will be awarded to those who complete all 8 hours of the course and receive a minimum cumulative score of 75% on the examination.
• Residents may take the course and apply for their waiver when the receive their DEA license. They will need to maintain their certificate of completion following the training.
• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants who take this 8-Hour MAT waiver course will receive a certificate of completion and can apply it toward the 24-hour training requirement established by the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). For the addtional 16 hours, PCSS-MAT is also providing NPs and PAs with the coursework FREE and together they meet the required training to be eligible to apply for the waiver to prescribe buprenorphine.
• This course has been approved by the NH Board of Medicine as CME that fulfills the opioid prescribing competency requirement.

CME Accreditation: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP) and the New Hampshire Medical Society, Anthem New Hampshire, and NH Department of Health and Human Services. AAAP is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Date: Friday, April 27, 2018
Location:
Wentworth-Douglas Hospital
789 Central Avenue
Dover, NH 03820

Click Here for More Information and to Register

Maine Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Spring Educational & Business Meeting - Friday, May 4th

The Maine Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons will hold their Spring Educational Program and Business Meeting on Friday, May 4th at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, ME from 11:30am - 5:00pm.

The Maine Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons will hold their Spring Educational Program and Business Meeting on Friday, May 4th at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, ME from 11:30am - 5:00pm.  The educational program will offer 2.0 Category 1 CME credits and will be followed by the Business Meeting. 

For agenda and more details click here.  This meeting is open to ophthalmologists in Maine, but please contact Shirley Goggin at sgoggin@mainemed.com or 207-445-2260 to let her know of your attendance plans.

Exhibit opportunities are also available by contacting Shirley (contact information above).

Introduction to Lean in Healthcare Full-Day Workshop on Tuesday, May 8

Are you frustrated by poor communication and waste in your work processes? Lean has recently transformed the way many hospitals and health systems operate. This full-day workshop on May 8 in Augusta provides those who lead hospitals, health centers, practices, and related service industries with an introduction to Lean thinking and process improvement tools.

The first half of the day will cover the principles of Lean thinking and provide several exercises so participants can compare traditional processes to Lean processes. The second half of the day will share an overview of some of the important Lean tools and challenge the class to identify applications for Lean in their organization.

Lean Healthcare East has over 30 years combined experience in leading organizational transformation and have many engaging exercises and examples to share from their experiences implementing Lean improvements at hospitals and other healthcare related organizations.Click here to learn more and register for the workshop. If you have questions or want to schedule a workshop at your practice please contact the Lean Healthcare East team.

Maine Chapter, American College of Surgeons Annual Meeting in Kennebunkport, ME - May 18-20

The Maine Chapter, American College of Surgeons will hold their Annual Meeting from Friday, May 18 through Sunday, May 20 at the Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, ME.

The Maine Chapter, American College of Surgeons will hold their Annual Meeting from Friday, May 18 through Sunday, May 20 at the Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, ME. All surgeons are invited to attend this exciting program offering 12.00 Category 1 CME Credits.  

For more information and to register online, click here.

Brochure (PDF)

Exhibit opportunities are also available and any questions regarding exhibiting can be addressed to Shirley Goggin at 207-445-2260, emailing maine@mainefacs.org.

One River, One Ocean: June 2-14, 2018

River Awareness fundraiser on the Androscoggin River.

One River, One Ocean: June 2-14, 2018

Androscoggin River Awareness Journey and Fundraiser

A River Awareness Journey down the Androscoggin, from Errol, NH to Topsham, ME

One River~One Ocean

I am a Registered Maine Guide, retreat leader  and founder of Nurture Through Nature Retreat Center,  in Denmark, Maine, interested in bringing a voice to the Androscoggin River, its history, heritage and evolution in our culture. My intention is increase awareness about water quality and raise money for an environmental non-profit organization that includes in its mission and vision water and natural resource protection. I grew up on this river and have a deep appreciation for it. I am grateful to be in collaboration with MaineRIvers.Org whose mission is to protect, restore and enhance the ecological health of Maine’s river systems.

I will be paddling its length and sharing what is discovered along the way.

Please join me for the culminating celebration, where this majestic river meets the sea,  at the Sea Dog Brewing Company, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island #100, Topsham, ME on June 14, 4-6pm. Special thanks to Sea Dog Brewing for donating the space for this event.

New Free CME on Alzheimer's Risk, Detection, and Management

Discussing memory concerns with your patients can be difficult. Alzheimer's and other dementias are complex, and patients often have many questions and concerns.

To help you prepare for these visits, the Alzheimer's Association® presents Challenging Conversations About Dementia. In this free course, you'll receive information to confidently approach the detection, diagnostic and care-planning process for your patients with cognitive impairment and dementia.

For more information and to complete this course, go to www.alz.org/FreeCME. Other tools on the website include the Cognitive Impairment Toolkit.

Peer Navigation Program from Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)

Free program for those affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancers.

The mission of Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast, ovarian, and related cancers.

The FORCE Peer Navigation Program helps match people facing hereditary cancer with support and resources.  This free program connects cancer survivors, people at high risk and their caregivers to support and resources personalized for them.

For more information visit the FORCE website at http://www.facingourrisk.org. 

Online Learning Opportunities Offering CME Credits - from the Northern New England Practice Transformation Network

Take Advantage of Online Learning Opportunities Offering CME Credits - Available 24/7 now from the Northern New England Practice Transformation Network (NNE-PTN).

Take Advantage of Online Learning Opportunities Offering CME Credits - Available 24/7 now from the Northern New England Practice Transformation Network (NNE-PTN)

The Northern New England Practice Transformation Network, led by Maine Quality Counts in collaboration with the Citizens Health Initiative at the University of New Hampshire's Institute for Health Policy and Practice, and Vermont Program for Quality in Healthcare, Inc., is funded through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative to provide technical assistance to support you, your practice, and your consumers in the transition to value-based payment. The QC Learning Lab has been designed to support health care practitioners and professionals, and practice teams with a wide range of continuing education offers including online courses, webinars, and learning sessions.

Topics include:

• Improving Patient Outcomes with Cost of Care Conversation in the Clinical Practice
• How to Transform Practice Finances for Success with Advanced Payment Models
• Seamless Care
• Get a Grip on Change

Outpatient Internal Medicine Physician – Bangor, Maine

Eastern Maine Medical Center seeks a primary care physician, board-certified/board-eligible in internal medicine, to join our well-established, quality-driven, outpatient practice. Husson Internal Medicine is one of seven primary care practices operated by Eastern Maine Medical Center.

Eastern Maine Medical Center seeks a primary care physician, board-certified/board-eligible in internal medicine, to join our well-established, quality-driven, outpatient practice. Husson Internal Medicine is one of seven primary care practices operated by Eastern Maine Medical Center. Our practice was the second in the nation to achieve “Patient-Centered Medical Home” status with NCQA. All physicians are NCQA-certified in diabetes and cardiac care. Our primary care network, largest in our area, has adopted a new practice model to include teams of one physician, one nurse practitioner, two registered nurses, and two medical assistants.

Eastern Maine Medical Center is a 411-bed, regional, tertiary care and level II trauma center serving the more than 500,000 residents living in central, eastern, and northern Maine We offer a collegial atmosphere, cutting-edge EMR, generous vacation and CME benefit, flexible work schedule, and reasonable call schedule. No hospital call required. We also offer a relocation bonus and sign-on bonus in addition to our generous educational loan repayment program.

Candidates in need of J-1 visa waivers welcome to apply.

For confidential consideration, please contact:

Amanda Klausing, AASPR, Physician Recruiter

Eastern Maine Medical Center

Phone: 207-973-5358

ProviderJobs@emhs.org

 7/2/18

Family Practice Physician - Bucksport Regional Health Center

Bucksport Regional Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) has a unique opportunity in our small independent, community-based primary care facility offering great quality indicators, team atmosphere and excellent working conditions. 

Bucksport Regional Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) has a unique opportunity in our small independent, community-based primary care facility offering great quality indicators, team atmosphere and excellent working conditions.  Located along the Penobscot River, we are centrally located along the beautiful coast of Maine, close to Acadia National Park and Bangor.

This is a full scope of outpatient primary care services commensurate with his/her field of training and State of ME licensure.  Offers care to a diverse age population.  Optional 4/5 days/week schedule. 

Candidates must have graduated from an accredited medical school & completed Family Practice or Med/Peds residencySheila, have a current State of Maine Medical License and D.E.A. Certificate and at least 5 years of experience in the practice of family or internal medicine.  Submit resume and cover letter to: Danel Adams, Human Resources, 110 Broadway, Bucksport, ME  04416,  email dadams@brhcme.org

5/14/18

Relocate to Beautiful Southwestern Maine - Medical Director/Family Practice Physician

Sacopee Valley Health Center has a position available for a Medical Director/Family Practice Physician for our multi-service, progressive, rural federally qualified community health center located in a medically underserved area.

Sacopee Valley Health Center has a position available for a Medical Director/Family Practice Physician for our multi-service, progressive, rural federally qualified community health center located in a medically underserved area. This position allows for the medical director to apply leadership skills while partnering with health center staff and colleagues to provide optimal health care for our patients on a daily basis. Services on site include integrated primary care, dental services, family planning, mental health counseling, psychiatry, nutritionist, optometry, podiatry, social services support, sliding fee coverage, care management, radiology and lab services. NextGen EMR. Practice is outpatient only with no OB. On-call rotation is 4-5 times per month. NCQA Level III PCMH. Competitive salary and benefits package; physicians are eligible to apply for NHSC loan repayment. We are located in Porter, ME, between Portland and the White Mountains. Area is known for terrific four season recreational activities. Just two and one-half hours from Boston. Submit CV to: Linda Watson, Director of Operations or, (lwatson@svhc.org), Sacopee Valley Health Center, 70 Main Street, Porter, ME 04068. EOE. www.svhc.org Sacopee Valley Health Center is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

7/2/18

Psychiatry Faculty, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Maine Medical Center (MMC) is seeking a BC/BE part/full-time Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist clinician-educator or clinician-scientist to join the Department of Psychiatry.

Maine Medical Center (MMC) is seeking a BC/BE part/full-time Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist clinician-educator or clinician-scientist to join the Department of Psychiatry.

The position involves outpatient care in the child and adolescent psychiatry clinic. It also includes a role as the clinician leader of the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Division’s Portland Identification and Early Referral (PIER) program team.

Maine Medical Center has 637 licensed beds and is the state’s leading tertiary hospital and Level One Trauma Center, and  the position involves teaching and mentoring Psychiatry residents, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellows, and medical students from the Maine Medical Center-Tufts University School of Medicine Program. 

Just two hours north of Boston, this is an exceptionally diverse and vibrant community. 

For more information please contact Alison C. Nathanson, Director, MaineHealth Physician Recruitment Center at (207) 661-7383 or nathaa@mainehealth.org.

5/28/18

Psychiatric Medical Director

Tri-County Mental Health Services has multiple current and developing programs including Integrated Primary Care and Behavioral Health Homes.

Change can make a world of difference. We offer hope.

Tri-County Mental Health Services has multiple current and developing programs including Integrated Primary Care and Behavioral Health Homes. This is a true leadership position, where understanding of healthcare systems is important and involvement in the agency’s mission, clinical programs, and growth into new areas is key.

As the Psychiatric Medical Director you will:

• Oversee integrated behavioral healthcare initiatives and programs across multiple settings.
• Build partnerships within healthcare systems.
• Develop and implement integrated and consultative models of care that enhance access to quality whole health services.

State of Maine licensure, certificate in psychiatry and DEA certificate required.

Located in Lewiston, Maine.

Contact Jessica Lachance at 207-344-1839 or jlachance@tcmhs.org for more information.

4/30/18

Maine's Largest FQHC in need of Physician for Geriatric Program

PCHC in Bangor, Maine is seeking Board-Eligible Internal Medicine or Family Med Physician to join our team of doctors and advanced practice providers in our Community Care and Geriatrics department!

PCHC in Bangor, Maine is seeking Board-Eligible Internal Medicine or Family Med Physician to join our team of doctors and advanced practice providers in our Community Care and Geriatrics department!

• Provide care to seniors in post-acute care settings and in area long-term care facilities and serve as Medical Director in those facilities.
• No call, no holidays, no nights or weekends.
• Opportunity to mentor PA, NP, and DO students through partnerships with multiple university programs.

4/30/18

Multiple Family Med Opportunities in Beloved Community Health Centers

PCHC is recruiting Family Medicine Physicians for locations in Belfast, Old Town, and Bangor. This is your chance to work for a nationally recognized FQHC that is a leader in integrated primary care!

PCHC is recruiting Family Medicine Physicians for locations in Belfast, Old Town, and Bangor. This is your chance to work for a nationally recognized FQHC that is a leader in integrated primary care!

• Come and join our team at Seaport Community Health Center and become a part of a vibrant and active coastal community!
• Work and play minutes away from the flagship university of the University of Maine System by working at our Helen Hunt Health Center!
• Become a part of the health center where it all began, Penobscot Community Health Center located in the heart of Bangor, Maine!

We are the largest and most comprehensive FQHC in Maine and the 2^nd largest in New England. PCHC offers family medicine, psychiatry, mental health, pediatrics, specialty services, physical therapy, pharmacy, social work, lab, x-ray, and a large public health dental center -- all within our organization. If your passion is in community health, there is no place else to be. Questions? Contact Vanessa Sanderson, Recruitment Coordinator at (207)404-8015 or vsanderson@pchc.com.

4/30/18