Maine Medicine Weekly Update - February 11, 2019
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Governor Mills Issues Executive Order to Implement Immediate Responses to Opioid Epidemic

Governor Janet Mills on Wednesday (2/6) issued a five page Executive Order detailing actions to be taken immediately to attack Maine's opioid problem. The order lists nearly twenty-five distinct actions including the immediate purchase and distribution of 35,000 doses of Narcan and naloxone.

 

Governor Janet Mills on Wednesday (2/6) issued a five page Executive Order detailing actions to be taken immediately to attack Maine's opioid problem. The order lists nearly twenty-five distinct actions including the immediate purchase and distribution of 35,000 doses of Narcan and naloxone.

Director of Opioid Response Gordon Smith will lead the efforts set forth in the order assisted by the fourteen Commissioners of the Departments of state government. At the press conference announcing the issuance of the order, Governor Mills and Gordon were joined by HHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew and Corrections Commissioner Randall Liberty. Lambrew and Liberty are two of the Commissioners that Gordon will work with most closely, along with Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck and the Commissioner of Education Pender Makin.

 
The 35,000 doses will include 15,000 doses of intra-nasal Narcan and 20,000 doses of injectable inter-muscular naloxone. Distribution will be to various sites including hospital emergency departments, needle exchange programs, public health districts, peer recovery centers, ambulatory care facilities and other locations determined by the office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services SAMHS).
 
Other immediate actions include the recruitment and training of 250 or more recovery coaches who will be available to serve various sites, including emergency departments. Ten of the recovery coaches will be available to serve ten emergency departments through contracts with SAMHS.
 
Also featured in the plan is the removal of MaineCare limits to medication assisted treatment and the initiation of treatment in the state prison system and county jails (in cooperation with the county sheriffs and jail administrators).
 
Of particular interest to physicians and other prescribers is the recommendation to encourage prescribers writing prescriptions for more than 100 MME or other potentially dangerous combinations of drugs to co-prescribe naloxone. The Director of Opioid Response is directed to work with professional associations and employers of prescribers to educate prescribers in this standard.  
 
Many of the other recommendations involve efforts around prevention, treatment and harm reduction.  The entire order can be found on the Governor's website.

Maine Attorney General Releases Overdose Death Report for First Three-Quarters of 2018

Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey on Friday released the latest report on drug overdose deaths in the state. While the report included data from the first three-quarters of 2018, it also made projections for the entire year. The state is likely to see its first decrease in overdose deaths in several years when the year end data becomes available.

 

Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey on Friday released the latest report on drug overdose deaths in the state. While the report included data from the first three-quarters of 2018, it also made projections for the entire year. The state is likely to see its first decrease in overdose deaths in several years when the year end data becomes available.

While a decrease in overdose deaths is certainly positive news, the total number of deaths still remain historically high and the number of deaths now connected to cocaine and methamphetamine is rising.  

 
From January to September 2018, there were 282 fatalities caused by drugs, a 5% decrease form the 297 deaths reported in the some period of 2017. The report, prepared by Marcella Sorg, PhD. of the University of Maine's Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, projects that there will be 376 drug overdoses for all of 2018. Compared to the 2017 total of 417 deaths, this would represent a ten percent decrease in overdose deaths. Deaths related to opioids, including both legal and illegal, are projected to drop 13% while deaths from cocaine and meth are likely to increase.
 
"Though we obviously welcome the sight reduction, the fact remains that the opioid epidemic is a public health crisis which is tearing apart Maine families and communities," Attorney General Frey said in a prepared statement. "Our office recognizes the urgency of this crisis and I am committed to working in a collaborative manner with Governor Mills, the Legislature, and all relevant agencies and community leaders to turn this crisis around by finding and implementing real solutions."
 
Another positive note involves the number of drug-affected babies born in the state in 2018. The 908 babies born drug-affected in 2018 represented the third year that the number has declined from a high of 1024 babies in 2016. Nonetheless, the fact that 7% of babies born in 2018 in Maine were born drug-affected demonstrates that the state has a long way to go in attacking the opioid problem effectively.
 
 
 

Historical Society Exhibit on Medical Stories of Maine

Partners for World Health presents "Doing Good: Medical Stories of Maine," a new exhibit at the Maine Historical Society February 9 through April 27, 2019.

 

Partners for World Health presents "Doing Good: Medical Stories of Maine," a new exhibit at the Maine Historical Society, in the Earl G. Shettleworth, Jr. Lecture Hall from February 9th through April 27th.

Throughout Maine's history, individuals have worked to improve and expand medical care, not only for the health of those living in Maine, but for many around the world who need care and help. Partners for World Health continues that Maine legacy. As a non-profit organization based in Portland, Maine, Partners for World Health is committed to reducing medical waste, improving the quality of healthcare in underserved countries, and educating the local community about global healthcare issues. Explore the medical technology and stories of Maine's commitment to care, to help those who are ill or need assistance, in order to improve life for all.

New State Biennial Budget Proposes Funds for Medicaid Expansion, Opioid Response

Governor Mills has proposed a two-year state budget that would fund Medicaid expansion and provide money to deal with the opioid crisis, all without raising taxes. She will deliver her budget address to a joint session of the Legislature Monday evening, February 11.

 

Governor Mills has proposed a two-year state budget that sets health care as its first priority without raising taxes. It would fund Medicaid expansion, using moneys from the state's general fund account. The budget allots $5.5 million to address the opioid crisis and $10 million to tobacco and nicotine prevention, particularly directed toward preventing use by youth and young adults. It also commits significant funds to rebuilding the public health infrastructure. Governor Mills will deliver her budget address to a joint session of the Legislature Monday evening, February 11.

General information about the budget can be found here:

Governor’s Press Release

https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-unveils-first-biennial-budget-proposal-2019-02-08

Governor’s Budget Overview

https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/sites/maine.gov.governor.mills/files/inline-files/Governors%20Budget%20Overview%20FY%202020-2021_0.pdf

Budget documents can be found here:

  • General Fund Recommended Biennial Budget 2020-2021:

            Fiscal Note

           Part A

           Part B

            General Fund Bill Language

  • Highway Fund Recommended Biennial Budget 2020-2021:

          Fiscal Note

          Part A

           Highway Fund Bill Language

  • General Fund Recommended Supplement Budget 2019:

         Fiscal Note

          Part A

         General Fund Bill Language FY 2019

 

New 2019 Post-surgical Opioid Prescribing Recommendations

New post-surgical opioid prescribing recommendations have been published by the Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, based on published studies and patient reported data.

 

The Michigan OPEN prescribing recommendations have been updated for 2019: https://opioidprescribing.info/.

These recommendations for the number of opioid pills to be prescribed after 25 specific surgeries were developed by the Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network (OPEN) based on patient-reported data from the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative and published studies. Recommended amounts meet or exceed self-reported use of opioid pills by 75% of patients. Previous studies have shown that when patients are prescribed fewer pills, they consume fewer pills with no changes in pain or satisfaction scores. Many patients use 0-5 pills. Recommendations are for patients with no preoperative opioid use. For patients taking opioids preoperatively, prescribers are encouraged to use their best judgment.

MMA Wants Your Feedback: Physician Wellness Survey

The Maine Medical Association is conducting a study of physician wellness. Please help by taking a 5 minute survey. Details after the link.

 

  • The Maine Medical Association is interested in exploring issues related to member wellness and burnout. We are gathering information on the wellness climate of Maine’s physicians, your experience(s) with wellness and burnout, and any related resources that you are familiar with or have utilized (both in state and out of state). This survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete - we appreciate your participation!
 

 

MMA Legislative Call Tuesday, February 12th

The Maine Legislature has returned to Augusta. That means public hearings and work sessions resume soon, and it's time for our weekly Legislative Committee calls to start up again. The next call will be Tuesday, February 12th, at 8 p.m.

 

 

MMA Legislative Committee Chairs Jay Mullen, M.D. and Lindsey Tweed, 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 First Regular Session of the 129th Maine Legislature will take place Tuesday, February 12th, 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: 1-603-766-5646

Participant ID - 699139#

The purpose of the weekly conference calls is to discuss the MMA's position on bills printed the previous week, to hear the views of specialty societies on the new bills or their concerns about any current health policy issues, and to discuss the highlights of legislative action of the week. The calls rarely last longer than an hour.

The following are bills of interest to the physician community printed last week. (For those not familiar with the term, a "concept draft" is a bill that contains only a title and a brief description of what it is intended to do. It does not contain the actual bill text.) We will discuss the priority bills marked with an asterisk (*) first. This will be important when the list grows in the next few weeks.


Following are the bills of the week: 

February 12, 2019

LD 630: An Act To Clarify That Food and Food Products Containing Hemp-derived Cannabidiol Produced and Sold within the State Are Not Adulterated and To Match the State's Definition of "Hemp" to the Definition in Federal Law. Reverses recent state action that required CBD-containing foods to be removed from sale due to differences between state and federal law.

LD 631: An Act To Fund the Operations of the Tick Identification Laboratory in the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory. Establishes a new lottery game to fund tick-borne disease research.

LD 633: An Act To Create a Permanent Navigator Position within the Department of Health and Human Services. As stated, for child placement work.

*LD 641: An Act To Save Lives through Epinephrine Autoinjector Accessibility. Authorizes pharmacists to prescribe and dispense "epi pens", and funds their free distribution.

LD 642: An Act Regarding Kindergarten Readiness for Children Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Requires Commissioner of Education to report annually to Legislature and to establish a task force to develop standards regarding such children.

LD 643: An Act To Provide Funding to Municipalities Severely Affected by Pest Infestations. Establishes Maine Harmful Pest Management Fund to help municipalities with pest management.

*LD 646: An Act To Improve Trust with Regard to Home Visitation by the Department of Health and Human Services by Requiring That Certain Visits Be Videotaped. Requires video recording of all home visit interviews relating to allegations of child abuse or neglect.

LD 653: Resolve, To Establish the Task Force To Study Opportunities for Improving Home and Community-based Services. As stated.

*LD 659: An Act Regarding the Use of Interchangeable Biological Products. Allows pharmacist substitution of biologically interchangeable products.

*LD 666: An Act To Protect Pregnant Workers. Prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable accommodation for pregnancy-related conditions.

LD 668: Resolve, Directing the Department of Transportation To Convene a Work Group To Study Improving Traffic Safety for Color-blind Drivers. Relates to perception of traffic lights by colorblind drivers.

*LD 673: An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Circumstances of Death That Must Be Reported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. Modifies list of circumstances that require reporting, removes long term alcohol-related death and death within 24 hours of hospital admission.

LD 674: An Act To Improve the E-9-1-1 System. Concept draft, to upgrade system.

LD 681: An Act To Amend the Maine Dental Education Loan Program. Clarifies underserved areas, increases maximum loan amount.

LD 682: An Act To Provide Seniors and Certain Persons with Disabilities Assistance with Property Taxes through the Deferral of Those Taxes. Reinstates pre-1991 property tax deferral program.

*LD 683: An Act To Provide Social Workers to Persons with Mental Illness to Help Them Avoid Incarceration. Concept draft.

*LD 684: Resolve, Relating to the Prevention and Management of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Requires DHHS to develop recommendations.

LD 688: An Act To Set Maine Dental Provider Licensing Fees. Limits licensing fees for hygienists to $150.

LD 692: Resolve, To Address Reimbursement Rates for Licensed Clinical Social Workers under MaineCare. Requires higher rates from MaineCare.

LD 697: Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services To Conduct a Review of Rules Governing In-home Personal Care Assistance Services. As stated, for quality and protection purposes.

*LD 699: Resolve, To Provide for Outreach Programs To Assist Women at Risk of Giving Birth to Substance-exposed Infants. $160K per year for contracts with community based service providers.

LD 701: An Act To Modernize the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Requires Department of Education to develop Internet-based applications.

*LD 705: An Act Regarding the Process for Obtaining Prior Authorization for Health Insurance Purposes. Requires electronic transmission system for drugs and services and reduction of carrier response time.

*LD 706: An Act To Reduce the Incidence of Obesity and Chronic Disease in the State. MaineCare reimbursement for medical nutritional therapy and prescription drug therapy for obesity.

*LD 711: Resolve, To Establish a Commission To Study and Recommend a Minimum Age for Participation in Tackle Football. As stated.

LD 717: An Act To Provide Comprehensive Mental Health Treatment Reform. Concept draft, to develop crisis service system

LD 719: An Act To Amend the Adult Use Marijuana Law. Concept draft, no details.

LD 720: An Act Regarding Maine's Adult Use Marijuana Law. Concept draft, no details.

LD 726: An Act To Make Sales to Area Agencies on Aging Tax-exempt. As stated.

LD 730: An Act To Create the Substance Use Disorders Cabinet. As stated.

LD 738: Resolve, Directing the Commissioner of Health and Human Services To Convene a Study Group To Review the Crisis Response System in the State. As stated, to address mental health crisis response.

LD 743: An Act To Create Local Options in E-9-1-1 Protocol Mandates. Concept draft, to allow increased flexibility.

*LD 745: An Act To Support the Northern New England Poison Center. $281K appropriation.

*LD 747: An Act To Promote the Safe Use and Sale of Firearms. Criminalizes transfers of firearms to prohibited persons, increases fine for giving false name.

 LD 761:  An Act To Clarify and Affirm Medicaid Eligibility for Incarcerated Individuals. Allows renewal and application during incarceration.

LD 763:  An Act To Ensure the Availability of Community Integration Services. Rate increase.

LD 765:  Resolve, To Revise Asset Limits for Social Service Programs. Requires review by DHHS.

LD 773:  An Act Regarding Secondary School Education Concerning Sexual Activity and Sexual Assault. Requires content on specific aspects of sexuality and substance use.

*LD 775:  An Act To Expand Community Support Services for Certain Adult Members of the MaineCare Program. Requires inclusion of bipolar, major depressive, panic, and post-traumatic stress disorders.

LD 778:  An Act To Create the Fund for Municipalities To Improve Pedestrian Safety. As stated.

LD 786:  An Act To Reduce Hunger and Promote Maine Agriculture. $5M over 2 years for grants to local programs and purchases from Maine producers.

*LD 787:  An Act To Support Victims of Child Sexual Abuse. Allows testimony by recording of victim under 16. Requires availability at trial for cross examination, with exceptions.

LD 788:  An Act To Authorize the Use of Handheld Narcotics Analyzers. Allows admissibility and inference of accuracy.

LD 793:  An Act To Improve Accountability of Opioid Manufacturers. Prohibits false advertising, excessive distribution, and failure to report unreasonable orders. Retroactive to 1985.

LD 797:  An Act To Limit Greenhouse Gas Pollution and Effectively Use Maine's Natural Resources. Requires reduction by 80% from 1990 to 2050.

 

Report from the State House

Click through for news on the past week's developments in the Legislature and from the Governor's office.

 

Doctor of the Day Ryan Best, MD, MMA board member and chief resident in internal medicine at Maine Medical Center, performed double duty last Thursday. In addition to his DoD service, he testified that afternoon to the Health and Human Services Committee about his volunteer work at the Portland Free Clinic during consideration of LD 181, a bill to appropriate $100,000 to Maine's several free clinics to assist with their operating expenses.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, various administrators from programs in the Department of Health and Human Services presented overviews of their work to the HHS Committee. Several of the presenters were "Acting" directors, while the department begins the process of naming its candidates to fill those positions. For example, word on the street is that a national search is being conducted for a person to serve as Director of the Maine CDC. There was also testimony on LD 177, a bill that would fund additional resources in nursing homes for bariatric patients, in order to lessen the pressure on hospitals.

The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee took testimony on LD 94, a bill to allow parents a greater say in the types of literary and other resources their children are allowed to see in school. Concerns were expressed by the sponsor and several witnesses about depictions of various sexual situations, violence, and suicide. Opponents cautioned against censorship and unintended consequences.

At this point in the session, much of the work is simply referral of bills to the various committees, and those committees are beginning to hear evidence on a few of them. That pace will pick up markedly in the coming weeks.

 

Upcoming Specialty Society Meetings

Below you will find an on-going list of Upcoming Specialty Society Meetings.  Any questions should be referred to the contact person listed for each specialty.

 

Below you will find an on-going list of Upcoming Specialty Society Meetings.  Any questions should be referred to the contact person listed for each specialty.

UPCOMING SPECIALTY SOCIETY MEETINGS

March 8, 2019
Maine Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians Annual Meeting
Sugarloaf – Carrabassett Valley, ME
Contact: Cathy Stratton at 207-592-5725 or cstratton@mainemed.com

March 23, 2019
Maine Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting
Maine Medical Association – Manchester, ME
Contact: Cathy Stratton at 207-592-5725 or cstratton@mainemed.com

April 3-6, 2019
27th Annual Family Medicine Update & Annual Meeting
Atlantic Oceanside – Bar Harbor, ME
Full brochure & registration available after Jan 15, 2019 at www.maineafp.org
Contact: Deborah Halbach at 207-938-5005 or maineafp@tdstelme.net

April 25-26, 2019
Maine Association of Psychiatric Physicians Annual Spring Program
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY:  An Update and a Look Ahead
Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Park Street, Freeport, ME 04032
Contact:  Dianna Poulin 207-480-4194 or dpoulin@mainemed.com

May 10, 2019
Maine Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Spring Educational Program & Business Meeting
Harraseeket Inn – Freeport, ME from 11:30am – 5:00pm
Contact:  Shirley Goggin 207-445-2260 or sgoggin@mainemed.com

May 17-19, 2019
Maine Chapter, American College of Surgeons
Harborside Hotel and Marina – Bar Harbor, ME
Contact: Cathy Stratton at 207-592-5725 or cstratton@mainemed.com

May 18-19, 2019
Maine Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics 2019 Spring Conference
Point Lookout – Northport, ME
Contact: Dee Kerry at 207-480-4185 or dakerry@aap.net

June 27, 2019
Maine Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians Chapter Meeting
Cabbage Island Clam Bake – Boothbay Harbor, ME
Contact: Cathy Stratton at 207-592-5725 or cstratton@mainemed.com

September 7, 2019
Maine Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians Chapter Meeting
Harborside Hotel & Marina – Bar Harbor, ME
Contact: Cathy Stratton at 207-592-5725 or cstratton@mainemed.com

September 20, 2019
Maine Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Fall Business Meeting
(Held in conjunction with the 17th Annual Downeast Ophthalmology Symposium)
Harborside Hotel & Marina – Bar Harbor, ME from 10:30am – 11:45am
Contact:  Shirley Goggin 207-445-2260 or sgoggin@mainemed.com

September 20-22, 2019
18th Annual Downeast Ophthalmology Symposium
(Presented by the Maine Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons)
Harborside Hotel & Marina – Bar Harbor, ME
Contact:  Shirley Goggin 207-445-2260 or sgoggin@mainemed.com

December 11, 2019
Maine Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians Chapter Meeting
Portland Regency Hotel – Portland, ME
Contact: Cathy Stratton at 207-592-5725 or cstratton@mainemed.com

 

 

 

 

  


 

Webinar Presented by Baystate Financial - Sources of Retirement Income - Tuesday, February 12th

Free webinar next Tuesday, February 12th at 6pm presented by Baystate Financial.

 

Free webinar on Tuesday, February 12th at 6pm presented by Baystate Financial.

Sources of Retirement Income|
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
6:00 – 7:00pm

It is important to have a solid understanding of the different types of retirement income that maybe available to you in retirement.  This session will help you:

  • Understand different income sources
  • Know tax implications
  • Align income and expenses

To RSVP or for more information, contact Christopher Perry.
207-770-2033  cperry@baystatefinancial.com

Please RSVP by Monday, February 11, 2019.

There is nothing you have to do to prepare for this session. This session is simply to provide you with knowledge and insight so you can make informed decisions about your finances. We hope you’ll join us.

Baystate Financial
www.baystatefinancial.com

Identifying Substance Use Early Saves Lives! - SBIRT with Motivational Interviewing Training - 1-day Sessions Offered on March 2 and April 6

Maine continues to see deaths from opiate use increase. Rates of opiate use are highest in the 18-25 year old group and data from those entering treatment suggest that the majority begin using before the age of 17. Maine AAP is committed to helping practitioners identify youth on this path earlier and intervening earlier! SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment) is one evidence based approach to doing this.

 

Maine continues to see deaths from opiate use increase. Rates of opiate use are highest in the 18-25 year old group and data from those entering treatment suggest that the majority begin using before the age of 17. Maine AAP is committed to helping practitioners identify youth on this path earlier and intervening earlier! Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment is one evidence based approach to doing this. Maine AAP will be offering several trainings throughout the state over the next 6 months. Please consider joining us to enhance your skills in identifying and offering brief interventions in the primary care settings for youth on the path to substance use disorders.

The Maine AAP will be offering one day Saturday sessions in several regions of Maine, providing training and coaching to Pediatricians and Pediatric Specialists in SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) and effective conversational skills in Motivational Interviewing.

Confirmed Dates for all sessions:

  Saturday, February 2, 2019 - Bangor - REGISTER NOW 

 Saturday, April 6, 2018 - Biddeford/Saco - REGISTER NOW
 
 Saturday, June 8, 2019 - Farmington - Franklin Memorial, Allen RM - REGISTER NOW

Instructor: Stephen R. Andrew LCSW, LADC, CCS, CGP is a storyteller, consultant, trainer, co-author of Game Plan: A Man's Guide to Achieving Emotional Fitness, and Chief Energizing Officer of Health Education & Training Institute. He maintains a compassion-focused private practice in Portland, Maine (USA) where he also facilitates a variety of men's, co-ed, couples, and caregiver groups. Stephen has been a member of the International Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) since 2003 as well as a MIA-STEP (Motivational Interviewing Assessment; Supervisor Tools for Enhancing Proficiency) trainer for the New England ATTC. Stephen has been MITI trained and has over 100 hours of training in Motivational Interviewing. He provides coaching and training domestically and internationally for social service agencies, health care providers, substance abuse counselors, criminal justice, and other groups.

 

NAMI Maine’s Beyond the Basics in Suicide Prevention Conference - Friday, April 12, 2019

NAMI Maine is excited to announce that Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas is our keynote speaker.

Dr. Sally wears many hats: clinical psychologist, mental health advocate, faculty member, researcher, and suicide loss survivor. She has diligently earned her reputation in social change by helping to establish many mental health efforts, including Man Therapy and National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.

 

The theme for this year’s conference is Building Resiliency Through Effective Interventions. Several breakout sessions will focus on different methods of intervention. We are pleased to announce that the conference offers both a clinical and a non-clinical track. Several sessions will include CME credits and CEUs for professionals who attend.

 

In the late afternoon, there will be mini breakout sessions focusing on building your self-resiliency, supporting self-care, and preventing burn out.

 

NAMI Maine is excited to announce that early bird registration for the Beyond the Basics in Suicide Prevention Conference 2019 is available at a reduced cost of $65 until March 1st. For more information, click here.

Psychiatric Mental Health NP - Leeds

DFD Russell Medical Centers (DFDRMC) operates three community health centers in central Maine.  We are seeking a full time PMHNP, for our Leeds location.

DFD Russell Medical Centers (DFDRMC) operates three community health centers in central Maine.  We are seeking a full time PMHNP, for our Leeds location.

Our three health centers serve a multicultural, rural population and have a family practice focus serving pediatrics to geriatrics.

Responsibilities: Assessment of mental health needs for children or adults; Diagnosing mental health/psychiatric conditions; Developing and executing treatment plans; Providing primary health care; Prescribing medication (Suboxone waiver, required); It is a full-time 4 days per week.

This position combines making a difference in patients' lives with a family-friendly work life, please e-mail your resume to Laurie Kane-Lewis, CEO. (Laurie.Kane-Lewis@DFDRussell.org) EEO

Requirements
Current Maine License. Proficiency with electronic medical records.

Benefits
Excellent benefit package: medical, dental, life, 401(k), flexible spending accounts and a generous paid time-off plan. Salary is commensurate with experience; there is also an incentive plan and a CME reimbursement.

3/4/19

 

 

PCHC in need of Pediatrician at Multiple Locations!

Penobscot Community Health Care is seeking a Pediatrician for our Seaport Community Health Center in Belfast as well as in our Penobscot Pediatrics in Bangor. Come and join our team at Seaport Community Health Center and become a part of a vibrant and active coastal community. Become a part of the legendary Penobscot Pediatrics that has been a staple amongst the Bangor community for over 30 years! We are the largest and most comprehensive FQHC in Maine and the 2nd largest in New England. Seaport and Penobscot Pediatrics are both NHSC loan repayment eligible sites! PCHC offers loan repayment to those that are not awarded or eligible for NHSC. Competitive benefits package, 403(b) retirement, signing and retention bonuses, relocation assistance and more! Questions? Contact Vanessa Sanderson, PCHC Recruiter at (207)404-8015 or at recruitment@pchc.com.

2/11/19

Outpatient Internal Medicine Physician – Bangor, Maine

Northern Light 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.

Northern Light 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. Our practice is one of seven primary care practices operated by Northern Light 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.

Northern Light 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
Northern Light Health
Phone: 207-973-5358
ProviderJobs@NorthernLight.org

3/11/19

Full-time Board Certified/Board Eligible MD/DO

Northern Light Inland Hospital is seeking a full time board certified/board eligible MD/DO to join a well-established outpatient practice for outpatient internal medicine and geriatrics. 

Northern Light Inland Hospital is seeking a full time board certified/board eligible MD/DO to join a well-established outpatient practice for outpatient internal medicine and geriatrics.  Role would include as Medical Director for Long term Care facility on site.  Provider would divide time for outpatients and nursing home panel.  At Northern Light Inland Hospital, we believe in putting the patient first in every way.  Northern Light Inland is a 48-bed acute care hospital with 14 primary and specialty care physicians in Waterville and the surrounding communities.  A patient centered approach is alive and well here where staff provide the kind of care we all want for our own families.  We offer a collegial atmosphere, cutting-edge EMR, generous vacation and CME benefit, medical tuition loan support, relocation reimbursement and sign-on bonus.  Enjoy the best of both worlds-practicing at a smaller community hospital in a comfortable environment while having the support of a large medical center. 

For confidential consideration, please contact:

MaryKate Friend, RMA (AMT), Physician Recruiter
Northern Light Health
Phone: 207.861.7189 
Email: mkfriend@northernlight.org or providerjobs@northernlight.org     

2/18/19

Outpatient Family Medicine - Brunswick, Maine

Mid Coast Medical Group is seeking a full-time BC/BE Family Medicine Physician to join a well-established practice located at Brunswick Station.

Mid Coast Medical Group is seeking a full-time BC/BE Family Medicine Physician to join a well-established practice located at Brunswick Station.  Admitting is through the hospitalist service. New graduates and experienced candidates are encouraged to apply.

A department of Mid Coast Hospital, Mid Coast Medical Group provides high quality primary and specialty care with more than 100 providers. All MCMG primary care practices are NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home certified.

Part of the Mid Coast–Parkview health family of services, Mid Coast Medical Group offers competitive benefits and compensation package, along with an excellent work environment. Please send CV to Melanie Crowe, Physician Recruiter, at mcrowe@midcoasthealth.com or call (207) 406-7872, for more information.

3/4/19


Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - Nasson Health Care

Nasson Health Care is seeking a qualified clinical leader to work collaboratively with a team of health and administrative professionals to provide comprehensive primary care to patients while utilizing the Patient-Centered Medical Home model of care delivery. 

Nasson Health Care is seeking a qualified clinical leader to work collaboratively with a team of health and administrative professionals to provide comprehensive primary care to patients while utilizing the Patient-Centered Medical Home model of care delivery.  The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner:

  • Provides diagnoses, conducts therapy and prescribes medication for patients with substance use disorder, psychiatric disorders and medical organic brain disorders.
  • Assures access for continuity of care through appropriate referrals for sub-specialty and inpatient services and prompt follow-up of patients discharged from inpatient settings.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree in nursing, an unrestricted Maine license to practice as an advance practice nurse practitioner, Board Certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner as well as a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency license.  Qualifications include:

  • A minimum of three years’ experience in a psychiatric or primary care medical practice required.
  • A working knowledge of the core concepts of evidence-based practice, social and behavioral determinants of health, population-based care, integration of medical, behavioral health and dental care, and Meaningful Use of health information technology.
  • Willingness to work some non-traditional hours and ability to travel between YCCAC/Nasson Health Care clinical sites. 

Visit www.yccac.org for an application. Completed cover letter, resume, and YCCAC employment application will be accepted until position is filled.  York County Community Action Corp., 6 Spruce Street, P.O. Box 72, Sanford, ME 04073 - (207)324-5762 or 1-800-965-5762 - Fax (207)459-2811 - apply@yccac.org - EOE

2/11/19

Opportunities at the VA for Volunteer Physicians

Take advantage of this opportunity with the Veterans' Administration to thank our veterans in a concrete way for their service and their sacrifices.

The Physician Ambassador Program was created by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a best practice recruitment and placement initiative seeking fully licensed physicians and clinicians to enhance health care services for Veterans.

The Physician Ambassador Program is a without compensation program that provides civilian physicians and clinicians an opportunity to give back to the Veteran community by serving in a volunteer role to deliver health care services to Veterans. 

If you are interested in participating in this program at VA Maine Healthcare System, please contact Jonathan Barczyk at (207) 621-4886.

Volunteer Opportunity with Partners for World Health

Partners for World Health has a great need for advice from certain medical professionals on how to sort and package the vast amount of supplies received, for shipping and use in destination countries.

Volunteer Opportunity with Partners for World Health - Portland, ME

Partners for World Health (PWH) is a non-profit 501(c)3 based in Portland, Maine committed to reducing medical waste, improving the quality of healthcare in underserved countries, and educating our local community about global healthcare issues.

Our mission is to collect unused/discarded medical supplies from local medical facilities and to distribute those medical supplies to international communities in need. This work limits the negative impact we have on the environment and provides much-needed resources to the developing world. To support our work in improving health conditions around the world, we send local medical personnel on medical missions to developing countries, and we educate our local Maine community about global health issues. 

PWH has a great need for advice from certain medical professionals on how to sort and package the vast amount of supplies received, for shipping and use in destination countries, specifically, in the areas of:

  • Surgery: all aspects of OR medical supplies and equipment
  • Respiratory: any and all aspects
  • Anesthesia
  • Laparoscopic surgery: advice on the proper components of a “tower”
  • Cardiology

Please note: this request is not for ongoing time commitment but rather for a few hours of a professional’s time to help organize certain supplies appropriately.

While PWH receives tens of thousands of pounds of equipment/supplies from hospitals and clinics, there are certain critical items always in short supply.

For more information, contact volunteer Rita Zanichkowsky at rznct@maine.rr.com or 207-232-3264, or contact Partners directly at 774-5555.  Thank you! 
https://www.partnersforworldhealth.org/