September to November 2024 (by Topic)
Continuing Education
MAAPPN DEI Committee Offerings
“Culturally Sensitive Mental Health Care for Indigenous Populations” held on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 1 PM. Objectives included how psychiatric providers can 1) Understand historical trauma, 2) Identify cultural considerations; 3) Assess barriers to care 4) Implement culturally competent care Topics covered included: Effects of colonization, cultural identity’s importance, barriers to mental health care access
“Mindfulness and Resilience” Courses by Katie Stockman:
– Announcing five online mindfulness and resilience groups through Rooted Resilience (self-pay):
– 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion course
– 6-week Writing to Heal course
– 5-week Writing Grief course
– Ongoing MSC practice group
– Ongoing Pregnancy & Infant Loss group
Interesting Conferences and Who Attended!
– NEI Psychopharmacology (Maria Grotz)
– MGH Psychedelics Conference (Kathleen Andolina)
– Attendees! share your experiences!
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Advocacy
Mass Repay Program Expanded and Behavioral Health Loan Repayment. Learn More…
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Legislative
Telehealth Rules Spark Discussion: DEA Delays on Telehealth Rules: The DEA postponed finalizing telehealth rules for prescribing opioids and stimulants for another year. Current Proposal:* Requires at least one in-person visit to establish a legitimate patient-provider relationship.
- Key Challenges in Telehealth Voiced by MAAPPN members:
– Limits access to virtual treatment for patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).
– Increased provider burden from maintaining multiple geographic offices.
– Logistical and financial hardships for providers and patients.
Stay tuned for updates as the DEA’s decision evolves.
MA Joins RN Compact Licensing
The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) had previously opposed this bill, but it passed due to a lack of opposition. (A reminder: bills pass quickly when no one actively opposes them!) If bills are brought to the floor for a vote without any delay, there may have been insufficient time to organize opposition!
Bill Summary: This bill would have Massachusetts join the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows nurses to practice in any other state that is part of the compact. Key provisions include: – Establishing requirements for nurses to obtain a multistate license that is valid in all compact states, such as meeting home state licensing requirements, passing the NCLEX exam, and submitting to a background check. – Allowing party states to take disciplinary action against a nurse’s multistate license privilege, with the home state having the power to take final action. – Creating an interstate commission to oversee implementation of the compact, with representatives from each party state. – Requiring the state’s nursing board to adopt regulations to implement the compact and allowing the board to recover investigation costs from disciplined nurses. – Authorizing the state to conduct fingerprint-based criminal background checks on nurse license applicants. The bill aims to make it easier for nurses to practice across state lines by establishing a reciprocal licensing agreement between Massachusetts and other states that have joined the Nurse Licensure Compact.
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Insurance Issues
1. Harvard Pilgrim No longer Part of Optum
– No longer part of the Optum network. Use the referral form at this location (http://harvardpilgrim.org/provider) to apply for out-of-network continuity of care when medically necessary.
2. Aetna Issued Confusing Billing Announcment in July 2024
– MAAPPN members took initiative and resolved confusion from Aetna’s July 2024 newsletter. APRNs with prescribing privileges will continue to be reimbursed for E&M codes.
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Patient Care
Care Disruption: Provider Disruption in Norfolk County: the DEA suspended a high volume clinician in Stoughton, MA, that effected care for 440 patients reliant on controlled substances. Providers in the area were asked to be alert for patients in crisis due to benzodiazepine and opioid withdrawal. MAAPPN Psych APRNs in Norfolk County stepped in to treat patients who were in need of follow-up care.
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Peer Support and Supervision
Peer Support Groups for 2025:
- Maria Gianan’s Group Supervision; Dates: Dates: October 15, 2024; January 15, 2025 April 16, 2025 July 16, 2025; Link to join
- Maria Grotz Peer Support Group:
Advertised in the Psych APRN Facebook group; offered monthly.
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Resources of the Psych APRN
1. VA Residency Program: – $88K stipend. View flyer: NPR Residency Flyer 24-25.pdf
2. Collaboratingdocs.com:- For new Psych NPs needing physician supervisory services.
3. Office Space Solutions: – http://ipostal1.com offers flexible office and mailing address options Note: Not all locations include office space; Staples in Needham is a known option.
4. Nurse Attorney Resource:
Elizabeth A. Turner, Esq.
Turner Law Offices, 1337 Massachusetts Avenue, #225, Arlington, MA 02476
TEL: 617-477-6807 / FAX: 877-477-0471
Email: eturner@rcn.com
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Notable Mentions
1. Notable Passings:
– Carol Harman, DNSc, Boston College Professor Emeritus, founding member of NURS
– Phyllis Moore, Past MNA President, 2011 MARN Living Legend
2. Medication Updates:
– ADHD drug Vyvanse production increased by 24% (Takeda)
– New to Market: Zurzuvae (post-partum depression); Cobenfy (muscarinic receptor mechanism for schizophrenia)