TMA Legislative
News Hotline
Thursday, Feb.
26, 2009
House
Appropriations Subcommittees Continue to Meet
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services is meeting
to discuss the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) recommendations for the Health and
Human Services Commission. Todd Thames, MD, a family physician from San
Antonio and director of the family practice residency program at Christus
Santa Rosa will testify on behalf of the Texas Medical
Association, the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, and the Texas Pediatric
Society. Dr. Thames' primary message to committee members is that Medicaid
rates must be increased to shore up access for Medicaid and children insured
by the Children's Health Insurance Program.
More Committee
News
Yesterday, the House Committee Subcommittee on Business and Economic
Development heard testimony regarding the budget needs of several state
licensure boards, including the Texas Medical Board. The LBB recommended
funds for the upcoming biennium to total $19.1 million. The board also
requested an additional $3.5 million. TMB is seeking funds for additional
staff and a computer system to improve its operational efficiency.
Patients' Right
to Know
Just around the corner. More information is coming soon.
Protect Patient
Privacy
"Health system reform" is getting the kind
of attention it hasn't seen in this country since former President Bill
Clinton's first days in the White House. And for good reason. Everyone agrees
there is no way we have the money or the physician workforce to continue to
care for an aging population afflicted with chronic disease brought on by
unhealthy lifestyles.
Our goal, as physicians, is to make patient care better. No one else
stands for our patients as we do. That is why it is important for us to be at
the heart of the national health care discussion. You can start today by ensuring that
"reform" doesn't become an excuse for the government to browse
through your patients' records.
Sign Up Now for
First Tuesdays
It's not too late. You still have time to join more than 200 members of TMA
in Austin on March 3 to take part in First
Tuesdays at the Capitol. Watch the video to see what you missed
last month. Don't miss the chance next week to meet with lawmakers and their
staff, and present medicine's case in person. Hundreds of physicians in the
galleries and hearing rooms have a powerful impact on the Texas Legislature.
Sign up today.
Physician of the
Day
The physician of the day at the capitol is Audrey Jones, DO, of Alamo. Dr.
Jones graduated from The University of North Texas Health Science Center in
1988. She is a member of Hidalgo-Starr County Medical Society.
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