The last all-member email was sent December 4. Didn't receive it? Email debilzan@mnaap.org to ensure it isn't going into your spam folder. You can also download a copy here
On Sept. 1, 2014, changes to the Minnesota's Immunization Law will take effect for schools, child care, and early childhood programs. The new requirements pertain to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Tdap and Meningitis
Children can't vote, and there are no pediatricians in our state legislature, which is why more than 100 pediatric residents and community pediatricians gather at the Capitol each year, attracting the attention of key legislators. They need to hear from those of us working on the front lines about which child health issues should take precedent.
To main certification, most pediatricians need to participate in a quality improvement project that has been approved by the American Board of Pediatrics every four years. As a member benefit, MNAAP has developed a menu of programs to make this requirement as fast and straightforward as possible. Each program has been discounted to $99 for chapter members and can be completed in just six months.
Grants of up to $12,000 for pediatricians and $3,000 for pediatric residents are available from the Community Access to Child Health program in support of innovative initiatives that will ensure all children, especially underserved children, have medical homes and access to health services not otherwise available in their communities. Applications will be accepted for Implementation Grants, Planning Grants and Resident Grants until January 31, 2014. Have an idea but aren't sure if it would be funded? Run it past Brian Lynch, who serves as MNAAP's CATCH grant facilitator.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is recruiting pediatric clinics to participate in a quality improvement project to implement and sustain postpartum depression screening in well child visits. There is a stipend for clinics who participate and we would like to launch the project in December of 2013. The quality improvement work will focus on strengthening the protocol for the screen, from the introduction of the idea to the parent to the warm handoff to an appropriate referral for those with positive scores on the depression screening tool.
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Despite Give to the Max Day glitches, the Minnesota Academy of Pediatrics collected some donations, but far less than previous years. The good news is that you don't have to wait until Give to the Max Day 2014...you can donate now! Your tax-deductible contribution (consider just $10) will help support projects and initiatives surrounding pediatric immunizations, obesity, early brain development, and more.
Looking to pick up a couple of extra CME credits before the end of the year? MNAAP has archived several webinars related to pediatric quality that pediatricians can watch for free and earn up to 2.0 CME units if done by February 22, 2014. Topics include measures of pediatric quality; adolescent mental health/depression screening; adverse childhood experiences; and difficulties with transitions.
Led by pediatrician federal policy experts and AAP staff, the daylong workshops will provide a federal policy overview of a timely child health topic and an in-depth training session on how to advocate that issue to members of Congress and their staff. Choose from Jan 13, February 21 or June 23, 2014. See application form for more details. Application must be submitted by December 21, 2013.
Interested in leadership opportunities in a particular area of pediatrics? Consider representing our region on a national committee of AAP. Detailed information and application procedures are available on the AAP website. Note that the deadline for committee member nominations is February 24, 2014. Please contact cairns@mnaap.org for a letter of support from the chapter to accompany your application.
Minnesota's C&TC Periodicity Schedule of Age-Related Screening Standards has recently been revised, with the final release in August 2013. A brief webinar was held November 7 and 8 to review the updated C&TC recommendations and requirements, why those changes were made, and what resources are available to help implement those changes.
Available electronically, Minnesota's Fall Flu Guide is an important resource for all providers and clinicians and contains details about new vaccine presentations, administration, and proper storage and handling of flu vaccine. The guide also contains instructions for submitting specimens, and reporting influenza disease to the state.
