Sept. 7, 2006

H.R. 5866 - Medicare Physician Payment Reform and Quality Improvement Act of 2006 – Solution for Future Cuts

We now have the opportunity to take action against the proposed 5.1% global cut which may actually range from 12% to 38% for some of us. U.S. Representative Dr. Burgess introduced H.R. 5866, Medicare Physician Payment Reform and Quality Improvement Act of 2006, in Congress on July 24, 2006. To all who have already sent in your letters, thank you and please encourage your friends, family, and patients to also send letters. To those who have not follow the link and instructions below to contact your representative today.

Physicians should follow the link provided to the Capwiz Web site: http://capwiz.com/asipp/issues/alert/?alertid=9003006&type=CO  Once on this site you simply insert your name and mailing information and the letter is automatically sent for you.

Staff members should follow this link for their letter: http://capwiz.com/asipp/issues/alert/?alertid=9003006&type=CO

Patients can also go to Capwiz and sign their letter as well: http://capwiz.com/asipp/issues/alert/?alertid=9003046&type=CO  However, it may be much better if you get a customized letter signed by them – a link to both physician and non-physician letters can be found on the home page of the ASIPP Web site for customization on personal or professional letterhead. Additionally, you may customize your letter through Capwiz by choosing the print option.

We have a great deal of work before us and no time to waste in accomplishing it, so send your letters out today. Let Congress know you support H.R. 5866.

See H.R. 5866 http://www.govtrack.us/data/us/bills.text/109/h/h5866.pdf

For a description of H.R. 5866 go to: http://burgess.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=47618

DEA Proposed Issuance of Multiple Prescriptions for Schedule II Substances:

On September 6, 2006, the DEA published in the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which proposes to permit an individual practitioner to issue multiple prescriptions authorizing the patient to receive a total of up to a 90-day supply of a Schedule II controlled substance, provided that certain conditions are met.

If and when this proposed rule becomes final, DEA will update this manual accordingly. Click here for Proposed Rule: Federal Register http://www.asipp.org/documents/DEA09-06-2006.pdf

Additionally, DEA is requesting public comment on this proposed rule. Written comments must be postmarked, and electronic comments must be sent, on or before November 6, 2006.

For more information on how to submit a comment go to:

http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/2006/fr0906.htm

DEA Publishes a Practitioner’s Manual

The Drug Enforcement Administration has released a Practitioner’s Manual, an informational outline of the Controlled Substance. The manual is prepared to assist physicians in their understanding of the Federal Controlled Substance Act and its implementing regulations as they pertain to the profession.

For a copy of the manual:

http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/manuals/pract/pract_manual090506.pdf