winter 2012 special legislative issue winter 2012...nation with 6.91 ophthalmologists for every...

THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - WINTER 2012 | PAGE 1

As many of you know the Florida Medical Association (FMA) and the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) were successful in defeating an oral prescribing bill pushed by optometrists last year. A group of optometrists are at it again and have filed bills in the Florida House (sponsored by Rep. Caldwell) and in the Senate (by Senator Bennett). These irresponsible bills, undermine our profession and endanger our patients. Adding to the problem is that ophthalmologists have written letters in support of this egregious assault on the house of medicine. We have obtained these letters and rest assured, I will do everything legally possible to debunk the perception that organized ophthalmology supports the optometry position.

I am not here to cry wolf or to be an alarmist. I am here to tell you that the threat to ophthalmology is real – all you need to do is look at what happened in Kentucky. We are as much to blame as anyone. After engaging in discussions with those in the know throughout the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting, I am both surprised and disturbed by the apathy that seems to have engulfed us. I spoke with several Florida ophthalmologists who were not members of the FSO and even some who were not sure if they were members. This lack of participation will be our professions undoing. Our support from the FMA is wavering and not because they do not believe in our cause, but because ophthalmologists are taking the side of optometric scope expansion. This mixed message combined with our fundraising

deficiencies is tying the hands of the FSO Board that represents you. I am asking for your support on two fronts. First, I want each of you to ask a colleague who is not a member to join our society. There is strength in numbers. In addition, I would like each of you to commit $3 a day to protect your patients and the sanctity of your medical degree that you worked so hard to earn. Notice I used the word “earn”. Make a contribution to FOCUS, CCE on the form in this issue or online at www.mdeye.org/focus. There is a clear path for anyone in the United States who wants to become an ophthalmologist. We all know because we did it. Get an undergraduate degree, go to medical school, complete an internship, and then residency. Do a fellowship if you like for good measure. Remember how hard it was? Remember how long it took? Now imagine that process being undermined and sidestepped by people who would rather pay a legislator to bestow the rights and privileges upon them without the effort or knowledge. That is what is happening right now. I am here to help lead, but we (your FSO Board) cannot do it alone. Please get involved.

ADVOCACY

Optometry Oral Prescribing Bills FiledEditors Note: The following is a special message from FSO President William J. Mallon, MD.

SpeCiAl legiSlAtiVe iSSueWINTER 2012

IN THIS ISSUE:

ADVOCACYPages 3-6

MEMBER CONNECTIONPages 7-9

OUTREACHPages 10

Follow FSO on twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOnFL

MORE ON THE WEB:

To discuss this article go to www.mdeye.organd look for topics/ Optometry Oralprescribing Bills.

I am not here to cry wolf or to be an alarmist. I am here to tell you that the threat to ophthalmology is real – all you need to do is look at what happened in Kentucky.

voterVoice - A New Advocacy ToolA new advocacy tool, voterVoice, has been implemented on the FSO website. This system will offer FSO members the opportunity to become involved on a grassroots level by directly contacting their legislators from their personal computer. voterVoice will allow members to communicate directly with legislators about the issues that are important to the practice of ophthalmology, the house of medicine, and, most importantly, the safety of patients. If you are interested in writing to your legislator, please check out voterVoice on the FSO website at www.mdeye.org.

| THE FLORIDA OPHTHALMOLOGIST - WINTER 2012

I returned recently from our annual American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting in Orlando with mixed emotions about our future. On one hand, I was awed by the innovations and advances that ophthalmology and industry continue to develop. On the other hand, I was disturbed by the blurred lines of objectivity and the unholy marriage between some of our “leaders” and industry.

After years of our patients asking, “Do you remove my cataract with a laser?” we are actually on the cusp of being able to say “yes.” How this new technology will actually be implemented on a large scale remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain, and that is the momentum has started. As a cataract surgeon, I want to provide my patients with the best possible outcomes, which begs the question: “Should I be getting one of these lasers?” I am certainly in the evaluation phase of this question and I’ve spent a good deal of time talking with surgeons who are just starting to incorporate the laser in their practices, as well as surgeons considering implementation. We have some of the biggest names in ophthalmology touting the necessity of femto-cataract surgery and how the outcomes will certainly justify the use and expense. My concern is that the speakers touting these lasers appear to have a vested interest in the adoption of this technology by the masses. Does it really make a difference if we make a capsulorhexis with a $500 forcep or a $500,000 laser? Can I trust the information being given to me when the speaker is a paid consultant for the company and was given the laser for free? Ophthalmologists being paid by industry have become so common that I think we hardly even pay attention to the disclosures anymore. During the retina meeting, one speaker

had three pages of disclosures. At what point does the information coming from these paid consultants lose all credibility? I certainly understand how important our input is to the development and the improvement of technology, but I am not sure what to believe on this particular issue. I guess the patients will ultimately tell us whether or not this is the true future of cataract surgery.

Along the same lines, I would like to address the Avastin versus Lucentis discussion. I am not a retina specialist and do not personally use either drug. Thankfully, this great innovation allows the preservation of vision in so many patients who otherwise would have lost their sight. Most of you are aware of the cost difference between the two drugs and the significant push by the company that manufactures the drugs to force the use of the more expensive option. I believe we should use the best medicine we can use for our patients regardless of cost, but which one is “better”? The Comparisons of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (CATT) trial investigators tried to address this issue and at the conclusion of the study, they determined that there was no statistical difference in the efficacy of the two medications. How then can you explain the “expert” at the retina meeting stating that Lucentis was better? Did it have anything to do with his paid position with the company? How do we wade through the information we receive? Is there anything that truly is without bias? I would like to propose a change in disclosures to include the amount being paid by each company as well as any equipment that may have been given. Knowing this information would certainly allow those of us on the receiving end to better process the information being given.

MORE ON THE WEB:

To discuss this article go to www.mdeye.organd look for topics/ president’s Report Winter 2012.

pReSiDeNt’S MeSSAge

President’s Report Winter 2012

William J. Mallon, MD

Dues statements for 2012are in the mail.

pay your dues and contribute to FOCuS, CCe at the same time!

lOST yOuRFSO uSERNaME OR paSSWORD?

Please visit www.mdeye.org/join/password.php to have your username and/or password emailed to you. You will need one of the following pieces of information to access your FSO username and/or password:•YourFSOmember

ID number•YourcurrentUser

Name•Theemailaddress

associated with your account


ADVOCACY

Optometrists and Oral Prescribing Privileges: Oppose SB 718 and HB 261Talking Points

Optometrists in Florida are seeking to administer and prescribe oral medications. The FSO strongly opposes these bills, as optometrists have not received the proper training and are therefore are putting Florida patients in grave danger. There is no valid rationale for expanding the optometrist scope of practice into oral medications. FSO urges you to contact your legislators regarding these bills. To assist you, the FSO has developed these talking points.

Myth 1: Optometrists are as thoroughly trained as ophthalmologists to treat eye disease.That’s not true. An ophthalmologist is a medical or osteopathic physician who completes four years of medical school, a one year internship, and an additional minimum of three years of residency. The most important and relevant pharmacology training occurs during the residency period. All of this time is spent in direct patient care under the supervision of an experienced physician. An ophthalmologist spends more than 17,000 hours of training in direct contact with patients. In addition, ophthalmologists are able to perform the most complex and delicate surgeries.

By contrast an optometrist is not a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathic medicine. Optometrists who are only licensed to practice optometry, spend four years at an optometry college and only 10% complete an “optometric residency.” An optometrist spends only 2,000 hours of training in direct patient care. The practice of optometry traditionally involves examining the eye for the purpose of prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses, screening vision to detect certain eye abnormalities, and prescribing topical medications for certain eye diseases.

Pharmacology training is limited to the classroom and focused only on medications for the ocular system.

Myth 2: Giving optometrists prescribing privileges will increase access to care.That’s not true. Florida residents are not asking for optometrists to be granted prescribing privileges. This bill is being sponsored by the optometrists of Florida.There are no substantial claims of delay in getting an appointment with an ophthalmologist. Florida has the sixth largest concentration in the nation with 6.91 ophthalmologists for every 100,000 residents. There is no shortage of ophthalmologists in Florida and many rural areas have a far greater concentration of ophthalmologists than optometrists.

Myth 3: Healthcare costs will decrease.That’s not true. The fee schedule established by Medicare and Medicaid is the same for both optometrists and ophthalmologists and Federal law prohibits a difference in fee structure. Additionally, private insurers have similar regulations in place. In fact many patients can receive the specialty care provided by an ophthalmologist for the same price as an optometrist. Passage of the proposed bills would result in two levels of care at the same cost point. Prescription drug expenditures are the most rapidly growth segment of healthcare costs and dramatically affect the state Medicaid programs according to findings published in the Annals of Family Medicine. There are over 3.2 billion prescriptions written every year.1

Myth 4: Oral medications used to treat the eye affect only the eye.That’s not true. A patient who requires an oral medication

should be treated by a medical doctor or doctors of osteopathic medicine. Oral medications dramatically increase the amount that is absorbed into the body when compared with topical medications. Any oral medication, regardless of what it is prescribed for affects the entire body and can have significant interactions with multiple systems. Oral medications carry a far greater risk to the patient and serious complications can occur within 72 hours.

Ophthalmologists receive rigorous training in pharmacology including how medication affects the total body. A full patient medical history also needs to be obtained before prescribing. Optometrists receive almost no training on drug-drug interactions. In fact, Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry offers a “Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents Certification Course” that includes only 100 hours of lectures.2 By contrast a doctor of pharmacy requires four years of professional study following a minimum of two year pre-professional study.3 If not prescribed correctly, mistakes at certain levels and concentrations could lead to death in pediatric or dialysis patients. The elderly face a greater risk or complications and side effects as they are more likely to be taking other medications.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) “The use and misuse of antimicrobials in human medicine and animal husbandry over the past 70 years has led to a relentless rise in the number and types of microorganisms resistant to these medicines—leading to death, increased suffering and disability, and higher healthcare costs.”4 In those not properly trained to prescribe are

Florida Patient Safety Is in Peril

See Talking Points on page 4

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To discuss this article go to www.mdeye.org and look for topics/talking points.


tAlkiNg pOiNtS from page 3...allowed such rights the drug resistant microorganisms will continue to grow.

Myth 5: Florida optometrists should be given the rights to prescribe oral medications since many other states have similar regulations.That’s not true. Just because other states have done something, does not mean it is the right thing for Florida. Our state is unique in that it has a high elderly and infant population. Florida has always been at the forefront of patient care issues as the existing statutes and safeguards, demonstrate. Patient safety should not be comprised just to be part of the group.

In addition, many of the other states have limits to the oral medications that can be prescribed. The bills currently

proposed have no limits to the class of medications, therefore it would be possible for an optometrist to write a prescription for a stomach ulcer.

Myth 6: Optometrists have fewer adverse incidents than ophthalmologists.That’s not true. There are no figures available on the rate of medical errors for optometrists. Since optometrists are not regulated by the Board of Medicine, adverse incidents are not required to be reported. Ophthalmologists and all physicians are required by law to report claims and adverse events to the Board of Medicine.

According to the LA Times, most major causes of preventable deaths are declining, but drugs are the exception. The death toll

has doubled in the last decade and every 14 minutes a life is lost. In the same article public health experts compare the rate to traffic accidents which has been steadily decreasing. This is the first time drug have accounted for more deaths that traffic accidents since 1979.6

References:1. Fink K., Byrns P., “Changing Prescribing

Patterns and Increasing Prescription Expenditures in Medicaid,” Annals of Family Medicine, 4 December 2004.

2. Caplan, J., “Cause of Death, Sloppy Doctors,” Time Published online 15 Jan. 2007.

3. http://optometry.nova.edu/ce/tpacc/index.html

4. http://www.pharmacist.com/5. http://www.who.int/drugresistance/en/6. Grinion L., Glover S., Smith D., “Drug Deaths

Now Outnumber Traffic Fatalities in US, Data Show,” LA Times, 17 September 2011.

2012 Legislative SessionADVOCACY

The 2012 Legislative Session will start in just a few short weeks. The session is convening two months early on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, and will last for 60 days due to the Special Reapportionment Session that occurs every 10 years to redraw legislative and congressional district lines.

We are closely following the following House (HB) and Senate (SB) bills that are extremely important to patient safety: HB 261, SB 718, SB 788 and SB 1014. These bills were filed on behalf of optometry and include language that if passed, would authorize optometrists to prescribe oral pharmaceutical agents. The Florida Optometric Association (FOA) has raised over $350,000 this year, to purse their legislative effort to expand their scope of practice. We need support from our members, so please consider contributing to FOCUS, CCE, or joining the President’s Leadership Circle. These forms are on page 7.

The FSO will continue to advocate on behalf of our members during the upcoming legislative session, for what is

in the best interest of ophthalmology and the patients we serve; however, in order to be successful, we need our members support. Over the last several weeks we have emailed, faxed and mailed letters to you requesting your help. We have asked you to use our template letter to write to your legislators and urge them to vote against scope of practice expansion, to contribute to the FOCUS, CCE, to join the President’s Leadership Circle and to become a Key Contact, and to help reach out to your local legislators. The more legislators know about the practice of ophthalmology and the differences in education and training, the better. Your help is needed now more than ever, as ophthalmologists are again facing scope of practice challenges.

We have to be vigilant to provide the legislators and our patients with the information necessary to ensure the best possible care. During this past year’s legislative session in Kentucky, optometry legislation passed that essentially allows them to perform ophthalmic surgery at the discretion of the optometric board. Currently, 13 other states are under attack

by optometrists who are trying to expand their privileges to also perform surgery. Florida is one of the last three states that has held the line and does not allow optometrists to practice beyond what they were trained to do. We need your help to keep it this way to protect the citizens of Florida.

With the 2012 Legislative Session beginning in January, we felt that it was important to update the FSO website to focus on our advocacy efforts. The redesigned FSO website (www.mdeye.org) now includes quick links for current legislation, resources, how to get involved, and other advocacy issues. Please take a minute to visit the FSO website where you can learn more about our legislative efforts, send your local legislator a letter and contribute to FOCUS, CCE. You can also stay updated by liking the FSO on Facebook and Twitter. We plan to keep these social media sites updated throughout the 2012 Legislative Session.

Bradley D. Fouraker, MD

MORE ON THE WEB:To discuss this article go to www.mdeye.org and look for topics/2012 legislative Session.


ADVOCACY

1. FOCuS, CCEOur committee of continuing existence, known as FOCUS, CCE, provides supportive candidates, political parties and other supportive 527 organizations with contributions favorable to achieving our advocacy goals.

Each election cycle the candidates favorable to ophthalmology are identified and provided campaign assistance.

Please visit www.mdeye.org and click on the FOCUS, CCE banner to contribute today.

Summary of FOCUS, CCEFOCUS, CCE is the FSO’s political entity• Funds contributed to FOCUS, CCE are used to support key • candidates identified by the FSO Legislative CommitteeYou can make an annual $365 contribution to FOCUS, CCE or • consider signing up to contribute monthly (suggested minimum amount is $32/month)Any size contribution is welcome•

The FSO legislative fundraising goal for 2012 is $250,000.

Our rivals raised $325,837 toward their legislative effort.

We need your contributions today to help the FSO protect the patients of Florida and the practice of Ophthalmology.

2. pRESiDENT’S lEaDERSHip CiRClEThere are limits to what FOCUS, CCE and any individual can provide to each candidate. However, just like having a private fundraiser the combination of checks can be significant. The Leadership Circle is a way to bundle all the individual contributions, plus that of FOCUS, CCE to really demonstrate our support for candidates. With your pledge to contribute you are agreeing to respond to our call for action and send a check from yourself, your spouse, your friend, a business, or any legal entity to support the candidate. We will ask for a maximum of $500.00 per candidate but any amount is acceptable.

We only call for the right candidates and when the support needed will have the greatest impact.

Summary of President’s Leadership CircleParticipants of the President’s Leadership Circle have the option • to contribute $2,000 over a 2-year periodWhen called upon to make a contribution - check requests may • range from $25 to a maximum of $500 President’s Leadership Circle can bundle numerous checks to • support one candidate and FSO will hand deliver them to make the greatest impact.

president’s leadership Circle participants will be invited to all candidate fundraisers and recognized at a special reception at the FSO annual Meeting.

in Kentucky, during the 2011 legislative Session optometrists passed State Bill 110 which gives them the authority to perform laser surgeries and prescribe oral medications.

let “Kentucky” be a “lesson learned!”

FSOhas2WaystoPromoteYOURProfession-Pledge to support one or both programs

My plEDgE1. I wish to provide $_________ to FOCUS, CCE in

2011-2012*

2. I would like to participate in the President’s Leadership Circle in 2012-2014

3. I would like to be a Key Contact from my area

Printed Name: ___________________________________

Office Manager: __________________________________

Best Phone Number: ______________________________

Email: __________________________________________

City: _____________________________ State: ________

Zip Code: _______________________________________

FOCuS, CCE payment Method: Check #_________*(*Please make checks payable to FOCUS, CCE)

I would like to contribute $__________ :

in full today

via quarterly installments of $_______ until ______

via monthly installments of $_______ until ______

If you do not select an end date, your contributions will automatically renew annually.

VISA MasterCard AMEX

Card Number ____________________________________

Exp. Date _______________________________________

Name on Card____________________________________

Signature _______________________________________

Send completed form to FSO: 6816 Southpoint Parkway, Suite 1000Jacksonville, FL 32216Fax: 904-998-0855

*Contributions to FOCUS, CCE are voluntary. A contribution of any amount is welcome and encouraged. Contributions to FOCUS, CCE and President’s Leadership Circle are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

(Check any or all)

you can also contribute online at https://www.mdeye.org/focus/contribute.php


FSO Receives AAO 2011 State Affairs Star AwardThe Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) is among a select group of only three state ophthalmology societies to earn the 2011 State Affairs Star Award, presented on October 24, 2011, by the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s (AAO) Secretariat for State Affairs during the AAO 2011 Annual Meeting in Orlando. FSO received the award for the passage of legislation to improve medical liability fairness in cataract surgery.

The State affairs Star award provides special recognition to state ophthalmology societies for their outstanding efforts in a variety of activities including membership development, educational meetings for members, communications, public service, and programs for residents and/or new-to-practice ophthalmologists.

The FSO played a crucial role in securing passage of legislation to improve medical liability fairness in cataract surgery. Prior to the 2011 Legislative Session, Florida law failed to describe the recognized risks of cataract surgery. A substantial number of “recognized risks” associated with cataract surgery have been improperly reported to regulators as “Code 15” adverse incidents. Over-reporting has unnecessarily exposed Florida ophthalmologists to extensive and time-consuming disciplinary proceedings before the Board of Medicine and to medical malpractice litigation. During the 2011 legislative session, the FSO worked closely with the Florida Medical Association (FMA), sponsor of House Bill (HB) 479-Medical Liability Fairness, to provide language in this bill that would require the Florida Board of Medicine (BOM) and Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine (FBOM) to adopt by rule a standardized consent form for cataract surgery. The legislation stated that an incident resulting from a recognized risk that is mentioned in the consent form would not be considered a Code 15 adverse incident and, therefore, would not require reporting. HB 479 was passed during the 2011 Legislative Session and signed into law in June 2011. The collaborative effort of FSO and FMA demonstrates the importance

of organizations working together and sharing resources.

Subsequent to passage of HB 479, the FSO provided the BOM and FBOM with a draft of the comprehensive consent form and made the draft form available to FSO members via the society web site. FSO leader Bradley D. Fouraker, MD, worked with the subcommittee appointed by the BOM on a final draft of the consent form. FSO plans to provide members with an updated version based on the BOM/FBOMs revised/recommended form.

Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in Florida. FSO believes that this standardized consent form for cataract surgery will serve as resource for all ophthalmologists in Florida by carefully outlining the risks of this surgery to patients.

Stephen g. Schwartz, MD, MBa, and Bradley Fouraker, MD, attended the Society Presidents’ Breakfast and Recognition Awards during the Annual Meeting in Orlando to accept the award on behalf of FSO.

As part of the AAO’s annual organizational survey of state societies, all societies may apply for the award. The Academy’s Secretariat for State Affairs presents the award based on their review of the applications received, taking into account the size of the society, overall effort and outcome, with the objective of not disadvantaging smaller societies in favor of larger societies.

ADVOCACY

Chris Seymour, Stephen G. Schwartz, MD, AAO’s Mary Louise Collins, MD, Colleen Filbert, Bradley D. Fouraker, MD and Daniel Briceland, MD of the AAO with the Star Award.

The FSO leadership with the Star Award.


The Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company (OMIC) announced recently that policyholders who are members of ophthalmic societies with an OMIC educational cooperative venture have increased the risk management discount from 8% to 10% when they complete an approved OMIC risk management event. This discount now averages more than $1,000 nationally. By increasing the special risk management discount to 10% for annual participation in an OMIC CV risk management event, they hope to encourage support for state and subspecialty societies and for lower overall insurance costs for OMIC policyholders. This change will be effective for risk management events occurring on or after January 1, 2012.

It’s easy for policyholders to take advantage of this program. Make plans to attend the OMIC Risk Management course at the 2012 Masters in Ophthalmology meeting that will be held June 22-24, at the Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes in Orlando.

OMIC Increases Cooperative Venture Risk Management Discount from 8% to 10%

2012 FSO Membership Dues Statements Will Be Arriving in December.Your dues enable us to work on your behalf thereby protecting your profession and patients.

Watch for your dues statement to arrive in your mailboxbefore the end of the year.

CMS Extends HIPAA 5010 Deadline to March 31The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Office of E-Health Standards and Services (OESS) will not enforce compliance to the new Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) standards until March 31, 2012. The new HIPPA 5010 standards will require all entities that are covered by HIPPA to upgrade from Version 4010/4010A to Version 5010 transaction standards. OESS encourages all entities to continue working with their vendors to become compliant with the new HIPPA standards and to determine their readiness to accept the new standards as of January 1, 2012.

It is important to remember that the upcoming Version 5010 transition is not only mandatory, but is also an integral step toward a successful ICD-10 transition. It is essential that all covered entities test sending and receiving compliant transactions internally and externally with their business partners prior to the transition deadline.

Take action now to ensure compliance and avoid problems with submitting claims for reimbursement after Saturday, March 31, 2012.

If you have not yet begun external testing, you should make use of the following risk mitigation strategies:

Communicate with vendors and •trading partners regularly. Encourage them to take action now and establish a communication plan.

Reach out to a clearinghouse for •assistance. A clearinghouse ensures that claims smoothly transition between practices and payers and can serve as a translator for non-compliant transactions from the Version 4010/4010A to the Version 5010 system. If you are concerned that your internal systems may not be ready by Saturday, March 31st, using a clearinghouse that is already ready to process Version 5010 claims can help ensure your reimbursements are not interrupted

while you bring your own systems into compliance.

Establish a line of credit.• Establishing or increasing a line of credit will help cover potential cash flow disruptions from delayed reimbursement claims.

Take advantage of available •resources. There are many different resources offering valuable information to organizations looking to streamline their Version 5010 transition. CMS offers several tools to help you plan and execute your transitions to Version 5010 and ICD-10. Beyond CMS, many professional societies and organizations offer guidance and resources to help you transition.

Keep Up to Date on Version 5010 and ICD-10Please visit the ICD-10 website at: www.cms.gov/ICD10 for the latest news and resources to help you prepare, and to download and share the implementation widget today.

MeMBeR CONNeCtiON


Renewal postcards will be mailed to physicians whose license expires on January 31, 2012. Remember, if your address is not current with the Board of Medicine, you may not receive the postcard. Check your medical license to see if your license expires soon. But don’t procrastinate; go online and see how easy it is to renew.

To begin the renewal process, go to www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa and click the red login button on the right side of the screen. Log in using your user id and pass code. If you cannot remember this information, click the Get Login Help button. In addition, there is a checklist at the bottom of this article that can be used as a tool when renewing your license.

A Checklist for Renewal of Your Medical LicenseCrystal A. Sanford, CPM, Program Operations Administrator, Florida Board of Medicine

CME Requirements for license Renewal

Domestic Violence 2 hoursThis course is required every third licensing biennium. You are encouraged to go online to determine if you are required to meet this requirement for renewal.

prevention of Medical Errors 2 hours This course has specific course content requirements that change every 2 years and are described in Rule 64B8-13.005, Florida Administrative Code (FAC). Go online to access the rule for more information.

general CME If domestic violence is due, 36 hours • If no domestic violence is due, 28 hours•

CME Requirements For physicians whose license expires January 31, 2012, your CME must be completed between February 1, 2010 and January 31, 2012. The following requirements must be met at the time of renewal:

See Checklist on page 9

MeMBeR CONNeCtiON

Another special FSO member benefit allows you special access to download slides and recordings from the Masters in Ophthalmology 2011 Annual Meeting. Please use this link: http://www.mdeye.org/media/2011 and you will be directed to the FSO community login page. Please enter your username and password to access the slides and audio recordings from the Masters in Ophthalmology 2011 Annual Meeting.

Access the Masters in Ophthalmology 2011 Annual Meeting Slides and Recordings

EyeSmart™ Resources - Monthly Template News Release and ArticlesThe American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has developed template materials for use by members in promoting eye health issues. Monthly health observances materials are available at www.eyesmart.org.

A promotional toolkit for this campaign is available to all members, which includes PowerPoint presentations created for both teen and adult audiences.

These materials are offered as part of the Academy’s continuing effort with its EyeSmart Campaign to provide you with the tools to help disseminate important information about eye injuries, disease, and infection to the public and to raise the visibility of ophthalmology.


CHeCkliSt from page 9...Go online at www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa for assistance. Once there, click on Continuing Education located on the right side of the screen and follow the online prompts for information regarding requirements, help finding courses, and additional ways to obtain CME credit such as serving as a volunteer or a monitor for a physician on probation or by attending a Board of Medicine meeting.

Update Your Practitioner Profile While logged in be sure to review your profile for updates and changes. Make any necessary changes at this time. Also, make it a regular habit of checking your profile because Section 456.042, FS requires changes be made within 15 days.

Designate yourself as a Controlled Substance prescribing practitionerWhile logged on and reviewing your profile, you can designated yourself as a controlled substance prescribing practitioner, as required in Section 456.44(2), Florida Statutes (FS), if applicable. This can be done online by simply checking the designated box. But remember, if this applies to you, this must be done no later than January 1, 2012.

Establish a Relationship with a pain-Management Clinic If you have a relationship with a pain-management clinic as provided in Section 458.3265(2), FS, be sure to establish that relationship while logged on. Our online services feature makes this easy for you to do. Remember you are required to notify the Board within 10 days of beginning or ceasing practice at a pain-management clinic.

physician Workforce Survey This survey is required by Section 381.4018, FS so do not skip this part of the online renewal. If you have elected not to renew online, be sure to download a paper copy of the survey from our web site to complete and mail. This information is useful to the Department of Health in determining workforce shortage areas.

Renew your license When renewing, you attest that you have completed your CME requirements

and you also elect the appropriate financial responsibility. Take one last minute to review for accuracy. When you are done, but sure to print the confirmation page as proof you renewed your license. This is especially important for physicians who wait until the last minute to renew.

For the first time, primary care providers that have posted a schedule of charges for medical services provided to patients can elect a one-time exemption from CME requirements and the renewal fee. When renewing online, physicians will be asked if this exemption applies. Section 381.026, FS outlines specific requirements for the sign, the exemption and also provides a definition of ‘primary care provider’.

Be sure to read the law in its entirety to ensure compliance.

Mailman (interested parties)This is a new feature that allows you to receive important information right to your inbox, such as new laws, rules and meeting information. Go to www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/medical and click on Interested Parties (Mailman) in the blue box on the left side of the screen. Enter your email address and hit Subscribe.

You can use the checklist below as a tool to assist you when renewing your license.

q I have met the CME requirements q I have checked my Practitioner

Profile for updates and changes applicable

q I have established a relationship or removed a relationship with a pain-management clinic, if applicable

q I have designated myself as a controlled substance prescribing practitioner as provided in s. 456.44(2), Florida Statutes, if applicable

q I have completed the Physician Workforce Survey

q I have renewed my license and printed confirmation

q I have joined Mailman

Remember to renew and renew early.

eVeNtSFEBRuaRy 2-4, 2012Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s

50thAnniversaryScientific

Meeting

Biltmore Hotel

Coral Gables, FL

www.bascompalmer.org

FEBRuaRy 10-12, 2012New Orleans Academy of

Ophthalmology 61st Annual

Symposium

Sheraton New Orleans Hotel

New Orleans, LA

www.noao.org

May 4-5, 201214th Vision Research Conference

Retina Ciliopathies: From Genes

to Mechanisms and Treatment

Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward

County Convention Center

Fort Lauderdale, FL

www.visionresearch-conference.

elsevier.com

JuNE 15–16, 2012Bascom Palmer Residency

Days 2012

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

Miami, FL

www.bascompalmer.org

JuNE 22–24, 2012Masters in Ophthalmology 2012

The Ritz Carlton Orlando

grande lakes

Orlando, Fl

www.ophmasters.com

See the back page for more

information.


FSOmembersandtheirofficestaffvolunteeredfortheeventwhereover300individuals were screened.

Donor Honor RollWe would like to thank the following donors for their generous commitment to the For Eye Care Foundation, Inc.

David B. Cano, MD• James E. Croley, III, MD• Heidelberg Engineering• Lumenis• OASIS Medical, Inc.•

To make a donation to For Eye Care visit www.mdeye.org/foundation. We thank you in advance for your support.

OutReACH

The For Eye Care Foundation, Inc., foundation of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO), partnered with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) to host a pilot screening initiative EyeSmart EyeCheck on Saturday, November, 12, 2011. This vision screening event was held in conjunction

with a large health fair at the Caridad Center in Boynton Beach. This screening initiative was created to combat undetected eye disease and visual impairment among at-risk populations in the United States. It was an extremely successful event with 400 attendees, of which 300 were screened.

The For Eye Care Foundation, Inc. recruited 44 volunteers to assist with this event that included physicians, ophthalmic technicians and laypersons. The Foundation would like to recognize and thank the following volunteers that participated in the screening event:

The For Eye Care Foundation and EyeSmartTM Screening a Success

Martiza AlvilesNatalia BaptistaRoy Bresky, MDAndrew CanoBobby CanoDavid Cano, MDJavier Cano, MDAndrea CondiaJohn Dumont

Susan ElcokAurelia EspinozaLouis Feldgoise, MDRoberta FeldgoiseOlga FernandezLuis Giraldo-De La HozNinel Gregori, MDJim Guilford, MDRanya Habash, MD

Carmen HancockLidia HerreraVilma Herrera Jane Katzen, RNDouglas Kohl, MDDelmar LaraKristina LaraAdrian Lavina, MDPeter Lowe, MD

Lauree Manning, MDLouis Mark, MDGinny MartinezPilar MunozBrenda PazminoAllison PruittConnor PruittSarah PruittBill Quinones

Kasey RichterKen RichterNancy RichterDavid Schwartzfarb, MDAlan Shuster, MDSteve Spector, MDDebbie Stovall, RNLily Yarosz-Giraldo

Dr. David Cano examines a patient’s eyes during the Caridad Screening event. A volunteer assists with an eye test.

MORE ON THE WEB: To discuss this article go to www.mdeye.org and look for topics/For eye Care Foundation event.


Florida Society of Ophthalmology6816 Southpoint Parkway, Suite 100Jacksonville, FL 32216

pRSt. StANDARDu.S. postagep A i Dtallahassee, Flpermit # 801

SAVe tHe DAteMasters in Ophthalmology 2012June 22–24, 2012The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Orlando, FL

guest Mel Rubin award lecturerOculoplasticJohn W. Shore, MDAustin, TX

Cataract/IOL/Anterior Segmentalan S. Crandall, MDSalt Lake City, UT

guest J. Donald gass, MD Beacon of Sight lecturerRetina-VitreousJohanna M. Seddon, MD, ScMBoston, MA

Refractive/Cataract/IOLR. Bruce Wallace, iii, MDAlexandria, LA

Uveitis/ImmunologyR. Christopher Walton, MDMemphis, TN

Register NowFor more information or to register for the Masters in

Ophthalmology 2012 Annual Meeting, please visit: www.ophmasters.com

CONFiRMeD FACultY ACtiVitieS FOR tHe eNtiRe OFFiCe

Certified Ophthalmic Assistants • Program presented by JCAHPO Coding and reimbursement • update presented by Rose and Associates Office administrators • management program

Meeting room rates start at $169/night. Call 1-800-266-9432 and ask for the MASTERS room block to ensure the special rate. Make plans now to attend the Masters in Ophthalmology 2012 meeting.

winter 2012 special legislative issue winter 2012...nation with 6.91 ophthalmologists for every...

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