Health Advisory: Hepatitis A among Men Who Have Sex with Men, San Francisco An increase in hepatitis A virus (HAV) cases has been identified among MSM (gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men) in San Francisco. Seven cases have been confirmed since August 1, 2017. All seven cases lacked documentation of prior HAV immunization. No clear chain of transmission or common exposure among these cases has been identified, nor was international travel a risk factor. There is no genotypic or epidemiologic evidence linking these cases to the current outbreaks or clusters of HAV in homeless or illicit drug-using individuals elsewhere in California or the USA.1 However, limited genotype information suggests at least some of the cases could be linked to other HAV outbreaks among MSM in the United States and Europe. October 3, 2017 Public Health, SF Dept of Public Health HAV, Public Health Advisory, SFDPH 0 0 Comment Read More »
CMA Federal Health Reform Update on Graham Cassidy Bill On Monday night, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) released a statement declaring the third “NO” vote on the Graham-Cassidy legislation joining Rand Paul (R-KY and John McCain R-AZ). After a Senate Republican Caucus meeting on Tuesday morning, Senator Cassidy announced that he did not have the votes and therefore, the Senate would not hold a vote before the budget reconciliation deadline of September 30, 2017. Further action is unlikely this year as Senate Republican Leader, Mitch McConnell, said the Senate would now turn its focus to overhauling the tax code. However, several Republicans vowed to continue to work into next year to repeal the ACA. September 28, 2017 CMA, Public Health CMA, Graham-Cassidy, Public Health 0 0 Comment Read More »
Join us at NEPO Building Healthy Communities Summit! The Network of Ethnic Physician Organization (NEPO) Building Healthy Communities Summit will take place immediately before the California Medical Association House of Delegates on October 19-20, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. This year’s conference theme – Striving for Health Equity in the Era of Change – will focus on emerging health policy issues and solutions as we strive to achieve health equity and reduce health disparities. Attendees may earn up to 12 units* of continuing medical education! September 28, 2017 CMA, NEPO CMA, NEPO 0 0 Comment Read More »
Feedback Requested: CMS Requests Examples of Burdensome Certification/Recertification Requirements CMS has requested the AMA’s help in identifying opportunities to reduce the administrative burden caused by certification requirements. In addition, we have heard from some specialty societies about concerns with the development of local coverage decisions (LCDs). In our discussions with CMS the agency appears open to hearing about this issue as well. September 27, 2017 AMA, CMS AMA, CMA, CMS 0 0 Comment Read More »
Flu and Infectious Disease Forum: New Hope for Communicable Diseases: Hepatitis C, TB and the Road to Elimination The San Francisco Department of Public Health is pleased to invite you to the San Francisco Flu and Infectious Disease Forum. Join us for an engaging discussion to learn more from experts in the fields of communicable and vaccine preventable diseases! September 27, 2017 SF Dept of Public Health 0 0 Comment Read More »
