PAFP: Reconsider suspending child immunization requirements July 31, 2020
The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians is asking Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Rachel Levine to reconsider suspending requirements for children’s immunizations. The PAFP is concerned suspending children’s immunizations will discourage parents from bringing their children in for their
vaccinations and well visits before the start of the school year.
Speak out to expand Pa.'s primary care physician workforce July 23, 2020
Call or email your state representative today and ask them to cosponsor and support House Resolution 625, which will help expand Pennsylvania’s primary care physician workforce. H.R. 625 would direct a study on the efforts of medical schools to promote primary care and accurately report the number of students who ultimately enter primary care. Click here to speak out!
PAFP: Back-to-school guidelines should be flexible, evidence-based July 21, 2020
The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians says guidelines for students to return to school in the fall should be evidence-based and flexible as Pennsylvania continues to combat COVID-19. “Family physicians understand the importance and benefits of in-person education, yet we also understand the risks involved during this pandemic,” said PAFP President Tracey Conti, MD.
Hazard pay grants now available for front-line workers July 16, 2020
Gov. Tom Wolf has announced $50 million in grant money is now available to help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses, health care nonprofits, public transportation agencies, and certified economic development organizations (CEDOs) are eligible to apply. Please click here for full details.
New statewide restrictions announced to combat COVID-19 July 15, 2020
The Wolf administration has announced new orders for targeted mitigation efforts in response to the recent rise in COVID cases. These include restrictions on bars and restaurants and limitations on the size of gatherings. The state says ignoring mask-wearing and social distancing requirements, as well as out-of-state travel and a lack of national coordination, has led to an increase in cases.
AAFP collaborates to transform primary care July 15, 2020
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is collaborating with the National Alliance of Health Care Purchaser Coalitions and partners seeking to change how primary care is paid for and delivered to ensure comprehensive, continuous and coordinated advanced primary care for the more than 150 million Americans with employer-sponsored insurance. Click here for details.
Doctors disappointed in Gov. Wolf's flu shot waiver July 10, 2020
Under current Pennsylvania law, pharmacists are not authorized to administer flu vaccines to children under 9 years of age. However, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf recently waived this requirement under his COVID-19 emergency declaration. The PAFP joined the Pennsylvania Medical Society in expressing disappointment for this waiver, calling it "a step in the wrong direction.”
Pa. expands mask-wearing order July 2, 2020
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine, MD has signed an order expanding mask-wearing in Pennsylvania. The order, which requires masks to be worn whenever anyone leaves home, takes effect immediately. "Wearing a mask shows that you care about others, and that you are committed to protecting the lives of those around you,” said Dr. Levine.
Show the PAFP your 'new beginnings' July 1, 2020
The summer brings with it many new beginnings for our family physician community as residents begin their careers and others take on new positions and roles. Celebrate new beginnings with us by sharing yours! It could be a selfie, a new office picture, or a picture of a new name badge. Just tag us on social media with #PAFPCME to join in the fun!