Vox Medicus

'Vox Medicus,' is a periodic feature in DOC-Line that provides a showcase for editorials from members of the medical staff. Members of the medical staff are encouraged to submit editorials to Dr. Matt Miller. (matthew.miller@wchn.org)

Anne D’Amico is Chief PA in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Danbury Hospital. The following is her contribution to this edition of DOC-Line.

As we marvel in the beauty of the Fall season with its ever-changing hues and landscape, ‘Fall back’ time change and Indian summer weather, let us take a ‘look back’ at:

Our Accomplishments

• We welcomed 36 Associate Medical Staff comprised of PAs, APRNs, CRNAs, CNMs and an Acupuncturist to our Family of more than 200.
• We celebrated with Physician Assistants Carol Ekonomides and Ginny Hilton as they were recognized and rewarded as Medical Staff Members of the Month for their outstanding work and years of Network service.
• We enjoyed the strong support of Physician Leadership as they continue to recognize our professions and contributions to WCHN by:
• Adding our voice to the General Medical Staff Meetings
• Placing AMS members on committees - MEC, Credentials, Medical Staff Advisory Council, PPEC, Joint Practice, Physician Advisory Group, and Blood Utilization Committee to name a few
• Engaging AMS members to participate in the 2016 revision of the Hospital bylaws as they pertain to our professions
• Participating in Quarterly AMS meetings
• Encouraging the formation of an AMS Committee of Officers
• Ensuring our participation in DOC-Line

Changes to our Professions

• Physician Assistants:
• Delegation Agreements replace written protocols. Written evaluations will be made twice yearly in place of weekly face to face meetings.
• Co-signatures for controlled substances are no longer required. (Hospital changes pending.)
• Completion of one contact hour of training or education in 'prescribing controlled substances and pain management' in the preceding two year period is required for the renewal of a PA license.
• PAs must review patients’ records in the electronic prescription drug monitoring program (www.ctpmp.gov) prior to prescribing greater than a seventy-two hour supply of any controlled substance. For prolonged treatment with controlled substances, a review must be done once every ninety days.
• APRNs:
• Continuing education credits are now required for all and must include courses on AIDS, Risk management, sexual assault, domestic violence, cultural competency and substance abuse
• APRNs must complete and maintain a Practitioner Profile with the CT DPH.
• APRNs must maintain a Collaborative Agreement if their practice involves less than 2000 hours in a three year period

It has been an encouraging and successful year for us. We are glad to see ourselves become more fully involved in Medical Staff activities. We continue to be dedicated to providing excellent care across the Network and look forward to continued engagement with our Physician colleagues.

Wishing you and your families a wonderful and safe Holiday Season!

Be well,
Anne

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