February 2011

The use of "plain text" is on the increase, and many of our Blackberry users have expressed difficulty in reading standard HTML messages. Until we can adequately address this issue, you will notice two Gasline e-mails in your mailbox - one in HTML and the other in Plain Text. We hope you are able to enjoy this issue of the Gasline in the text style that works best for you and your e-mail client setting. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the CSA office and we will be happy to assist 650-345-3020.

Action Alert: Submit Comments on the 'Company Model' to OIG Today

Appeal of Opt-Out Decision

Call for Submission of Resolutions to the House of Delegates

Hands-On Ultrasound for Regional Anesthesia Workshop, March 26

REGISTER NOW: 2011 CSA ANNUAL MEETING AND CLINICAL ANESTHESIA UPDATE

CMA Legislative Day April 5 in Sacramento

Action Alert: Submit Comments on the 'Company Model' to OIG Today

ASA is urging members to submit comments to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) on the "Company Model" urging a Special Fraud Alert on the practice. The deadline for submitting comments is fast approaching - use the following address for instructions and sample comments. (http://asahq.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e158d0c728d36d4074e1824e3&id=402f810872&e=25f0ac42c8)

Appeal of Opt-Out Decision

The CSA and CMA are pursuing an appeal seeking reversal of a court decision upholding Governor Schwarzenegger's "opt out" of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requirement that a physician supervise nurse anesthetists. In October 2010, the San Francisco Superior Court refused to block the governor's decision, ruling that he acted consistently with California law. The appeal argues that California law allows nurse anesthetists to administer anesthesia, but only under physician supervision. CSA and CMA believe that the Superior Court erred in its interpretation of state regulations regarding the requirement for physician supervision of nurse anesthetists.

Attorneys for the CSA and CMA filed the appeal in the State of California Court of Appeal on February 1, 2011. The CSA and CMA will be working closely with the ASA and AMA on this issue. The CSA anticipates that it may take several months for arguments in the appeal to be filed and for a three-judge panel to hear the case.

Call for Submission of Resolutions to the House of Delegates

Any CSA member may submit a resolution to the House of Delegates (your elected representatives) on any issue that he or she deems important to the membership. A resolution is a proposal that the CSA undertake an activity related to a current issue of concern to anesthesiologists. For example, a resolution might recommend that the CSA develop social networking capabilities for the members. For assistance in formulating a resolution, please contact Johnathan L. Pregler, M.D., Speaker of the House of Delegates. The deadline for submissions is April 15, 2011.

The House of Delegates will meet on Saturday, May 14, 2011, as part of the CSA Annual Meeting at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose. A Reference Committee meets prior to the House of Delegates to hear testimony on all matters to be considered by the House. For more information, contact the CSA office 650-345-3020.

Hands-On Ultrasound for Regional Anesthesia Workshop, March 26

Come and join us in Fresno for a Hands-On Ultrasound for Regional Anesthesia Workshop. Earn 7 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits while covering topics such as the principles of ultrasound and its application to regional anesthesia, common artifacts and different techniques used to visualize needles, ultrasound guidance to perform deep cervical block, paravertebral, intercostal and TAP blocks and much more. For more detailed information please go to http://www.csahq.org/up-more.php?idx=46 and to register, please call the CSA office at 650-345-3020. Keep in mind that space is limited, so register now.

REGISTER NOW: 2011 CSA ANNUAL MEETING AND CLINICAL ANESTHESIA UPDATE

Make plans to join us at the CSA Annual Meeting and Clinical Anesthesia Update, May 13-15, 2011, at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel located in downtown San Jose.

CME topics include Advances in Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks and Perineural Infusions, presented by Edward Mariano, M.D., MAS, and Managing Endocrine Abnormalities During the Perioperative Period, presented by Ana Crawford, M.D. Use the following address to register: https://www.csahq.org/up-register.php?event=40

CMA Legislative Day April 5 in Sacramento

The California Medical Association will host its 37th Annual Legislative Leadership Conference in Sacramento on Tuesday, April 5, 2011. This one-day event is a significant opportunity for physician members to meet with their elected representatives and advocate for legislative actions that will positively affect the practice of medicine in California.

The CSA is a cosponsor of the event and will have a table for CSA members. CSA members who wish to attend should coordinate with your county medical society to schedule appointments with representatives. Members who sit at the CSA table may be reimbursed for 14 day advance air fare, parking and mileage. For more information, contact CMA staff Nicole Madani directly at 916-444-5532.

View this issue online at http://members.csahq.org/newsletter/volume-12-no-10-html-version.