In this week’s Friday Recap, learn which state most recently legalized medical marijuana, how comics are being used in medical school and in patient care, and the five, latest legislative developments expected to have drastic effects on the healthcare industry!
- As reported by Modern Healthcare, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its plan to eliminate the exclusion for continuing medical education (CME) in the Open Payments program, also known as the Sunshine Act.
- New York Post announced the Empire State is the twenty-third state to decriminalize medical marijuana use. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the legislation July 5, allowing sufferers of 10 listed diseases to obtain a non-smokeable version of the drug. Medical marijuana is expected to be made available in the state in approximately 18 months.
- Travel experts at Frommer’s put together seven helpful tips for avoiding germs often found on airplanes. Approaching your trip well rested and hydrated is tip number one, followed by avoiding the surfaces—including the entertainment console and overhead bin handles—that tend to be the most contaminated.
- The 2014 Graphic Medicine Conference featured lectures on the many ways comics can be applied to medicine, MedPage Today reports. Just a few of the possibilities included engaging illustrations in medical school textbooks, toxicology flash cards, disability-focused comics, explanations in patient care, and safe-play illustrations for school-aged children.
- Becker’s Hospital Review provides a list of the five, recent legislative developments expected to have the most impact on healthcare. The list includes the Senate’s passing of Veterans Affairs Reform, a bill introduced to coordinate care for children on Medicaid, and additional proposed restrictions for Medicare Advantage Plus Plans.
Have a great weekend!