Public Health Officer Eric Frykman, MD, reported that the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health anticipates receiving $500,000 to $900,000 in combined state/federal monies to help prepare for pandemic and avian influenza. Dr. Frykman said he is working with several county agencies regarding his department's preparation and response.

Dr. Frykman also said he made a presentation at a city-county conference on the concept of promoting healthier living through community building and development policies. He would like to have a San Bernardino County Medical Society physician participate in this project.

Inland Empire Health Plan Chief Medical Officer Brad Gilbert, MD, reported total membership is 294,032. Due to the state's initiative that counties become more aggressive in Medi-Cal re-enrollment, Medi-Cal enrollment is decreasing at IEHP in both counties. The Healthy Kids program has the potential of receiving a $500,000 grant from Blue Shield in San Bernardino County, but it can only be used if a matching grant is obtained. Dr. Gilbert said IEHP has approached the Children's Network, and it may ask the Board of Supervisors for funds, which would make $1 million available to cover roughly 1,000 more children.

IEHP turned in its application to the federal government to implement a Medicare Part D benefit specifically for its dual eligibles by Jan. 1, 2007. IEHP will not be competing with other senior plans. The group is also working to attract more physicians to the IEHP network.

American Medical Association Delegate Ron Bangasser, MD, reported on the AMA National Advocacy Conference held March 13-15 in Washington, D.C. Nearly 600 physicians and medical students gathered to learn about the political climate surrounding national healthcare issues and to lobby Congress. Nearly all speakers implied that pay-for-performance programs for physicians would be part of Medicare in the future.

However, Dr. Bangasser noted that there is an enormous disconnect in Congress about the "pay" part of "pay-for-performance." Congress appears to be moving toward an unfunded mandate, since there is no commitment to any payment increase.

SBCMS Treasurer Rodney Borger, MD, presented the eight-month financial report for period July 1, 2005, through Feb. 28, 2006. Total revenue is $358,520. Total expenses are $304,232. Excess revenue over expenses is $54,288 after depreciation. The board approved the eight-month financial report as submitted.

California Medical Association Political Action Committee board member Thelma Korpman, MD, reported the CALPAC Candidate Selection Committee completed its work with local counties to make recommendations in the races for the State Senate and Assembly, and for Congress. Because of the new $50 per member CALPAC contribution, CALPAC has more money and clout to wield through contributions to candidates in important races.

Dr. Korpman also reported that the Speaker's Advisory Committee met March 16. It discussed state legislative priorities and federal issues, including Medicare and value-based reimbursement, and proposed resolutions from the CMA to the AMA House of Delegates. The committee also reviewed the 2006 CMA House of Delegates calendar and recommended that delegates receive preparatory materials by late summer in order to be familiar with the policy details before the HOD meets October 28-30 at the Sacramento Convention Center.

Edward Hess, MD, reported on the initial meeting of the Inland Empire Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO). Several Inland Empire hospital representatives as well as SBCMS and RCMA members attended. There are 17 RHIOs at various levels of development throughout the state. However, until the Inland Empire RHIO comes up with funding, it is premature to discuss how it fits into this network. Dr. Hess is the SBCMS' representative on the Inland Empire RHIO Advisory Board and he will keep SBCMS updated.

The board approved a letter to Mark Uffer, county administrative officer, County of San Bernardino, regarding the use of CHIP EMSA dollars. It said that using EMSA hospital account funds to finance the County Medical Services Program clearly does not meet the legislative intent for the use of such funds. SBCMS believes fiscal year 2004-05 ($691,289) and 2005-06 ($691,288) funds need to be put into the physicians' fund and claims paid appropriately and without delay to physicians. The funds are needed to reimburse emergency physicians and on-call specialists for care given to patients who have no other means of payment.