The opening of the 2023 Mississippi Legislative Session is quickly approaching, as lawmakers will convene at 12 Noon on January 3, 2023, to begin the last session of the four-year term.
Next year also marks an election year in Mississippi with all statewide offices and all 174 legislative seats on the ballot. Needless to say, it will be a very busy year for organized medicine in Mississippi. As Chair of the MSMA Council on Legislation, I would like to share the issues that MSMA will be working on in the halls of the State Capitol beginning in January.
Promoting the Physician Led Team
Advocating for Extending Post-Partum Medicaid Coverage to 12 Months
Streamlining the Prior Authorization Process for Physicians
Decriminalizing Fentanyl Testing Strips
Banning the Sale of Tianeptine and Kratom
Developing a Screening and Approval Process for Over-the Counter Sale of Substances with Potential for Recreational Use and Abuse
Support the Expansion of the Insurance Commissioner’s Regulatory Authority
Increasing Funding for State Department of Health
Increasing Funding for the Mississippi Physicians Health Program
Protecting our Childhood Vaccination Law
Advocating for Rural Hospitals
Supporting Rural Physician Scholarship Program and Office of Physician Workforce in Mississippi
Promoting Formal Gun Safety Programs For New Gun Owners in the State
One of the best ways we as physicians can be engaged in the work of organized medicine at our state capitol is to serve as the Doctor of the Day. Visit the MSMA website and sign up today as spaces are filling quickly. We need your voice at the capitol. Also, please plan to attend the MSMA Day at the Capitol (White Coat Day), on Thursday, January 26th and visit with your lawmakers. Let’s keep organized medicine at the table and not on the menu.
