UNAPPROVED DRAFT MINUTES
Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MCAAP)
Minutes of the March 11, 2008 Executive Board Meeting – 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
held at the Massachusetts Medical Society, Waltham, MA
Present:
Dr. Carole Allen, Ed Brennan, Esq., Dr. Susan Browne, Cathleen Haggerty,
Dr. Walter Harrison, Dr. Karen McAlmon, Dr. Paula McEvoy, Dr. Julie Meyers,
Dr. Patricia Moffatt, Dr. Rebecca O’Brien, Dr. Sean Palfrey, Dr. Shailesh Shah,
Dr. Philippa Sprinz
Guests: Dr. Elizabeth Goodman, Dr. Megan Hannon, Dr. Rachel Hopper
Introductions
Board members introduced themselves.
Minutes
The minutes were accepted with a few minor edits.
Thrive in Five – Boston’s Promise to its Children
An overview of “Thrive in Five” was outlines. Thrive in Five is a roadmap to strengthen existing child and family serving systems, create new supports and alter systems where needed, This work will be coordinated across the city for greater impact, and to measure and sustain progess over the long term. Detailed implementation plans, realignment of existing resources, and calculations of the full resources needed will be shaped and refined over the next year by the partnerships described in the overall plan.
The goals of Thrive in Five are as follows:
There was a brief discussion as to whether or not the Chapter should/could take a lead role in this initiative. This will be discussed further at a future board meeting.
Massachusetts Partnership for Healthy Weight
Dr. Elizabeth Goodman presented information about Massachusetts Partnership for Healthy Weight.
The Massachusetts Partnership for Healthy Weight was convened by the Department of Public Health through the Overweight Obesity Prevention and Control Initiative with a grant funded by the Center for Disease Control. The MPHW strives to reduce chronic disease through community action and public policies that promote healthy eating, active living, and healthy weight among all Massachusetts residents.
In 2000, the Massachusetts Partnership for Healthy Weight (MPHW) formed to combat the problem of overweight and obesity. The Partnership unites more than 100 groups committed to reducing overweight and obesity in Massachusetts into a coalition for change. Its goal is to catalyze and support initiatives that remove barriers and increase opportunities for healthy eating, active living, and routine screening for, diagnosis, and treatment of overweight and obesity.
The Partnership's five year plan is organized into areas that correspond to the major spheres of influence that impact eating and physical activity choices.
From the Berkshires to the Cape, government officials, public health professionals, and community leaders are working to help our towns, schools, and families to make changes that promote healthy eating, active living, and healthy weight. For more information, please visit http://www.mphw.org/index.htm.
Legislative Discussion
Some bills that the Chapter is monitoring:
S.2018 - Booster Seats for Children – This bill requires that children must be booster seats until there are either nine years old or 4’9’’; this bill will be taken up in the House this week
S. 2526 - An Act to Promote Cost Containment – This bill addresses the lack of Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) in Massachusetts.
H. 4276 – An Act Relative to Children’s Mental Health – This bill is aimed at strengthening and improving the system that delivers care, and at various services that directly benefits children with mental health needs and their families.
Children’s Mental Health Task Force
It was noted that the Chapter is making recommendations to MassHealth regarding mental health screening tools that will be used by the state as a result of the Rosie D. Lawsuit.
The next CMHTF Meeting will have a panel of various state commissioners who will present information about recent improvements in children’s mental health services.
Obesity Committee
At the last Committee meeting, members discussed the recent Pediatrics supplement entitled “Assessment of Child and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity”. The Committee also surveyed membership about their experience and knowledge of motivational interviewing. The CME Committee was contacted about possibly sponsoring a CME program on motivational interviewing. The committee is also reviewing recommendations for children who are on the cusp of developing type II diabetes.
Legislative Committee
The Committee will have new co-chairs starting in July 2008. Drs. Katie Zuckerman and Michael McManus will replace Drs. Carole Allen and Eric Fleegler as co-chairs.
It was noted that Resident’s Advocacy Day at the MA State House will take place on April 8th. More than 60 residents have already enrolled. Speakers include: Dr. John McDonough, Dr. Jack Schonkoff, Representative Ruth Balser and others.
Membership Committee
It was noted that members who have received awards or have made outstanding contributions to pediatrics, will now be recognized in the Forum.
Immunization Initiative
Environmental Committee
The Chapter provided testimony on lead regulations so that state regulations reflect national guidelines in terms of more rigid home inspections.
Pediatric Council
Breast pump coverage reimbursement - It was decided that this issue would be discussed at the next Pediatric Council Meeting.
President’s Report
Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MCAAP) joined Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) in a coalition of health care providers to oppose granting multiple waivers of basic public health protections to retail based clinics (in particular around the application of CVS MinuteClinic) and to request an open public process for evaluating these licensure applications (see MMS timeline at www.massmed.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Advocacy_and_Policy&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=20830 ).
A report written by the MCAAP president entitled “MCAAP and Limited Services Clinic Regulations” will appear in the next edition of the Forum and is available on the Chapter’s web site (www.mcaap.org).
Nominating Committee – The MCAAP Nominating Committee will be convened to present a slate of candidates to membership for Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, District 1 Representative, District 2 Representative, and District 8 Representative.
Reach Out and Read – The Chapter President has met with local Reach Out and Read (ROR) representatives to discuss ways in which the Chapter can raise ROR awareness and increase enrollment. ROR will have a regular corner in the Forum. MCAAP district representatives in towns with low ROR involvement will help to enroll non-participating practices.
Health Care Disparities – Chapter leadership will start to become more involved in issues of health care disparities. The Chapter President met with the new DPH Medical Director, Laruen Smith to begin collaborations.
MCAAP Annual Meeting – The MCAAP Annual Meeting entitled “Bridging the Gap between Office and Schools” will take place at the Massachusetts Medical Society on May 7th from 10 am – 4 pm.
Foundation By-Laws – Foundation (501©3) bylaws have been drafted by MCAAP legal counsel. The title of the foundation needs to be determined before articles of incorporation are filed.
National AAP Committee Members – The deadline to apply for AAP Committee membership is March 1, 2008. Nomination materials can be accessed at www.aap.org/moc/commnoms.htm. Interested members should send nomination materials to Cathleen Haggerty at chaggerty@mcaap.org.
AAP Education Award – The Chapter is asking for names of qualified candidates to be nominated for the AAP Education Award.
Child Advocate Ad Hoc Committee – The Chapter has been asked to serve on the Child Advocate Ad Hoc Committee to identify candidates for the new cabinet position entitled “Child Advocate”. The Child Advocate will be name by the Governor sometime in May.
Guidelines for Breastfeeding Initiation and Support - It was noted that Chapter leadership is reviewing “Guidelines for Breastfeeding Initiation and Support” and will provide input to the DPH. It was recommended that as long as the guidelines are consistent with the AAP guidelines, they should be endorsed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Julie Meyers, M.D., FAAP
Secretary