CAFP Weekly Newsletter

February 6, 2024

Family Medicine Resources

Clinical Guidelines and Critical Resources in Light of Federal Developments

In response to removed information and resources on the websites of several federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), AAFP is elevating this issue with the administration and members of Congress. In the interim, AAFP and CAFP have many resources that can assist family physicians in key areas of patient care:

Clinical Guidelines
- AAFP’s full library of clinical guidelines
- AAFP’s patient care resources
- Immunization resources, including the 2025 vaccine schedule
- STI resources
Reproductive health resources
- AAFP’s Center for Women’s Health
- AAFP Clinical Guidance & Patient Resources for Reproductive Health
- Reproductive Health Access Project (RHAP)
Member-Recommended Resources
- Archive of CDC Resources concerning contraception, sexual health, youth, LGBTQ health, and sexual and intimate partner violence.
- Canadian Public Health Agency
Patient Resources – Immigration
- The Immigration Legal & Resource Center (ILRC) offers Red Cards, which assist people to know and assert their rights with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and in other interactions.
- ILRC’s step-by-step guide to creating a Family Preparedness Plan
- The National Immigration Law Center’s Protected Areas Factsheet
Join Federal Advocacy Efforts
- As AAFP works to respond to shifting federal policies, you can join in building family medicine’s voice and influence nationally. Two immediate avenues for engagement include:
  - Speak Out to urge Congress to provide relief from Medicare cuts, fund residency training, and extend telehealth flexibilities.
  - Join the AAFP Advocacy Ambassadors Program to build influence with Congressional representatives.

Medicaid Office Hours: New Reporting for Physicians When Providing Discounted Care in Hospitals

New reporting requirements under SB24-116, which concerns healthcare billing for indigent patients receiving services in a hospital or hospital’s off-campus setting, go into effect Sept. 1, 2025. Key updates, resources, and support are available on CAFP’s Practice Compliance Resources webpage.

HCPF is offering weekly office hours the 2nd Thursday of each month from 5:00 – 6:00 PM and 4th Thursday of each month from 9:00 – 10:00 AM beginning February 13. These office hours are an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback with the department about these new requirements. HCPF will offer compliance training sessions in March and CAFP will share that information with members when available.

Academy Happenings

CAFP Advocacy Success: Prior Authorization Reform Regulations Finalized

We are pleased to inform you that the Colorado Division of Insurance has finalized key regulations that will help streamline prior authorization processes and reduce administrative burdens for physicians and other healthcare providers. These regulations are a direct result of HB24-1149, CAFP’s legislative priority during the 2024 legislative session. While these regulations will become effective March 30, 2025, carriers aren’t required to implement these programs until January 1, 2026.

Finalized Regulations
The following regulations have been adopted:

Uniform drug benefit prior authorization process established.
Prior authorization reporting requirements, including standardized reporting templates to increase transparency.
Required annual carrier attestations for compliance with prior authorization reforms.

Throughout the rulemaking process, CAFP provided formal comments advocating for greater transparency, improved timelines, and reduced administrative burdens on family physicians. Our January 17, 2024, letter to Commissioner Conway (1) emphasized support for standardized prior authorization processes to minimize delays and ensure timely patient care; (2) stronger reporting requirements for prior authorization denials to improve accountability, and (3) annual attestation requirements for insurersto eliminate redundant prior authorizations for chronic maintenance drugs.

Thanks to the collective efforts of CAFP, partners, and legislative champions, these regulatory changes will ensure physicians receive timely information on prior authorization denials and alternatives, reduce barriers for patients needing chronic maintenance medications, and enhance data transparency to inform future policy improvements.

Other Academy Happenings

Become an NCCL Delegate
NCCL, AAFP’s National Conference of Constituent Leaders, will be held April 24-26, 2025 in Kansas City, MO. This is AAFP’s leadership development event that empowers delegates to lead positive change in family medicine. NCCL will inspire you to build on your leadership skills and create a lasting impact for current and future generations of family physicians. Let Erin Watwood know you’re interested by March 10. The available delegate constituencies are Women, BIPOC, New Physicians, International Medical Graduates, and LGBTQ+ and ally physicians.

Health Equity Champions: Spring Cohort Beginning Soon
Join a cohort of peers for this three-month, self-paced journey to deepen your equity knowledge and earn CME. Receive hand-selected materials delivered to your inbox weekly and participate in virtual monthly cohort discussions. Learn more.

Register for the 2025 Annual Summit
Join us in Fort Collins April 3-6, 2025 for timely CME and great opportunities to connect with your peers. This year’s Summit is only being offered in-person in order to foster an energetic environment designed to maximize your experience. Learn more!
Topics include: Ultrasound Guided Injections Workshop, Nutrition, Dermatology, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, & more!