Enjoy your Tuesday NCMS Morning Rounds.
Feb. 23, 2021
Who Can Administer COVID-19 Vaccines? NCMB Clarifies
The NC Medical Board (NCMB) recently clarified that existing state law allows a licensed physician to delegate medical tasks to an unlicensed person, as long as that individual is qualified to perform the assigned tasks.
Although NCMB has not addressed the specific question of whether unlicensed individuals should administer COVID-19 vaccinations, it is NCMB’s view that this task falls within the definition of “medical tasks” that may be delegated in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat § 90-18(c)(13). “Qualified” individuals could include retired physicians or other clinicians who no longer have active North Carolina professional licenses.
It is the responsibility of the licensed physician delegating the task of administering vaccine to determine that the individual performing the task is, in fact, appropriately trained and competent, and the delegating physician would be held ultimately responsible for the actions of the unlicensed person. NCMB advises that this be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate level of supervision (direct, on-site, or remote).
More information about delegation can be found here.
Unlicensed professionals who want to participate in the vaccination efforts should register with NC DHHS and NC DPS/Emergency Management by visiting NC Terms.
Understanding the Types of COVID-19 Vaccines Being Developed
Thanks to the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) for this infographic, which offers a quick overview of the various types of COVID-19 vaccines in development along with their strengths and weaknesses.
Seligson Honored by NC Healthcare Association
Robert W. Seligson, MBA, MA, who retired from his position as NCMS Executive Vice President and CEO last year after 26 years, was honored last week with the NC Healthcare Association (NCHA) Meritorious Service Award.
Since 1986, the NCHA has awarded a Meritorious Service Award annually to a recipient who has provided unique, meritorious service to the health care field during the year or years preceding selection. It is given to someone who is not an executive officer or trustee of an NCHA member institution when selected to receive the award. Service is not restricted to health care institutions, but also can include education, research or publications; local, state, or federal government; health insurance organizations; and vendors to hospitals. The service recognized by this award must have a direct connection to NCHA.
The NCHA produced a video featuring several NCMS staff members and past NCMS President Elizabeth Kanof, MD, who speak about Seligson and his contributions to the NCMS and health care in North Carolina.
In the News
3 Trends Spurred By The Coronavirus Epidemic Also Threaten American Lives, Advisory Board, 2-19-21
Learning Opportunity
Leading Edge, Evidence-Based Tobacco Treatment Training (Virtual), March 8-16
The Duke-UNC TTS Program combines findings from the most current evidence-based research on pharmacotherapy, population-based issues, practical guidance on running a practice, and targeted skills in tobacco dependence counseling. Information is delivered through a blend of self-paced online learning and interactive virtual sessions comprised of didactic content, problem-based learning activities, applied practice problems, and practice counseling. All participants receive our comprehensive tobacco treatment textbook, which may be used as a valuable reference after the completion of the course.
If you have policies you’d like your NCMS Board of Directors to consider, please complete the Board input form here. Thanks for reading!