Meeting assets for California Neurology Society LEDGE meeting, Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Quick recap
The meeting began with a discussion about Medicare coverage changes and potential legal challenges to federal policies. The group then reviewed several legislative initiatives, including updates on bills related to AI usage, emergency medication administration, and utilization review decisions. The conversation ended with discussions about CTE education and advocacy efforts, including potential legislation and upcoming conferences where CNS will promote their legislative and scientific initiatives.
Summary.
Medicare Cuts and Shutdown Concerns
Bob and Stella discussed the upcoming Medicare billing cutoff date of October 1st and the potential impact of a government shutdown. They expressed concern about cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, as well as the increased cost of Obamacare, which Stella described as "ridiculous." Bob suggested that a lawyer should be hired to challenge these transgressions against the Constitution, but Stella argued that it should not be about money or individual organizations. They also discussed the firing of a Virginia Attorney General who had delivered an unfavorable report about Trump's actions.
Legislation
Selim provided updates on several bills, including AB489, which prohibits AI from using terms suggesting professional advice, and AB1172, which allows volunteers to administer emergency anti-seizure medication in daycare and elderly care facilities. Both bills have passed the legislature and are on the governor's desk with no opposition. Selim also mentioned AB512, which reduces the timeframe for utilization review decisions.
Assembly Bill 512 Discussion
The group discussed Assembly Bill 512, which reduces the timeframe for utilization review decisions to 3 business days for electronic submissions and 5 business days for non-electronic submissions. Stella suggested amending the bill to include faster turnaround times for appeals on denials, but Selim explained that amendments are not possible since the session is over and the bill is on the governor's desk. The group agreed to support the bill as a small step forward, while acknowledging that the appeals process may still be problematic. Selim also reminded the group about the upcoming deadline for submitting presentation slides for the legislative section of the conference to Dorian by October 14th or 15th.
CTE Education and Advocacy Initiatives
The group discussed several key initiatives related to CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) education and advocacy. Selim reported on progress with Assemblymember Valencia regarding potential legislation, including a possible appearance at a CTE event early next year. The group explored opportunities to incorporate youth sports and prevention aspects into the summit's agenda, with Jeff offering to prepare a presentation on CTE prevention in children. They also discussed an upcoming dementia conference on October 4th, hosted by the San Francisco Neurological Society, where CNS will have a table to promote their legislative efforts and scientific collaboration with UCSF's Memory and Aging Center.
