CAPITOL UPDATE: With weeks left in the session, action heats up on health care issues TAFP tries a new tactic to move its loan repayment initiative, Senate State Affairs Committee passes the instant verification of benefits bill, Budget Conference Committee considers dangerous Medicaid cost-containment strategy, plus lots more in this week’s update. more...

TransforMED launches informative online video on the medical home
TAFP members are encouraged to view, download and share a new online video from AAFP subsidiary TransforMED to educate patients on the patient-centered medical home, its benefits and their role in the health care partnership. Read more about the entertaining four-minute video and pass it around. more...

Spring TAFP magazine now available online
Before the new issue of TEXAS FAMILY PHYSICIAN arrives in your mailbox, access all the news pertinent to your patients and your practice through the online journal. The spring issue features articles on electronic verification of benefits, news from the 81st Legislature, a how-to guide to open-access scheduling and more. Access TFP Online at www.tafp.org/news/TFP.

Time is running out to enter TAFP’s annual research poster competition
Researchers must submit an abstract by May 15 to be eligible for 2009 Student, Resident and Community Physician Poster Competition to take place during Annual Session in Arlington on July 17. Cash prizes are available for family medicine residents, and students and physicians can receive plaques and bragging rights. Researchers need not be present at Annual Session to enter. more...

Plan a helmet giveaway to protect kids during summer activities
As summer approaches and more kids will be out-and-about on bicycles, in-line skates and skateboards, make sure they protect their heads by wearing a helmet. The Hard Hats for Little Heads program makes it easy for TAFP members to hand out 50 free helmets to youth in their community. Find out how you can bring the program to your community. more...

EDUCATION UPDATE

Register online today for TAFP’s 60th Annual Session and Scientific Assembly
Don’t miss the 60th Annual Session and Scientific Assembly July 15-19 in Arlington. In addition to offering up to 24 CME credit hours, TAFP has planned lots of special events for you and your family. Read all about the premier conference for family physicians in Texas. more...

Shape TAFP CME by taking a brief survey on acute coronary syndrome
TAFP needs your feedback on acute coronary syndrome in your practice and how guidelines and CME affect its treatment. Take the brief 11-question survey today. more...