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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) Event - Resume Feedback - May 2
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Sunday, February 26, 2023
DEA Announces Proposed Rules for Permanent Telemedicine Flexibilities
The proposed rules – developed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and in close coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – propose to extend many of the flexibilities adopted during the public health emergency with appropriate safeguards.
The proposed rules do not affect:
Telemedicine consultations that do not involve the prescribing of controlled medications.
Telemedicine consultations by a medical practitioner that has previously conducted an in-person medical examination of a patient.
The proposed rules also would not affect:
Telemedicine consultations and prescriptions by a medical practitioner to whom a patient has been referred, as long as the referring medical practitioner has previously conducted an in-person medical examination of the patient.
The proposed rules would provide safeguards for a narrow subset of telemedicine consultations—those telemedicine consultations by a medical practitioner that has: never conducted an in-person evaluation of a patient; AND that result in the prescribing of a controlled medication. For these types of consultations, the proposed telemedicine rules would allow medical practitioners to prescribe:
a 30-day supply of Schedule III-V non-narcotic controlled medications;
a 30-day supply of buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder
without an in-person evaluation or referral from a medical practitioner that has conducted an in-person evaluation, as long as the prescription is otherwise consistent with any applicable Federal and State laws. The proposed rules are explained in further detail for patients and medical practitioners on DEA.gov.
“DEA is committed to ensuring that all Americans can access needed medications,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The permanent expansion of telemedicine flexibilities would continue greater access to care for patients across the country, while ensuring the safety of patients. DEA is committed to the expansion of telemedicine with guardrails that prevent the online overprescribing of controlled medications that can cause harm.”
“Improved access to mental health and substance use disorder services through expanded telemedicine flexibilities will save lives,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “We still have millions of Americans, particularly those living in rural communities, who face difficulties accessing a doctor or health care provider in-person. At HHS, we are committed to working with our federal partners and stakeholders to advance proven technologies and lifesaving care for the benefit of all Americans.”
The proposed telemedicine rules also further DEA’s goal of expanding access to medication for opioid use disorder to anyone in the country who needs it. “Medication for opioid use disorder helps those who are fighting to overcome substance use disorder by helping people achieve and sustain recovery, and also prevent drug poisonings,” said DEA Administrator Milgram. “The telemedicine regulations would continue to expand access to buprenorphine for patients with opioid use disorder.”
The full text of the proposals may be found here and here. The public has 30 days to review and comment on the proposals, which DEA will then consider before drafting final regulations. DEA is appreciative of the public’s feedback.
For more information on DEA’s continued efforts to expand access to medications used in treatment for those suffering from opioid use disorder, visit: DEA’s Commitment to Expanding Access to Medication-Assisted Treatment.
Additional resources for patients can be found here:
Is My Prescription a Controlled Medication? Controlled-Non Controlled List (dea.gov)
Can My Medication be Prescribed through Telemedicine? Controlled Substance Guidance (dea.gov)
Additional resources for practitioners can be found here:
Proposed Rules Summary Telemedicine Rules Summary.pdf (dea.gov)
Proposed Rules Highlights for Medical Practitioners Telehealth Highlights Medical Practitioners.pdf (dea.gov)
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Drug Enforcement Administration |
Saturday, November 5, 2022
Share your feedback on the MA Climate Change Assessment by Nov 16
Live in Massachusetts?
We need your feedback on #ClimateChange impacts in the state.
Review the draft #MAClimateAssessment Report and share your feedback by November 16!
Link to report page -> https://t.co/pLQnkcx7Ip Report sections available in multiple languages
Executive summary -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/english-7/download
State Report -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/draft-available-in-english/download
Regional Summary -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/english-8/download
Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/XndXVamRaa
What does it say for the Central Region (where Franklin is categorized)?
Share your feedback on the MA Climate Change Assessment by Nov 16 |
Sunday, October 23, 2022
FTC to Explore Rulemaking to Combat Fake Reviews and Other Deceptive Endorsements
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FTC to Explore Rulemaking to Combat Fake Reviews and Other Deceptive Endorsements |
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Results of the survey on candidate information available for the Nov 2021 Biennial Election
There were 4 questions asked
1 - My voting action for this election was via: ballot type (a required question)
2 - How well prepared were you with information on the candidates to make your vote? (numerical response required on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high)) (optional)
3 - What information did you find the most useful? (please be concise in your answer) (optional)
4 - What information do you wish you had? (please be concise in your answer) (optional )
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voting actions pie chart |
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rating distribution chart |
- Combined response output -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D3oV_86bXHLy5weclhuY5KQzGcbhWo1m/view?usp=sharing
- Info received feedback -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D9NhjL-iACsjszDtjsRYFXA2rg-hqntW/view?usp=sharing
- Info required feedback -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DA9QMopUAzOeLoiUsxwua2-fHKJCRYln/view?usp=sharing
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Results of the survey on candidate information available for the Nov 2021 Biennial Election |
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Franklin's Complete Streets feedback sought, info promised
- The Complete Streets policy was approved by the Town Council earlier this year as a guiding principal for consideration in road construction or renovations. It is a good thing to do.
- The meeting Wednesday was to solicit feedback on a listing of projects that was only available to those who were in person at the meeting to receive the handout. This was shortsighted. The info was promised to be posted to the Town web page Thursday. It could have been done in advance to enable appropriate feedback.
- The listing is preliminary. It will be prioritized and submitted to the State to seek funding for such projects.
This posting will be updated with the Complete Streets project info when it is posted to the Town page as promised.
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The Twitter hashtag can be found online #cs0922 https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cs0922&src=typed_query
Complete Streets meeting agenda:
Presentation doc from February 2021 -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XSOruj9Z6L9rJD5E6dhQsdKq0s3ITIv0/view?usp=sharing
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Map in Chamber with stickies on it indicating community input |
- Complete streets meeting begins, live reporting underway via the Zoom session #cs0922
- DPW Director Cantoreggi and Town Engineer M Maglio leading session on complete streets after opening by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen #cs0922
- Map in Chamber with stickies on it indicating community input. Looking to summarize the plan for submission to State and hopefully will be generate some funding for the projects #cs0922
- Asked for info on priority projects, to be posted to town page Thursday. Also took time to provide feedback on sight lines (actually purview of building commissioner Gus Brown), issue of utility poles blocking sidewalk access, (a constant fight by Town with utilities) #cs0922
- Also added question on overhang of bushes or trees on sidewalk that hinders a tall walker (like me). Send Brutus an email as I encounter those as they come under his tree warden role. #cs0922
- Meeting adjourns after no other questions or comments #cs0922
Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Merry Christmas
Amid the darkness of winter, there is more light each day. I hope you are all able to spend some quality time with family and friends.
If you need some additional reading, feel free to cruise through the archives. The archives contain over 21,000 posts going back to 2007.
- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
- If you don't like this, please let me know.
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Merry Christmas |
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Representative Roy Hosts a Community Conversation with Seniors
Roy's special guest for the event is State Representative Denise C. Garlick (D-Needham), the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs. Garlick, who is also a registered nurse, will speak about the $3.5 billion dollars allocated to the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and MassHealth for senior programs. Aside from MassHealth, Garlick will address other funded initiatives including homecare and nursing homes, prescription drug assistance, council on aging funding, protective services, elder housing, and nutrition programs.
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Community Conversation with Seniors |
In addition to the presentation, Roy and Garlick will field questions and take feedback on what areas need improvement. Attendees will also be given surveys to submit anonymously, which ask about access to transportation, ability to afford basic necessities and healthcare, senior employment opportunities in the community, and availability of senior housing. The survey results will help the Committee on Elder Affairs set priorities for the coming year in an effort to serve elders more effectively.
"We are looking forward to listening to the issues, needs and concerns of the seniors in the community in order to plan for the future," said Rep. Roy. "Expanding access to elder programs is something myself and Representative Garlick explore regularly, and it is our hope that this community conversation will be provide additional data and input to inform the decision-making at the state level. I have had the pleasure of meeting with the seniors for the past three years and I am delighted that the House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Senior Affairs is coming to Franklin to further these discussions."
"Twenty years from now the majority of people in Massachusetts will be 60 years old or older," said Rep. Garlick. "We have to make sure that the resources we have are meeting the needs. I'm coming to Franklin to get feedback from seniors on whether what we are doing is enough or whether we need to do more in certain areas."
All seniors are welcome, with a special invitation to seniors from Rep. Roy's district of Franklin and Medway. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Rep. Roy's State House office at (617) 722-2020. You can also stop by Room 527A in the State House, or email his aide Chris at Christopher.Yancich@MAhouse.gov.
Monday, January 12, 2009
New layout
For regular visitors, I hope the new 3 column layout works better for you.
I have finally found that "round tuit" to get this accomplished.
What you haven't gotten a round tuit?
You can find one here:

Feedback on the new layout is welcome via the usual methods, email (see right box) or comment (below).
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Survey says
The survey has one question. You can find it on the right column.
Thanks for visiting and sharing your feedback!