The mission of NNECOS is to promote the highest quality care for patients with cancer and blood disorders in our region through professional networking, education, and scientific research, as well as patient advocacy and public policy.

NNECOS Provides Pivotal Support for ASCO's 

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Initiative

NNECOS is proud to be an annual supporter of ASCO's EDI Initiative

A concerted commitment across research stakeholders is necessary to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and address barriers to cancer clinical trial recruitment and participation. Racial and ethnic diversity among trial participants is key to understanding intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may affect patient response to cancer treatments. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) jointly released recommendations to address equity, diversity, and inclusion in cancer clinical trials. The statement, Increasing Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Cancer Clinical Trials: An American Society of Clinical Oncology and Association of Community Cancer Centers, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, details specific actions on expanding underrepresented individuals’ participation in vital cancer research.  Read the news release.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

OCN REVIEW COURSE

SEPTEMBER 9-10, 2022

CONCORD, NH

Achieving the professional specialty certification of Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) is a validation of a nurse's clinical experience and knowledge, a professional accomplishment recognized by patients and peers. Our review course is an intensive training devoted to oncology nurses. Featuring an all-new curriculum to reflect the updated review book and exam blueprints, our course also includes a virtual practice test question night on September 15th, which helps contribute to the success of past participants in passing the exam. Participants who pass the OCN exam are also eligible to receive a congratulatory gift card!

Register Today!

Next up in the NNECOS Lunchtime Best Oncology Practice Series, we are pleased to present a pair of exceptional original content webinars offering Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD), formerly CEUs.

Thursday, June 16th - “I’m your nurse”: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of the Experiences of African American Registered Nurses in the Greater Boston Area.

Kecia Boyd, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, AOCNS, BMTCN, Director, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, Nursing and Patient Care Services at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA shares the results of her qualitative study, implications, and the importance of practicing allyship in addressing racism in nursing. 

African- American registered nurses have a unique history of experiences related to the ongoing effects of social injustice, exclusion, invisibility, racial discrimination, systemic racism, and marginalization. 

Thursday, July 21st - Navigating Cancer-Related Legal Issues to Help Patients Avoid Financial Toxicity

Cancer is expensive. But there are ways to minimize the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Monica Bryant, a cancer rights attorney, and COO of Triage Cancer, will provide information about health insurance options and navigation, employment rights, and disability insurance. Attendees will walk away with practical tools to help their patients avoid financial toxicity.

The 2022 NNECOS Patient Assistance Presentation Series begins Thursday, June 2nd.

Previously offered in conjunction with the NNECOS Spring Meeting, this virtual series provides an opportunity for invited corporate member companies to showcase their patient assistance programs to financial advocates, social workers, navigators, and other interested members of the care team in the NNECOS community, with lunch provided by NNECOS. Register today at nnecos.org/reimbursement. 

Check out the latest listings on the NNECOS Classifieds page. Positions are available at:

• Northern Light Health Eastern Maine Medical Center
• UVM Cancer Center / Larner College of Medicine 
• DHMC Norris Cotton Cancer Center 

NNECOS ANNUAL MEETING
OCTOBER 28-29, 2022

In response to the ongoing pandemic, the NNECOS Board of Directors, through the NNECOS Philanthropy Task Force, is pleased to continue to support two emergency need programs designed to bring help to patients with cancer who are facing extra need during this global pandemic. nnecos.org/ccsc

New ASCO Journal Series Puts Sharp Focus on Disparities in Cancer Care for Hispanic/Latinx Population

JCO Oncology Practice recently published a special series that examines the causes of disparities in cancer care and outcomes in the U.S. Hispanic/Latinx population and offers potential solutions to increase equity for this population. “Disparities in Cancer Care and Scientific Knowledge in Hispanic/Latinx People in the United States” features 18 articles and editorials that present new data and opportunities on a wide variety of topics, including prevention and screening, genetic testing, clinical trial enrollment and participation, access to affordable health care, and workforce representation, among others. Read more in the Journal’s May issue.

Maine Copay Accumulator and Fertility Preservation Bills Become Law

As session has adjourned, Governor Janet Mills signed Maine LD 1539, a bill providing coverage for fertility preservation services for patients with cancer. With her signature, Maine becomes the twelfth state to provide this coverage, with the law taking effect in 2024. NNECOS and Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) will monitor developments surrounding the rulemaking process.

LD 1783, a bill eliminating copay accumulator programs supported by NNECOS and ASCO, became law without signature as Governor Mills declined to sign or veto the measure.

ASCO Quality Training Program Registration Closes June 14

The Quality Training Program (QTP) helps physician-led oncology teams design, implement, and lead successful quality improvement activities in their practice settings. It equips oncology providers with the quality improvement tools and resources critical to reducing clinical variation, increasing efficiencies, and improving patient outcomes. 

Register today!

Prior Authorization Significantly Delays Care in Medicare Advantage

A new report found that 13% of prior authorization denials in the Medicare Advantage (MA) program were for service requests that met Medicare fee-for-service coverage rules, likely delaying or preventing patient care. The report, conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG), on the impact of prior authorization within MA found that imaging services, stays in post-acute facilities, and injections were three prominent service types among the denials that met Medicare coverage rules. Read more on ASCO in Action.