Braised Lambchop
a nurse trying to work while suffering with chronic pain - she rambles a bit

From GruntDoc, who lives in Fort Worth, with Texas medical effort status as of September 4.

Dear Dr. :

Katrina Rescue Shelters Increase:Rescue shelters are growing across Texas. Most available space in Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has been filled. Katrina evacuees are being sent to rescue shelters in Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Lubbock, and San Antonio on Sunday. Please check with your local county medical society (CMS) to volunteer.

TMA Working with Louisiana State Medical Society: TMA has been in contact with the Louisiana Medical Society (LSMS). TMA sent LSMS our roster of the names and e-mail addresses of all the physicians who have volunteered to help. Over the next few weeks LSMS or your local county society may call you. Please stay in touch with your local CMS as the need for medical services is growing in many Texas urban areas.

Bring Your Medical License: Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco has issued an executive order waiving licensure requirements as long as a physician holds a current valid license from another state. Read the complete executive order on the TMA Web site Katrina Relief Resource Page. If you go to Louisiana, please bring your medical license, valid photo ID, DEA license, and prescription pads. (RNs and other licensed volunteers should also bring a copy of their license and a photo ID.)

Toll-Free Number for Medicaid Beneficiaries: The toll-free number (800) 473-2783 has been set up for health care providers to verify Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollment information and procedures to process claims.

For Current Information Visit the TMA Web Site: The TMA Web site Katrina Relief Resource Center at http://www.texmed.org/Template.aspx?id=4292 is updated daily. Please refer to the site for up-to-date information on the Hurricane Katrina crisis.

Oklahomans licensed in medicine, osteopathy, nursing, pharmacy, or ancillary services who are interested in working in the affected areas should go to the Oklahoma Medical Response Corps website or call Lisa Pearson, the MRC coordinator, at 405-297-7055. Volunteers are still needed, especially pharmacy and nursing.