Officials sign letter of intent to establish UNMC College of Nursing in Norfolk
NORFOLK, Neb. — In a symbolic ceremony held in Norfolk Monday, officials signed a letter of intent which fulfills one of three requirements toward establishing a nursing college in Norfolk. The letter was signed by officials from Northeast Community College and Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk, and the University of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).
Those participating in the ceremony were Nebraska Sen. Mike Flood, Norfolk Mayor Gordon Adams, M.D.; Madison County Commissioners Chairman Jerry McCallum; Northeast Community College President Bill Path, Ph.D.; University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken; Faith Regional Health Services Chief Executive Officer Robert L. Driewer; UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D.; Northeast Community College Chairperson, Board of Governors, Don Oelsligle, Ph.D.; University of Nebraska Regent Charles Hassebrook; Faith Regional Health Services President, Board of Directors, Steffan Lacey, M.D.; UNMC College of Nursing Dean Virginia Tilden, D.N.Sc.; and Avera-St. Anthony’s Hospital (O’Neill) President and CEO, Ronald J. Cork.
Officials say the proposed UNMC College of Nursing Northern Division in Norfolk, which would offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing, could reduce the significant nursing workforce shortage in the region, which has a growing demand for health services, especially in acute care.
View the full news release.
Heineman names Medicaid director
Gov. Dave Heineman has tapped a former Colorado health care official to lead the Department of Health and Human Services Finance and Support.
On July 1, Vivianne Chaumont will become the director of the Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care within the newly created Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Chaumont, 53, will oversee the division charged with administering aging services and Nebraska's medical assistance program, commonly referred to as Medicaid.
From 2001 to 2005, she served as the director of the Medical Assistance Office within the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, where she was responsible for establishing and managing policies of Colorado's Medicaid program.
Read the full Lincoln Journal Star Article.
— Lincoln Journal Star, April 30, 2007.
National Hospital Week, May 6-12 — Care You Count On, People You Trust
For one week, May 6-12, the eyes of the nation will be focused on our health care community. It is a welcome spotlight that will allow us to showcase our very best. Together, we’ll make 2007 a phenomenal year for all the wonderful professionals who help miracles happen every day.
For National Hospital Week (NHW), we are paying tribute to the pride, professionalism and people of health care with the inspiring slogan “Care You Count On, People You Trust.” A unifying theme, it spotlights the extraordinary relationship between hospitals and the communities we serve.
View the history of National Hospital Week.
The American Hospital Association has a planning guide which is an easy-to-use reference filled with ideas, information and step-by-step guidance on building a successful event. To access the NHW planning guide, or to order promotional products,
visit the online store.
For more information about National Hospital Week, the NHW logo and its terms of use, contact Christy Rasmussen, director of communications, 402/742-8151 or
crasmussen@nhanet.org, or Angela Barry, marketing specialist, at 402/742-8143 or
abarry@nhanet.org.
AHA condemns $25 billion in cuts to seniors in inpatient proposed rule
The AHA criticized the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposal to cut nearly $25 billion over five years from hospital payments for providing care to the elderly under Medicare. In its fiscal year 2008 hospital inpatient prospective payment system proposed rule, the agency proposes a 2.4 percent payment cut of $24 billion over five years to eliminate the effect of what it claims could change hospital coding for complications and co-morbidities as hospitals move to the rule’s newly refined system of diagnosis-related groups.
In addition, CMS proposes cutting nearly $1 billion in capital payments, which allow hospitals to purchase high-tech equipment and update facilities and information systems. “These backdoor cuts to hospital payments for providing care to 41 million elderly patients will further deplete scarce resources, ultimately making the hospitals’ mission of caring for patients even more challenging,” said AHA President Rich Umbdenstock, adding that the AHA will work with Congress to oppose the proposal.
— AHA News Now, April 27, 2007.
More states expand children's health insurance rolls
WASHINGTON (AP) — Many states are making more children eligible for government-funded health insurance even as President Bush's health chief says families are relying too much on public money for the coverage. The goal of the states is to allow more middle-class families to participate in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The states are raising income limits so families once shut out because of their earnings now can qualify.
When the program began a decade ago, states could offer coverage to families whose income was not more than double the federal poverty level. Today, for example, that threshold is $41,300 for a family of four. A few states use a Medicaid-based formula that lets them insure more children than under the income limit.
Already, 18 states exceed the 200 percent level, with federal permission. New York lawmakers recently set an income limit of up to $82,600 for a family of four. Eligible families get some government help in buying insurance. The poorer they are, the greater the subsidy.
Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt said if other states followed New York's proposal, it would mean that 71 percent of the nation's children would be on "public assistance."
"SCHIP is being proposed in the spirit of the expansion of health coverage. But that isn't the reality," Leavitt said last week. "For every 10 people that go on a publicly funded plan, six of them leave a private plan."
Read the full Associated Press article in the Omaha World Herald.
— Kevin Freking, The Associated Press, April 29, 2007.
CMS reports children's health insurance totals
State by state enrollment in the State Children's Health Insurance Program figures are for the 2005 budget year and do not include adults enrolled. Totals for Nebraska and surrounding states include: Neb. 44,706; Colo. 59,530; Iowa 45,562; Kan. 47,323; Mo. 115,355; S.D. 14,038; Wyo. 6,120. North Dakota. had the least enrollees with 5,725 and Calif. ranked the highest with 1,223,475 enrollees of 6,114,018 in the nation.
AP Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Tennessee did not report any enrollment in program during 2005.
— The Associated Press, April 29, 2007.
Nearly $700,000 in savings returned to Alegent employees in health care plan
OMAHA, Neb. — A check is in the mail to the more than 5,000 employees of Alegent Health who are participating in the health system’s ground breaking and money saving consumer-driven health care plans.
But even more significant than the cost savings achieved through the consumer-driven health care program has been the improvement in the health of participating employees and their families over the past two years, Alegent Health’s leadership said.
“When we launched our Next Generation health plans two years ago, we wanted to provide incentives that would reward employees for taking better care of themselves and their families,” said Alegent Health CEO, Wayne Sensor. “The results we’ve seen have exceeded our expectations in nearly every category from smoking cessation to weight loss to preventive care to improved management of chronic illnesses.”
Currently, 88 percent of employees who have chosen an Alegent Health benefit plan participate in either a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). The remaining 12 percent are in a Preferred Provider Plan.
Read the full news release from Alegent Health.
U.S. Navy Admiral Flaherty and crew visit patients at Children's Hospital
On Monday, Rear Admiral Karen Flaherty and a handful of other representatives from the United States Navy dropped anchor at Children’s Hospital to visit patients and families. Their visit was in celebration of Omaha Navy Week, April 30 to May 6, and the Offutt Air Force Base’s 2007 Defenders of Freedom Air Show, which is May 5-6.
“This is a very special opportunity for us,” said Rear Admiral Flaherty, who began her military career in the Navy’s Nurse Corps. “These kids aren’t feeling well, but it’s priceless to see their smiles when we come into their room. They’re very gracious.”
The U.S. Navy representatives handed out baseball caps embroidered with the names of aircraft carriers, t-shirts and other various items to smiling, excited patients. “It was an honor to have Rear Admiral Flaherty and members of the U.S. Navy visit our patients,” said Rob Harding, BA, CCLS, Children’s Hospital community resource specialist. "She elicited a lot of smiles and even convinced an Army veteran to accept a Navy cap, which he said he would wear with pride. Recognizing heroes knows no age limit!”
View the full news release from Children’s Hospital.
Methodist Hospital Surgical Services receives CAP accreditation
OMAHA, Neb. — Methodist Hospital Surgical Services has been accredited by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
"The CAP accreditation is the culmination of the dedication, effort and expertise our staff displays every day," said Gene N. Herbeck, M.D., F.C.A.P., medical director for the surgical services laboratory. “I am proud that the College of American Pathologists has recognized the professionalism of our laboratory staff and their service to our patients.”
Methodist Hospital Surgical Services joins approximately 6,000 other laboratories nationwide as a CAP-accredited facility.
The accreditation was based on results of a recent on-site inspection of the records and quality control of the laboratory for the preceding two years, as well as the education and qualifications of the entire staff.
View the full news release from Methodist Hospital.
Immanuel Rehabilitation Center earns quality seal of approval
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) has granted Alegent Health Immanuel Rehabilitation Center accreditation in the specialized programs of stroke, brain and spinal cord injury. Facilities with CARF-accreditation have met stringent national and international standards for quality and demonstrate a continual commitment to building upon and improving the services already in place for the benefit of each patient.
“The Alegent Health Immanuel Rehabilitation Center has received CARF-accreditation for more than two decades, but our accreditation in the specialized programs of stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries goes one step further in providing world-class care to our patients,” said Jill Powers, operations leader of Rehabilitation Services for Alegent Health. This designation signifies the rehab center uses the latest, state-of-the-art equipment, people and support throughout their stay and long after they’re back at home, helping each patient achieve his or her highest level of function possible.”
Read the full news release from Alegent Health.
UNMC breaks ground on Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation
A groundbreaking celebration for the region’s only not-for-profit comprehensive center for visual rehabilitation of adults and children took place April 27 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.
The $1.2 million Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation will provide a hub for low-vision services in the region. Optometrists, ophthalmologists, occupational therapists and nurses would be members of the team of providers for low vision services at the facility.
“This Center will provide a means to assist people who have low vision to gain – or regain – their independence and quality of life,” UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., said. “The Weigel Williamson Center will be a state-of-the-art facility in which our faculty, staff and other low-vision specialists will have the necessary resources to provide outstanding services for the people affected by low vision.”
View more on the ground breaking in UNMC Today.
CMS issues guidance on hospital emergency services requirements
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance today clarifying the responsibility of hospitals to provide emergency services if they participate in the Medicare program. The guidance makes it clear that nearly all hospitals—including specialty hospitals and others without emergency departments—must be able to evaluate persons with emergencies, provide initial treatment, and refer or transfer these individuals when appropriate. The guidance does not apply to critical access hospitals (CAHs), which are small, rural hospitals that are subject to separate regulation.
The guidance was issued in a Survey and Certification letter. “Any hospital participating in Medicare, regardless of the type of hospital and apart from whether the hospital has an emergency department must have the capability to provide basic emergency care interventions.” said Leslie V. Norwalk, Esq., acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “The guidance we are issuing today is part of an overall strategy to ensure quality care by assuring the rapid response to emergencies for all people with Medicare.”
View the full news release from the CMS Office of External Affairs.
Senate and House leaders agree to moratorium on Medicaid proposed rule
Senate and House leaders have agreed to a one-year moratorium on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposed rule that would cut $4 billion from Medicaid. The moratorium is to be included in the supplemental spending bill headed for Congress this week.
Read more.
— HFMA’s Weekly News, April 27, 2007.
Informal IRS guidance on not-for-profit tax forms
The Internal Revenue Service released some frequently asked questions to supplement the instructions for the new Form 990 used as the tax filing for not-for-profit organizations for the fiscal year beginning in 2006.
The informal guidance clarifies some of the “controversial new Form 990 questions relating to board structure, when to report compensation for directors and officers who have relationships with other organizations, reporting compensation for disqualified persons and relationships between directors and other insiders,” said Michael Peregrine, a governance expert and partner in the Chicago office of the law firm McDermott, Will & Emery.
In particular, the IRS seems focused on potential conflicts of interest and independence issues among board directors, he added. Peregrine encouraged tax-exempt hospitals to view the focus of the questions in “the larger context of corporate governance and its relationship to preservation of tax-exempt status.”
— Cinda Becker, Modern Health Care’s Daily Dose, April 27, 2007.
CMS issues proposed home health rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) late Friday issued the calendar year 2008 home health
rule, which proposes a market basket increase of 2.9 percent for home health agencies that submit quality data. Home health agencies that do not submit quality data would receive a 0.9 percent market basket update. However, CMS claims that an analysis of home health claims data shows a “significant increase in the observed case-mix” due to changes in coding practices and documentation instead of the treatment of more resource-intensive patients.
Consequently, the agency proposes to effectively cancel out the market basket update by reducing the national standardized 60-day episode payment rate by 2.75 percent per year for three years starting Jan. 1, 2008. The proposed rule also expands the current 80 home health resource groups to 153 case-mix groups and modifies adjustments to the 60-day episode payment. Comments on the proposed rule are due by July 3.
— AHA News Now, April 30, 2007.
Senate bill would fund quality measures for children’s health care
Sens. Evan Bayh (D-IN), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Norm Coleman (R-MN) and Ken Salazar (D-CO) last week introduced a bill that would allow the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to fund evidence-based demonstrations to improve hospital care for children. The Children’s Health Care Quality Act (S. 1226) also would provide $100 million over five years to develop and test quality measures for children’s health care, and fund demonstrations of model programs in pediatric health information technology and disease management. The AHA and National Association of Children’s Hospitals sent a
joint letter of support for the bill.
— AHA News Now, April 30, 2007.
AHRQ issues emergency response planning tool for hospitals
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has released a questionnaire that hospitals and other health care facilities can use to plan and evaluate their readiness for a public health emergency involving a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive event. The questionnaire addresses eight areas: administration and planning; education and training; communication and notification; patient capacity; staffing and support; isolation and decontamination; supplies, pharmaceuticals and laboratory support; and surveillance.
— AHA News Now, April 27, 2007.
HHS creates office to manage emergency medical countermeasures
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has established an office to manage Project Bioshield and other emergency medical countermeasures, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt
announced. Under HHS’ assistant secretary for preparedness and response, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority will manage the development and purchase of vaccines, drugs, therapies and diagnostic tools for public health medical emergencies, including pandemic flu and other emerging infectious diseases. The office will incorporate all the programs and functions previously housed in the HHS Office of Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures.
— AHA News Now, April 27, 2007.
Six
countries receive grants to establish flu vaccine production
Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam will receive up to $2.5 million each to establish local manufacturing capacity for flu vaccine, the World Health Organization
announced April 24. "I am proud the United States, through my Department, was able to contribute $10 million to support this funding,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt. “The current global manufacturing capacity for influenza vaccine is far short of the capacity needed to protect the world's 6 billion people in the event of an influenza pandemic.… These investments will likely benefit not only citizens of the United States, but also citizens of the world."
— AHA News Now, April 25, 2007.
State's unemployment rate drops
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dipped to 2.6 percent in March, Nebraska Workforce Development reported Monday. The rate is three-tenths of a percent lower than in February and in March 2006.
The national unemployment rate for March decreased slightly to 4.4 percent, three-tenths of a percent lower than last year’s March level. The number of jobs in Nebraska increased by 16,615, or 1.8 percent, since March 2006.
— The Associated Press, April 30, 2007.
Overweight workers much costlier than other workers, study finds
(AP) — Overweight workers cost their bosses more in injury claims than their lean colleagues, suggests a new report that found the heaviest employees had twice the rate of workers' compensation claims as their fit co-workers. Duke University researchers also found that the overweight workers had 13 times more lost workdays due to work-related injuries and that their medical claims for those injuries were seven times higher than those of their fit co-workers. Overweight workers were more likely to have claims involving injuries to the back, wrist, arm, neck, shoulder, hip, knee and foot than other employees.
The most obese workers – those with a Body Mass Indexes (BMI) of 40 or higher – had the highest rates of claims and lost workdays. BMI is a measure of height and weight. A 6-foot, 300-pound person, for example, has a BMI of just over 40. A co-author of the report, Dr. Truls Ostbye, said the findings should encourage employers to sponsor fitness programs. New York employment attorney Richard Corenthal cautioned employers not to overreact with discriminatory policies.
— Nebraska Chamber Daily Update, April 24, 2007.
NHA Newslink is published by the Nebraska Hospital Association, 3255 Salt Creek Circle,
Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68504-4761. Phone 402/742-8140, Fax 402/742-8191. Christy Rasmussen,
editor, at 402/742-8151, or email, crasmussen@nhanet.org.
Click here to Subscribe to Newslink
Click here to Unsubscribe to Newslink
Click here to change your email address
or call Heather Bullock at 402/742-8148.
Please be sure to include the individual's name, title, email address and preference for
a plain text or html version if subscribing, unsubscribing or changing
information.
Back To Main
|
