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Kerry Winterer, CEO of the Department of Health and Human Services, said the Department was notified
recently that the State’s appeal of the decertification of the Beatrice State Developmental Center
(BSDC) was denied. The opinion authorizes the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to terminate Medicaid funding.
“We are in the process of reviewing the opinion and deciding our course of
action,” said Winterer. “While this is unfortunate, it is not unexpected.”
Read more.
— Dept. of Health and Human Services, September 25, 2009
A two-year examination of Nebraska's health care workforce shows a
critical need for expanded efforts to remedy a shortage of health care
professionals.
The report analyzed the current workforce—physicians, nurses, dentists,
pharmacists, primary care providers, allied health, public health and
mental health professionals. It projected future needs and determined
shortages in various fields and geographic areas.
Read more.
— UNMC press release, September 28, 2009
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius
recently announced $40 million in grants to 69 grantees in 42 states and the District of Columbia to help them find and enroll children who are uninsured but eligible for either Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
“Today’s awards will help fulfill President Obama’s pledge to assure the health and well-being of our nation’s children,” said Secretary Sebelius. “With millions of Americans either out of work or otherwise struggling to make ends meet during this recession, there is an even greater urgency to bring steady, reliable health care to children in these families who may have lost their coverage.”
Read more.
— Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, September 30, 2009
WASHINGTON—On the sixth day of the debate in the Senate Finance Committee, Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) declared that his panel has the votes to approve a package of reforms that would extend coverage to more than 30 million Americans who lack insurance. He and Senator Charles E. Grassley (R-IA), the ranking Republican on the panel, said they expect to finish the bill by October 2.
Read more.
— Washington Post, October 1, 2009
The table below provides the key issues based on what the President has said, what has been passed in the House, and the Chairman’s Mark recently released.
GORDON—Gordon Memorial Hospital in Gordon, recently hired Jim LeBrun to fill the role of chief executive officer. A seasoned executive with more than 20 years of experience in health care leadership, LeBrun assumed his new duties at Gordon Memorial on September 28.
"Jim brings a background rich in successful physician relations, recruitment and retention," said Dr. Todd Sorensen, president and chief executive officer of Regional West Health Services, with whom Gordon Memorial Hospital holds a management agreement. "With many years of experience as a chief executive in rural healthcare settings, he understands the unique needs of Gordon Memorial and values the quality of life in a small community."
Prior to joining Gordon Memorial, LeBrun served as practice administrator with Desert Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Phoenix, Ariz., where he had executive leadership responsibility for the practice's operations and financial management. His career has included executive leadership positions at Great Plains Clinic in Dickinson, ND; Barrett Memorial Hospital in Dillon, MT.; Niobrara County Hospital District in Lusk, WY.; Gem City Bone and Joint in Laramie, WY; and Banner Health in Torrington, WY. LeBrun is a Certified Internal Auditor and completed a certificate program in Healthcare Financial Management at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH.
— B.E. Smith press release, September 29, 2009
OSMOND—Osmond General Hospital was recently praised by a participant of a weight
management program. Mel Spaker of Randolph joined the LEARN program after he underwent open heart surgery in January of this year and started the cardiac rehab program.
The 12-week program focuses on lifestyle, exercise, attitude, relationships and
nutrition. Spaker not only lost 35 pounds but also greatly reduced his risk
factors for heart disease.
—
Osmond Republican, September 2, 2009
OMAHA—Grading commenced for the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health in August and the new facility is scheduled to open for the fall semester in 2010. Darland is providing comprehensive construction services for this nearly 57,000 sq. ft. facility.
The three-story, LEED certified facility will serve as the home for the University
of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Public Health. With 106 offices, 11 classrooms, and a computer lab, it will provide a central location for the College, which is now spread out across the UNMC campus.
—
Darland press release, September 18, 2009
LINCOLN—The Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) Thursday provided its 2009 Compdata Workforce Report and other information documenting the growing demand for health care workers to the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee during an interim study hearing focused on addressing health care workforce needs in Nebraska. The development of a sustainable health care workforce pipeline is a key priority of the NHA
and its 85 member hospitals.
Read more.
WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama announced a plan to spend $5 billion to create new jobs for medical and scientific research, medical supplies, and improved laboratory capacity. The funds, to come from the $787 billion economic stimulus package, will pay for "cutting-edge medical research in every state across America," the White House said in a statement.
Read more.
— Reuters, October 1, 2009
NHA 2009 Annual Convention
October 14-16, 2009 - Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, Lincoln
"FERA"tting Out the Truth: The False Claims Act Gets More Teeth Webinar
October 6, 2009 – Webinar
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - HITECH 2-Part Webinar Series
October 6, 2009 - Part 1
October 20, 2009 – Part 2
Hospital Pharmaceutical Waste 3-Part Webinar Series
October 7, 2009 - Part 2
October 21, 2009 – Part 3
Follow-Up RAC
Webinar
October 8, 2009 – Webinar
Federal Grant Management Class
Offered
November 19-20, 2009 – Lincoln
Click here
for a list
of upcoming NHA audioconferences and Webinars.
Visit the
Events page on the NHA Web site for more information on any of the events.
If you have an event you would like listed in Newslink or on the NHA Web site,
submit it to Heather Bullock, Marketing and Events Coordinator, at
hbullock@nhanet.org. Send news items to Kelley Porter, Director of
Communications, kporter@nhanet.org.
NHA Newslink is published by the Nebraska
Hospital Association, 3255 Salt Creek Circle, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68504-4778.
Phone 402/742-8140, Fax 402/742-8191. Contact Kelley Porter, Director of
Communications, at 402/742-8151, or email,
kporter@nhanet.org.
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