How time is running out to register for the 2026 AzCHER Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Conference.
OB emergency simulation training at Little Colorado Medical Center.
Changes to the rules regarding authorization for DEA registration.
Time is running out to register: 2026 AzCHER Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Conference
This year’s AzCHER Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Conference will be held June 9-10 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix, Ariz.
The theme is “Many voices, one mission: Advancing healthcare preparedness together.”
Why it matters: This year’s one-and-a-half-day conference features sessions shaped by member feedback and brings together experts across healthcare, public health and emergency management.
Topics include workplace violence, behavioral threat assessment, regulatory updates, lessons learned and coordinated response.
Day two offers in-depth workplace violence and active-shooter preparedness training, including targeted instruction and hands-on exercise development to strengthen prevention, response and recovery in healthcare settings.
OB emergency simulation training at Little Colorado Medical Center
Recent OB emergency simulation training at Little Colorado Medical Center in Winslow highlights how hospitals across Arizona are strengthening frontline readiness to manage high-risk obstetric events, especially in communities where specialty resources may be limited or unavailable.
Why it matters: By bringing hands-on, multidisciplinary simulation training directly into obstetric and emergency departments, this initiative builds clinical confidence, strengthens team communication and supports a coordinated, rapid response during maternal emergencies.
By the numbers: Little Colorado Medical Center marks the 10th facility in Arizona to participate in this initiative, with seven more hospitals scheduled to receive training before the end of May, demonstrating rapid expansion of this critical work statewide.
The big picture: Focused on critical scenarios such as postpartum hemorrhage, maternal hypertension and maternal cardiac arrest, these simulations help close gaps in emergency obstetric care, align with national safety standards and advance equitable access to timely, high-quality care for pregnant and postpartum patients.
Changes to rules regarding authorization for DEA registration
Effective Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has finalized rules establishing a method for emergency service providers, including ambulance services, to obtain a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration.
Why it matters: ADHS has established a formal mechanism to enable emergency medical service providers to request and receive authorization from the department for DEA registration.
ADHS is not requiring EMS providers to request authorization to register with the DEA. This rulemaking provides the required state-level mechanism to enable these providers who wish to register to do so legally.
To request authorization, providers must submit the required agency information and administrative medical director attestation in a department-provided format via the AZ EMS Public Portal.
Sponsorship information for the 2026 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference
Join this year’s Sponsorship Program for the 2026 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference, Oct. 21-23 in Tucson, Ariz., and have the enhanced ability to reach more than 200 hospital and healthcare industry leaders.
Choose from bundled options at the Title, Quality Awards Luncheon, Platinum, Gold or Silver level, or select an a la carte Bronze option.
The big picture: By sponsoring the AzHHA Foundation’s 2026 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference, you will have opportunities to:
Gain corporate exposure and brand visibility with healthcare decision-makers.
Secure exclusive, high-impact networking time with hospital executives in an intimate setting to build meaningful connections.
Attend conference sessions, including keynote and breakout sessions on Thursday and Friday.
Achieve insight into Arizona’s healthcare community, including strengths and issues.
Support hospitals’ delivery of quality care.
Go deeper: View the entire prospectus here and access the Intent to Sponsor Form here.
AzHHA HR Roundtable: Join us Thursday, May 28, 2026
The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association invites HR leaders to our next in-person HR roundtable.
Why it matters: Connect with peers, share insights and tackle key workforce topics together.
Join us from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the AzHHA offices in central Phoenix.
What’s happening: The agenda is set and presentation highlights include:
Law essentials for HR.
Strengthening retention by elevating the nurse experience.
Choosing the right search partner for recruitment.
Policy update: Current legislation affecting the healthcare workforce.
What’s next: Advance registration is requested for space accommodations and meal preparation.
Sponsored by Adaptive Workforce Solutions, there is no registration fee, and lunch and parking will be complimentary.
If you are unable to attend, feel free to send another representative from your HR team.
Friday, May 15, 2026 - West CMS QIN-QIO Region 7 Emergency Preparedness Webinar In 2023 and 2025, the Maui, Palisades and Eaton fires forced urgent evacuations that tested emergency preparedness plans across the healthcare system and challenged hospitals, nursing homes, public health agencies and emergency responders. The Health Services Advisory Group is hosting a webinar to bring together firsthand insights on what worked, where challenges emerged and how lessons learned can strengthen emergency preparedness across all provider types. Register today.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - 2026 Healthier Together Summit Contexture is presenting a summit that will include engaging discussions and dynamic sessions on the evolving Arizona health ecosystem, statewide priorities and innovative approaches to improving outcomes. This year’s gathering brings together leaders, innovators and community partners from across the state to inform, inspire and strengthen the partnerships that move whole person health forward. Learn more and register.
June 9-10, 2026 - 2026 AzCHER Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Conference This year’s theme is “Many voices, one mission: Advancing healthcare preparedness together.” The one-and-a-half-day conference features sessions shaped by member feedback and brings together experts across healthcare, public health and emergency management. Register now.
Friday, June 12, 2026 - AzPHA Convos & Coffee: Trends in Cancer Screening Among Arizona Medicaid Enrolless, 2018-2024 Join the Arizona Public Health Association (AzPHA) for a virtual discussion with Gloria D. Coronado, Ph.D. Explore how the pandemic and updated screening guidelines have shaped cancer screening trends among Arizona’s Medicaid population. Register here.
Save the Date: 2026 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference Mark your calendar for the AzHHA Foundation’s 2026 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference, taking place Oct. 21–23 at the El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort. This annual gathering brings together hospital and healthcare leaders from across the state for engaging discussions, networking and forward‑focused learning. Additional details and registration information will be shared in the coming months. Questions may be directed to communications@azhha.org.
