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Connection Newsletter
By AzHHA Communications ● Feb. 8, 2024
Smart Brevity® count: 4.5 mins...1243 words
This week, read about:
- An update on priority bill HB2035.
- AHCCCS’ proposed Differential Adjusted Payments for CYE 2025.
- The Arizona Transition to Practice Program looking for nurse mentors.
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Legislative update: HB2035 added to committee agenda next week
Today, Thursday, Feb. 8, marks the 32nd day of the 2024 Fifty-sixth Legislature's Second Regular Session.
What’s new: The bill count is nearing a standstill, with 1,629 bills now posted.
- The past week was notable for several resignations, including Dr. Shah, who stepped down to concentrate on his congressional race. Rep. Longdon also resigned, later announcing her new role with the Arizona Alliance of Community Health Centers. Additionally, Rep. Sun's resignation came just before a vote on her expulsion was scheduled.
- With these departures, the Democrats are currently short by three seats in the House, but efforts to fill these vacancies are expected to be swift.
- The vacancy left by former Rep. Salman at the start of this session was filled by Jevin Hodge who was sworn in last Friday.
Priority legislation updates: This week, we've made progress on two key bills.
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HB2035, focused on health insurance accountability, has been added to next week's House Health and Human Services Committee agenda thanks to extensive lobbying efforts. We'll continue coordinating with members for testimony and to ensure the bill's smooth passage out of committee.
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HB2290, regarding interfacility transportation, has encountered significant challenges, but we remain committed to seeing it discussed in a committee before the crossover deadline. A stakeholder meeting with ambulance lobbying groups on Monday revealed considerable disagreement and proposed amendments and discussions for which are ongoing. Despite these challenges and the House Commerce Committee chair's current refusal to schedule the bill—despite being a cosponsor—we are actively working to secure a committee hearing.
For further details or inquiries, please contact AzHHA’s Director of Government Relations Damien Johnson.
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AHCCCS’ proposed Differential Adjusted Payments for CYE 2025
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) posted its proposed Differential Adjusted Payment (DAP) metrics on Wednesday, Jan. 31 for contract year Oct. 1, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2025 (CYE 2025).
Why it matters: Hospitals may receive funding for the following initiatives:
- Health information exchange (HIE) participation
- HIE: Data quality metrics (excluding critical access hospitals, Indian Health Service and 638 tribally-funded hospitals)
- Social determinants of health closed loop referral system
- Naloxone Distribution Program (for hospitals with an emergency department)
- Arizona Health Care Directives Registry (critical access hospitals, Indian Health Service and 638 tribally-funded hospitals only)
Additionally, long-term acute care hospitals and rehabilitation hospitals may receive pressure ulcer funding. AHCCCS intends to discontinue funding for the Psychiatric Facility Quality Reporting Program.
Go deeper: Contexture is hosting a one-hour webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 14 to provide an overview of all of the DAP HIE milestones.
- Providers can sign up here.
Comments or questions? Please email AzHHA’s Director of Financial Policy and Reimbursement Amy Upston.
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Looking for nurse mentors!
The Arizona Transition to Practice Program for New Graduate Registered Nurses is accepting mentors to support our program!
- If you have three years of nursing experience beyond the bedside and a diverse nursing profile, you are eligible to apply.
- Mentors must commit to supporting up to four new graduates and serving as a mentor to the new graduate(s) for the entire 12-month duration of the Arizona Transition to Practice Program.
Why it matters: Transitioning from a student nurse to a professional nurse can be overwhelming.
- New graduate nurses need to be connected with an experienced nurse who will nurture and support them as they become accustomed to their clinical role.
- Mentoring also plays a vital role in achieving accreditation and Magnet designation.
Learn more and apply now!
Go deeper: See the complete list of facilities participating in the first cohort of the Arizona Transition to Practice Program.
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Now open: AzCHER conference registration
Registration is now open for AzCHER’s Fourth Annual Conference on Wednesday, May 15!
Why it matters: Our theme this year is Guarding the Healthcare Galaxy - Gearing Up for When Systems Go Down.
- With a specific focus on the critical role of cybersecurity in the healthcare sector, we will address emerging threats and challenges in the digital landscape.
Please note: Registration is complimentary for local, state and federal government employees. Please email Dawn Irons or your regional manager for your discount code.
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Q4 2023 Contract Labor Market Report
What’s new: Access the latest Contract Labor Market Report from Adaptive Workforce Solutions, an affiliated partner and endorsed vendor of AzHHA.
- This report provides insights derived from the detailed examination of national and regional healthcare provider bill rates.
- You'll also get a 2023 year-in-review summary of key legislative changes and other events impacting the healthcare contract labor market.
Report highlights include:
- National and regional bill rates for locum tenens, nursing, allied health and therapy.
- Insights into bill rate fluctuations and utilization trends.
- A 2023 Year-in-Review Legislative Round-up.
- Workforce solution ideas to lower your spend.
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Claims process is open for the Visa/Mastercard settlement
Visa, Mastercard and certain defendant banks have officially reached a settlement on interchange fees, and the claims process is open.
Why it matters: You must submit a claim or have a claim submitted on your behalf to the Settlement Administrator by Friday, May 31, 2024.
What’s next: AzHHA’s affiliated partner and endorsed vendor in the revenue recovery space, Managed Care Advisory Group (MCAG), is available to assist eligible members with recovering any cash potentially due from this settlement.
- Claim forms are available, and you can engage MCAG now to ensure that a proper and timely claim is filed on your behalf.
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Learn more about the services offered by MCAG for this settlement.
👉If you have not registered with MCAG for settlement recovery services but would like to do so, visit MCAG’s website for AzHHA members.
Questions? Contact Kimberly Johnson, vice president, business development at [email protected].
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Friday, Feb. 16 - 2024 Winter State of the State
Join Arizona healthcare professionals at this conference to learn about the latest news on Arizona managed care from a panel of experts. Enjoy breakfast and networking before a full morning conference featuring the latest news, data and trends relevant to our competitive and evolving healthcare landscape. AzHHA members can receive $15 off admission with coupon code “azhha2024.” Learn more and register.
Wednesday, Feb. 21 - Introduction to POLST
Join physician orders for life-sustaining treatment paradigm (POLST) for their one-hour virtual workshops equipping healthcare professionals with knowledge and resources to begin using POLST in Arizona. Register here.
April 4-5 - 2024 Arizona Healthcare Workforce Summit
Join the Second Annual Arizona Healthcare Workforce Summit and support statewide healthcare workforce collaboration. With an influx of funding to address statewide healthcare workforce development and many initiatives underway, the Summit will facilitate strategic collaboration and maximize our collective awareness and impact. Learn more and register.
April 11, 16 and 18 - COPD Educator Course
This course, offered by the American Lung Association, will include practical information healthcare professionals can use in their work to provide guidelines-based care and help patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) understand how to manage their disease. See additional details and register now.
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