Smart Brevity^® count: 4.5 mins...1210 words

In this issue, read about:

• Approaching day 100 of the session.
• An AHA letter to the Department of Labor.
• The Sponsorship Prospectus for the 2024 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference.

Today marks day 95 of the Arizona legislative session. Some key stats for you:

• Bills filed: 1,629
• Bills passed: 183
• Bills vetoed: 23
• Bills signed: 127

This week began with the significant development of Governor Hobbs signing HB2764 into law, a piece of legislation that AzHHA has been deeply involved in since its inception in November 2023.

• Throughout the journey, we collaborated closely with the Governor’s office, lawmakers and critical stakeholders to ensure that hospitals' interests were represented.
• It's important to note that this bill aims to enforce stricter regulations on memory care and assisted living facilities, including adjustments to the responsibilities and powers of the Arizona Department of Health Services in overseeing healthcare institutions.
• An eleventh-hour amendment was introduced just before the bill's final vote.
• Given the limited opportunity to address the minor concerns raised by this amendment, we are preparing to observe the implementation of this bill attentively and plan for any necessary corrective legislation next year.

The latter part of the week was dominated by news concerning the Arizona Supreme Court's decision to uphold an 1864 ban on abortion, with the only exception to save the mother’s life.

• Many policy and political questions are outstanding, and the news is being extensively covered in both state and national media.
• Our team is closely monitoring these developments and will ensure our members are kept updated on any significant changes.

Following a New York Times investigation into data analytics firm MultiPlan, the American Hospital Association (AHA) is calling on the Department of Labor to investigate the company over “unconscionable practices, distorted incentives, potential violations of ERISA, and ultimately, harms to American patients and employees.”

Why it matters: This story highlights the issues we have been trying to address through our priority legislation HB2035 aka our Health Insurance Accountability bill. The bill underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the healthcare industry.

From the AHA: Multiplan is a data analytics firm that works with UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna and other big insurers to decide how much so-called out-of-network medical providers should be paid.

• The New York Times article (subscription required) mentions: UnitedHealthcare developed talking points to “position UnitedHealthcare as an advocate that is helping consumers push back on excessively high physician and facility bills,” according to a 2016 internal memo.

Go deeper: Read the letter from AHA to the Department of Labor here.

The big picture: Join this year’s Sponsorship Program and have the enhanced ability to reach more than 200 hospital and healthcare industry leaders.

• Choose from a bundled option at the Title, Platinum, Gold or Silver levels.
• Bronze level sponsorships are à la carte opportunities that may be added to a bundled package or purchased as a stand-alone sponsorship.
• You might even consider the new opportunity to be the sole sponsor of the Quality Awards Luncheon.

By sponsoring the AzHHA Foundation’s 2024 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference, you will have opportunities to:

• Attend conference sessions, including keynote and breakout sessions.
• Gain corporate exposure and brand visibility with healthcare decision-makers.
• Cultivate relationships with Arizona’s hospital executives.
• Achieve insight into Arizona’s healthcare community, including strengths and issues.
• Support hospitals’ delivery of quality care.

Go deeper: View the entire prospectus directly or at azhha.org.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 is National Healthcare Decisions Day. This day aims to inspire, educate and empower the public and healthcare providers about the importance of advance care planning and to encourage patients to express their healthcare wishes.

Advance Care Planning: Essential for ensuring your healthcare preferences are known and respected during unforeseen medical situations.

• Arizona Healthcare Directives Registry (AzHDR): A secure, state-run database allowing residents to file their healthcare directives, including living wills, Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST), Prehospital Medical Directives (DNR), and medical and mental health power of attorney. AzHHA has been working with hospitals around the state to increase the number of advance directives uploaded and viewed.
• Ease of access: Ensures healthcare providers can quickly access your directives, leading to healthcare that aligns with your values and wishes.
• Peace of mind: Relieves the burden on family members during critical times, as your healthcare preferences are clearly documented and immediately accessible.

Actionable takeaway: Register your advance care directives with the Arizona Healthcare Directives Registry today for peace of mind and assurance that your healthcare wishes are honored.

• If your hospital would like assistance increasing patient participation with the AzHDR, please reach out to [email protected].

Applications for the 2024 AzHHA Quality Awards are now open!

Why it matters: These awards celebrate and recognize Arizona’s leaders committed to advancing healthcare with exceptional quality performance, community engagement and a culture of continuous improvement.

• NEW this year: Awards will be presented for Maternal Health Innovation.
• The outstanding achievements will be honored at the AzHHA Quality Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024 during the 2024 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference.

The big picture: Applicants must be able to highlight a recent project, within the last 12 months, in:

• 🏥Patient Safety and Quality\
• 📢Community Engagement
• 🤰Maternal Health Innovation

Ready to apply? Read the application instructions and complete the Applicant Information form to get started.

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024.

The deadline for the second Arizona Transition to Practice Program for New Graduate Registered Nurses cohort beginning in June 2024 is fast approaching!

What's next: Applications are due tomorrow, April 12, 2024.

• Already applied? The Arizona Transition to Practice Program team will contact you soon.

Why it matters: With this program, we aspire to create an environment where our nurses can transition seamlessly from academia to practice, gaining confidence and competence they need to provide the best possible quality care to our communities.

The big picture:

• Any Arizona healthcare facility licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services that hires new graduate registered nurses can apply.
• Priority will be given to critical access hospitals or hospitals located in counties with a population of less than 500,000 people.
• Hospitals with existing 12-month Transition to Practice programs are not eligible.

Questions? Email [email protected].